A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Outer Hebrides vs. Cardiff for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Cardiff. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cardiff. Although Outer Hebrides and Cardiff are popular destinations, Cardiff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

Cardiff is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Outer Hebrides is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find the most options in the main town of Stornoway. Outside of town, most bars are attached to hotels or restaurants.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

Cardiff is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cardiff. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Cardiff are nice family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. 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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Outer Hebrides and Cardiff.

Public transit is mostly limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Cardiff is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Cardiff is somewhat walkable. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable archipelago. There are many walking routes, but you'll need a car to cover the longer distances.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Cardiff. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Cardiff. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Cardiff. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Cardiff. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Cardiff. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Outer Hebrides gets 63 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 Outer Hebrides