Cardiff Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cardiff showing street scenes, night scenes and a city
Cardiff showing a statue or sculpture, modern architecture and a square or plaza
Bute Park featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
Cardiff Castle which includes interior views, heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
Cardiff Castle which includes château or palace, heritage elements and interior views
The capital of Wales is a lively port city, home to medieval castles, pristine parks, modern sporting arenas and a sparkling waterfront entertainment district.

Cardiff is a fascinating city blending medieval landmarks and a 2,000-year-old history with picturesque green spaces and modern entertainment districts. Dating back to the Roman period, as a small settlement on the River Taff, it officially became a city in 1905 and has been the Welsh capital since 1955.

Today, Cardiff has two main tourist areas: the city center and Cardiff Bay. Explore the compact center comfortably on foot following signposts indicating the major attractions.

Visit medieval Cardiff Castle, a stunning example of Roman and Norman architecture, one of five castles located in the city. Stroll around the glorious parkland and arboretum of Bute Park. Admire the grand civic buildings and pretty Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park. Discover the evolution of Wales and then spot impressionist art at the National Museum Cardiff. Learn about the history of the city at the Cardiff Story.

Cardiff residents have a passion for sports and live events. Take a guided tour of the 75,000-seat Millennium Stadium or attend international rugby and soccer matches or concerts by world-famous artists. Watch ballet, opera and philharmonic orchestras at St. David’s Hall.

Walk or catch the bus to Cardiff Bay, a former dockland, now a shopping and entertainment district. Find bars and restaurants, boutique stores and fashion retailers in refurbished Victorian arcades. Investigate the Norwegian Church Arts Center, which showcases the work of local artists. See displays of historic vessels at the World of Boats.

Don’t miss a visit to St. Fagans National History Museum, which houses a collection of over 40 typical Welsh buildings. Other historical landmarks include Castell Coch and Llandaff Cathedral. Access any of these via public bus from the city center.

Cardiff has an international airport which receives flights from major European destinations. The city is about a 3-hour drive from London. Rent a car and visit areas outside Cardiff, including the beaches of Gower Peninsula and the picturesque hills of Brecon Beacons National Park.

Where to stay in Cardiff

Cardiff showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(36 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Principality Stadium to St. David's Hall – discover Cardiff City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Castle Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Principality Stadium to St. David's Hall – discover Castle Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Castle Quarter
Wales Millennium Centre showing modern architecture, a city and a square or plaza

Butetown

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and relaxing spas are top of the list for many visitors to Butetown. A stop by Wales Millennium Centre or Mermaid Quay might round out your trip.

Butetown
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Grangetown

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Grangetown. You might want to make time for a stop at Cardiff Bay or Cardiff International Sports Village.

Grangetown
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Pontcanna

5/5(7 area reviews)

Bars, historical sites and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Pontcanna
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Cathays

Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to Principality Stadium or National Museum Cardiff.

Cathays
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,463 reviews)
"Close to the train station and centre, within 5 minute walk. Booked a room for the night for a concert at the Utilita Arena, it’s an old building so don’t expect the Ritz. Breakfast was lovely. Good price hotel in a fantastic location"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is NZ$210 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$210
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,715 reviews)
"Superb hotel that I always try to use. Can be pricey when there is something on in the city but you can also get some bargains. Recommended"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

The Parkgate Hotel
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
The price is NZ$94 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$94
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"Very convenient and temperature controlled rooms."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunday Cardiff Holland House & Spa| Classic Double
Sunday Cardiff Holland House & Spa| Classic Double
Cardiff
Stay at this vacation home in Cardiff. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle are located nearby.
6/10 (1 review)
"The rooms aircon was broken, we were not informed of this. They had provided an alternative aircon machine and freestanding fan, however both were very noisy so unable to have on when trying to sleep, which meant a restless night due to temperature and no fresh air. Positives, able to use the luggage ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2025

Sunday Cardiff Holland House & Spa| Classic Double
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (262 reviews)
Just the fit
"Very good location, close enough to town, but in a quiet Away close to lovely park."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Inside was great, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the room was fine, though the carpet was a bit tired. It was just by a busy bridge which had a lot of traffic and mostly it became quiet when the window was closed. I will certainly think of staying in places like that again (student ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Cardiff

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Cardiff- amazing old buildings, great cosy pubs, cute arcades with interesting shops , nice friendly people

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It was so wet it was hard to enjoy Cardiff. The best part of my trip was Caerphilly Castle. So many homeless people everywhere in Cardiff. Because it took so long to sort out the car parking I missed out on going to Cardiff castle!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Second time being here and love it just as much the second time

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Enjoyed things around Cardiff. The city itself is fairly normal, great place to get your washing done.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Haven’t seen much but the shopping is great!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Sometimes you just need to wander and get yourself lost to find some hidden gems. A LOT of bars & pubs to choose from depending on your interests - it’s awesome!

Cities near Cardiff