A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Orkney Islands vs. Cardiff for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. The beauty of Orkney Islands is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Orkney Islands travel costs.

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. Cardiff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Cardiff travel costs.

Orkney Islands and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff. Although Orkney Islands and Cardiff are both popular with visitors, Cardiff has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cardiff is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also home to The Cardiff Castle. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Cardiff and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Cardiff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Orkney Islands or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Orkney Islands specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find the most pubs and a few nightclubs in the main town of Kirkwall.

Is Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for the beach. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

Cardiff is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cardiff More Beautiful?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Orkney Islands is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Stunning beaches and beautiful countryside make this landscape truly breathtaking.

Cardiff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city has more parks and green space than you'd expect from a place with such an industrial history.

Is Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Cardiff.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Cardiff is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Orkney Islands frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Cardiff is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable archipelago. Walking is a great way to enjoy the beauty, but you'll need a vehicle to travel from place to place.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago 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 nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Cardiff. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Orkney Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Orkney Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Cardiff. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°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, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails 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.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 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. It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Orkney Islands in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Cardiff. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Cardiff in the Spring?

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

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Orkney Islands