cardiff wales tourism

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Why we love Cardiff

With world-renowned rugby, over 600 castles and a whole host of myths and legends to discover, there’s something to appeal to everyone who visits Wales - and its capital Cardiff is no exception.

Whether it’s white water rafting or an epic music scene you’re after, the city is a quirky, creative hub brimming with things to see and do. Step into 2,000 years of history at Cardiff Castle, or savour local produce at Cardiff Central Market. Get a taste of the action and head out of the city on the Cambrian Way to discover 185 miles of National Parks, fairy-tale castles and snow-capped peaks. With a buzzing arts and foodie scene and independent shops galore, Cardiff is your gateway to all that’s wonderful about Wales.

Masters of speed

Roaring back into Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is the FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain  in 2024. See who’ll be crowned fasted at this British indoor motorsport tournament.

Through Victorian arcades

Flourishing with indie shops, quirky cafes and the world’s oldest record shop, Cardiff Arcades are a must visit. Discover the labyrinth of stores and eateries full of history and top-notch produce.

A paddling adventure

Hit up Cardiff Bay’s water for a paddle-led adventure in the city. Hop aboard a kayak for an exhilarating way to see Cardiff’s iconic sights and the city from an alternative perspective.

Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Tuck into the city’s flavours

From sustainable eateries to unique international flavours, Cardiff’s food scene packs the punch. Explore the city streets for iconic Welsh delights and local’s favourites on a food tour.

Visit Wales Image Centre

Cardiff, Wales

Night at the museum

From audio described tours to digital events and art through the ages, the National Museum Cardiff has something for all. There’s late visits into the evening and a museum sleepover in 2024 with some friendly dinosaurs!

Things to do in Cardiff

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BBC Tours – Central Square, Cardiff

Step into the future of broadcasting at BBC’s newest and most advanced studios.

Cardiff Castle

Though it has 2,000 years of history to discover, Cardiff Castle is also bang up to date – hosting festivals and events galore.

VisitBritain/Alex Major

Cardiff International White Water

Make a splash at this Olympic standard, family-friendly white-water rafting centre in Cardiff Bay.

Wales Millennium Centre

In Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts top-class live music and theatre shows from all over the world.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Principality Stadium

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

National Museum Cardiff

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

Tranquil Cardiff Bay is yours to explore on sailing boats, canoes, rowing trips and kayaks.

Chapter Arts Centre

There’s always something fresh to discover here, from stand-up comedy to arthouse cinema.

Norwegian Church Arts Centre

An icon of Cardiff Bay, this historic church hosts art exhibitions, live music and stand-up comedy.

Pride Cymru

Supportive, sociable and spirited: that’s the ethos of Cardiff’s LGBTQIA+ festival every August.

Iris Prize Festival

One of the world’s biggest LGBTQIA+ film festivals, this cultural celebration takes place in October.

Iris Awards

Image stage

With a banging playlist, great-value drinks and live DJs, this LGBTQIA+ nightclub is a Cardiff favourite.

Pulse Cardiff

The Golden Cross

A popular hangout for the queer crowd, kick back with karaoke and cabaret at this historic pub with a traditional style.

Getty Images/EyeEm

From folk music to rap, this annual festival at Cardiff Castle celebrates Welsh-language music.

Visit Cardiff

Cardiff Food and Drink Festival

This three-day feast includes farmers’ markets, cooking demos, street food and Welsh delicacies galore.

Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Image Cardiff

Bay Island Voyages

Adventure ahoy! Choose from thrilling speedboat trips and intrepid voyages along the Welsh coast.

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Crown Copyright

Victoria Park

Whether for picnics, long walks or a dip in the water playground, this historic spot is a great summer hangout.

Mark Wilson/Victoria Park

Voco St David’s Cardiff

This iconic hotel in Cardiff Bay offers spa treatments, fine dining and indulgent leisure facilities.

Voco Cardiff

Image hotel

Bute Park Sculpture Trail

How many of these 21 sculptures can you find? Look out for wooden flowers, animals and people…

Bute Park/Chris Wood

Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

These ‘secret’ streets feature unique boutiques, artisan cafés, and even a vintage video game arcade.

The Arcade Vaults

Featuring retro consoles and hundreds of games, this vintage arcade is a trip down memory lane.

St David’s Dewi Sant

Looking for top fashions, beauty and homeware? This city-centre mall is full of Britain’s favourite brands.

Serving natural wines and top-quality ingredients, this is sustainable dining with real style.

Cardiff Bay Walking Tour

Beyond the restaurants and nightlife, explore Cardiff Bay’s colourful history and secret local hotspots.

Image people

Blue Ocean Activities

Gorge scrambling, kayak-surfing, rock climbing and more: which adventure will you choose?

Techniquest

For inquisitive minds of all ages, this science centre is full of mind-boggling films and experiments.

Is it a food market, a nightclub or a theatre? Depot is all of those things – and much more!

Loving Welsh Food Tour

Enjoy Cardiff’s best bites on this walking tour, and learn all about Welsh culture along the way.

Loving Welsh Food

Caerphilly Castle

Step into history at Caerphilly Castle which dates back to the 13th-century.

St Fagans National Museum of History

Discover Wales’s history, culture and wildlife at this interactive museum, set in wild beech woodland.

Spillers Records

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Cardiff Pottery Workshops

Create one-of-a-kind souvenirs at this sociable ceramics studio, with classes and workshops galore.

10'000 Hours / Digital Vision / Getty Images

The Queer Emporium

This shop and café celebrates LGBTQIA+ makers and artists, and serves great coffee and cake.

Alamy Stock Photo

Featured things to do

Step into nature

Embark on an adventure through Cardiff’s green haven, Bute Park. From woodlands, meadows and nature trails, to water taxis and guided walks, there an abundance of ways to explore this urban arboretum.

Climb aboard your own boat

Take to the controls of your own boat for a self-guided adventure across Cardiff Bay, up the River Taff and out into the city centre. Choose between a half an hour journey, or sail for one hour for the full experience.

Dean Woolley

Adrenaline on ice

Watch as the Cardiff Devils take on fierce competitors on the ice. Playing in the UK’s top professional Ice Hockey league, Ice Arena Wales comes alive with fast-paced action.

Festive cheer in the city

From Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland to shopping for that perfect Christmas gift through the historic arcades, discover Cardiff during the winter months for a sprinkling of festive cheer in the city.

Places to stay in Cardiff

Cardiff city centre.

Find easy access to designer shops and traditional markets, diverse cuisine and the Principality Stadium in the mainly pedestrianised city centre.

Cardiff Bay

Home to a gleaming Cardiff International White Water Centre where you can try out lots of water sports, as well as cultural spots like the Wales Millennium Centre.

Out in the city’s leafy suburb discover the Taff Trail on bike or by foot, or get artsy at Kings Road Yard filled with artists, makers, producers and bakers!

Explore nearby

Snowdonia (eryri).

Full of adventure, from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys, Snowdonia's scenery is guaranteed to blow your mind.

VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Pembrokeshire

For a real adventure, head to Wales westernmost tip. A paradise for hikers, swimmers, thrill-seekers and birdwatchers.

National Trust/Greentraveller

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Getting to Cardiff

Located in South Wales, Cardiff is a two-hour journey from London by train. The city is also served by Cardiff Airport , which operates direct and non-direct flights to and from a wide range of destinations.

Getting around

It’s easy to travel around the city hassle free, visit Cardiff bus to plan your journey and get all the latest information on ticket types. Full of pedestrianised areas, walking trails and parks and gardens galore, it’s easy and enjoyable to explore Cardiff by foot. Discover more on travelling around Cardiff and Wales on  traveline.

Download the Cardiff bus app and you can buy and store tickets on your mobile, making travelling around the city by bus even easier.

Plot your route and discover more about the city’s walking trails, including the Wales Coast Path, at  Outdoor Cardiff .

Trains run into Cardiff Central Station from destinations all across Britain. Find information and train times to help plan your journey with Great Western Railway.

Want to know more?

Head to VisitCardiff for insider tips and travel inspiration.

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The 20 best things to do in Cardiff

From sipping pints to etching your name into the history books, these are the best things to do in Cardiff right now

Cardiff is a lively city, especially on big sporting days when it can feel as though the entire Welsh nation descends on the capital to cheer on the team in red. Luckily for visitors, the Welsh are a tremendously friendly bunch, and thanks to the apt title 'City of Castles' and Cardiff's charming streets and gorgeous beaches, the place is great for a roam.

Our pick of the best things to do in Cardiff covers every category, be it innovative restaurants or positively thrilling museums. There's an abundance of culture to sink your teeth into, and a plethora of great spots to shop 'til you drop. If you’re looking to squeeze all of this into a day then check out our handy guide to the perfect day in the capital, and then set about exploring the best of the rest that Wales has to offer. You’re in for a serious treat, butty.

RECOMMENDED: 🏨 The best  Airbnbs in Cardiff 🌉  The best  things to do in Bristol ☀️ The best  things to do in the UK

This guide was recently updated by ex-Cardiff resident Adam England. At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Top things to do in Cardiff

1.  Embrace modern democracy at the Senedd

What is it?  The home of modern Welsh politics

Why go?  Opened on St David’s Day in 2006, the Cardiff Bay-located Senedd building is where the politicians of  Wales  converge to debate the issues of the day. The building is an architectural curiosity, with an eye-catching wood ceiling providing shade for the many steps in front. The Senedd was built with sustainability in mind, proving once more that architecture can straddle the divide between environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. There are exhibitions and tours available, but the latter must be booked ahead of time.

2.  Wander the grounds of Cardiff Castle

What is it?  A city-centre fortress that has dominated life in Cardiff since the eleventh century

Why go?  Few are the visitors who come to Cardiff and don’t immediately head to Cardiff Castle. Built by Norman invaders on top of a third-century Roman fort, the castle sits in the very centre of the city and is more than capable of filling an entire day’s worth of exploration. A 50 minute guided tour explains the many curiosities of the castle’s interior, much of which was created for one of the world’s richest men, while the grounds are tailor-made for idle wandering and wistfulness. 

Don’t miss:  The famous Norman Keep is the castle’s centrepiece, home to a replica trebuchet and centuries of history.

3.  Study the masters at the National Museum

What is it? A free-to-visit gallery and museum covering all things Welsh, from the Big Bang to the modern-day

Why go? Found next to Cardiff’s grand City Hall, the National Museum Cardiff is a museum and art gallery that boasts some of the most exquisite artefacts in the UK. The museum part focuses largely on botany, zoology and geology, while the gallery has one of the finest collections in Europe, boasting more than 500 paintings. They also have a rolling programme of awesome exhibitions, so check what's on before you visit. The museum is free to enter, although donations are always welcome.

4.  Embrace innovation at Techniquest

What is it? A fantastic science and discovery centre on Cardiff Bay

Why go? What could be better than the combination of curious science and a gorgeous setting? That is the tip of the iceberg at Techniquest , a science centre that is all sorts of engaging for visitors of all shapes, sizes and ages. The innovation stretches across two floors, with plenty of fun for all the family. Why not pay a visit to the 360 degree Planetarium, or the auditorium's live science shows?

5.  Cycle around Cardiff Bay

What is it?  Touted as Europe’s largest waterfront development, the bay is full of shops, restaurants, bars and attractions.

Why go?  You lose track of time at Cardiff Bay, with something new revealed around every corner. The centre of the development is home to a variety of restaurants that provide shelter to Ianto’s Shrine (a shrine to a fictional character that died more than a decade ago, just in case you were wondering), while the Cardiff Bay Trail is a 4.5-mile cycle route that will keep visitors fit as the landmarks pass by. Many of Cardiff’s best attractions are found in and around the bay, from the Senedd to the Millennium Centre via Roald Dahl’s Enormous Crocodile and more.

6.  Dive into the many faces of Butetown

What is it?  One of Britain’s first multicultural communities

Why go?  Undoubtedly one of Cardiff’s most fascinating areas, the history of Butetown is every bit as fascinating as it is defiant. Established in the nineteenth century, the district, better known as Tiger Bay, separated the city centre from the bay and was the birthplace of Welsh singing icon Shirley Bassey. Butetown is very much a living neighbourhood with major challenges and poverty issues, but it is also as close to the ‘Real Cardiff’ as you’re going to get.

7.  Live the boyhood dream at the Principality Stadium

What is it? Formerly the Millennium Stadium, this 74,500-seater stadium is where Welsh sporting dreams come true.

Why go?  The Principality Stadium has been the epicentre of Welsh rugby since it was built in 1999 and is an absolute must-visit for anyone even vaguely interested in anything sport or, indeed, Wales-related. Cardiff transforms into a different city on match days, with the streets tingling with palpable excitement. Tours of the stadium are a great way to further understand the national relationship with sport and success.

8.  Enjoy a waterfront day out at Mermaid Quay

What is it? In the heart of Cardiff Bay, you can shop and dine to your heart’s content at Mermaid Quay.

Why go? While the centre of Cardiff certainly isn’t short of shops and eateries, there’s something about Mermaid Quay , in Cardiff Bay, that feels extra special. Grab something to eat at Demiro’s or The Clubhouse, treat yourself at Zia Boutique, or head to The Glee Club for some excellent stand-up. Or, even get the Aquabus waterbus from the Quay to Cardiff Castle! It’s the ideal place to spend a relaxed afternoon off or even begin your night. It’ll take you about half an hour to walk there from the city centre, or you can get a quick train from Cardiff Centre. 

9.  Sing loud and proud from the terraces

What is it? Despite the assumptions, football is right up there with rugby on the list of national obsessions. Why go? The days of being battered in Georgia are long gone. A golden generation of talent has breathed new life into Welsh football, and the national side has become a point of pride for the Welsh. Home games are played at the Cardiff City Stadium in order to maintain a ferocious atmosphere that has become one of the most impressive on the planet. Bale's retired, and Ramsey's not far behind, but a new generation of talent is bubbling under the surface.

10.  Knock back the espressos at Uncommon Ground

What is it?  A speciality coffee shop focused on quality instead of complication.

Why go?  Cardiff has plenty of fantastic coffee spots, but Uncommon Ground ’s combination of location and quality is a guaranteed winner. Tucked in the Royal Arcade, this independent family-owned establishment attracts caffeine experts and amateurs alike, serving up delish brews with a focus on sustainability. The café sells beans to take away, but there are few things better than sitting for a spot of people-watching with a cup of the good stuff.

