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

Should you visit Windsor or Cardiff?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Cardiff? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, 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.

Windsor and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Cardiff?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cardiff than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cardiff is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Also, Cardiff is famous for The Cardiff Castle.

How is Windsor different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor 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 Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Cardiff.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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 Windsor or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Cardiff?

Cardiff is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Cardiff Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Cardiff.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a popular place for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor 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 Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

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

Is Windsor or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Windsor 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.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable 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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Cardiff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Windsor or Cardiff?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Windsor or Cardiff?

Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Cardiff?

Windsor 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.

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 Windsor or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. Since Windsor 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.

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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Cardiff?

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

Both Cardiff and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Windsor is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Windsor gets 107 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. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Cardiff. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Cardiff. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cardiff. Windsor gets 45 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 Windsor