A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Dover vs. Cardiff for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dover or Cardiff?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Cardiff can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Dover and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Cardiff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff. Although Dover and Cardiff are both popular with visitors, Cardiff has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cardiff is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also home to The Cardiff Castle.

How is Dover different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Cardiff.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Cardiff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Dover or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dover is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

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 Dover or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Dover is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Cardiff?

Cardiff is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Cardiff Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Cardiff.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Cardiff is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dover or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is very good for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Both Dover and Cardiff offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

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

Is Dover or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Dover and Cardiff both are good when exploring on foot.

Dover is a somewhat walkable town. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

Cardiff is somewhat walkable. 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 Dover Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Dover?

How long in Dover or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Cardiff. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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

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

One day in Dover or Cardiff?

In Dover, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green 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.

A weekend in Dover or Cardiff?

In Dover, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dover has to offer.

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.

Five days in Dover or Cardiff?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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.

A week in Dover or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dover and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover 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 Dover.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Cardiff, 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 Dover or Cardiff?

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 Dover or Cardiff in the Summer?

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

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Cardiff. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

Dover is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Dover usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Cardiff in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Cardiff in the Spring?

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

In April, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Dover