More great things to do in Cardiff

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• 1.2 History
• 1.3 Profile
• 1.4 When to go
• 2.1.1 Cardiff Airport
• 2.1.2 Further afield
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By coach
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.2 By bike
• 3.4 By train
• 3.5 By taxi
• 3.6 By boat
• 4.1 Landmarks
• 4.2 Museums and galleries
• 5.3 Cinemas and theatres
• 5.4 Concerts
• 7.2.1 British
• 7.2.2 Vegetarian & Vegan
• 7.2.3 Steak houses
• 7.2.4 International
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Camping
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe

Cardiff ( Welsh : Caerdydd ) is the capital and largest city of Wales . It used to be an industrial city, but is now a lively and modern capital city and a tourism hot spot. The city is friendly to pedestrians, and summer is by far the best time to visit, with large festivals, and outdoor dining and drinking.

The city centre has been intensely developed in the 21st century, and is now considered to be one of the top ten shopping destinations in the United Kingdom. Cardiff is a green city, and this is complemented by Bute Park which sits in the heart of the city. It has a reputation as a city of castles , having 5 of them within its surroundings. As of 2023, the city's population stands at roughly 360,000, with 1.1 million living in the metropolitan area.

Understand [ edit ]

Cardiff is on the south coast of the South Wales plain, with a shoreline on the Bristol Channel. It lies at the mouth of three rivers: the Taff, the Ely and the Rhymney, with the Taff flowing through the city centre and all three reaching the sea at Cardiff Bay. Cardiff is quite a flat city, a characteristic that helped it become one of the world's leading ports for the transport of coal from the rugged south Wales Valleys.

Around 12% of the residents of Cardiff speak some Welsh, and all public signs in the city are in both Welsh and English. However, as elsewhere in Wales, English is universally understood.

• Visit Cardiff , Cardiff Castle, Castle St . Mar-Oct: M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM; Nov-Feb: M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa Su 9AM-4PM . The Visitor Information Point hosts a variety of literature including brochures, flyers and maps. ( updated Jan 2024 )

City [ edit ]

Cardiff's city centre is in the southern portion of the city just north of Cardiff Bay. It is traditionally centred at the castle, bounded to the north by the historic civic centre, large Bute park arboretum and university buildings, by the River Taff to the west, and by the Valleys and National rail lines to the east and south respectively. Growth is pushing the city centre beyond these boundaries, especially in regard to commercial office and residential provision. In particular, the area south of the original city centre towards and including Cardiff Bay has been almost completely redeveloped.

A unique feature of the city is its friendly local population; you can strike up a conversation with almost anyone you meet and speak as if old friends, whether on the bus or in the queue to buy something in a shop. These brief friendly interactions throughout the day make Cardiff an ideal city for lone travellers. The city has a long history of inter-racial marriages and a thriving gay scene making it one of the most welcoming and tolerant cities in the UK.

Cardiff is popular for location filming; Doctor Who has been made here since 2005, and Casualty since 2011. It also has a rich musical history, being the site of many escapades by the famous bands of the Welsh indie music movement such as Catatonia, Super Furry Animals and the Stereophonics. The stunning St. John the Baptist church, gracing the centre of the city, is food for the soul and nearby the Rummer Tavern pub one of the oldest surviving in the city is food for the spirit. Cardiff is the venue of many football and rugby games due to the state-of-the-art stadiums, and Cardiff International Arena's many events such as Comic Con Wales. The Bay area is rich with bars and restaurants and is home to the famous Wales Millennium Centre where one can see anything from comedy to ballet and opera.

Cardiff is a city of life and learning having a huge student population during term time. Many graduates choose to remain due to the friendly and inclusive nature of the city.

It is possible to walk, bike or ride across Cardiff almost entirely via the parks: the Earl of Bute’s lasting legacy to the people of Cardiff. Summer days see the city parks fill with sun-worshippers and snow days see them fill with people playing and snowball fighting with each other!

History [ edit ]

Cardiff's history follows its castle, which has been occupied since the Romans created a fort on the river Taff over 2,000 years ago. The name 'Cardiff' may have come from 'Caer' = fort, on the 'Taff'.) The fort's original walls can still be seen highlighted around the base of Cardiff Castle's walls. In Medieval times the castle grew, and a small town spread from its south gate; the Medieval street pattern can still be seen around High Street. In the 15th century, the town was destroyed by the last great Welsh prince, Owain Glyndwr. Successive owners fortified the castle and the town timidly grew until the Industrial Revolution, when the 2nd Marquess of Bute built the Glamorganshire Canal to transport coal from the Welsh valleys through Cardiff's docks.

Combined with the later arrival of the railways, Cardiff's population exploded and the docks grew to become the largest coal-exporting port in the world. At its peak, the price of the world's coal was determined at Cardiff's Coal Exchange and the first ever £1,000,000 cheque was written here in 1901 (equivalent to £124,000,000 in 2020). Cardiff was the third largest port of the British Empire, resulting in Edward VII granting Cardiff city status in 1905. With the rise of the city's fortunes, the Marquis of Bute transformed Cardiff castle into a fairytale gothic palace. He also donated land to build the civic centre which contains the City Hall, National Museum, university and government buildings, all built in elaborate neo-classical Baroque styles out of white Portland stone.

The Marquis also commissioned the architect William Burges to design many public and residential buildings in a distinctive Gothic style - many are still visible in the city centre and the inner suburbs. Wales did not have a de jure capital until 1955, when Cardiff was chosen as the largest city. However, with the post-War decline of coal, the city's docks became increasingly abandoned, and in the 1990s the city's transformation began with the building of a barrage to stop the world's second-largest tidal range from revealing dirty mud flats, and creating what is today Europe's largest waterfront regeneration project.

The Bay today is a mixture of apartments, sport, leisure and culture and its success has also seen a rejuvenation of the city centre, where large-scale pedestrianisation and the massive St David's redevelopment in 2009 have created a vibrant city, combining the best of the old, sitting close to modern architecture and amenities. As for the Castle, it was handed over to the people of Cardiff and is now a major tourist, corporate and cultural attraction, an indication of where the city's future lies.

Profile [ edit ]

Cardiff has a strong sporting and cultural presence given that it is the capital city, and therefore plays host to most Welsh sporting events, especially since the opening of the Millennium Stadium in the city centre. One of the city's charms is when it plays host to matches, the city centre atmosphere can be extraordinary, being swelled by 75,000 attendees and thousands of revellers.

Cardiff used to be quite a gritty city with the port and industry playing a huge role — Cardiff's ports were once among the most important in the world. Notable milestones were when Cardiff Bay (sometimes called Tiger Bay) was the first area of modern Britain to be thought of as a multicultural area given the huge part immigrants played in the city's ports. The area is still home to one of the oldest and largest expatriate Somali communities in the world. The world's first 'million-pound' deal was also signed at the Bay's own Coal Exchange building.

The city has moved away from its industrial past, however, and has been transformed by developments such as Cardiff Bay, which now hosts famous and striking landmarks such as the National Assembly for Wales and the spectacular Wales Millennium Centre. Massive investments have also been made throughout other parts of the city, such as the opening of the Millennium Stadium and the massive Saint David's shopping centre.

When to go [ edit ]

Cardiff is best to visit during late spring to early autumn as the warm weather adds to the city's pleasures and allows maximum experience of all the sites and areas of the city. Although the city usually benefits from mild weather all year round, like much of Wales it also receives substantial rainfall, especially in winter. Being close to the sea and having a comparatively mild climate compared to other parts of England and Wales it also avoids much of the snowfall seen in other parts of the country in winter.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], cardiff airport [ edit ].

You can get from the airport into Cardiff using public transportː

• Adventure Travel 304 [dead link] bus direct to Cardiff International Sports Village and Cardiff Bay

You can hire a car with Avis , Enterprise and Europcar from Cardiff Airport.

Further afield [ edit ]

Alternative, larger airports lie in England.

Bristol Airport , served by easyJet , Jet2.com , Ryanair, TUI and other airlines, is 20 miles from Cardiff "as the crow flies". You can get from Bristol Airport into Cardiff using public transportː

• National Express 216 coach direct into Cardiff city centre
• Bristol Airport Flyer bus to Bristol Temple Meads railway station, then Great Western Railway (GWR) train into Cardiff Central

London Heathrow Airport is the UK's largest airport, with long-haul flights from destinations in Europe , Africa , Asia , North America and South America . Heathrow is connected with Cardiff by road, along the M4 motorway. You can get from Heathrow into Cardiff using public transportː

• Megabus coach direct into Cardiff city centre
• National Express 201 / 202 coaches direct into Cardiff city centre
• Elizabeth line   ELI   into London Paddington or RA1 RailAir coach to Reading railway station, then Great Western Railway (GWR) train into Cardiff Central

By train [ edit ]

You can get to Cardiff Central on long-distance and local trains.

Trains from London depart from Paddington ( Interchangeː   BAK     CIR     DIS     H&C     ELI   ) and are operated by Great Western Railway (GWR). They run roughly half-hourly and call at Reading , Swindon , Bristol Parkway and Newport . Trains from Bristol depart from both Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads, also operated by GWR. There are also local GWR routes into Cardiff Central from Portsmouth , Southampton , Salisbury , Bath , Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare . Trains from The Midlands are operated by CrossCountry - from some major cities in England including Nottingham ( Interchangeː   1     2   ), Derby , Birmingham ( Interchangeː   1   ) and Gloucester .

Most trains from elsewhere in Wales are run by Transport for Wales (TfW). This includes long-distance trains from Holyhead , Bangor , Llandudno Junction , Chester , Wrexham General , Cwmbran , Carmarthen , Llanelli , Swansea , Neath , Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend . Some services from Carmarthen and Swansea are also run by GWR. TfW also runs long-distance trains from Manchester Piccadilly ( Interchangeː   Alt-Pic     Ash-Ecc     Ash-Med     Bur-Pic   ), Chester ( Interchangeː   Wirral   ), Crewe , Shrewsbury and Hereford . There are also local TfW trains from Cardiff's suburbs, as well as surrounding towns including Barry , Caerphilly , Merthyr Tydfil , Penarth and Pontypridd .

You can get to Cardiff Queen Street on local trains run by TfW.

Other stations in Cardiff are served by local routes, includingː

By car [ edit ]

Several major routes connect Cardiff with towns and cities throughout Wales and England.

Other main routes into Cardiff includeː

• A48 from Newport, Cowbridge and Bridgend
• A469 from Caerphilly
• A470 from Brecon , Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd
• A4119 from Llantrisant and The Rhondda
• A4160 from Penarth

There are several car parks in Cardiff. Cardiff Council operates several car parks throughout the city and has a list online . Other car park operators include NCP (Dumfries Place, Stadium, Greyfriars, Knox Road etc.), Q-Park (Cardiff Bay) and St David's Dewi Sant (shopping centre) . Major car parks are signposted from some main routes in the city centre and Cardiff Bay.

By coach [ edit ]

Coaches from London are operated by FlixBus, Megabus and National Express. Most services depart from London Victoria Coach Station ( Interchangeː   CIR     DIS     VIC   ). Some depart from London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports, and call at Bristol and Newport. National Express route 216 connects Bristol Airport to Cardiff. Coaches from Swansea are also operated by these operators, stopping to pick up passengers in Port Talbot and Bridgend. National Express operates buses from destinations in West Wales - including routes 507 from Llanelli and 112 and 508 from Haverfordwest , Tenby and Carmarthen.

Coaches from Birmingham include Megabus route M36N and National Express routes 110 , 111 and 112 . Megabus route M36N also connects Newcastle-upon-Tyne , Leeds and Manchester with the Welsh capital.

Bus routes into the capital includeː

• TrawsCymru T4 - from Newtown ( Limited ), Llandrindod Wells ( Limited ), Builth Wells ( Limited ), Brecon ( Limited ), Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd
• Cymru Clipper X2 [dead link] - from Porthcawl , Bridgend and Cowbridge
• Stagecoach X3 - from Pontypool and Cwmbran
• Newport Bus X30 - from Newport ( Express )
• Stagecoach X32 - from Maerdy , Porth and Pontypridd ( Express )
• Stagecoach 26 - from Blackwood, Caerphilly and Nantgarw
• Cardiff Bus /Newport Bus 30 - from Newport
• Stagecoach 86X - from Caerphilly
• Cardiff Bus 93, 94, 95 - from Barry, Dinas Powys (93, 95), Sully (94) and Penarth (93, 94)
• Cardiff Bus 96 - from Barry Island, Barry and Wenvoe
• Stagecoach 122 - from Tonypandy and Talbot Green
• Stagecoach 124 - from Maerdy, Porth and Talbot Green
• Stagecoach 132 - from Maerdy, Porth and Pontypridd
• Adventure Travel 304 [dead link] - from Llantwit Major , Cardiff Airport, Barry and Dinas Powys
• Adventure Travel 320 [dead link] - from Talbot Green, Pontyclun and St Fagans

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

Cardiff is a large city with two reasonably compact central areas - the city centre and Cardiff Bay. The walk between Cardiff Central Library in the city centre and the Bay is approximately one mile along flat, roadside pavements. Llandaff Cathedral and Cardiff Metropolitan University are further out - approximately two miles from Cardiff Castle in the centre, and approximately 3.5 miles from the Bay.

Attractions in the city centre are signposted. Some of the main shopping areas, including parts of St Mary's Street, The Hayes and Queen Street are pedestrianised. These wide boulevards have no access to vehicular traffic.

Attractions in Cardiff Bay are also signposted. The Wales Coast Path is also signposted through the Bay. From west to east, the route covers Penarth, the Barrage, the Norwegian Church, The Senedd, the Wales Millennium Centre, Atlantic Wharf, Splott, Tremorfa and the Wentlooge Levels.

By bike [ edit ]

Cardiff is a flat city with network of signposted cycling routes, many "segregated" from other road traffic. There are two formal river "trails" for cyclists through Cardiff.

The Taff Trail is National Cycle Network Route 8, which is kept by Sustrans and follows the River Taffː

• Roald Dahl Plas
• Principality Stadium (opposite bank)
• Bute Park (opposite bank)
• Sophia Gardens
• Cardiff Metropolitan University (opposite bank)
• Llandaff North
• Route continues to Taff's Well, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontsticill and Brecon. National Cycle Network Rout 8 continues to Builth Wells, Harlech , Caernarfon , Bangor and Holyhead.

The Ely Trail is also kept by Sustrans and follows the River Elyː

• Cardiff International Sports Village
• Sanatorium Park
• St Fagans and the St Fagans National Museum of History

There is plenty of free bike parking throughout the city centre, but you will need your own lock.

