A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Liverpool vs. Cardiff for Nightlife, Families, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Liverpool or Cardiff?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Cardiff can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and theater.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Cardiff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Liverpool than Cardiff. Liverpool is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Liverpool is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." Also, Liverpool is famous for The Liverpool Cathedral. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Liverpool different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Liverpool and Cardiff.

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

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 Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Theater?

Liverpool is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Liverpool and Cardiff can be an enjoyable experience.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Liverpool. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

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 Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool know how to have a good time. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Music?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Cardiff?

Liverpool is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Families?

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

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

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 Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Liverpool or Cardiff Better for Students?

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

Liverpool is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

Liverpool 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 Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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

Is Liverpool or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable port 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 Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Liverpool or Cardiff?

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Cardiff?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Cardiff. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Cardiff?

Liverpool 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the up-and-coming city of Cardiff. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Liverpool. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Liverpool and Cardiff, we can see that Liverpool 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 Liverpool Expensive? and Is Cardiff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Cardiff?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Liverpool is cooler than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Liverpool during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Liverpool is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liverpool in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Liverpool usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Cardiff. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In January, Liverpool is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 5°C (42°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Cardiff. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in April than Cardiff. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Liverpool