A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Glasgow vs. Cardiff for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Glasgow or Cardiff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Cardiff, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a historic, high energy, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Glasgow and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Cardiff is known for its impressive beauty. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Glasgow different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Glasgow offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

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 Glasgow or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

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

Glasgow is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Cardiff Better for Music?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a popular place for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Glasgow to see the old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Cardiff?

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Cardiff both offer plenty of good spots.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

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

Is Glasgow or Cardiff Better for Families?

Glasgow and Cardiff are both good destinations for the whole family.

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Cardiff is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Glasgow or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Glasgow makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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 Glasgow or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Glasgow or Cardiff Better for Students?

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

Glasgow is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow can get you around easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

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

Is Glasgow or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a very walkable city. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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 Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glasgow and Cardiff. In our opinion, Glasgow has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Glasgow than Cardiff. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Cardiff?

In Glasgow, you'll find shopping and museums. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city 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 Glasgow or Cardiff?

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

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

Five days in Glasgow or Cardiff?

Glasgow is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. 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 Glasgow or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Glasgow. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Cardiff?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Cardiff?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Cardiff. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Cardiff. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, 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.

Glasgow is cooler than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In the winter, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Cardiff. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Cardiff. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Glasgow