Cardiff, Wales
Overview
The capital city of Cardiff is on the southern coast of Wales. It is an exciting destination with a rich history, impressive landmarks, a diverse culinary scene, and a vibrant nightlife. Cardiff is compact, making it easy to explore on foot, by bike, or by public transport. It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families, and all can expect a warm Welsh welcome.
Things to See & Do
Cardiff Must See Landmarks
Cardiff has more castles than any other city in the world. In the heart of the city centre is Cardiff Castle, a majestic structure dating back to Roman times. Visitors can roam through its fairytale-like rooms or climb to the top of the Norman Keep for panoramic city views.
The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay is a modern architectural marvel. It hosts various performances, including Broadway and theatre productions, contemporary dance, opera, and cabaret.
While in the area, explore the waterfront, which is recognisable from Dr Who and Torchwood. There’s even a shrine to Ianto. The Coal Exchange, now a hotel and restaurant, is a must-visit for history lovers. The first ever £1 million deal was signed here in 1907. There’s also the Pierhead Building showcasing the history of The Docks and The Senedd, the home of the Welsh Parliament – both of which are free to visit.
Hop aboard the aqua taxi to the city centre or experience an afternoon tea at sea. Or a boat tour to Flat Holm, a little island just 4 miles off the coast of Cardiff – the most southerly point in Wales. It’s only 500 metres across, is an essential site for scientific interest, and is a nature reserve. Explore the lighthouse, barracks, cholera hospital and fog horn station. The Gull and Leek pub serves local drinks, too.
Unique Things to See and Do in Cardiff
Love shopping? Cardiff is known as the City of Arcades. There are seven unique Victorian and Edwardian arcades alongside some of the biggest high street names. They house over 100 independent cafes, bars and shops right in the heart of the city centre, offering a unique shopping experience. At the same time, Jacobs Market has a treasure trove of vintage finds, antiques and quirky collectables. Visitors can also ascend to the rooftop garden for panoramic city skyline views.
For sports enthusiasts, Cardiff has notched up a fine reputation as a sporting capital thanks to the quality of the events and facilities. Such as rugby at Cardiff Arms Park or the Principality Stadium – which you can tour or even zip line across the stadium – cricket at Sophia Gardens, and championship football at Cardiff City Stadium.
Alongside this, there are ample places to go wild swimming, paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting. You can also ice skate, play golf, cycle the Taff Trail, or practice skiing and snowboarding.
Nature lovers will easily find solace from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cardiff is remarkably green, with over 350 parks and gardens. Bute Park is a stunning green oasis behind Cardiff Castle. Alongside extensive paths are the remains of The Blackfriars Friary, an Arboretum with a mix of interesting trees and greenery, Gorsedd stones, a sculpture trail, and a Secret Garden.
Roath Park and Lake has a Wild Garden, Botanic Garden, Pleasure Garden and recreation grounds. There is plenty of thriving wildlife, including ducks, geese and swans – that don't mind getting too close for comfort! Parc Cefn Onn in Lisvane is a historic park that used to be a private garden. It has magnificent native and exotic trees, beautiful blooms, streams, ponds and woodlands. And Heath Park, with woodland areas, ponds, and wetlands full of wildlife. There's a sensory garden, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course, and footgolf and foot rugby. Plus, a miniature railway.
St Fagans is an open-air museum where buildings have been moved brick by brick from all over Wales. Among them are houses, a farm, a school, a chapel, a pub, a splendid Workmen’s Institute and other historic buildings. You can also explore the castle and grounds. There are special events throughout the year, like food festivals, ghost tours and craft markets.
Cardiff’s Hidden Gems
While the term “hidden gems” may not resonate with everyone, these are undeniably remarkable destinations cherished by locals and deserving greater attention from visitors.
To get acquainted with Cardiff, joining one of Fogo’s free walking tours is the best way to start. They take place every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am. The tours cover the landmarks in the city centre and include stories and facts about Cardiff.
