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

Should you visit Oxford or Cardiff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Cardiff, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Oxford and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Cardiff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cardiff is very popular for its big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle.

How is Oxford different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Oxford 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 Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

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 Oxford or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Oxford 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 Oxford know how to have a good time. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 the Shopping Better in Oxford or Cardiff?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Cardiff.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Oxford or Cardiff Better for Families?

Oxford and Cardiff are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Cardiff Better for Students?

Oxford 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 Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

Oxford 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 Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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

Is Oxford or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Cardiff?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Oxford or Cardiff?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Oxford has to offer.

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 Oxford or Cardiff?

Oxford 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.

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 Oxford or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial 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 Oxford and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Oxford.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Oxford 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 Oxford or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Cardiff. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Oxford 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 Oxford or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Cardiff. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Oxford 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 Oxford or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

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

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. Oxford 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 Oxford