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

Should you visit Cardiff or Delft?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Delft? 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.

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. Cardiff is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Cardiff travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a historic, quaint, and charming town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Delft travel costs.

Cardiff and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Delft?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff than Delft. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cardiff is very popular for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Delft attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle. Delft is famous for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Cardiff different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Cardiff and Delft.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Delft. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or Delft? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Delft 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 Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

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 Cardiff or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Cardiff or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Delft 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 Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Delft?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Delft and Cardiff.

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.

Delft has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Cardiff or Delft More Beautiful?

Cardiff is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cardiff is a gorgeous place to visit. The city has more parks and green space than you'd expect from a place with such an industrial history.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cardiff or Delft Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Delft.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. 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.

Delft offers lots of family activities. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Cardiff or Delft Better for Couples?

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

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

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 Cardiff or Delft Better for Students?

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

Delft is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Delft 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 Delft can get you around easily. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

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

Is Cardiff or Delft a more walkable city?

Delft is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Delft on foot is easy. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

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 Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Delft Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Delft or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Delft?

Cardiff and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cardiff than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Delft?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this up-and-coming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

A weekend in Cardiff or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Delft. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Five days in Cardiff or Delft?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Delft 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.

A week in Cardiff or Delft?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Delft. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Delft?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Delft, 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 Cardiff or Delft?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cardiff or Delft in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Delft. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Delft for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Delft. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Delft fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delft. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Delft. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Delft. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Delft in the Autumn?

Both Delft and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Delft because of the shopping scene.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Delft in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Delft fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Delft during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Delft. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Delft in the Winter?

Both Delft and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Delft this time of year.

It's quite cold in Delft in the winter. The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In the winter, Cardiff is much warmer than Delft. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Delft averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Delft. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Delft. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Delft in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Delft. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In April, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Delft fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Delft during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Delft. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Delft and Cardiff