Wales is the land of castles. There are more than 600 of them in the country – more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Some are now romantic ruins, and others are still standing. Castell Coch, the Red Castle, is on the wooded hillside in Tongwynlais. It was designed with unlimited wealth and boundless imagination. The highly decorated interiors and rich furnishings make it a dazzling masterpiece.
Behind the castle is Fforest Fawr, a designated nature reserve. It is a beautiful country park with stunning scenery and spectacular views. With towering trees, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the occasional chirp of a hidden bird – it feels like a world away from busy roads and suburbs beyond the treeline. It is covered in bluebells in spring; you can even pick wild garlic, which grows in abundance! Children will love to follow the sculpture trail, too. After exploring, stop for homemade food and drinks at Forest Tea Rooms – they even have a peacock.
Steeped in history and surrounded by picturesque gardens is Insole Court. Explore the mansion house where an exhibition follows the Insole family and their contribution to South Wales's industrial past. Or, enjoy homemade food in the Potting Shed. There's also an exciting calendar of events, from street food socials to cinema screenings to yoga, tai chi, and choir practice. Of course, if you're in the area, you should visit the 1500-year-old Llandaff Cathedral and have a drink in one of the four pubs on the (short) High Street.
Cardiff Food and Drink
Cardiff is a foodie's delight! Yes, there are big chain restaurants, but the real magic lies in the independents. Welsh cuisine is all about using local produce, and famous dishes include cawl (lamb stew), rarebit (cheese on toast), laverbread (seaweed), faggots (meatballs) and Glamorgan sausages (cheese and leek). You'll find fresh seafood such as cockles and mussels. Sweets include Welsh cakes, bara brith and taffy (toffee).
For an authentic taste of Cardiff, the Loving Welsh Food Tour is a brilliant way to experience the city and try lots of different things. From bara brith in the Cardiff Castle to a charcuterie as Wally’s Delicatessen. A real highlight will be Ffwrnes Pizza in Cardiff Market. Now famous for street food, the market now offers Polish Pierogi, South Indian at Tukka Tuk, Smashed burgers, Greek gyros, as well as cakes, sandwiches, fruit and veg, fishmonger and butchers.
For those looking for cheap eats, check out Ansh burgers opposite Victoria Park, Brother Thai, or Vivo Amigo, a fusion of Indian and Mexican food - both on Whitchurch Road. Or try social dining at Hotpot Spot in Roath, where you gather around a simmering pot with various raw ingredients sliced thinly for quick cooking.
Other exciting places to eat are Lezzet, which serves authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavours. The Sultan’s Feast is an affordable four-course meal. Maison de Boeuf, labelled as the most romantic restaurant in Cardiff, has a prix fixe menu that includes a selection of starters and desserts and a main of steak and frites.
Brook Bistro in Whitchurch is the ideal spot for a bottomless brunch – which is really popular throughout the city. It’s where you get a dish or two and unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks for 90 minutes. Of course, weekends are made for Sunday lunch, and the best places to treat your tastebuds is at the Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn. If you’re unlucky to get a table, they also offer Carvery Rolls in the car park.
Equally, there’s an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants in Cardiff, such as Asador 44, which serves fresh fish, dry-aged steaks, suckling pig, and whole legs of lamb; Thomas by Tom Simmons in Pontcanna, which offers refined brasserie food; and Heaney’s, which is run by Great British Menu finalist Tommy Heaney.
There are many Welsh drink producers, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, mixers and alcohol. The best place to try craft beer in Cardiff is Tiny Rebel. They have cool names such as Clwb Tropica, Five Dollar Shake and Electric Boogaloo. Want to try Welsh gins? Gin and Juice have over 450 gins for you to try, including Benjamin Hall, Treganna Gin and Aber Falls, and at Rum and Fizz, there are 200-plus, such as Barti Ddu, Welsh Witch and Devil’s Bridge. There’s wine from Llanerch Vineyard, cider from Gwynt y Ddraig, and vodka, gin and whisky from Penderyn Whisky.
Cardiff Nightlife
As the sun sets, Cardiff comes alive with its vibrant nightlife scene. From live music venues and chic cocktail bars to pulsating nightclubs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark. Most bars are on Mill Lane and St Mary Street – all within walking distance.
