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

Should you visit Granada or Cardiff?

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

Should I visit Granada or Cardiff? 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Cardiff?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Granada than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Granada, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its big city activities. Granada is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Granada different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around 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 Granada or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Granada 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 Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Granada 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 Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Cardiff?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Granada and Cardiff.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

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.

Is Granada or Cardiff Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Cardiff.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

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.

Is Granada or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Granada or Cardiff Better for Students?

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

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Granada 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 Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

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

Is Granada or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Granada 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.

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Granada?

How long in Granada or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Granada or Cardiff?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Granada or Cardiff?

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada 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 Granada or Cardiff?

Granada is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Granada or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, 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 Granada and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Cardiff. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Granada is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Cardiff. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Granada is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Granada is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Granada