Cardiff is the compelling capital of Wales and an essential city to see on any UK travel itinerary.
Bursting at the seams with restaurants, bars, exhibitions and parks, Cardiff is a multi-cultural core in the historic county of Glamorgan. Pack a bag, hop on a train and find yourself immersed in the welcoming, dynamic hubbub of the capital city of Wales.
View my top tips for visiting this city and find helpful information about where to go and what to do.
Best Time to Visit
If you can, try to schedule your trip when an international rugby game is one. People in Wales are passionate about rugby and the atmosphere in Cardiff on match days is really special.
Top Things to Do in Cardiff
City Centre
The town centre is just a stone’s throw from anywhere, lined with high street shops, fast food stops and ornate Victorian arcades. Queen’s Arcade hosts Arcade Cardiff, an art and exhibition gallery where a striking array of life drawings to cutting edge modern installations are on display. While you’re there, take a peek inside some of the quirkier shops Cardiff has to offer, selling unique vintage clothes and accessories, crafts and even fancy dress.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is slap bang in the centre of the city which gives an added historical twist to this increasingly modern city! Take in the stunning architecture and learn a little more about its fascinating history dating back around 2,000 years. With the city being built around it it’s hard to miss and taking a guided tour is sure to be an experience that’ll live long in the memory.
Cathays
One popular area within Cardiff is Cathays (pronounced Catays), which is a tourist’s haven packed with traditional and offbeat eateries that dish up Welsh cakes, rarebit, and Glamorgan sausages, as well as international cuisine. Cheerful local pubs and cosy tearooms in the heart of ‘studentsville’ cater to Cardiff’s huge university population. With wall-to-wall bars, you’ll find 2-for-1 cocktails and bargain priced pints on tap.
Harbour
Cardiff Harbour boasts gently lapping water and squawking seagulls which contrast with the bay’s modern cityscape and fast paced atmosphere. It makes for the perfect place to grab a coffee, relax and appreciate the sea views. Renowned for its bustling nightlife, the harbour is lined with top-notch restaurants and bars.
The Millennium Stadium
It’s rare that a national stadium is situated slap bang in the city centre, but that’s the case with the Millennium. It means supporters don’t have far to go for refreshments before and after the variety of live events it hosts, as a massive selection of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants are on its doorstep. Don’t fret if there’s no sporting or music action on when you’re in town though, you can still head inside for a look by taking one of the regular tours.
Doctor Who Experience
Embark on a fan-tastic Doctor Who Experience at Cardiff Bay to discover more about the UK’s most popular sci-fi show. Travel by TARDIS through time aCardiff Review – Dr Who Experiencend space on an interactive journey, and browse the collection of iconic costumes and artefacts donned by each Doctor since the series started in 1963.
Cardiff International White Water
If you’re a thrill seeker with a love of the great outdoors you’ll probably already know that Wales is a great place to visit. What you might not realise is that white water rafting is available in the city! At Cardiff International White Water you can splash through the waves while taking in sights such as the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly Building.
St Fagans National History Museum
For a taste of Welsh life in years gone by, head to St Fagans National History Museum, which is situated just outside of the city. It has a number of reconstructed buildings, including an Iron Age Celtic village, set within the grounds of the 16th century St Fagans Castle. You can even take the opportunity to sample some traditional Welsh foods on site, so be sure to book your train tickets to Cardiff to give them a try!
Nightlife
Cardiff has a vibrant music scene, from eclectic to mainstream, with intimate gigs and concerts year round. Underground, breakthrough bands and popular music pulsate through the veins of this vivacious city. Check out Tiger Tiger, get your vodka kicks at Revolutions or dive into Oceana on Greyfriars Road.
Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near Cardiff
If you’re feeling energetic then why not hop on a bike or pulling on your walking boots and take to the Taff Trail, which gives you the chance to get out of the city and in to the stunning Brecon Beacons. It launched back in 1988 and makes great use of, among other things, old railway lines.
Prolong your getaway to explore other Welsh treasures, like the Gower’s unspoilt area of outstanding natural beauty and the enchanting Oystermouth Castle. Wrap up warm to brace the remarkable windy seaside resort of Mumbles or delve into the sights at Afan and the Vale of Neath by foot, bike or horseback.
Plan a Trip to Cardiff
If you’re planning to head to Wales, looking at trains to Cardiff is well worth doing as the Welsh capital has loads to offer people of all ages. Whether you’re going for a short break or an extended stay I think there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had and hopefully my guide has given you some ideas for where to go.