Over the last few years, there has been a huge increase in entertainment bars. Ballie Ballerson offers cocktails and an adult ball pit; Golf Fang for adult-only crazy golf – there's even a slide to get down to the ground floor; NQ64 provides arcade games; Flight Club for social darts; and Tonight Josephine offers sassy songs and girl power.
Some of the best traditional pubs include The Queens Vaults and the Blue Bell, or the Rummer Tavern, which is believed to be the oldest pub in Cardiff. The most popular late-night spots include Proud Mary’s, where there’s dancing on the tables, live music, and DJs. The Philharmonic, known as The Philly by locals, has been a constant presence in the Cardiff nightlife scene since the late 1980s. Here, you can drink, dine, and dance.
For wine bars, Nighthawks has a frequently changing list but has become known for serving the best grilled cheese toasties. Bacareto has an extensive list of wines and spritz served alongside cicheti, Venetian-style bites. Vermut is a snug little bar ideal for a quick drink and tapas. These are usually featured on the Cardiff Wine Passport, where you can try six different wines from twelve different venues. It's a fun way of exploring the city's independent bars and restaurants.
Or, in the suburb of Whitchurch, there’s Glass of Bandol, where you can try different wines from vending machines. You choose the wine and different-sized pours from the wine dispensers, from 50ml to 175ml. There’s also a selection of breads, cheeseboards, and charcuterie.
Cardiff Costs and Safety
Cardiff offers affordable options to suit every budget. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment choices cater to luxury travellers and backpackers seeking budget-friendly experiences. It is much cheaper than other major cities like London and Manchester.
Cardiff is one of the safest cities in the UK for visitors, but it's always wise to take necessary precautions. Streets are well-lit, and the majority of them have CCTV. Buses and trains run until around 11.30pm, depending on your route. If you want to avoid using public transport late at night, getting a taxi is relatively easy, and Uber runs throughout the city. Cardiff also offers a Safe Place scheme to support visitors who may be more vulnerable or need a safe haven or guidance to help you visit safely.
As a lot of people visit the city centre to party, you’ll probably experience those who have drunk too much and the anti-social behaviour associated with that.
Cardiff Accessibility and Amenities
South Wales is accessible to all visitors, and there’s plenty to explore in Cardiff. It is also one of the flattest cities in Britain. Cardiff is compact and, for the most part, accessible for wheelchair users. Because of its size, it’s easy to get around. Cardiff city centre is pedestrianised, with many attractions within walking distance of each other.
There is a free electric buggy service for those who need help accessing the city centre. A free service, offering day rental of scooters and wheelchairs, is also available from St David’s Shopping Centre.
The public transport network includes accessible buses, the majority of which have low-level access, and trains, including Cardiff Central Rail Station, Cardiff Queen Street, and Cardiff Bay. When driving, there is plenty of Blue Badge parking throughout the city and near the biggest tourist attractions.
Future Inn Cardiff is praised for their accessible bedrooms. They are large and spacious, with plenty of turning space for wheelchairs. The private bathrooms have walk-in showers with grab rails and an emergency cord. Plus, free parking, electric car charging and free WiFi.
Katrina-Real Girls Travel
By day, Katrina is a seasoned Marketing Manager in the travel and tourism industry, boasting over 20 years of experience. Her expertise in hospitality, events and communications shines through in her blog, Real Girls Wobble. Established in 2018 as a women's lifestyle blog, it quickly gained recognition for its local travel and food and drink guide - a testament to Katrina's marketing prowess. The name, Real Girls Wobble, became a beloved brand, reflecting the authenticity and relatability of the content. When she's not busy exploring and writing about her home town of Cardiff and the surrounding areas, Katrina indulges in her personal interests. She's a self-proclaimed bottomless brunch addict, a spiced rum enthusiast, and a cook-from-scratch advocate. Her love for sports is also a part of her life, as you'll often find her match side cheering on Cardiff City FC, the Welsh Women's Football or the Welsh Rugby team. These personal touches in her writing make her blog a relatable and enjoyable read for all.
Have you visited this city?
Log in to add an extended review and see personalized scoring.