A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Cardiff for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or Cardiff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Sydney 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Cardiff travel costs.

Is there more to do in Sydney or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Sydney different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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 Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a world class party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Cardiff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Sydney has a few good snorkeling spots. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Cardiff?

Sydney 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 Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Cardiff More Beautiful?

Sydney 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 Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

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 Sydney or Cardiff Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sydney is a very family-friendly destination. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Sydney or Cardiff Better for Students?

Sydney 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 Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a very walkable city. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Cardiff?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Sydney or Cardiff?

Because Sydney 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. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Cardiff?

Sydney 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 Sydney has to offer. 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 Sydney or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the green 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, 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 Sydney and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Sydney much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Sydney would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Cardiff?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Cardiff?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cardiff has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Cardiffin July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Cardiffin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Sydney during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, 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.

Sydney is much warmer than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Cardiffin October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Cardiffin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Cardiff. The winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Sydney is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives less rain than Cardiffin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Cardiff. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Sydney is generally much warmer than Cardiffin April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Cardiffin April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Cardiffin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Sydney