Cardiff's city center is a treasure trove of Victorian and Edwardian remnants, showcasing its rich history and serving as an ideal starting point for exploration. Discover its medieval roots at the well-preserved 11th-century castle, delve into the vibrant market, wander through the bustling shopping streets, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant art scene at the principal art gallery.
After a day of exploring, finding a comfortable place to rest is essential. Visitors can choose from a selection of 4 star hotels in Wales that offer the perfect blend of Welsh hospitality and luxury, ensuring a memorable stay in Cardiff.
However, Cardiff's charm extends far beyond its center. Venture into the diverse outer neighborhoods for a taste of contemporary allure. Pontcanna, a serene district, boasts an array of exceptional dining options, inviting watering holes, and leisurely strolls. Meanwhile, Cardiff Bay stands proud as one of Europe's most remarkable urban waterfront developments, captivating visitors with its awe-inspiring architecture and captivating atmosphere. And tucked away in the far-western outskirts of the city lies St Fagans, home to Wales' finest museum, offering an immersive journey through the country's history.
So whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a fan of modern architectural marvels, Cardiff has something for everyone. Begin your adventure in the city's heart, then branch out to explore its diverse and captivating outer neighborhoods – you won't be disappointed.
Indulge in Bargain Hunting at Cardiff Market
Locate the very heartbeat of Cardiff's multicultural spirit within the confines of its magnificent Victorian indoor market. An easier feat might be detailing what's not on offer at this emporium that sprawls across a myriad of stalls, vending a myriad of goods, from an extensive range of vegetables, wool, to walking canes, and a wide array of food, including delightful old-timey candies and tantalising Thai cuisine. The vibrant chorus of vendors' voices echo through the air, adding an unforgettable auditory experience.
Pro-tips: The charm of this place resides in the sum of its parts, but if you're pressed to pick favourites, the long-standing Ashton's fishmongers, reputedly a Cardiff staple for over 150 years, is a must-visit. Furthermore, delight in a trip down memory lane at Hatts Emporium, a gem among Wales' host of vintage stores.
Contact: 00 44 29 2087 1214; cardiffcouncilproperty.com/cardiff-market
Price: No Entrance Fee
Cardiff's cosmopolitan pulse thrums in this splendid Victorian covered market
Stroll through the city centre’s century-old arcades
When people reference Cardiff’s renowned shopping, this septet of 19th- and early 20th-century arcades lie at the heart of the matter. Reconnecting shoppers with the city’s Victorian and Edwardian roots, these are a series of proudly independent retail outlets and places to eat and drink, coiling through a labyrinth of resplendent covered alleyways constructed between the 1850s and 1920s.
Insider Tip: The arcades consist of the Castle, High Street and Duke Street Arcades, together comprising the Castle Quarter, as well as the Dominions, Royal, Morgan and Wyndham Arcades. The must-experience store has to be retro delicatessen Wally’s, in Royal Arcade.
Contact: thecityofarcades.com
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 8.30am-6pm; Sat, 8.30am-5pm; Sun, 10am-5pm
Price: Free
Engage with Cardiff's Victorian and Edwardian roots in its covered shopping arcades
Imbibe the intricacies of one of Wales’ finest fortresses
For a cultured breather amidst the city centre bustle, wander into Cardiff Castle’s grassy courtyard where this fortress’s enthralling history is on full show. Atop a mound squats a near-perfect example of a Norman motte-and-bailey keep, whilst the theatrically designed William Burges castle, mostly built during the 1870s for the fabulously extravagant 3rd Marquis of Bute, numbers among Wales’ most lavish buildings.
Insider Tip: Post-Covid-19, the castle’s courtyard is free-of-charge, but if possible take a tour of the fantastically decorated Burges-Bute Gothic Revivalist masterpiece. Especially, look out for the ostentatiously ornate interiors of the Arab Room, Winter and Summer Smoking Rooms.
Contact: 00 44 29 20 87 81 00; cardiffcastle.com
Price: £
Spot a near-perfect example of a Norman motte-and-bailey keep at Cardiff Castle
Admire world-class art and artefacts at the National Museum
Fronted by a lovely landscaped park, the National Museum would be a wonder for its domed, colonnaded early 20th-century façade alone. But its sublime art collection catapults Cardiff onto the world stage. One of Europe’s most dazzling displays of impressionist and post-impressionist art headlines, whilst the Evolution of Wales exhibit whisks you on a vibrant 4600 million-year trip through time in Wales from the Big Bang onwards.
Insider Tip: Other collection highlights include a striking array of ceramics from Wales and the Far East and works from Welsh artists like post-impressionist luminary Augustus John, whose famous portrait of Dylan Thomas hangs here.
Contact: 0044 300 111 2333; museum.wales/cardiff
Price: £
The magnificent National Museum of Cardiff showcases a remarkable collection of artwork from the impressionist and post-impressionist periods. Visitors can marvel at the beautifully displayed paintings and sculptures, offering a glimpse into the world of these influential art movements.