Check for cycling restrictions on a select number of paths and subways, including Queen Street, where cycling is prohibited.

Cycling charity PedalPower runs training and confidence building sessions and weekly bike rides, plus bike hire in Pontcanna and Cardiff Bay.

By bus [ edit ]

Cardiff Bus is responsible for the largest bus network in the capital. You can "tap on, tap off" on the bus using a Contactless debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Android Pay. Cardiff Bus promises to "work out the best ticket option for you based on your journeys, so you won't get charged more than the price of a day ticket".

The "Day to Go" fare using an iff top-up card is £4.40 within the Cardiff Fare Zone and £5.80 in the Cardiff and Barry "Plus" zone, as of December 2023. You can apply for an iff card by email or post, add credit online or sign up for a Direct Debit scheme.

Cardiff Bus operates a summer-only open-top bus service between Penarth, Cardiff Bay and Cardiff City Centre.

Cardiff Bus routes to key visitor destinations includeː

• City Circle 1 (clockwise) and 2 (anti-clockwise) - via Cardiff Bay, Grangetown, Canton, Llandaff, University Hospital Wales and Splott
• 4 - City centre to Ninian Park and Leckwith
• Baycar 6 - regular city centre to Cardiff Bay shuttleː Canal Street (city centre) to Millennium Centre (Cardiff Bay)
• 7 - City centre to Grangetown, Cardiff International Sports Village and Penarth
• 8 - City centre to Grangetown and Cardiff Bay
• 9 - University Hospital Wales, Cathays, city centre, Grangetown, Cardiff International Sports Village
• M1 Met Rider - BBC Studios Llandaff, Cardiff Met Llandaff, Cathays, Roath, Cardiff Met Cyncoed ( seasonal route )

Adventure Travel operates a network of Cardiff routes, includingː

• C1 - across the city including (west to east)ː Culverhouse Cross, Ely, Victoria Park, Canton, city centre, Cathays, Llandeyrn and Pontprennau
• 320 [dead link] - City centre to Pontcanna, Fairwater and St Fagans, including the St Fagans National Museum of History ( route continues to Peterston-super-Ely , Pendoylan, Hensol, Pontyclun and Talbot Green )

Other operators include First Cymru and Stagecoach .

Worldwide City Sightseeing runs a Hop On-Hop Off tour in Cardiff.

Several bus operators including Cardiff Bus, Adventure Travel, First Cymru (X2) and Stagecoach accept Network Rider (across South East Wales) tickets . As of December 2023, adult tickets cost £9.

Transport for Wales (TfW) runs local trains in and around Cardiff. They are part of the National Rail network. You can buy tickets at stations or online using the National Rail , Transport for Wales and The Trainline websites. There is a Transport for Wales app .

TfW offers a series of "rovers and rangers" which cover Cardiff. As of December 2023, these includeː

• Explore Wales Pass - Valid for four days within an eight-day period for travel to anywhere in Wales by train. Also accepted on some First Cymru, Cardiff Bus and Stagecoach South Wales bus services. Adult ticketsː £104.
• Explore the Capital - Unlimited same-day off-peak train travel within the Cardiff and Penarth areas. Adult ticketsː £4.80.
• Explore Cardiff and the Valleys - Unlimited same-day travel in Cardiff and the Valleys, including the Barry, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Ebbw Vale , Maesteg , Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd areas. Valid all day on weekends, or after 9.30am Monday to Friday. Adult ticketsː £14.
• Valleys Night Rider - Travel after 6.30pm in Cardiff and the Valleys, including the Barry, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Ebbw Vale, Maesteg, Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd areas. Adult ticketsː £7.90.

National Railcards are accepted on rail lines in and around Cardiff. This includes the 16-25 Railcard , 26-30 Railcard , the Senior Railcard and the Two Together Railcard .

The Valleys Senior Railcard costs ̩£13 and is valid for one year. Cardholders can get 50 off standard class day return fares between Valley Line stations (including stations in Cardiff).

The Valleys Student Railcard costs £13 and is valid for one year. Cardholders can get 34 per cent off all day tickets and 10 per cent off all season tickets on Valleys and Cardiff routes.

All rail routes in Cardiff pass through Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street stations. Change at Cardiff Central for long-distance trains, including services to London Paddington, Birmingham, Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Manchester Piccadilly, Southampton Central and Swansea.

Rail routes in Cardiff run at least half hourly and includeː

• Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay shuttle which runs up to five times per hour.
• Cardiff Central to Aberdare/Merthyr Tydfil/Treherbert - Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street, Cathays, Llandaf and Radyr. Onwards to Trefforest, Pontypridd and Aberdare or Merthyr Tydfil or Treherbert.
• Cardiff Central to Bridgend - Cardiff Central, Grangetown and Cogan. Onwards to Barry, Llantwit Major and Bridgend, also to Barry Island.
• Cardiff Central to Penarth - Cardiff Central, Grangetown, Dingle Road and Penarth.
• Cardiff Central to Rhymney - Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street, Heath High Level, Llanishen, and Lisvane and Thornhill. Onwards to Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach and Rhymney .
• Radyr to Coryton via Cardiff Central - Radyr, Danescourt, Fairwater, Waun-gron Park, Ninian Park, Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street, Heath Low Level, Ty Glas, Birchgrove, Rhiwbina, Whitchurch, Coryton.

By taxi [ edit ]

Cardiff is not short of taxis. They can be flagged down on the street or booked in advance. Uber operates an extensive service in Cardiff, and many other local traditional taxi companies are also available:

• Capital , ☏ +44 29 2077-7777 .  
• Delta , ☏ +44 29 2020-2020 .  
• Celtic , ☏ +44 29 2045-2045 .  
• Dragon Metro , ☏ +44 29 2033-3333 .  

Although a lot of taxis in the city centre are black, they have no set colour. Licensed taxis have a yellow plate on the rear bumper of the vehicle. Uber also operates in the Cardiff area

By boat [ edit ]

Aquabus runs all year 'round with a boat service between Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay and Castle Grounds in the city centre. The Aquabus City-Bay link has wheelchair, pushchair and cycle access.

There is a less regular Penarth (Barrage South) to Cardiff Bay service, also operated by Aquabus, and a Bay Cruise offer.

See [ edit ]

Landmarks [ edit ].

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

• Relax in Bute Park or in the grounds of the castle, for a break from the hustle of the city centre.
• Visit Cardiff Bay a truly cosmopolitan experience full of restaurants, bars and cafes. A good place for a 'passeggiata' on a Sunday afternoon. Boat rides in the Bay (permanently water-filled since the barrage was built), a few shops, and a children's playground at the far end (near the historic Norwegian church) along with beautiful views across to Penarth.
• Take a speed boat ride as it makes 360-degree turns in the water at 70 mph.
• Walk along the bay from Mermaid quay to the barrage (near Penarth) to see for yourself how the water comes into the harbour from the sea. It is a 2 km walk with the harbour on one side of the path and the sea on the other. If you don't feel like walking you can hire a bicycle (you will come across the rental company on the way) or take a ride on the road train.

• At near-by Penarth, cruise the Bristol channel during summer months to the likes of North Devon , Gower Peninsula and even occasionally Pembrokeshire on the paddle steamers Balmoral and Waverly. Penarth to Ilfracombe is particularly spectacular, taking in the massive cliffs of North Devon.
• Next to Cardiff Airport, Barry is a port-town, which has a theme park, casino and heritage railway. With the closure of the docks, it has attracted more attention thanks to a beautiful beach and a popular BBC series, called Gavin & Stacey . The amusement park on Barry Island contains several funrides.
• Go on the Taff Trail , some of the sights close to the city centre are breathtaking and the tranquility offers a great contrast to the busy city centre.
• Go to the Brecon Beacons . 40 minutes drive from Cardiff, this Welsh National Park is a scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering activities such as climbing, paragliding, sailing and many more.
• Go for a pint of Cardiff-made Brains beer in one of the city centre pubs on a match day at the Millennium Stadium.
• Canyoning Wales , Cardiff ( Via A470 ), ☏ +44 845 0573588 . 9AM-9PM . Blue Ocean Activities & Adventure offer fantastic trips around Wales, whether up the mountains canyoning or gorge walking. Blue Ocean Adventure offer full safety gear, training and support.  
• Cardiff cycle tour ( https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1415003?units=miles ). A tour route that was used by a now-defunct tour operator who has made their route map available for visitors.  

Sports [ edit ]

• Watch International Rugby at Millennium Stadium, in city centre. Wales play several internationals here each year. The most keenly followed are the Six Nations series against England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy in February and March each year: these sell out well in advance.
• Football: Cardiff City ("The Bluebirds") play soccer in the Championship, the game's second tier. Their stadium (capacity 33,300) is a mile west of city centre near Ninian Park railway station.
• Cricket: Glamorgan County Cricket Club play in Division Two of the County Championship. Also here are Welsh Fire ( Tân Cymreig ) men's and women's teams playing in The Hundred short game. The stadium Sophia Gardens also occasionally hosts international matches; it's in the park half a mile north of the castle.
• Ice hockey: Cardiff Devils play in Elite Ice Hockey League, the game's top tier. Their home rink is Ice Arena Wales.
• Horse Riding: Cardiff Riding School, Pontcanna fields, Fields Park Road.
• Rowing and Canoeing: Llandaff rowing club, Bridge road, Llandaff.

Events [ edit ]

• St David's Day Parade [dead link] is on 1 March each year, commemorating the patron saint of Wales.
• Cardiff Children's Literature Festival is held in the grounds of Cardiff Castle each year, with the next on 20-21 April 2024, tbc.
• Cardiff Mela celebrates Asian culture at Roald Dahl Plas, Cardiff Bay. The next is probably 2 June 2024, tbc.
• Cardiff Singer of the World competition is held in St David's Hall in odd-numbered years. The next is probably 7-15 June 2025, tbc.
• Pride Cymru is next held on 23-24 June 2024.
• Tafwyl is a Welsh language and culture festival held in Bute Park, with the next on 15-16 July 2023.
• The Welsh Proms are a series of classical concerts at St David's Hall each July. Fringe events cover genres such as jazz, country and folk.
• Winter Wonderland in Dec-Jan is an outdoor public ice-rink and funfair in front of City Hall.

Cinemas and theatres [ edit ]

Cardiff has some of the best theatre and cinema in Wales and even across the UK, covering huge range including mainstream films, foreign and theatre.

• 51.466909 -3.163577 4 Odeon , Hemingway Rd, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4JY . Mainstream multiplex cinema. ( updated Dec 2017 )
• 51.47704 -3.181615 5 Vue , Stadium Plaza, Wood St, CF10 1LA ( inside Millennium Plaza and next to Millennium Stadium ), ☏ +44 345 308 4620 . ( updated Dec 2017 )
• 51.478858 -3.172927 6 Cineworld , Mary Ann St, CF10 2EN , ☏ +44 871 200 2000 . Mainstream multiplex cinema, across the road from Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. ( updated Dec 2017 )
• 51.4634 -3.1655 7 The Glee Club , Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay , ☏ +44 871 472 0400 , [email protected] . Comedy club serving food and drinks. ( updated Mar 2022 )

Concerts [ edit ]

Cardiff has a great number of show and gig venues throughout the city; check with Shows in Cardiff [dead link] .

More 'sedate' concerts are frequently held at St Davids Hall and The Welsh Millennium Centre .

Smaller gigs can be seen at many venues across the city including Callaghans , Clwb Ifor Bach , Cardiff Students Union , and Buffalo Bar .

Buy [ edit ]

Nicknamed the City of Arcades , Cardiff is great place for shopping in style and the Victorian arcades are worth a visit in themselves. They have lots of little shops, food markets, etc. Up-market home stores include Banana Custard (for kids).

Queen St, St Mary's Street and The Hayes are the major pedestrianised shopping streets which all branch off the castle, so it is easy to walk from shop to shop without fear of traffic. Queen Street has most of the usual lineup of Marks and Spencer, Topshop and River Island. The Hayes has been refurbished along with the massive St David's Shopping Centre that has drawn in a few big names such as Hugo Boss and the biggest John Lewis outside of London. St Marys street, the original shopping street of Cardiff has gradually declined, firstly after Queen Street was pedestrianised when the street saw a shift towards restaurants, bars and clubs, and then during the councils year long trial of closing the street to traffic. St Mary's Street is now pedestrianised for most of its length, with work still ongoing but it's worth a look as most of the city's grandest buildings are along its length with the large and oldest department store in Wales (Howells by House of Frasier), imposing entrance to the Central Market and elaborate entrances to the arcades being particular high points.

• Queen Street , St. Mary's Street and The Hayes are the main shopping streets in Cardiff city centre. Queen Street houses the likes of Marks and Spencer, Boots and many other stores with entrances to the modern St Davids and Queens Arcade shopping centres, which also have entrances on the Hayes. Combine the old St Davids shopping centre, larger modern extension, John Lewis and Queens arcade and they make up one of the largest indoor shopping centres in the UK. St. Marys Street is home to a large 'Howells' or House of Fraser store, numerous arcades that house one-off shops with many of the arcades having entrances on the Hayes.
• There are many tourist-oriented shops in front of the Castle and inside the Arcades so have a look around where you can find many Welsh souvenirs and gifts there.
• Fish from Ashton's stall in the atmospheric indoor market , off the Hayes, Church Street or St Mary St.
• Cheese from Madame Fromage in the Castle Arcade .
• Music from Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world, is in the Morgan Arcade . In addition to selling music, it is the city's main location for buying tickets for alternative music concerts. Spillers was founded in 1894 by Henry Spiller at its original location in Queen’s Arcade.

Eat [ edit ]

It can be very difficult to book a table in the better restaurants on a Friday or Saturday evening. As a rule of thumb Mermaid Quay and the city centre are jam packed full with a varied contrast of eateries allowing you to experience many different tastes within a small area.

Vegetarian options are easy to find, and vegan options reasonably so.

In the centre see Cafe Minuet (Marcello's) in Castle Arcade, The Potted Pig [dead link] on High Street. In Riverside try Madhav's for unusual vegetarian Indian food. In the Bay avoid all the chains at Mermaid Quay and look at Mr G's Soul Kitchen for Caribbean. In Canton try La Cuina (Catalan food) on Kings Road. Head to City Road for a massive variety of world cuisines.

Budget [ edit ]

There are lots of small eateries with reasonable, plentiful and quite tasty takes on the Full English breakfast, sandwiches, fish and chips, etc. Also, there is the Brewery Quarter, which contains a few well known and different restaurants. Also there are small cafes in the Indoor Market offering typical cafe food from toast to full roast dinners. prices typically range from 50p to £4. good deal for a quick fix.

• 51.477625 -3.177774 1 The Prince of Wales , 81–83 St Mary Street, CF10 1FA , ☏ +44 29 2064 4449 . A great city centre location offering great food all day at some good prices considering its very central location. This is a typical Wetherspoon pub. However less central Wetherspoons outlets are cheaper. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.48105 -3.1806 2 Blue Bell , 33 High Street, CF10 1PU , ☏ +44 2921 510 043 , [email protected] . Friendly pub with some Welsh dishes on the menu. Good vegetarian and vegan options. £9–15 (March 2022) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.471327 -3.183879 4 Vegetarian Food Studio , 115-117 Penarth Road, Grangetown , ☏ +44 29 2023 8222 , [email protected] . Indian restaurant with an entirely vegetarian and vegan menu. Bring your own drink. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.479022 -3.177045 5 Crumbs Kitchen , 33 Morgan Arcade . Great range of veggie and vegan food. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.477787 -3.176629 6 Dorothy's Fish Bar , 39-40 Caroline St . Fish&chips ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.478564 -3.17685 7 Fresh the Baguette Bar , 32 Royal Arcade . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.481186 -3.17943 8 The New York Deli , 4-6 Duke Street Arcade . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• In the city centre you can also find the chain restaurants Tortilla, Greggs (bakery), Wok to Walk and Franco Manca.
• 51.48179 -3.17797 9 Pillars , 29 Queen Street, Cardiff, CF10 2AH , ☏ +44 2920395074 . 8:30 am - 4 pm . Restaurant.. Unfussy self-serve eatery offering breakfast, homestyle meals, sandwiches, jacket potatoes & pies. ( updated Apr 2024 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

British [ edit ].

• 51.486358 -3.199936 10 Thomas by Tom Simmons , 3 Pontcanna St ( west of Bute Park ). W-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-6PM . It's trad Welsh fare opened in 2021. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Vegetarian & Vegan [ edit ]

• 51.4941 -3.164621 11 Anna Loka , 114 Albany Rd, CF24 3RU , ☏ +44 29 2048 9773 , [email protected] . Tu–Th 11AM–3PM and 6PM–9PM, F 10AM–3PM and 6PM–10PM, Sa 10AM–10PM, Su 11AM–3PM . A delicious eatery with creative all-vegan dishes, claiming to be the first vegan restaurant in Cardiff. Try the bubble waffle dessert. £15-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Steak houses [ edit ]

• 51.480851 -3.180053 12 Pasture . M-Th 12-3PM, 5-9:30PM, F Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-7PM . A steak restaurant opened in 2021. ( updated Feb 2023 )

International [ edit ]

• 51.494148 -3.163385 13 Ichiban , 167 Albany Road , ☏ +44 29 2066-8833 . This is a wonderful Japanese restaurant offering excellent value noodle, curry and sushi dishes. A short bus or taxi ride from the city centre, or a 20-30 minute walk. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.492135 -3.171259 14 Tenkaichi , 236 City Rd , ☏ +44 78 3142-1199 . Tenkaichi offers authentic Japanese food with a British flare. It is a great restaurant if you want fresh noodles and sushi. It also provides an extensive wine list. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.494702 -3.17704 15 Mina , 43 Crwys Road , ☏ +44 7763 491937 . Highly-regarded and very good-value Lebanese restaurant in the Cathays area; small, family-run and very friendly. Can get busy, especially at weekends: booking recommended. About 25 minutes' walk from city centre, or take Cardiff Bus number 38 or 39, which stop outside the door. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.478745 -3.175981 16 Giovanni's , 38 The Hayes , ☏ +44 29 20220077 , [email protected] . Very long-established and popular Italian restaurant. Two in the city centre (The Hayes and Park Place) and another in Cardiff Bay. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.480392 -3.179791 17 Chai Street , 15 High Street . Modern, casual Indian restaurant in the city centre specialising in a range of thalis as well as curry bowls and offering a good selection of draught lagers. £15-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.480456 -3.179194 18 Cafe Citta , 4 Church Street , ☏ +44 29 2022 4040 . Cosy authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of the city centre. £30-40 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.477752 -3.201358 19 Riverside Cantonese , Leckwith Road, Riverside ( next to Ninian Park railway station ), ☏ +44 29 2037 2163 , [email protected] . £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.478542 -3.177969 20 Tŷ Madeira , 32 St Mary Street , ☏ +44 29 2022 4477 , [email protected] . Portuguese restaurant offering a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, whose authenticity is attested by the conversations in Portuguese you'll hear from nearby tables. Set in an atmosphere reminiscent of a wine cellar, the restaurant is much larger than it looks from the outside, and its long, deep layout might make you half forget you're in Britain and imagine you're somewhere on the Iberian coast. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.480414 -3.179331 21 Santiago's Tapas , 3 Church St , ☏ +44 29 2022 6666 . Good quality Spanish tapas restaurant. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.480518 -3.178621 22 The Real Italian Pizza Company , 22-23 Trinity Street , ☏ +44 29 2023 5963 . Good choice for authentic Italian pizza in the city centre. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.478138 -3.176556 23 Spice Quarter , Unit 8b, 1st Floor, Caroline St, Brewery Quarter , ☏ +44 29 2022 0075 , [email protected] . Upmarket modern Indian restaurant tucked away in the Brewery Quarter. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.481407 -3.198454 24 Bangkok Cafe , 207 Cowbridge Road East, Canton ( in Canton - follow Castle Street across the river then diverge right onto Cowbridge Road East ), ☏ +44 29 2034 0455 . Thai restaurant offering a selection of stir fries, curries and noodle dishes and a reasonable vegan menu. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.493069 -3.177661 25 Zi's Cafe , 96 Woodville Road, Cathays ( in Cathays north of the city centre ), ☏ +44 29 2115 3651 . Excellent quality casual Chinese restaurant offering eat-in as well as takeaway with a good vegetarian selection. Try the sea spiced aubergine. £15-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.478211 -3.177004 26 Mia Porto Due , The Old Brewery Quarter , ☏ +44 29 2022 7147 , [email protected] . Restaurant offering a range of different Portuguese and Italian dishes. Fish and seafood lovers should try the Portuguese seafood stew. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.480892 -3.183028 27 Castell Restaurant , The Angel Hotel, Castle St , ☏ +44 29 2064-9200 . Amazing views of the castle grounds, and serves traditional Welsh cuisine. Also caters for private parties. ( updated Jan 2022 )
• 51.460585 -3.167305 28 Tir a Môr , Havannah St , ☏ +44 29 2045-4045 . The luxury restaurant at the St David Hotel and Spa. Amazing views all around Cardiff Bay, and serves a traditional freshly caught seafood. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.484881 -3.175677 29 Park House Restaurant and Wine Bar , 20 Park Place , ☏ +44 29 2022 4343 , [email protected] . Upmarket fine dining restaurant with an extensive wine list. £80-90 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.47831 -3.175433 30 The Ivy Cardiff , 69/70 St David’s, St Davids Centre , ☏ +44 29 2233 8940 . Cardiff branch of the famous Ivy restaurant of London. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Cafés [ edit ]

• Wally's Delicatessen & Kaffeehaus , 38-46 Royal Arcade , ☏ +44 29 2022 9265 , [email protected] . Delicatessen downstairs and Viennese-style cafe upstairs offering table service breakfasts and lunches with a wide selection of Viennese coffee styles available. Can get busy at weekends. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Nata & Co , 3 Castle St , ☏ +44 29 2034 2200 . Popular local Portuguese bakery offering a wide selection of traditional Portuguese cakes and pastries and coffee for eating in or takeaway. Has a shop opposite the castle, another at the other end of Queen Street, another on Bute Street in Cardiff Bay and another on Clifton Street in Adamsdown. Try the Pastel de Nata for an authentic Portuguese treat and also order a cappuccino for the correct, smaller original version, not the giant mug of milk you get in most coffee chains!. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Waterloo Tea , Wyndham Arcade , ☏ +44 29 2037 6249 . Relaxed tearooms with a huge selection of different loose leaf teas. Cafes in Wyndham Arcade in the city centre and several others elsewhere across Cardiff and Penarth. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

Cardiff is one of top nights out in Britain having the most pubs per square foot than anywhere else in the country. It has many late night pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants. In the city centre, St Mary's Street, Greyfriars Road and Mill Lane are especially lively and offer a variety of establishments to suit all tastes. Mermaid Quay is a lively, albeit smaller option to spend a warm summer night.

Cardiff is a place to drink, favoured by stag and hen parties from all over the UK. St Mary St contains many pubs and shops and becomes wild and exciting on Friday and Saturday nights. There are numerous clubs only a block short walk from Central Station that are bumping into the wee hours. An extensive venue and events list, including gigs and live bands can be found at What's on in Cardiff guide.

For a quieter drink, seek out:

• 51.478972 -3.178194 1 Cardiff Cottage , St. Mary's St, CF10 1AA , ☏ +44 29 2033-7195 . (except weekends and matchdays).  
• A Shot in the Dark , 12 City Rd , ☏ +44 29 2047-2300 . Somewhere between a dimly lit bar and a chilled-out café, Has a certain joie de vivre in its unique atmosphere.  
• Fly By Night , 11 High Street . Upmarket wine bar serving a decent selection of wines by the glass or bottle. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 51.48063 -3.18108 5 Gin and Juice , 6 Castle Arcade, CF10 1BU ( off Castle St ), ☏ +44 29 2022 1556 . Gin bar offering a wide choice for all palates. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Prego Italian Wine Bar , 23 High Street , ☏ +44 29 2132 1231 , [email protected] . Casual Italian-style cafe-bar offering a range of Sclavia and other wines, lager and coffees as well as a small selection of food such as paninis and pizzas. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Sleep [ edit ]

It can be very difficult to find rooms available or within a sensible price when the Millennium Stadium is hosting events, especially when Wales play in rugby or football, so plan around the dates or plan early as it will be much cheaper.

Camping [ edit ]

• Cardiff Caravan Park , Pontcanna Fields ( on the opposite bank of the Taff from Bute Park ), ☏ +44 29 2039-8362 , fax : +44 29 2039-8362 . Central camp site . Friendly staff. Bike hire on site, also very limited family room, but wide choice of food & drink within walking distance.  
• Wedal Road Youth Hostel , 2 Wedal Road , ☏ +44 845 371-9311 . Roath Park: for £19 (adult without YHA membership), it's the cheapest place to stay and really quite funky (for a Youth Hostel): no curfew, modern, clean, friendly personnel, and a sumptuous breakfast is included; it's about a 20-minute walk from the city centre, or 10 minutes by bus.  
• The River House Backpackers , 59 Fitzhamon Embankment, Riverside ( just opposite Millenium Stadium ), ☏ +44 29 2039-9810 . Excellent boutique hostel. The dorms are neat and simple, bathrooms are nice and always kept clean. There is a common kitchen and eating area, as well as a TV and reading room. Free breakfast and wifi internet is included. The atmosphere is social but not too rowdy. Very hospitable owners and staff. Dorm beds around £18 per night .  
• There are three other hostels in the city including Nos Da , Cardiff Backpackers and Nomad .
• Cardiff Marriott Hotel , Mill Ln ( within a block of the train station, right across from at least ten clubs ), ☏ +44 29 2039-9944 . It has reasonably comfortable rooms (not yet with the Marriott upgraded beds). They have high speed internet connections in the rooms, but the fee is £15/day for the service. The staff is friendly and helpful. Also, they have a small multi-storey car park for the hotels guest.  
• Park Inn Hotel Cardiff , Mary Ann St , ☏ +44 29 2034-1441 . Comfortable hotel in the city centre.  
• Express By Holiday Inn Cardiff Bay , Longuiel Close , ☏ +44 29 2044-9000 . Clean hotel in Cardiff Bay, 15-min walk from the centre.  
• Holiday Inn Cardiff Central , Castle St , ☏ +44 870 400-8140 . Minutes from most attractions in the city centre.  
• Lincoln House Hotel , Cathedral Rd , ☏ +44 29 2039-5558 . Traditional converted townhouse on the outskirts of Cardiff city centre.  
• 51.479878 -3.186062 1 Austins Guesthouse - Cardiff , 11 Coldstream Terrace , ☏ +44 29 2037-7148 , [email protected] . Small friendly B&B in the city centre, 300 yards from the Castle and overlooking the River Taff.  
• The Angel , The Angel Hotel1S2 , ☏ +44 29 2064-9200 . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• 51.55 -3.214 2 New House Country Hotel , Thornhill CF14 9UA , ☏ +44 2920 520280 . Comfy hotel in Georgian manor in hills above Cardiff, dog-friendly. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• Hotel Indigo , Dominions Arcade CF10 2AR , ☏ +44 8719 429104 . Stylish city centre hotel, part of IHG group, no dogs. B&B double £140 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 51.476114 -3.176685 3 Clayton Hotel Cardiff , St Mary Street, CF10 1GD , ☏ +44 292 066 8866 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . Quiet hotel with reliable wifi and luggage storage available. Extensive buffet breakfast costs £10 if booked in advance, £13 the morning of. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Cardiff Hilton , 1 Kingsway , ☏ +44 29 2064-6300 . This is the place for more upmarket stays. Situated right in front of the castle and offers nice views of the civic centre.  
• 51.461663 -3.168237 4 St. David's Hotel and Spa ( The St. David's Hotel & Spa ), Havannah Street , ☏ +44 29 2045-4045 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . A really great stay for those who want that little bit extra. Fronting the bay it offers spectacular scenery and is little more than 5 minutes away from the cosmopolitan bay area. Built and operated by the Rocco Forte Group, it was sold in 2006 to the Principal Hayley Group. Rooms from £99 .  
• Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre , Mary Ann Street , ☏ +44 2920 341 441 . Convenient and comfortable hotel next to the Motorpoint Arena and St. David's Shopping Complex.  
• Radisson Blu Hote , Meridian Gate, Bute Terrace CF10 2FL , ☏ +44 29 2045-4777 , [email protected] .  
• Gelynis Farm B&B , Morganstown ( 5 miles north of Cardiff center ), ☏ +44 29 2084-4440 , [email protected] . 4-star farm and guest house. £45-75 per room, per night .  

Learn [ edit ]

Cardiff is home to around 30,000 students studying in various colleges and universities across the city.

