A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Zadar for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cardiff or Zadar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cardiff or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Cardiff is more touristy than Zadar and is known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Cardiff different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zadar and Cardiff. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cardiff or Zadar?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Cardiff and Zadar.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zadar. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Zadar has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Zadar has a few options to choose from. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Is Cardiff or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zadar is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Zadar is a very walkable town. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Cardiff. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zadar, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Cardiff. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zadar that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Cardiff if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zadar.

One day in Cardiff or Zadar?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cardiff or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Zadar?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Zadar?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Zadar, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Zadar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cardiff Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Zadar?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Zadar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cardiff or Zadar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Cardiff is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Zadar. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Zadar. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cardiff is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Zadar. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Cardiff is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Cardiff