A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Cardiff for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Shanghai and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Cardiff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Cardiff. Shanghai is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Shanghai different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Cardiff.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Cardiff?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Cardiff Better for Families?

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

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Shanghai or Cardiff Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai can get you around easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Shanghai or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable port 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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Cardiff. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Cardiff?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Cardiff offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Cardiff?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Shanghai has to offer.

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Cardiff?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Cardiff?

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

Cardiff is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Shanghai and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Cardiff is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Shanghai.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Cardiff?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Cardiff. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is much warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Cardiff. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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 the autumn, Shanghai is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Shanghai is much warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Cardiff. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Shanghai