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

Should you visit Cardiff or Zurich?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Zurich? 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Zurich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Cardiff and Zurich are about the same size, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zurich 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 Zurich?

Zurich is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. 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.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Zurich know how to have a good time. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Zurich has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Zurich?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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

Is Cardiff or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Cardiff or Zurich Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Zurich Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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 Zurich Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zurich is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Zurich can get you around easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Cardiff or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Zurich?

In either Cardiff or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich 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 Zurich.

One day in Cardiff or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cardiff or Zurich?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Zurich, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Cardiff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cardiff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cardiff 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Cardiff.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Zurich. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Zurich. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Zurich. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Zurich. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

Cardiff is cooler than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Cardiff