Explore the verdant charm of Pontcanna
This lush neighbourhood, located to the northwest of the city centre, is where Cardiff unveils its most verdurous charm. A web of tree-lined pathways connect four beautiful parks: Pontcanna Fields, Llandaff Fields, Thompson’s Park and Victoria Park, creating an idyllic setting that is an absolute treat for gastronomy enthusiasts. Elegant townhouses laced with trendy bars and cafes are sprinkled here and there, providing a cosy place to unwind every few blocks. The Chapter Arts Centre pulsates as the energetic community hotspot, showcasing a variety of offerings from contemporary cinema and theatre to fascinating exhibitions and discussions.
Insider Bit: The friendly inhabitants of Pontcanna are always up for a culinary conversation. It's the best place to delve into local cuisine and grasp what makes Cardiff truly unique.
Contact: 00 44 29 20 31 10 50; chapter.org
Price: Complimentary
Get your dose of nature in Victoria Park, just northwest of the centre
Indulge in the robust flavors of craft beer in Cardiff
Cardiff is a known landmark for the brewing giant, S.A. Brain & Co. But unbeknownst to many, it is also becoming a frontrunner in the Welsh craft beer scene. The Tiny Rebel brewery, an award-winning enterprise based in Newport, spearheaded this urban beer revolution by establishing the first craft beer bar in Cardiff in 2013. Since then, the brewery scene in the city has flourished extensively, birthing establishments like Pipes Brewery in Pontcanna, and the Crafty Devil brewery with locations in both Pontcanna and Penarth.
Insider Tip: Positioned in the hidden charms of Kings Road Yard, Pipes Brewery is a must-visit. This quaint location houses an array of distinct food businesses known for their unbeatable flavors, making it a gastronomical delight. Plus, it's worth noting that there's a farmer's market every Saturday morning.
Get in Touch: Reach out to Tiny Rebel at 0044 29 2039 9557 or via their website tinyrebel.co.uk/bars/cardiff, Pipes Brewery at 0044 777 638 2244 or through their website pipesbeer.co.uk, and Crafty Devil at 0044 29 2021 8099 or online at craftydevilbrewing.co.uk.
The Craft Beer Tour Price: £
Embark on a thrilling adventure at the National Watersports Centre in Cardiff Bay
Located on an isolated peninsula in Cardiff Bay, the National Watersports Centre may be easy to miss upon your visit. However, this world-class facility should undoubtedly be on your list. It serves as a gateway to a plethora of amazing water-based activities within the urban setting of the UK. From stand-up paddle-boarding to tubing and the latest sensation, river-boarding - it's all on offer here. But, the highlight is undoubtedly the kayaking journey on Cardiff Bay, providing a stunningly visual treat of one of Europe's most daring and dramatic waterfront developments.
Cardiff Bay has been used as a filming location for several popular television shows such as Doctor Who and Torchwood. Its stunning waterfront view makes it a favourite with both locals and tourists.
There's an approximately 10km-long route encircling Cardiff Bay that you can explore either by foot or bike, starting from the Cardiff Bay Barrage. The National Watersports Centre also offers bike rentals for the cycling enthusiasts.
Contact: 0044 29 2082 9970; ciww.com
Operating Hours: Activities need to be booked in advance
Cost: Medium
There's nothing like kayaking out into Cardiff Bay on a sunny day
Get a fix of seaside time at Penarth or Barry
Penarth sits across the River Ely from Cardiff, but a very different vibe permeates in this smart, laidback old resort town, dipping to a stone-and-sand beach and elegant late-Victorian pier. Just west, Barry boasts two beautiful sandy beaches and has undergone a major image change recently to become touted as the next Cardiff Bay because of its growing tally of sophisticated restaurants.
Insider Tip: Barry still sports fun-loving tack a-plenty along its seafront, not to mention its myriad connections to cult comedy TV show Gavin & Stacey, but suave new Barry is emerging a few streets back around The Goodsheds and The Pumphouse developments.
Contact: Vale of Glamorgan Tourism 00 44 14 46 70 48 67; visitthevale.com
Price: free
The laidback old resort town of Penarth is a very different vibe to nearby Cardiff
Be mesmerised by a microcosm of Welsh heritage at St Fagans National Museum of History
This is one of the world’s very best open-air museums, where buildings from across the country and its most seminal periods of history have been dismantled then faithfully reassembled across delightful 100-acre grounds enfolding St Fagans Castle. The result is a touching architectural tapestry of Wales, weaving together such edifices as a Middle Ages farmhouse, 18th-century chapel, WW1 miners’ institute and legendary early 20th-century Cardiff boozer The Vulcan Hotel.
Insider Tip: Save time for the imposing Elizabethan manor house of St Fagans Castle itself, as well as for the brilliantly recreated Iron Age roundhouses and llys (court) of medieval Welsh prince Llywelyn Fawr. The museum is free; the parking you pay for (£6.50).
Contact: 00 44 30 01 11 23 33; museum.wales/stfagans
Price: £
St Fagan's Castle is one of the world's very best open-air museums