Located on the south coast of Wales, Cardiff is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends the old and the new.  It is the capital of Wales and showcases its historical roots in landmarks such as Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress with Roman foundations, and the National Museum Cardiff, which showcases an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.

The city has transformed into a modern capital with the development of Cardiff Bay, an area with waterfront attractions and restaurants, and the Wales Millennium Centre, a performing arts center. The city center offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, with many shopping arcades and markets. 

It has beautiful green spaces and a lively student population from Cardiff University. The city celebrates its past while looking forward to the future, making it appealing to live and visit.

CARDIFF TRAVEL GUIDE

Top Attractions

Cardiff Castle

Dating back to the Roman period, Cardiff Castle is a remarkable historical site located in the center of the city. It has been transformed over the centuries by the Normans and during the Victorian era by the Marquess of Bute. You can explore the castle grounds, and the Victorian Gothic revival house, and take in fantastic views of the city from the Norman Keep.

Cardiff Bay

By the 1980s Cardiff Bay had become a neglected area of old docks and mudflats, but has since been beautifully redeveloped into a vibrant cultural and recreational destination. The impressive Wales Millennium Centre regularly hosts performances from opera to comedy, and the Pierhead Building, known for its distinctive red brick facade and clock tower, is another event venue. You can take a boat tour and enjoy waterfront dining, as well as the tranquil setting of the bay.

National Museum Cardiff

The National Museum Cardiff is located in Cathays Park and boasts a diverse art, natural history, and archaeology collection. The art collection includes works by European masters and contemporary artists.  The natural history exhibits feature impressive displays of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and the archaeological section highlights Welsh history from prehistoric times to the present.

Principality Stadium

Principality Stadium, formerly known as Millennium Stadium, is a premier venue for sports and entertainment. It is the home of Welsh rugby and regularly hosts international matches, including the Six Nations Championship. It also hosts concerts and other events. You can take a guided tour that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the players’ changing rooms, the press area, and the pitch.

Bute Park

Bute Park is an expansive green space adjoining Cardiff Castle. The park features beautiful landscaped gardens, tree-lined avenues, and the historic Animal Wall, adorned with stone sculptures of various animals. It is a great place for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature.

St Fagans National Museum of History

Just a short drive from Cardiff’s city center is St Fagans, an open-air museum that provides a fascinating insight into Welsh life over the centuries. The museum features over 40 original buildings that have been relocated from across Wales, including farmhouses, a school, a chapel, and a working bakery. Each building is furnished to reflect different periods in Welsh history.

Llandaff Cathedral

Situated in the picturesque district of Llandaff, this Anglican cathedral is one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain, with a history dating back to the 6th century. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture, including a striking statue of Christ in Majesty by Sir Jacob Epstein.

Roath Park

Roath Park features a large lake with rowing boats and pedalos, a botanical garden, and extensive parkland. The park’s lake is home to various waterfowl, and its gardens include a conservatory filled with exotic plants. The park is perfect for family outings, with playgrounds and plenty of open space for picnics and relaxing walks.

Arcades

Cardiff is known for its charming Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades which offer a unique shopping experience. Often referred to as the “City of Arcades” due to the city’s impressive collection, they provide an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, boutiques, and specialty stores, all housed within beautifully preserved architectural settings. Some of the best-known are Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade, Royal Arcade, Morgan Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, and Queen’s Arcade.

Cardiff Market

Cardiff Market, also known as Cardiff Central Market, is a historic indoor market in the city’s heart. Housed in a grand Victorian structure that dates back to the 1890s, the market features a stunning glass roof and ornate ironwork. It includes an array of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, fish, baked goods, and specialty foods on the lower floor and clothing, accessories, household items, and unique crafts on the upper floor.  Don’t miss Cardiff Bakestones!  They have the best Welsh cakes!!  We bought two, then immediately went back to take them up on their 10 for 4 pounds offer! 😄

Penarth Beach

Nearby is Penarth Beach, a charming seaside town offering a picturesque coastal escape. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, ideal for leisurely strolls, beachcombing, and enjoying scenic views of the Bristol Channel. The backdrop of rugged cliffs is gorgeous.  Visit the Victorian-era Penarth Pier with a pavilion with a café, art gallery, and live entertainment. It’s a great spot for fishing, watching the sunset, or simply enjoying the seaside ambiance.

Local Cuisine

Welsh Cakes

A must-try Welsh treat is the Welsh cakes. They are small, round cakes made from a dough of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and dried fruit, cooked on a griddle. They are deliciously soft and slightly crumbly, often with a sprinkle of sugar on top.

Bara Brith

This traditional Welsh tea bread is made with dried fruit, spices, and tea-infused dough. Bara Brith means “speckled bread” in Welsh.  It is usually sliced and spread with butter, making it a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.

Cawl

Cawl is a traditional Welsh stew typically made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and other root vegetables. It’s often served with crusty bread and cheese. This dish is a staple of Welsh cuisine and is especially popular during the colder months.

Laverbread

Laverbread is a traditional Welsh dish made from cooked seaweed, often mixed with oatmeal and fried into patties. It’s typically served as part of a Welsh breakfast, alongside bacon and cockles.  Despite the way it sounds, it is more like a savory paste or relish.

Fresh Seafood

With its coastal location, fresh seafood is a delight. Local favorites such as cockles and mussels, are often sourced from the nearby Gower Peninsula. Fish and chips from seaside eateries are also a must-try.

Glamorgan Sausages

These vegetarian sausages are made from a mixture of cheese (traditionally Caerphilly cheese), leeks, breadcrumbs, and herbs. They are shaped into sausages, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown. They are a delicious and unique Welsh specialty.

