A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Cardiff for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Cardiff?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

York and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Cardiff?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its big city activities and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is York different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Cardiff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

York 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 York know how to have a good time. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

York is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of York can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Cardiff?

Both York and Cardiff are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cardiff. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is York or Cardiff Better for Families?

York 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, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Cardiff Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend 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 York or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is York or Cardiff Better for Students?

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

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

York is not popular with students.

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

York 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 York, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Cardiff a more walkable city?

York and Cardiff both are nice when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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 York Worth Visiting? and Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or York?

How long in York or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Cardiff. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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

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

One day in York or Cardiff?

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Cardiff?

In York, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Cardiff?

York 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

The up-and-coming city of Cardiff offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Cardiff. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Cardiff. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Cardiff. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. York usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 York. York is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Cardiff. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Cardiff and York