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

Should you visit Lisbon or Cardiff?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Lisbon and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Lisbon different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

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

Lisbon is a world class party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Music?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

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

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Cardiff?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Families?

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

Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Students?

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

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do 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 Lisbon or Cardiff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Lisbon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Lisbon on foot is easy. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Cardiff?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Lisbon or Cardiff?

Because Lisbon 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Lisbon or Cardiff?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Lisbon or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, 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 Lisbon and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Cardiff?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In July, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Cardiff in the Autumn?

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

Lisbon is much warmer than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Lisbon 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, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Cardiff. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Cardiff. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Cardiff in the Spring?

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

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Lisbon