Rarebit

Welsh rarebit is a savory dish with rich cheese sauce, often flavored with ale, mustard, and spices, and poured over toasted bread.

Local Cheese

Wales is known for its high-quality cheeses, with Caerphilly cheese being one of the most well-known. This crumbly, mild cheese is often used in traditional Welsh dishes but is also delicious on its own or paired with bread and chutney.

Afternoon Tea

Many of Cardiff’s cafes and hotels offer delightful afternoon tea experiences, complete with a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, scones with clotted cream and jam, and, of course, a variety of teas.

Where To Stay

Cardiff City Centre

Staying in the city center puts you right in the center of everything. You’ll be close to major attractions like Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, and the shopping districts. There is a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. The city center is also easily walkable and is well-connected by public transport.

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a vibrant waterfront area known for its modern developments, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. It’s a great area to stay if you enjoy lively nightlife, dining with a view, and easy access to waterfront activities. The area offers a mix of contemporary hotels and stylish apartments.

Pontcanna

Pontcanna is a leafy, upmarket suburb known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, green spaces, and trendy cafes. It’s a great area if you prefer a quieter, more residential feel while still being close to the city center. 

Roath

Roath is a diverse and energetic area with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s known for its multicultural vibe and the beautiful Roath Park, which features a large lake, gardens, and a conservatory. Roath offers a range of accommodations, from guesthouses to stylish boutique hotels.

Riverside

Riverside is located close to the city center and along the River Taff. It’s a multicultural neighborhood with a lively atmosphere, featuring a variety of ethnic restaurants and the popular Riverside Market. It’s a good area for budget-conscious travelers looking for convenient access to both the city center and Cardiff Bay.

Canton

Canton is a trendy area west of the city center known for its artsy vibe, independent shops, and vibrant food scene. It’s home to Chapter Arts Centre, a cultural hub with a cinema, theater, and gallery. Canton is a great choice for those interested in arts and culture and looking for a lively, local atmosphere.

Llandaff

For a more tranquil and historic setting, Llandaff is a charming village-like area with beautiful architecture, including Llandaff Cathedral. It’s a peaceful area with a mix of traditional pubs and boutique accommodations, ideal for those looking to stay in a picturesque and quiet part of Cardiff.

Getting Around

Getting around Cardiff is relatively easy due to its compact size and public transportation. Here are some of the best ways to get around:

Walking

Cardiff’s city center is very walkable, with many of the main attractions, shopping areas, and dining spots located within a short distance of each other. Walking is the most convenient way to explore the city.

Biking

Cardiff is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with numerous cycle paths and bike lanes. Nextbike, the city’s bike-sharing scheme, offers an affordable and convenient way to rent bicycles for short trips.

Public Transport

An extensive network of bus routes is operated by Cardiff Bus, covering the city and its suburbs. Buses are frequent and reliable, making them a good option for getting around. You can buy tickets on the bus or use a contactless payment card.  Trains are useful for traveling to suburban areas and nearby towns, such as Penarth and Barry. The Valley Lines network connects Cardiff with the surrounding South Wales Valleys.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available in Cardiff, as are ride-sharing services like Uber.

Car

Cars are not necessary for getting around the city but can be useful if you plan to take day trips to explore the surrounding countryside or coastal areas.

Electric Scooters

Cardiff has introduced an electric scooter rental scheme, providing a fun and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. The scooters can be rented through a mobile app and are fun for getting around the city.

Park and Ride

If you are driving into Cardiff, consider using one of the Park and Ride facilities on the city’s outskirts. These services allow you to park your car and take a bus into the city center, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.

Day Trips

Brecon Beacons National Park

Cardiff makes it an excellent base for a variety of exciting day trips. Here are some of the best:

Brecon Beacons National Park

About an hour’s drive from Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons National Park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and picturesque villages. You can hike to the summit of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, and explore the waterfalls along the Four Falls Trail.

Caerphilly Castle

Just a short drive from Cardiff, Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles in the UK. Built in the 13th century, this medieval fortress features a large moat, imposing walls, and scenic grounds.

Barry Island

Located about 30 minutes from Cardiff, Barry Island is a traditional seaside resort with sandy beaches, an amusement park, and arcades. It’s perfect for a family day trip to the coast.

The Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey

The Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is about an hour’s drive from Cardiff. It offers stunning river scenery, charming villages, and historic sites. Tintern Abbey, a beautiful ruin, is one of the highlights of the area and well worth visiting.

Rhondda Valley

The Rhondda Valley is about a 30-minute drive from Cardiff and offers a look at Wales’ industrial heritage. The Rhondda Heritage Park is a former coal mine turned museum where you can learn about the history of coal mining in the region and take an underground tour.

Castell Coch   

Known as the “Red Castle,” Castell Coch is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle located on the outskirts of Cardiff. Surrounded by woodland, this fairytale-like castle is famous for its picturesque appearance and beautifully decorated interiors. It’s just a short drive or bike ride from the city.

Swansea and the Gower Peninsula

About an hour’s drive from Cardiff, Swansea is a vibrant coastal city with a lively marina, museums, and the beautiful Swansea Bay. Just beyond Swansea lies the Gower Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches, such as Rhossili Bay, and beautiful coastal walks.

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Located in Blaenavon, about 45 minutes from Cardiff, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers an immersive experience of Wales’ mining history. Visitors can take an underground tour of a real coal mine and learn about the lives of miners.

Chepstow and Chepstow Castle

Chepstow, located about 45 minutes from Cardiff, is a historic town on the banks of the River Wye. Chepstow Castle, one of the oldest surviving stone fortifications in Britain, offers stunning views and a fascinating history.