A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Cardiff for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Cardiff.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Palma de Mallorca and Cardiff are nice when it comes to walkability.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Cardiff. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and museums around the industrial city of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

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

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Palma de Mallorca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palma de Mallorca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Palma de Mallorca during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Cardiff. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Cardiff. The winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cardiff in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca