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

Should you visit Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising city. 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.

Vilnius and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Cardiff?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cardiff than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Cardiff, Cardiff has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cardiff is better known for its big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Also, Cardiff is famous for The Cardiff Castle. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Vilnius and Cardiff.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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 Vilnius or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

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 Vilnius or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius know how to have a good time. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Cardiff?

Both Vilnius and Cardiff are notable shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

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 Vilnius or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Cardiff are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Cardiff is a family-friendly city. 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 Vilnius or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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 Vilnius or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Vilnius or Cardiff Better for Students?

Vilnius and Cardiff are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

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

Vilnius 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 Vilnius, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Cardiff both are notable when exploring on foot.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Vilnius Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Cardiff?

In Vilnius, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Vilnius or Cardiff?

In Vilnius, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer.

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Cardiff has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Cardiff?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Cardiff 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.

A week in Vilnius or Cardiff?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Cardiff?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Cardiff in the Summer?

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

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°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 Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Cardiff. Many travelers come to Vilnius for 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, Vilnius is cooler than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius 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. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for 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.

Vilnius is cooler than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cardiff. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Vilnius