Cardiff, Wales, UK
Locavy ratings
Party
4/5
Sightseeing
4/5
Relaxation
4/5
Value
3.5/5
Transport Links
3/5
Experiences
4/5
Party
4/5
Sightseeing
4/5
Relaxation
4/5
Value
3.5/5
Transport Links
3/5
Experiences
4/5
At a glance
The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is renowned for its abundance of castles, offering a perfect destination for a summer city break.
Party
Discover the vibrant nightlife scene in Cardiff, boasting quirky bars and lively nightclubs that cater to various tastes. While the city center, especially St Mary’s Street, is renowned for its bustling nightlife, Cardiff Bay offers a diverse array of bars and pubs, providing the perfect setting for a night out.
Sightseeing
Explore the beauty of Cardiff through its must-see sights, including the iconic Cardiff Castle and a section of the scenic Taff Trail. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the stunning architecture found throughout the city, with highlights like Llandaff Cathedral and the picturesque Cardiff Bay area.
Relaxation
Though not often associated with relaxation, Cardiff offers opportunities for unwinding. Explore Barry Island’s picturesque beaches for a rejuvenating day out, or immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of Bute Park, ideal for a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
Value
Cardiff stands out as an exceptionally affordable destination in the UK, renowned as one of the cheapest capital cities in Western Europe. From reasonably priced accommodations and dining options to a plethora of free activities, visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural offerings without breaking the bank.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Located 15 miles southwest of the city, Cardiff Airport provides affordable flights to numerous destinations across the UK and Europe. Travelers can easily access the city from the airport via regular trains and shuttles, offering quick, reliable, and efficient transportation options.
Train
Cardiff has regular trains connecting to various parts of the UK. With connections from Cardiff Central to London Paddington in under two hours. Additionally, Cardiff offers several scenic train journeys, such as the route to Holyhead, with stunning landscapes.
Drive
For visitors to Cardiff, driving is often unnecessary as the city is compact, walkable, and boasts an efficient bus network. However, for those looking to venture beyond the city limits, including Derry Island, having a car is advantageous for accessing hikes, majestic castles, and pristine beaches.
Experiences
Explore a range of captivating experiences in Cardiff, from the renowned museums showcasing rich cultural heritage to the exhilarating activities at Cardiff International Sports Village. Don’t miss the chance to try white water rafting, a favourite among tourists seeking thrilling outdoor adventures in the city.
Best Things To Do
1. Explore Cardiff Castle
Cardiff boasts numerous castles, but none as iconic as Cardiff Castle, with over 1000 years of history. Take a guided tour to delve into its significance and enjoy re-enactments and activities, especially appealing to children.
Book guided tours in advance for a seamless exploration and to catch special events like medieval reenactments.
2. Complete the Taff Trail
Follow the scenic Taff Trail along the river Taff, offering breathtaking views and a leisurely way to explore Cardiff’s natural beauty. Stretching from Cardiff Bay to Brecon, it meanders through some of the most picturesque parts of southern Wales.
Rent bikes for an enjoyable ride along the trail and pack a picnic to savor amidst the scenic surroundings.
3. Cardiff Bay
Discover Europe’s largest waterfront development at Cardiff Bay, bustling with excellent eateries, shops, and bars. Admire iconic landmarks like the Norwegian Church while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views.
Take a leisurely boat tour to explore the bay from a different perspective and capture memorable photos of the scenic skyline.
4. National Museum Cardiff
Spend a day exploring the National Museum Cardiff, home to fine art, historical exhibits, and fascinating displays of animals and dinosaurs. Delve into Welsh history and culture while admiring impressive artworks and artifacts.
Check for special exhibitions and events for added entertainment, and enjoy free admission to explore the museum’s vast collections.
5. White Water Rafting
Experience the thrill of white water rafting at Cardiff International Sports Village, a popular activity for adventure seekers in the city. Navigate through exhilarating rapids and enjoy an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure.
Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear provided by the facility, and book sessions in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your spot.
6. Visit Bute Park
Find tranquility amidst the bustling city life at Bute Park, offering lush greenery and a woodland play trail for children. Attend events like food festivals and outdoor cinema screenings while enjoying leisurely strolls through the scenic park.
Check the park’s event schedule for upcoming activities and plan your visit accordingly for a delightful experience.
7. Barry Island
Escape to the beautiful seaside town of Barry Island, just a short distance from Cardiff, boasting some of Wales’ finest beaches and classic seaside amusements. Enjoy a family-friendly day trip filled with sun, sand, and nostalgic fun.
Arrive early to secure parking during peak seasons, and don’t miss trying traditional Welsh delicacies at local eateries along the promenade.
8. Walking Tour
Join a walking tour to discover Cardiff’s rich history and iconic landmarks guided by knowledgeable locals. Explore popular sights and historical sites while learning about their significance and fascinating stories.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour, and don’t forget to tip your guide if you enjoyed the experience.
9. Llandaff Cathedral
Admire the stunning architecture of Llandaff Cathedral, a historic landmark dating back over 800 years and one of the oldest Christian sites in the UK. Marvel at the sculpture of Christ in the nave and explore the cathedral’s fascinating history.
Check the cathedral’s opening hours before visiting, and consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into its architecture and significance.
10. St David’s Hall
Experience world-class entertainment at St David’s Hall, located in the city center, offering a diverse lineup of shows including stand-up comedy, talk shows, and concerts. Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with live performances and cultural experiences.
Book tickets in advance for popular shows to secure your seats, and arrive early to explore nearby dining options for a pre-show meal or drink.
1. Explore Cardiff Castle
Cardiff boasts numerous castles, but none as iconic as Cardiff Castle, with over 1000 years of history. Take a guided tour to delve into its significance and enjoy re-enactments and activities, especially appealing to children.
Book guided tours in advance for a seamless exploration and to catch special events like medieval reenactments.
2. Complete the Taff Trail
Follow the scenic Taff Trail along the river Taff, offering breathtaking views and a leisurely way to explore Cardiff’s natural beauty. Stretching from Cardiff Bay to Brecon, it meanders through some of the most picturesque parts of southern Wales.
Rent bikes for an enjoyable ride along the trail and pack a picnic to savor amidst the scenic surroundings.
3. Cardiff Bay
Discover Europe’s largest waterfront development at Cardiff Bay, bustling with excellent eateries, shops, and bars. Admire iconic landmarks like the Norwegian Church while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views.
Take a leisurely boat tour to explore the bay from a different perspective and capture memorable photos of the scenic skyline.
4. National Museum Cardiff
Spend a day exploring the National Museum Cardiff, home to fine art, historical exhibits, and fascinating displays of animals and dinosaurs. Delve into Welsh history and culture while admiring impressive artworks and artifacts.
Check for special exhibitions and events for added entertainment, and enjoy free admission to explore the museum’s vast collections.
5. White Water Rafting
Experience the thrill of white water rafting at Cardiff International Sports Village, a popular activity for adventure seekers in the city. Navigate through exhilarating rapids and enjoy an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure.
Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear provided by the facility, and book sessions in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your spot.
6. Visit Bute Park
Find tranquility amidst the bustling city life at Bute Park, offering lush greenery and a woodland play trail for children. Attend events like food festivals and outdoor cinema screenings while enjoying leisurely strolls through the scenic park.
Check the park’s event schedule for upcoming activities and plan your visit accordingly for a delightful experience.
7. Barry Island
Escape to the beautiful seaside town of Barry Island, just a short distance from Cardiff, boasting some of Wales’ finest beaches and classic seaside amusements. Enjoy a family-friendly day trip filled with sun, sand, and nostalgic fun.
Arrive early to secure parking during peak seasons, and don’t miss trying traditional Welsh delicacies at local eateries along the promenade.
8. Walking Tour
Join a walking tour to discover Cardiff’s rich history and iconic landmarks guided by knowledgeable locals. Explore popular sights and historical sites while learning about their significance and fascinating stories.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour, and don’t forget to tip your guide if you enjoyed the experience.
9. Llandaff Cathedral
Admire the stunning architecture of Llandaff Cathedral, a historic landmark dating back over 800 years and one of the oldest Christian sites in the UK. Marvel at the sculpture of Christ in the nave and explore the cathedral’s fascinating history.
Check the cathedral’s opening hours before visiting, and consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into its architecture and significance.
10. St David’s Hall
Experience world-class entertainment at St David’s Hall, located in the city center, offering a diverse lineup of shows including stand-up comedy, talk shows, and concerts. Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with live performances and cultural experiences.
Book tickets in advance for popular shows to secure your seats, and arrive early to explore nearby dining options for a pre-show meal or drink.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Day Bus pass
Unlimited access to Cardiff’s buses for the day, offering convenient transportation throughout the city.
6.
Early Dining
Restaurants in Cardiff open early, with peak dining times often starting by 5:30pm, earlier than many European cities.
2.
Where to Stay
Optimal accommodation choices in Cardiff city centre, although Barry Island is also popular, especially for families.
7.
Free Museum Entry
Enjoy free entry to many museums in Wales, including the National Museum Cardiff, offering budget-friendly cultural experiences.
3.
When to Visit
Summer months of July to September are the busiest and most popular time to visit Cardiff, however May or June are also ideal months to avoid peak tourism season.
8.
Book Ahead
Secure tickets for tours, shows, and long-distance trains in advance, especially during summer when they tend to sell out.
4.
Safety in Cardiff
Cardiff is generally safe, but visitors should exercise standard precautions, especially when walking in the city center at night.
9.
Tipping Culture
While tipping is appreciated, it’s not obligatory in Cardiff. Rounding up the bill in restaurants is a common practice.
5.
Weather
Cardiff experiences year-round rainfall and strong winds, particularly in winter, so be prepared for wet and windy conditions.
10.
Cash
Bring cash, especially when visiting Cardiff Bay and Barry Island, as many small shops and stalls may not accept cards.
6.
Early Dining
Restaurants in Cardiff open early, with peak dining times often starting by 5:30pm, earlier than many European cities.
7.
Free Museum Entry
Enjoy free entry to many museums in Wales, including the National Museum Cardiff, offering budget-friendly cultural experiences.
8.
Book Ahead
Secure tickets for tours, shows, and long-distance trains in advance, especially during summer when they tend to sell out.
9.
Tipping Culture
While tipping is appreciated, it’s not obligatory in Cardiff. Rounding up the bill in restaurants is a common practice.
10.
Cash
Bring cash, especially when visiting Cardiff Bay and Barry Island, as many small shops and stalls may not accept cards.