• Cardiff University . Wales' highest ranked university, and in top 5 in the UK for most research disciplines.  
• Cardiff Metropolitan University .  
• University of South Wales . Wales' second largest university has a large new campus in Cardiff city centre focusing on the media, broadcasting and the creative industries.  
• Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama . Focusing on music and drama.  
• United World College of the Atlantic .  

Connect [ edit ]

As of Aug 2022, Cardiff and its approach roads have 5G from all UK carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Media [ edit ]

• The Western Mail , based in Cardiff, and distributed throughout Wales.
• South Wales Echo is the newspaper from and for Cardiff.
• Capital FM The main local radio station for Cardiff and surrounding areas, providing listeners with up-to-date news, local information, as well as chart and contemporary music. Based in the Red Dragon Centre.
• Nation Radio 106.8 & 107.3 FM . Local Rock radio station, with news and weather a nice refreshing change from the main stream stations.
• Gold . Aims at an older audience than Red Dragon FM and also covers the same area.
• ITV Wales News . Broadcast from Cardiff Bay.
• What's on in Cardiff? . Online blog style magazine focusing on music and current events within the city centre.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Cardiff is quite a safe city, and certainly safer than most other major cities in the UK, with the centre having less overall crime than much smaller cities like Gloucester, Northampton and Derby, and far less than in the centre of London, Birmingham, Liverpool or Leeds. However, Cardiff has a relatively high rate of car theft crime rates. Make sure you remove all valuables from your vehicle, especially from show; and don't park at night in badly-lit streets in inner-city neighbourhoods such as Adamsdown, Splott, Riverside or Butetown. If you do need to leave a car overnight, several of the city-centre car parks offer cheap rates for all-night parking and are completely safe. Cardiff seems not to be plagued with a prominent red light district akin to many of the similarly-sized cities in England. However, areas such as Ocean Way in Adamsdown may be wise to avoid in the nights and early evenings in winter, as the area is known for prostitution. Anyone caught curb crawling is likely to be stopped and questioned by police, although more often than not, you will just be told to move on.

Alcohol-related violence is common in parts of Cardiff, especially on the weekends in the clubs and bars concentrated around St Mary Street and Greyfriars Road, so take extra caution to avoid offending anyone. (Cardiff Bay is usually less raucous at these times and attracts much less trouble.) In addition, as in any city, there are areas to avoid after dark: again, these include Adamsdown, Splott, Butetown, and the southern half of Riverside. Bute Park is largely unlit at night so also best avoided.

Go next [ edit ]

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

• The Vale of Glamorgan , to the southwest of Cardiff contains the Victorian seaside towns of Penarth and Barry. Cowbridge is a picturesque town to the west. St Donat's Castle is one such attraction, a well-preserved 15th C. fortified house, with additions over the centuries. Fonmon Castle is also impressive, while ruined Ogmore has a lovely setting. Comeston Lakes is another beautiful place, with a well maintained country park.
• The superb Glamorgan Heritage Coast , around 10 mi west of Cardiff, stretching from Llantwit Major to Ogmore-by-Sea, the majestic liassic/carboniferous cliffs provide sparkling views across the Bristol channel, and the small little back roads (particularly the road to ogmore-by-sea) provide some of the most spectacular driving routes in Wales.
• Penarth - A Victorian seaside resort, now a suburb south of Cardiff. Known as "the Garden by the Sea”, it has a beautiful, historic pier. And Cosmeston Medieval Village, a "living history" medieval village in nearby Lavernock.
• The Brecon Beacons and the town of Brecon are to the north.
• Try taking the train to Newport , and then a bus to Caerleon and visiting the Roman amphitheatre there. It is quite well preserved and gives a real feel for how the Romans would have used the space.
• It is possible to visit Hereford as a day trip, using either train or car.
• Chepstow and Tintern , attractive ancient towns with staggering stone ruins on the border with England

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20 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Cardiff

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Anietra Hamper Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Anietra Hamper and photographer Ian Henderson spent time exploring the sights of Cardiff in the summer of 2022 while on assignment for PlanetWare.

The capital of Wales, the beautiful city of Cardiff is the perfect place to begin exploring this amazing country.

An easy drive over the River Severn from the English city of Bristol , Cardiff (Caerdydd) is where you'll find some of the country's top tourist attractions and things to do. This city has long been of historic significance, as evidenced by splendid Cardiff Castle, widely regarded as one of the best-preserved of the dozens of castles in Wales.

From the castle, it's a short and extremely pleasant walk through the city's Victorian-era arcades down to Cardiff Bay, one of the largest port revitalization projects in all of Europe. Here, you can wander through the old warehouses and wharves, and even enjoy a spot of dining or shopping.

Cardiff also makes for a great jumping-off spot to explore other important attractions in Wales . One of the best (and closest) is the magnificent Brecon Beacons, while the spectacular Snowdonia National Park — although a little farther north — is well worth a visit.

For more great ideas on the best places to visit, read our list of the top attractions in Cardiff, Wales.

1. St. Fagans National Museum of History

2. take a tour of cardiff castle, 3. visit cardiff bay, 4. enjoy a game of rugby at principality stadium, 5. learn about welsh history at the national museum cardiff, 6. see a performance at the wales millennium centre, 7. get outdoors in roath park, 8. stroll through the city's victorian arcades, 9. the red castle: castell coch, 10. get hands-on at techniquest, 11. see ancient artifacts at llandaff cathedral, 12. walk the grounds at caerphilly castle, 13. hit the rapids at cardiff international white water, 14. tour cardiff city hall, 15. walk the trails at bute park & arboretum, 16. go underground in a welsh mining experience, 17. get social at mermaid quay, 18. climb aboard for a cardiff boat tour, 19. spend an evening at the new theatre, 20. the museum of cardiff, where to stay in cardiff for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to cardiff, map of attractions & things to do in cardiff, cardiff - climate chart.

One of the most popular places to visit in Cardiff is also where you will be able to fully immerse yourself in Welsh culture, through the living history experiences at the St. Fagans National Museum of History . This open-air attraction offers insight into the traditional skills and crafts that helped shape the country as you interact with costumed interpreters who bring the exhibits to life.

Highlights include the opportunity to explore a variety of original and reproduction buildings, including quaint farmhouses and cottages, well-kept gardens, along with workshops and mills where you can enjoy demonstrations of old machinery.

Good times to visit, if you can, include spring, summer, and at Christmas, with each season marked by a number of special events and festivals.

Location: Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales

Built atop a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman fortification, Cardiff Castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Wales. It's also one of the most romantic and best preserved of the country's many historic castles, with some of the oldest sections dating back as far as the 10th century.

One of the most notable features that make it such an attractive place to visit are the State Apartments. Each room is chock-full of fascinating displays and useful information relating to the people that once lived and worked here, as well as key events in the castle's history.

Other highlights include the picturesque chapel and the clock tower, along with the elegant Banqueting Hall , famous for its rich artworks and murals, as well as its impressive centerpiece, the room's large and elaborately decorated fireplace.

If you're pressed for time and want to be sure you're able to see the best parts of this magnificent historic site, consider joining an organized tour.

Address: Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales

There is no doubt that part of your time in Cardiff will be spent at Cardiff Bay — this spectacular waterfront complex is the centerpiece of the city , with shopping, entertainment, food, and sporting events.

It can easily take the better part of a day to explore this 2,700-acre waterfront area, but it is well worth the expenditure of time and energy — not to mention that it will give you a good excuse to enjoy some of the local eateries when you take a rest.

Covering pretty much the entire former dockyards, the Cardiff Bay redevelopment, which is one of the largest in Europe, is home to plenty of fun things to do, particularly if you're traveling with kids.

Take a ride on the Ferris wheel or plan a boat ride from one of the many dockside operators. While there is plenty of modern-day entertainment at Cardiff Bay, it is hard to miss the remnants of its historic importance as one of the largest docks in the world.

Those with kids who enjoy reading books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Big Friendly Giant should also pop in to the historic Norwegian Church, where the author of these classic tales, Roald Dahl, once worshipped (there's even a public square, Roald Dahl Plass, dedicated to the author's memory). Also notable here is the Senedd, which houses the country's government offices.

For those who enjoy walking, you won't be disappointed. You could spend hours walking the many parks and paths here, some of which lead through the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve with plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.

The former warehouses and wharves are now home to everything from luxury homes and hotels. In addition to its theaters, it's here you'll find the Wales Millennium Centre performance arts facility (see below for more on this top Cardiff attraction), numerous art studios and galleries, and excellent shopping.

Address: Queen Alexandra House, Cargo Road, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Wales

If you're interested in sports, try to take in a rugby match at the nearby Principality Stadium at Cardiff Arms Park .

And if that's not possible — the Welsh take their rugby seriously, so matches often sell out (especially international matches) — at least opt for a tour of this state-of-the-art stadium.

Highlights of an informative organized tour include behind-the-scenes peeks into the national rugby team's change rooms and the tunnels that lead to the pitch, as well as the VIP and press facilities. When not hosting rugby games, the venue is often used for major music artists passing through Cardiff while on tour.

Address: Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales

Those wanting to learn more about the rich history of Wales would do well to visit the National Museum Cardiff .

Housed in the city's architecturally pleasing Civic Center building, this large and fascinating museum features numerous displays depicting the country's history all the way back to the time of dinosaurs. Among its collections relating to archaeology, a standout are the many fascinating displays of Bronze Age weaponry.

Art lovers will want to visit the large art gallery. Notable among its extensive catalogue of important paintings are works by Impressionists including Monet and Picasso. There are also a number of important sculptures by Rodin, some of the later works in a collection that dates all the way back to the 1500s.

Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales

Those interested in arts and culture would do well to try to grab a performance at the very modern Wales Millennium Centre .

A leader in performances as diverse as classical music and opera, ballet, and modern dance, as well as literary events and musical shows, this sprawling five-acre venue has been dubbed one of the top performing arts centers on the planet. If you are looking for things to do at night in Cardiff, this is the place.

Even if you can't make a show or performance, be sure to visit to explore the grounds — it is, after all, located in Cardiff Bay — as well as the other fun things to do here. Related activities include educational events, lectures, and workshops, as well as dining and shopping experiences. The facility also offers a series of informative guided tours and behind-the-scenes activities.

Address: Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Wales

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Cardiff is to slip on walking shoes or runners and take a stroll through one of the city's many fine parks.

A favorite among residents and visitors alike, Roath Park was established back in 1894 as one of the city's first public parks and has maintained a unique Victorian feel to this day. Roath Park is designated as a Green Flag park for its excellence in connecting people to outdoor spaces and it is one of the top parks for this designation in the UK.

Roath Park is a big place, so plan to spend a few hours exploring its 130 acres of scenic green space.

Highlights include the pretty Nant Fawr stream, which was dammed during the park's construction to form a lovely 30-acre lake. Circumventing the lake itself is a journey of nearly one and a half miles, with many benches and potential picnic spots along the way.

While it's certainly fun watching families and outdoor enthusiasts out on the water, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors, too. Highlights include fishing and rowing (rowboats can be rented), with the park's iconic lighthouse making a great selfie backdrop.

There's also a surprising number of "wilderness" (of sorts) here, with a conservation area that serves as home to a variety of birds and water fowl, and a charming "Wild Garden" featuring pleasant paths and plenty of shade.

If gardens are your thing, check out the park's Botanic Garden , popular for its collection of shrubs, trees, and displays of flowers. There's even a fun adventure playground for the kids. Sporting activities available include tennis, basketball, and lawn bowls.

Address: Lake Rd West, Cardiff, Wales

A must-experience in central Cardiff are the well-preserved and still bustling Victorian shopping arcades. Cardiff is known as the "City of Arcades" because of the seven Victorian and Edwardian structures in the city center that feature hundreds of local shopping boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. You can plan an entire day just exploring these beautiful and historic shopping arcades.

Dissecting the city, these fascinating, old covered pedestrian thoroughfares were originally built to allow residents and visitors to enjoy shopping indoors without having to concern themselves with the weather or the poor conditions of roads and sidewalks.

A good place to begin is at the oldest, the Royal Arcade , built in 1858. Many of the original shopfronts exist unchanged to this day, though the wares sold may have evolved over the decades. Today, you can find limitless choices of Welsh crafts and woolen goods. Don't forget to enjoy a traditional Welsh cake from one of several bakeries that still make them from generations-old recipes.

Other favorite arcades include the High Street Arcade , built in 1886 and well-known as a place to shop for clothing, and the Castle Arcade , which connects the downtown area to the castle and is well worth visiting for its art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. The Cardiff Market is another landmark shopping area to visit and has been serving up fresh produce from local growers since the 1890s.

Cardiff has several castles to explore, which is no surprise given that Wales has the highest concentration of castles in the UK.

Castell Coch , also known as the Red Castle, is, however, quite different altogether. Only 200 years old, this Cinderella-like castle, with its attractive turrets and towers, looks like it popped right out of a book of fairy-tales. This was indeed the intent of its creator, the third Marquess of Bute.

The attention to detail, both inside and out, is remarkable, and makes the visit well worthwhile. Attractive flourishes include carvings of creatures and religious icons — including some from (you guessed it) famous fairy-tales — as well as accompanying displays that allow guests to enjoy a virtual exploration of the building's unique history.

Address: Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales

If you are traveling with kids, then booking a few hours on the itinerary to play at Techniquest is worthwhile. This is also a great rainy-day option during your trip to Cardiff since it is an indoor venue.

Techniquest is the UK's longest established science center, and the first of its kind in the UK to have Governing Member status in the Association of Science and Technology Centres (ASTC).

Techniquest has hundreds of interactive exhibits with educational and hands-on learning that showcase science exploration. Some of the most popular experiences here are the live lab demonstrations and shows.

Be sure to catch a galactic showing at the state-of-the-art planetarium . Round out your visit with a stop in to the gift shop to pick up unique science souvenirs to take home and a bite to eat at the café overlooking Cardiff Bay.

Address: Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Perhaps the best-known of Cardiff's many pretty churches — and certainly one worth visiting — the attractive Llandaff Cathedral was built in the 1300s on the ruins of the original structure built some 200 years earlier.

It's a delight to tour, rewarding the adventurous traveler with a pleasant look at a landmark that has drawn worshippers from across the country since the times of Bishop Urban, the cathedral's founder.

Exterior highlights include the impressive 15th-century tower, while a tour of the interior — either self-guided or arranged through church staff — will expose you to such features as an exquisite and fully-restored 18th-century Italian temple, notable for its rare religious sculptures and artifacts.

