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

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

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic 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 museums, theater, 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.

Is there more to do in London or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

Big Ben

How is London different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Cardiff Better for Theater?

London is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

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

London 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 London. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

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

London is a world class party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Cardiff Better for Music?

London 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 London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Cardiff?

London 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 London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Cardiff Better for Christmas?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination for shoppers. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Cardiff Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make London very popular during this season. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Cardiff Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Cardiff Better for Couples?

London is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant 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 London or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is London or Cardiff Better for Students?

London 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 London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London 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.

London has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Cardiff a more walkable city?

London 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 London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or London?

How long in London or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in London or Cardiff?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 London or Cardiff?

Because London 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. 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 London or Cardiff?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London 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 London or Cardiff?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Cardiff, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Cardiff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Cardiff?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Cardiff. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°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, London often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

London is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. London gets 107 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. In October, London usually receives less rain than Cardiff. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and London during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of 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. It's quite cold in London in the winter. In the winter, London is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Cardiff. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, London is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and London