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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Cardiff can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Dubai and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Cardiff Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Cardiff is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Cardiff is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Dubai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai 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 Dubai. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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 Dubai or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Cardiff Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Cardiff Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Cardiff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Cardiff?

Dubai 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 Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Cardiff Better for Families?

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

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Dubai is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Dubai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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 Dubai or Cardiff Better for Students?

Dubai 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 Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

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

Dubai 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 Dubai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Cardiff is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Cardiff. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Cardiff?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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 Dubai or Cardiff?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Dubai or Cardiff?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. 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 Dubai or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming 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 from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Cardiff, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Cardiff is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Cardiff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Cardiff?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Cardiff. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, 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.

Dubai is much warmer than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the 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. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Dubai