Address: Cathedral Road, Cardiff, Wales

Another castle worth visiting while you are in Cardiff is the stunning Caerphilly Castle, which is an easy 15-minute drive north of the city.

Built in 1628 and the largest castle in the country ever since, it served as part of the network of castles built by the English to keep control over the much-coveted Welsh countryside. Given its size and the scale of its defenses and battlements, it's a lot of fun to explore, and can easily take the best part of a day to see it all.

Of its many notable features, none impress as much as the two huge drawbridges which, along with the deep moat they cross when down, present an imposing portrait of the castle's daunting purpose-to keep out the enemy. An exploration of the interior provides a close-up look at a variety of displays of old weaponry and armor-much of it actually used in war-as well as interesting displays relating to everyday life for those who ruled, and those they ruled over.

Address: Castle Street, Caerphilly, Wales

Fortunately for sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers, there are plenty more fun things to do in Cardiff beyond exploring its rich history. A favorite for those into water sports, Cardiff International White Water offers a wide variety of experiences and programs for professional and amateur adventurers alike.

Part of the larger sports village development in Cardiff Bay, which was constructed for the 2012 Olympics, this unique facility consists of a man-made white water environment whose 250-meter course can be adjusted to suit the experience, whether it's a gentle family rafting trip or a full-on hardcore canoe or kayak heart-stopper.

A good choice for families with younger kids is to start things off with lessons at the Paddle School before heading out for fun on some of the easier obstacles to tackle. Other extreme sports fun here includes surfing, canyoning, and bodyboarding.

Address: Watkiss Way, Cardiff, Wales

Another venue worth popping into if you're nearby — it's located in the city center, so is easy to find — is the old Cardiff City Hall .

A handsome old building that was constructed in 1906, Cardiff City Hall, though largely used for events and functions, is open for the public to visit. And it's around 30 minutes of your time that's well-spent (especially as it's free!).

Notable features you'll see during your visit consist of immaculately restored interiors that date back to Edwardian times, in particular the famous Marble Hall, a large space decorated with a series of impressive marble statues and columns.

Also worth noting is the Assembly Room, once used to hold ceremonies and where local dignitaries would mix with visiting royalty. The old council chambers, too, are worth a peek, as is the facility's art collection.

Bute Park is centrally located in Cardiff behind Cardiff Castle, and is not only a lovely green space for strolling, picnicking, and riding a bike but it's a great thoroughfare to cut through for getting from one section of the city to another.

This park is one of the largest urban parks in the country , and it has a beautiful mix of unique trees, flowers, walking paths, woodlands, sculptures, fitness stations, and play trails for children.

The landscape includes an arboretum that features notable species of trees known as champion trees that are either the widest or tallest of their species within the UK. There are many park benches and shade trees where you can just sit and enjoy the views, or you can walk the paths to find the special treasures that the park holds, like the ancient friary that remains on the property.

Start your visit to Bute Park at the visitor center or by reviewing the park layout signs at the various entrances to orient yourself to the landscape and walkways.

Address: 35 North Road, Cardiff, Wales

While Cardiff is a thriving modern city, its roots in mining are strong, and visitors have a great opportunity to get a hands-on experience of this important piece of Welsh heritage at the Rhondda Heritage Park . The park sits on the site of the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery and contains many of the original mining equipment including the chimney and shafts used when it was in operation in the late 1800s.

Take the Black Gold Underground Experience tour through the actual mines that were used. The tour guides are former miners who share historic details about the importance of mining in the Rhondda Valley and their personal stories about life working in the mines.

After the 90-minute tour, take time to walk through the exhibits in the main building where you can see artifacts and history about the region and the influence that mining had on the community beyond just its economy.

Stop by the Caffe Bracchi for a snack with Italian pastries and foods created from the influence of some of the first migrants to the region.

Address: Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Coed Cae Road, Trehafod, Wales

The social scene in Cardiff happens at Mermaid Quay . This is a gathering spot with dozens of restaurants and cafes, serving fare from around the world in settings that range from chic and casual to upscale dining.

The layout of the area is just as exciting as what's there to enjoy from the food, shopping and entertainment to the spots to relax. The architecture at Mermaid Quay is a combination of decks and balconies to bridges, terraces and towers.

Spend an afternoon or evening exploring Mermaid Quay, which is a great place to go with no agenda attached. There is generally live entertainment happening with options that range from a comedy club and live music to cinema.

Its waterfront setting is peaceful and a nice place to watch the sunset. For an added treat, hop onto the waterbus service that will take you for a ride around Cardiff Bay.

Address: Cardiff Harbor, Cardiff, Wales

A great way to add to your Cardiff experience is by seeing the city from the water. There are several types of boat tours to take whether it is a cruise around Cardiff Bay or a ride on a vintage vessel.

The Princess Katharine is a popular option in Cardiff, a one-hour round trip ride that you can split into two 25-minute one-way rides as you get out to explore at the stop in-between.

These boat trips are a fun way to get out onto the water while learning about the history of Cardiff and the region and seeing points of interest that you might otherwise miss while exploring on your own.

You can find several boat trip operators at the docks along Cardiff Bay with varied departures and trip options to fit your time and interests.

Despite its name, the New Theatre in Cardiff is they city's oldest existing performance theatre. This Edwardian masterpiece is a beautiful venue where you can spend an evening taking in a show. Performances range from musicals and comedy to live music and guest speakers. There is a nice walkable neighborhood around the theatre where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before the show or a coffee afterwards.

The first performance at the New Theatre took the stage in 1906 and it has been a community treasure ever since. The theatre seats 1100 people and has the largest stage in Wales, making for a dynamic visual performance of the many shows that appear here throughout the year. Visit the New Theatre website before your visit to see what's showing .

Address: Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN

The excellent Museum of Cardiff (also known as the "Cardiff Story Museum") is another must-see for visitors wanting to learn more about this still-important city's long and rich history. Using informative displays and original artifacts dating from various periods, visitors are led through the centuries, from the city's humble beginnings as a market and agricultural center to its rise as one of the UK's most important (and largest) ports.

In addition to its permanent displays, many interesting temporary exhibits are featured each year, along with fun educational workshops and events. Admission to this attraction is also free.

Address: The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff, Wales

Thanks to its many fine attractions and coastal location, Cardiff makes for a wonderful vacation destination. To help ensure you get the best from your time there, we've pulled together the following list of our recommendations of excellent hotels in convenient locations near Cardiff's top attractions.

Luxury Hotels :

• Located on the city's waterfront overlooking Cardiff Bay, voco St. David's Cardiff offers a luxurious stay with superb views through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows in each if its rooms. On-site amenities of note include a wonderful spa with whirlpool tubs and a heated pool.
• Just a short walk away from Cardiff Castle is the elegant Park Plaza Hotel Cardiff , a popular luxury choice for its spacious rooms and suites, a world-class spa, and fine-dining restaurant (be sure to try the afternoon tea).
• Also worth considering in this category is the Hilton Cardiff , close to the castle and the city's top shopping arcades and offering chic rooms, separate bathrooms with walk-in showers, a restaurant, and spa.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• A great choice in the mid-range hotel category is the Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre Hotel . In addition to its great-value rates and comfy beds, the hotel is in a fantastic location just a short stroll from Cardiff Castle.
• Other contenders in this category include the Clayton Hotel Cardiff , popular for its modern décor and amenities including a gym, and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff , a good choice for its handy proximity to the city's main train station and stylish amenities.

Budget Hotels :

• A great option for those on a tighter budget is the Travelodge Cardiff Atlantic Wharf . In addition to its budget rates and excellent value, as well as comfortable rooms with contemporary décor, the hotel is just steps from the Wales Millennium Centre.
• Also worth considering are Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff , popular for its proximity to the train station and stadium, and Future Inn Cardiff Hotel , a good option for its comfortable, clean rooms and location near the city's top shopping areas.

Hop on the Bus, Gus :

• Thanks to its many great attractions and points of interest, Cardiff is a great place to spend a day or more exploring. One of the best ways to get the most out of your time here is to participate in a City Sightseeing Cardiff Hop-On Hop-Off Tour . With the freedom to get on or off these classic double decker busses whenever and wherever it suits you, you'll find yourself able to get the most out of your time as you explore such popular attractions as the city's famous castle and the Millennium Stadium. Included with your 24-hour ticket is an informative audio commentary to help ensure you get the most from your Cardiff experience.

Dr Who? Dr Who! :

• Thanks to the location here of the BBC studio responsible for the production of the famed British TV series, Cardiff has become something of a pilgrimage destination for fans of Dr Who. A great option for those on a tight schedule who want to cram in as much Dr Who-related fun as they can is the excellent Dr Who TV Locations Tour . This three-hour bus tour takes in the film locations related to the hit series, providing informative commentary and tidbits along the way from experienced guides (who are also fans). Highlights include a stop at Llandaff, the series' fictional village of Leadworth, along with other notable landmarks, including the National Museum of Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium.

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Make a Day of It : Cardiff serves as the perfect jumping-off point for adventures in and around southern Wales. For those seeking fun day trip ideas , look no further than nearby Brecon Beacons National Park, which offers numerous great hiking and biking trails. The city of Swansea is also worth visiting. Popular for its historic market, its parks, and revitalized waterfront, this coastal town is an easy one-hour car or rail journey from Cardiff. Another hour farther west, and you'll find yourself on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline , a magnificent area that includes the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and beautiful seaside towns and villages including Tenby, Laugharne, and Carmarthen.

Hills and Valleys : Picture Wales in your mind, and you'll no doubt conjure up images of gorgeous valleys surrounded by rugged mountains. The many beautiful valleys of South Wales are in fact home to no end of fun things to see and do, from visiting historic mines (Rhondda Heritage Park) to beautiful waterfalls (Brecon Beacons National Park). And as it's such a small country, it's relatively easy to explore northern parts of Wales from Cardiff, too. Highlights include some of the country's most beautiful castles (Caernarfon and Conwy), picturesque seaside towns (Llandudno and Porthmadog), and, of course, the must-visit Snowdonia National Park .

England's Glory : Wales is also just a hop, skip, and a jump from some of the top attractions in England . Liverpool is the closest major English city, and is famous the world over as the birthplace of the Beatles, with many points of interest related to the band. Farther south, and you'll find yourself in beautiful Bath , a popular travel destination for its well-preserved Roman baths.

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St Fagans National History Museum

Historic buildings from all over the country have been dismantled and re-erected in the semirural surrounds of St Fagans village, 5 miles west of central…

Flanked by the castle and the River Taff, Bute Park was donated to the city along with the castle in 1947. With Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields and…

Principality Stadium

Also known as Millennium Stadium ('Principality' is the current naming-rights sponsor), this spectacular venue squats like a stranded spaceship on the…

Wales Millennium Centre

The centrepiece and symbol of Cardiff Bay's regeneration is the £106-million Wales Millennium Centre, an architectural masterpiece of stacked Welsh slate…

Castell Coch

Cardiff Castle's fanciful little brother sits perched atop a thickly wooded crag on the northern fringes of Cardiff. It was the summer retreat of the…

Llandaff Cathedral

This venerable cathedral is set in a hollow near the River Taff, on the site of a 6th-century monastery founded by St Teilo. The present building was…

Long, narrow Roath Park rivals Bute Park as Cardiff's favourite green space. The third marquess of Bute gifted the land to the city in 1887, when the…

Yr Hen Lyfrgell

Croeso (welcome) to a bastion of the Welsh language in the overwhelmingly English-speaking capital. Cardiff's beautiful Old Library has been converted…

Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve

Between the Bristol Channel and Mermaid Quay lies a 20-acre conservation area on former dockland. Tall walls of reeds attract warblers, bunting,…

Cardiff Story

This excellent little museum uses interactive displays, free audio guides, video footage and everyday objects to tell the story of Cardiff’s…

Ffotogallery

Also known as the Turner House Gallery, this red-brick building near the train station hosts edgy photographic, video and multimedia exhibitions. It's at…

Designed by Lord Richard Rogers (the architect behind London's Lloyd's building and Millennium Dome and Paris' Pompidou Centre), the home of the National…

One of the waterfront's few Victorian remnants, Pierhead is a red-brick and glazed-terracotta French Gothic confection, built in 1897 with Bute family…

Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Looking as though it's popped out of the pages of a story book, this white-slatted wooden building with a black witch's-hat spire was modelled on a…

St John the Baptist Church

A graceful Gothic tower rises from this 15th-century church, its delicate stonework looking almost like filigree. Along with the castle keep, this is one…

Ianto's Shrine

For over a decade Cardiff has been the filming location for famed TV series Doctor Who and its spin-off, Torchwood. In 2009 one of the main characters of…

Cardiff Bay Barrage

Completed in 1999 at a cost of £220 million, this large dam plugged the gap between Penarth and Porth Teigr, containing the waters flowing out from the…

Animal Wall

This section of wall on Bute Park's southern edge is topped with stone figures of lions, seals, bears and other creatures. In the 1930s they were the…

Techniquest

With the aim of introducing kids to science, Techniquest is jam-packed with engrossing, hands-on exhibits that are equally enjoyable for under-fives and…

Roald Dahl Plass

The unusual shape of this large public space is due to its past life as the basin of the West Bute Dock. A large rectangular dock once extended from here…

Coal Exchange

This imposing but semiderelict building was once the nerve centre of the Welsh coal trade, and for a time the place where international coal prices were…

Blackfriars Priory

As you're walking through Bute Park, look for the outline of the foundations of 13th-century Blackfriars Priory. It was destroyed in 1404, when Owain…

Water Sculpture

Roald Dahl Plass is overseen by a soaring stainless-steel water sculpture, which fans of the Doctor Who spin-off series will recognise as the location of…

Gorsedd Stones

This stone circle was erected in 1978 when Cardiff hosted the National Eisteddfod. Such so-called gorsedd stones are found all over Wales where…

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Plan Your Cardiff Holiday: Best of Cardiff

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Plan Your Trip to Cardiff: Best of Cardiff Tourism

PLAN YOUR TRIP Cardiff

Essential cardiff.

Trending in the forums

Cardiff Is Great For

Movie tours.

