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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a cultural, authentic, and dynamic 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 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. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Nottingham and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Cardiff?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nottingham than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Nottingham, Nottingham has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nottingham is very popular for its food, music, and shopping, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Nottingham different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Nottingham and Cardiff have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in 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 Nottingham or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Cardiff.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

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 Nottingham or Cardiff Better for Music?

Nottingham is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Cardiff?

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

Nottingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Cardiff are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

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 Nottingham or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

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 Nottingham or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham 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 Nottingham can get you around easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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

Is Nottingham or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is a very walkable city. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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 Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nottingham or Cardiff?

In Nottingham, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the industrial city of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Cardiff?

In Nottingham, 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 Nottingham has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Cardiff?

Nottingham 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Cardiff?

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

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Nottingham and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Nottingham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nottingham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nottingham 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 Nottingham.

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

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, 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.

In the summer, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nottingham or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, 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 October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Nottingham gets 112 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. Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Cardiff. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Nottingham is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nottingham or Cardiff in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cardiff. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Nottingham