Historical Tours

Make & see art

Cultural Tours

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• Premier Inn Cardiff North hotel
• The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
• The Parkgate Hotel
• Clayton Hotel Cardiff
• voco St. David's Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
• Miller & Carter Cardiff Bay
• Pasture Cardiff
• The Ivy Cardiff
• Ciliegino Restaurant
• Mina Restaurant
• Cardiff Castle
• St Fagans National Museum of History
• Cardiff Bay
• Principality Stadium
• National Museum Cardiff
• The Wandering Bard's Tour of South Wales
• The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour
• Guided Hike Of The Six Brecon Beacons Waterfalls From Cardiff
• Doctor Who Cardiff Walking Tour
• Cardiff Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

15 Very Best Things to Do in Cardiff (2023)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 1, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Cardiff? In this article, you will discover our selection of the VERY BEST things to do in Cardiff including the main landmarks and best attractions not to miss in Wales’s capital city.

The Welsh capital is the buzzing centre of this Celtic nation. Crammed with cultural hotspots, charming Victorian architecture, a rich history, impressive castles, and modern urban hangouts, Cardiff has a whole heap of things for visitors to do and is a great place to include in your itinerary for south Wales.

If you are visiting Cardiff for the first time it is well worth spending some time discovering what the capital city of Wales has to offer. In this article, we have put together a round-up of some of the VERY BEST things to do in Cardiff to ensure you have a fun day and make the most of your visit to this vibrant city at the heart of Wales.

At the end of the article you will find a map showing the locations of all the Welsh attractions, eateries and places to stay mentioned in this article.

We recommend taking the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to enjoy the main attractions of Cardiff. Alternatively, a walking tour is a great way to explore the city. This private tour with a local is a great way to learn about the city and Welsh culture (why not meet people not just see places!)

Tip – Many British TV programmes are made in Cardiff. Why not join a themed walking tour and learn more about your favourite TV show? This one is perfect for Dr Who fans and if Gavin and Stacey are more your thing this is the one for you!

Cardiff Castle

Stroll cardiff’s centenary walk, cardiff bay, wales millennium centre, bute park sculpture trail, wander cardiff’s central market, shop in the cardiff’s 6 victorian arcades, national museum of cardiff, st fagans national museum of history, llandaff cathedral, take a themed tour of the city, the cottage, barkers tea room, the naked vegan ltd, the lansdowne pub, castell coch, caerphilly castle, barry island, bannau brycheiniog (formally known as the brecon beacons), where to stay in cardiff, map of things to do and see in cardiff (+ accommodation & eateries), visiting wales, top tourist attractions & best things to do in cardiff.

If you like castles, you’re in luck: Cardiff Castle is one of the most historic in the UK. Sat right in the heart of the city, this castle is a fascinating structure that’ll have you enthralled for hours.

It was first built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, but then the Normans moved in during the 11th century and constructed the still awe-inspiring Norman keep that you see today. If you look carefully at the castle walls you will see traces of the abandoned Roman fort it was built upon.

The Lords of Glamorgan built the House in the 15th century and finally, a grand Victorian Gothic home was added in the 19th century.

The Cardiff Castle Clock Tower which stands at over 100 feet tall and dominates the city skyline was completed in 1873. So for its 2,000 years of history, visiting this castle is easily one of the best things to do in Cardiff.

Good to know – If you dream of spending the night in a fairytale Welsh castle you may be interested to know that you can! Yes there are a number of castles in Wales with accommodation options – you can find out in my guide to Welsh castle hotels.

Where, When and How Much?

• Castle St, CF10 3RB
• Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 to 16:00 (last entry 15:00), Friday – Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:00).
• Admission prices: £12.00: Adult | £10.00: Senior/student (proof of ID) and disabled visitors | £9: Children 5-16 | Free: Children under 5

Rather than spend money on a tour, it’s possible to hop on a very comprehensive self-guided tour of Cardiff, thanks to the city’s Centenary Walk. Established in 2005 to mark 100 years of Cardiff’s city status, it weaves through some of the most magnificent sights the city has to offer.

Kicking off at the Old Library and onto Cardiff Market, you’ll pass by hotspots (41 in total) such as the Millennium Stadium, the City Hall, and St David’s Cathedral.

Eventually, you’ll wind up back in The Hayes, just south of the city centre. This loop is a must-do in Cardiff for hikers and history buffs alike.

Good to know – If you prefer to save your feet there is a hop-on-hop-off bus tour available which offers panoramic views of the city.

• Starts at Old Library, The Hayes, CF10 1BH
• Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Free admission

Cardiff Bay is a redeveloped area located in south Cardiff and is a happening hangout in the city: think walkways, piers, and boardwalks.

You’ll find a ton of bars and restaurants here to while away the hours. It’s particularly nice on a warm, sunny day when it seems like the whole of Cardiff is out here enjoying this revamped dockyard area.

Don’t miss some of Cardiff’s main attractions including the Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd (which houses the Welsh Government National Assembly for Wales, the Pierhead Building ( a Grade 1 listed building and one of Cardiff’s most familiar landmarks), and the Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl was baptised in 1916.

• Cardiff Bay, CF10 
• Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (times vary for restaurants and bars)

You’ll find the spectacular Wales Millennium Centre located in Roald Dahl Plass (a public square) right in the middle of Cardiff Bay.

This landmark arts centre is built out of Welsh slate and other local materials in a celebration of all things Welsh. Just glimpsing the impressive architecture alone is one of the best things to do in Cardiff.

Opening its doors in 2004, the centre has played host to all sorts of different theatrical performances, from opera to ballet. If you don’t have time to fit in a show, there are on-site restaurants and dining, so you could just grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.

• Bute Pl, CF10 5AL
• Opening hours: typically from Monday – Saturday 10:00 to 18:00
• Admission free (costs of performances vary)

Fancy some art – and a breath of fresh air? Then this place is a must-do when you’re in Cardiff. The sprawling Bute Park is a place to visit in itself. It’s named after the 3rd Marquis of Bute; the Butes were the family that once owned Cardiff Castle.

It’s a popular spot for locals, where on sunny days you can see people laying out on the lawns and picnicking. There are some 21 huge sculptures by various artists scattered throughout the park, from a gigantic stag beetle in Old Man’s Wood to a warthog that locals have affectionately dubbed “Pumba”.

And they’re not just to look at: made of old tree stumps, these sculptures are all about enjoying the natural environment. Feel free to scramble all over them!

• North Rd, CF10 3ER
• Admission free

Hitting up Cardiff’s Victorian-era Central Market is a great way to spend your time in the city. This indoor market has been in operation since the 1700s, but opened in its current form back in 1891. Scarily enough, originally this would have been where the gallows were located.

Today, it’s a thriving farmer’s market and one of the best places to visit in Cardiff for foodies. Spread over two floors, there are fruit and veg shops selling local produce, florists, butchers, and even vegan eateries to try out.

One particularly interesting place is Ashton’s, a fishmonger’s that’s been trading in the same spot since 1866; another long-established stall is the family-run Market Deli, going strong for over a century.

• St Mary St, CF10 1AU. 
• Open daily 8:00 to 15:00

For more Victorian shopping experiences in Cardiff, you should check out the city’s Victorian era arcades. Boasting six Victorian-era arcades, Cardiff’s antique commercial hotspots not only look the part, they also have a range of independent shops to browse.

The biggest of these is Castle Arcade. Right opposite the High Street, this particular arcade was built in 1882 and is split across two floors, with beautiful balconies and ornate interiors.

Elsewhere there’s the well-preserved Morgan Arcade (1896), which is home to Spillers Records , the world’s oldest record shop and a must-visit in Cardiff for music-lovers.

• Various locations in the Castle Quarter
• Times vary, but Castle Arcade is open daily from 8:30 to 18:00

With its 500 years’ worth of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics, the National Museum Cardiff was established in 1912. It’s one of the best things to do in Cardiff if you want to learn about international art and Welsh history.

You’ll find works from famous artists here, including big-hitters like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Lowry, and Francis Bacon.

There are many interactive exhibits to enjoy including the popular mother and baby woolly mammoths on display in the Evolution of Wales gallery.

It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon just strolling around this vast cultural centre (especially on a rainy day) soaking it all up.

• Cathays Park, CF10 3NP
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 to 17:00 (closed Mondays)

For more of a definitively Welsh history lesson than that on offer at the National Museum, you should head to St Fagans National Museum of History.

One particularly cool thing about this place is its location in the grounds of St Fagans Castle, where you’ll find over 50 historic buildings relocated and reconstructed here from all over Wales.

There are old shops, a Victorian school, farm buildings – complete with real-life animals -, a medieval church, and craftspeople at work in traditional garb. It’s an open-air museum, essentially, that makes for a decent day out from the city centre.

• St Fagans, CF5 6XB. 
• Opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00 daily

Llandaff Cathedral is one of 2 cathedrals in Cardiff (St David’s is the Roman Catholic Cathedral). Founded in 107 the cathedral features some of the finest medieval architecture in Wales.

Extended, rebuilt and damaged throughout the ages the Cathedral has had 2 major restorations. One in the late 19th century and another after damage caused by bombing raids during WW2.

• Cathedral Close, High Street, Llandaff, Cardiff
• Usually open daylight hours

Cardiff is a popular location for some of Britain’s best-loved TV shows. If you are a fan of Dr. Who or Gavin and Stacey a themed tour of the city is the perfect option!

• Dr Who Walking Tour of Cardiff – Take a 2.5-hour walking tour of Cardiff, and discover locations in the Welsh capital used in the hit TV series “Doctor Who.” Learn how the city was utilized for intergalactic purposes, and how it was transformed to become New York, Pompeii and more.
• Barry Island Gavin and Stacey Tour – Discover the locations of Gavin and Stacey on this official tour. See Barry Island and visit the home of Stacey. Visit Nessa’s arcade and sit in her chair, then take a walk on Barry seafront.

Where to eat and drink in Cardiff

Exploring all the fun things to do in Cardiff is hungry (and thirsty) work. But don’t worry, there’s no way anyone’s getting hangry here!

There are a ton of different places to eat and drink, from hip bars, cosy coffee shops, and cool cafes to local pubs and fancy restaurants.

Here’s just a selection of what’s on offer.

Despite the name, this is a pub—and a very charming one at that. It’s perfectly situated in the city centre, so after you’ve had a day of discovering Cardiff’s top sights, you can head to this olde worlde pub for a pint of beer (or real ale) and a bite to eat.

The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the decor is particularly traditional. If you want to really soak up the vibes, head here on rugby days when it gets particularly lively.

Where and When?

• 25 St Mary St, CF10 1AA.
• Every day from 12:00 until midnight.

For a less rowdy experience, with a lot of less alcohol involved, make a beeline to Barkers Tea Room. Situated in Cardiff’s historic Castle Arcade , this traditional tea room is a cute little place to cosy up for a spot of breakfast, a tasty lunch, or even some afternoon tea (recommended).

Think big leather chairs and wooden floors or—on warmer days—sipping a cuppa out in the arcade itself. Fancy, but not overly expensive.

• 8-12 High Street Arcade, CF10 1BB
• Every day from 9:00 to 17:00

Among the buzz of Cardiff Market you’ll find The Naked Vegan. This compact stall sells a wide variety of amazing cakes and donuts—all vegan, obviously, and some even gluten-free. They’re so delicious that, vegan or not, you’re bound to be impressed at their offerings.

The raspberry brownie comes particularly recommended. It’s run by a friendly couple who’ll be more than happy to take you through what’s on offer.

• 132 Central Market, CF10 1AU
• Monday – Friday 9:00 to 11:00 (closed weekends)

The Lansdowne Pub is a more family-friendly option than The Cottage, but not only that—it’s also award-winning; receiving CAMRA’s “Pub of the Year” accolade in 2014 and 2015.

Afternoons here are busy with families with children, while evenings are abuzz with friends catching up over drinks. There’s also a good selection of pub grub on offer for those who are more hungry than thirsty.

• 71 Beda Road, CF5 1LX.
• Monday – Thursday from 12:00 to 23:00; Friday – Saturday 12:00 to 23:30; Sundays 12:00 to 22:30.

Places to visit near Cardiff

Located on the outskirts of Cardiff and arguably one of the most picturesque castles in all of Wales, Castell Coch is a stunning fairytale structure. Meaning “Red Castle”, it’s a 19th-century Gothic Revival style building situated on the site of a Norman castle built in 1081 to protect the town of Cardiff – then newly conquered by the Normans.

Rising out of the tree-lined hills in the village of Tongwynlais, this really is a refreshing spot to enjoy a day away from the city.

It’s easy to see why it was used as a summer retreat for the 3rd Marquis of Bute, and why visiting this mini marvel is one of the best things to do in Cardiff.

• Tongwynlais, CF15 7JS. 
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 to 16:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00.
• Admission prices: £7.30: Adult | £5.80: Seniors 65 and over | £4.40: Children 5-17 | Free: Children under 5 and disabled visitors

Caerphilly Castle is arguably the granddaddy of all castles in Wales. This truly impressive and spectacular castle will wow you from the moment you set eyes on it, and makes for a must-visit spot in Cardiff.

Constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century, to consolidate his power in Glamorgan, the medieval castle and towers are surrounded by a large moat and connected via a bridge.

After Windsor Castle, Caerphilly is the second-largest in the whole of the United Kingdom. It boasts concentric walls and soaring Gothic gatehouses, a whole array of stony defences, staircases to tread and windows to peep out of. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to a different time entirely.

• Castle St, Caerphilly, CF83 1JD
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 9:30 to 17:30, with shorter opening hours in the winter months
• Admission prices: £8.90: Adults | £7.10: Seniors 65 and over | £5:30: Children 5-17 | Free: Children under 5 and disabled visitors

Barry Island is a popular destination for locals in the summer months. The seaside resort is located on a peninsula NOT an island as the name suggests.

Barry Island is a fun place to visit for families and an easy day trip from Cardiff. Spend time on the beach, hire a beach hut, and enjoy some tasty fish and chips from Boofy’s!

Where, when and how much?

• Located 7 miles from Cardiff – park at Harbour Road Car Park £4/day. Take the train – 30 minutes from Cardiff Central to Barry Island.
• Visit during the summer months!

If you are planning to spend two or more days based in Cardiff and enjoy the outdoors why not include a visit to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in your itinerary?

With stunning lakes, waterfalls, and peaks it is a great destination for hiking, cycling or wildlife watchers. There are also plenty of adrenaline sports on offer too including paragliding, rafting and sailing.

If you are feeling adventurous why not book a guided hike up Pen-y-fan the highest mountain in Bannau Brycheiniog?

• Located 42 miles from Cardiff. There are no direct train connections so I would recommend hiring a car in Cardiff and driving to the area or booking a tour .
• Visit all year round (check the weather forecast before you go)

Plan your visit to Cardiff

In this section, you will find a quick guide to help plan your visit to the capital city of Wales including a map showing all the main sights and attractions in Cardiff.

How to get to Cardiff from London?

Cardiff is located 150 miles from London and takes around 2 ½ hours by car.

Great Western trains depart hourly from London Paddington to Cardiff Central. The journey takes around 2 hours with one change at Bristol Temple Meads.

Check the trainline for prices and train times.

There are a range of accommodation options in Cardiff to suit all travel styles and budgets. These are our top choices:

• Best – Voco St David’s Cardiff is located in Cardiff Bay. Amenities include a spa and visitors are welcomed with Welsh cakes on arrival.
• Mid-range – 4* Hotel Indigo Cardiff offers modern accommodation and a rather splendid Marco Pierre White restaurant!
• Budget – Hotel Number One Hundred is a boutique-style B&B offering superb value for money.

For more places to stay – Wales Accommodation Guide

My Wales Travel Guide is a great place to start when planning your travels to and around Wales.

You may also find the following articles about visiting Wales useful:

• Top 10 places to visit in in Wales
• Best castles in Wales to explore when you visit
• Fairytale Welsh Castles you can stay in

Join my UK and London travel planning group on Facebook for more tips, inspiration, and help from other travelers planning future travel to and around the UK.

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Explore the captivating Welsh capital city of Cardiff

Rebecca underwood immerses herself in the history and culture of the welsh capital..

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into a colourful and rich history and a vibrant culture. Archaeological finds, discovered in and around the capital, date back to 6000 BCE, providing evidence of settlements and include the St Lythan’s and Tinkinswood burial chambers, both built during the Neolithic period, the chambered tomb of Cae’rarfau, Creigiau, a dormitory settlement, the long barrow of Gwern y Cleppa and five Bronze Age tumuli.

I set off, with a spring in my step, bound for Cardiff Castle, which is located within verdant parklands in the city centre. Imposing Romanesque walls and beautiful towers beckon those who enter to explore two thousand years of history. Cardiff Castle dates back to 1081 when William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, began work on the castle keep within the walls of the third century Roman fort.

During the Victorian era major alterations and extensions took place and were funded by the Scottish aristocrat and philanthropist John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute. William Burges, the English architect and designer was engaged to undertake the enormous task. The Bute family were also responsible for the emergence of Cardiff as the world’s biggest coal exporting port and the castle remained in the family until 1947 when it was gifted to the city.

As I approached the magnificent castle I paused to admire the castle’s clock, which was designed by Edward John Dent, who also designed the clock on Westminster’s Elizabeth Tower, fondly known as Big Ben, although this is in fact one of the clock’s bells.

Cardiff Castle’s interiors are simply glorious, featuring rich and colourful murals, glittering stained glass, intricate wood carvings, marble and gilding. Each room reflects a grand theme focusing on Mediterranean gardens, Italian and Arabian décor. I was mesmerised by the Arabian room’s wooden ceiling, which is covered in gold leaf and beautifully decorated. The dazzling stained glass windows feature crystal balls to encourage the reflection of sunlight onto the ceiling. Another outstanding room is the Banqueting Hall, which dates back to the 15 th century and, although the floors, ceiling and decoration are Victorian, the spectacle is wonderful.

There is, of course, so much to explore and, alas, the hours whizzed by and as evening approached I headed for Cardiff Marriott Hotel, located on Mill Lane, only a ten-minute walk from the castle. Following a swift and efficient check-in I was escorted to a one-bedroom suite on a private access floor. Measuring 42sqm, the bedroom features an ultra comfortable super king size bed and the lounge presented a contemporary plump sofa, ideal for curling up in front of the huge television screen. Suite privileges include access to the executive lounge, which provides complimentary hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks, hot beverages and canapés.

Feeling rather peckish I decided to head for Brown’s, the hotel’s modern restaurant. I ordered the succulent lemon sole accompanied by glass of Vidal Sauvignon Blanc, which were served with aplomb.

Up with the larks and following a hearty breakfast, I hailed a taxi and headed for Llandaff Cathedral, another of Cardiff’s treasures. The cathedral dates back to 1120 and features a splendid sanctuary arch with medallions and the north and south doorways leading into the nave date back to the end of the twelfth century. In January 1941 a German parachute landmine destroyed the roof and south aisle. Post war restorations, repairs and refurbishment were celebrated in 1960 and the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the service.

Among the many gems within the cathedral is the Seed of David, a fabulous triptych, created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, which was completed in 1864. I must confess that I spent an inordinate amount of time bathing in the glow of this masterpiece. Another treat, which stirred my soul, was the exceptional performance of the Cathedral Choir. Recognised for their wonderful talent, HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a service, which was broadcast live world-wide.

With my insatiable thirst for art forms awakened I visited Cardiff’s National Museum, which presents a vast collection of treasures and includes historic and modern art, impressionist and applied art. The People, Personalities and Power: Faces from Wales (1800 – 2000) exhibition offers an insight into local people who have contributed to the cultural and economic life of Wales over the last two hundred years and it is absolutely riveting. I wandered around the section titled Art in the Netherlands (1500 – 1700) and spotted the masterpiece A Calm, created in 1654 by Jan van de Cappelle and I was hypnotized by the swirling hues of his ocean.

Emerging from the building and with my maritime connections aroused I decided to head for Cardiff Bay, once known as Tiger Bay. In the 1990s, Cardiff Bay Barrage was one of the largest civil engineering accomplishments in Europe and it lies across the mouth of the bay impounding the River Ely and the River Taff and creating a five hundred acre fresh-water lake with eight miles of waterfront.

Attractions around Cardiff Bay include the Senedd, which is the striking Welsh parliament building designed by Richard Rogers, the Wales Millennium Centre, which is the hub for national arts, and Techniquest, a centre for science with more than a hundred interactive exhibits, which I have been reliably informed, is very popular with children.

Later, after relaxing in the Marriott, I decided to venture out and headed to the nearby St David’s shopping centre for a spot of retail therapy. Weighed down with bags and with my appetite raging I spotted The Ivy. I was escorted to a table and ordered the delicious lobster linguine accompanied by a glass of Chablis and I held my glass aloft and made a toast to this captivating city and to another of the city’s treasures; Dame Shirley Bassey. Born in Cardiff, Bassey rose from humble beginnings to conquer the music industry with her exquisite voice and exuberant performances. Her story was captured in David Arnold’s song ‘The Girl from Tiger Bay’ and the lyrics ‘There’s no denying who I am. Forever young, I will stay, the girl from Tiger Bay’.

For details of the featured accommodation visit marriott.com .

To learn more about Cardiff’s attractions go to Visit Wales .

Images, excluding accommodation, provided by Visit Wales.

What are you looking for?

TIPS FOR TOURISTS

Information points.

You can find Cardiff’s Visitor Information Point housed with Cardiff Castle, where you can pick up what you need to plan out your visit.

If you’re looking for information on our railways and the South Wales Metro, Cardiff Central railway station has a helpdesk by their main entrance.  St David’s Dewi Sant has a helpdesk upstairs for their customers.

THE WELSH LANGUAGE

As you travel around Cardiff you will often hear Welsh spoken, and see Welsh signs everywhere. Here are some basic Welsh words that you may like to use. Don’t be scared, it will be fun to test out on the locals!

Croeso – Welcome

Diolch – Thank You

Iechyd Da – Cheers

Hwyl Fawr – Goodbye

Bore Da – Good Morning

Prynhawn Da – Good Afternoon

Nos Da – Good Night

COMMUNICATION

INTERNET & WIFI

You can access free Wi-Fi at number of hotspots in Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay, as well as on Cardiff Bus. Cardiff Free Wi-Fi is also available at a number of public buildings across the city. Look for the network called CardiffFreeWifi!

EMERGENCIES

In an emergency call 999 and ask for Police, Fire, or Ambulance. Calls are free from any phone but should only be made in real emergencies.

PHONE CALLS

The international dialling code for Cardiff is 00 44 29. Directory enquiries can be contacted on 118 500.

POST OFFICE

The main Post Office in Cardiff is inside the WHSmith store on Queen Street. It is open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. There are no post collections or deliveries on Sundays.

Along with the rest of the UK, Cardiff uses pound sterling (£). One pound is the equivalent of 100 pence. Notes are commonly available in £5, £10 and £20; £50 are also used, however, some high street retailers will not accept them.

Most banks in Cardiff city centre are open Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm, with many open until lunchtime on Saturdays.

EXCHANGING MONEY

You can change currency at the Post Office inside the WH Smith store on Queen Street. At the St Mary Street Post Office you can change your home currency into pound sterling but the only foreign currency they can provide is Euros.

Bureau de change services are also available at, the various branches of:

• Marks & Spencer
• No 1 Currency Exchange
• John Lewis & Partners
• Post Office

UK PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• Christmas Day –  25 December  
• Boxing Day –  26 December  
• New Year’s Day –  1 January  
• Good Friday – varies, March-April  
• Easter Monday – varies, March-April  
• Early May Bank Holiday – Usually first Monday in May  
• Late May Bank Holiday – Usually last Monday in May
• Late Summer Bank Holiday – Usually last Monday in August

OPENING HOURS

Most of the larger shops in Cardiff city centre are open Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Smaller shops and those outside the centre will have shorter opening hours. Many convenience food stores are open 7am-11pm every day.

CARRIER BAG LEVY

All Cardiff retailers must charge at least 5p (£0.05) for new carrier bags by law. This aims to save natural resources and reduce waste, protecting the environment in the process.

Driving in Cardiff is on the left hand side of the road and all persons in a vehicle are required to wear a seatbelt at all times. Use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited at all times.

Roads in Cardiff are prefixed with an M to denote motorways, an A to denote arterial roads or a B for collector roads.

All signposts and speed indicators are in mile and miles per hour (mph), along with the rest of the UK. The maximum speed limit in the UK is 70mph (112km/h).

The weather in Cardiff, and the UK in general, is very changeable and can be unpredictable. We rarely experience extremes in temperature with mild winters and cool summers being normal.

Make sure you have clothes suitable for both dry and wet weather, bring your sun cream and an umbrella. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as things can vary greatly from one day to the next.

LUGGAGE STORAGE & LOCKERS

The centrally located Museum of Cardiff offering luggage storage daily from 10am-3:30pm, ideal for pick up and check into your hotel, or drop off after your stay. Small lockers cost £5, medium lockers cost £8 and large lockers cost £10.

Shop & Drop Lockers  are available  in St David’s  shopping centre, near the Information Desk on the Upper Level.  It’s £1 per locker  and  you   need to  collect your items by 8pm   as  they’re emptied daily at  this time .

Most hotels will also let you leave your luggage for the day after you’ve checked out, so that you can make the most of your final day in Cardiff. 

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

The nearest Accident and Emergency department, providing urgent care is located at the University Hospital of Wales , Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW.

The largest pharmacy in Cardiff city centre is in the main Boots store, accessible from Queen Street and also from inside St David’s shopping centre. It is open Monday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-7pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

A later opening pharmacy is available at Boots in Cardiff Bay Retail Park. This is open Monday-Saturday until 10pm and Sunday until 9pm.

Smoking in public places has been banned in Wales since April 2007, this includes bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels and public transport. Some, but not all, bars and restaurants will have dedicated outddor areas where you will be permitted to smoke.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

In the Winter Cardiff is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March until late October, clocks go forward one hour to British Summer Time (BST).

We usually use the 12-hour clock, using AM ( ante meridiem ) to refer to time before midday (12.00) and PM ( post meridiem ) to refer to time after midday – but you can expect to see the 24-hour clock used interchangeably.

We write the date using the format DD-MM-YYYY, starting with the day, followed by the month, then finally the year.

STAY IN TOUCH

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New festival coming to Cardiff with gigs in unexpected places aims to rival major European events

The festival this year will act as a pilot, with hopes to have it on every year if it proves successful

• 21:32, 15 MAY 2024

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A new Cardiff festival set to launch this year will include gigs in unexpected places across the city and aims to rival other major events in Europe. Cardiff Music City Festival, which will run from September 27 to October 20, will bring together a number of existing music and cultural events across the city, like the Swn and Llais festivals, and showcase additional major acts and pop up events.

Headline acts for Cardiff Music City include electronic music artists Orbital and Leftfield, who will both play at the Utilita Arena on the opening night of the festival. Speaking at a Cardiff Council economy and culture scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, May 14, local authority officials said this year's event would act as a pilot, but the ambition was for it to run every year and to build a reputation similar to popular European festivals like Sonar Barcelona and Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg.

Cardiff Council's operational manager for tourism and investment, Jon Day, called the festival a very ambitious project and that the team behind it had been looking at other "substantial festivals" for inspiration. Mr Day said: "Overall what we want to do is create a period of time in Cardiff where people want to visit the city to take part in music events and people want to perform in the city in relation to music events." For more Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here .

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Operational manager for creative industries and culture development at the council, Ruth Cayford, said the festival would include secret gigs and gigs in unexpected locations to make it distinctive, referencing Llandaff Cathedral as a potential venue. Some of the venues that have been confirmed so far include BBC Central Square, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cornerstone, Depot, Mad Dog Brewery, Moon, Porters, Tiny Rebel and Tramshed.

The festival, which is supported by Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government , will also include wider fringe activity around the city. Mr Cayford said: "We are looking at other takeovers of existing spaces for genres of music, so you come across different experiences going across the city. We have had some interesting call outs and demands for what people are asking for as part of the pop ups."

The council officer added that they had received £600,000 from the Welsh Government for the festival. Ms Cayford and Mr Day said the key challenge for the festival this year would be to show that it was worth funding for subsequent years. Cardiff Council said the festival aimed to attract 20,000 people in its first year.

Ms Cayford said: "The ideal scenario would be multi-year funding because.. the way the music industry works is you are programming two or three years in advance, so by the time you get the funding application in and get those decisions made... you are missing those opportunities for those big acts. I think if we want to be as ambitious as we need, we need to look at... the possibilities of a multiple year package."

The team behind the festival is confident it will make an impact. Ms Cayford said: "We have always said that we want this to grow into an event that everybody thinks of Cardiff and thinks of the Cardiff Music City Festival and thinks of the music scene as we do when we think of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh festival. If you think, that has been going for over 75 years. I'm hoping it won't take us that long to gain the reputation, but looking at it... I think even this year we will make an impact.

"[In] three years it will be embedded into the scene because I think we have designed something that is unique." You can find out more about Cardiff Music City Festival online here .

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