Cardiff – Places to Visit in Wales’ Capital City
Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, is one of the UK’s most underrated cities. Despite its compact size, it offers a rich blend of history, culture, and sporting attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a fan of live music, there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover the top 10 Cardiff places to visit.
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As a born and bred South Walian, I’ve been visiting Cardiff for half a century, including nearly 2 years actually living in the city. I wrote this post primarily from personal experience, but I also consulted other resources.
Hotels – Booking.com
Tours and Activities – Get Your Guide
Travel Guide – Walking Cardiff by Peter Finch (Amazon link)
Great Places to Stay in Cardiff
St Davids Hotel – 5 Star Luxury in Cardiff Bay
The Angel Hotel – Famous for rugby celebs on match days
The Coal Exchange – Historic 3 Star
Sandringham Hotel – Featured in 2024 Doctor Who Xmas Special
Discover Cardiff Castle
Wales is renowned as the land of castles, and Cardiff boasts an impressive one right in the heart of the city. Cardiff Castle’s history spans over 2,000 years, dating back to a Roman fort built around 50 AD. The Normans later constructed the keep and walls in the 11th century.
The castle belonged to various noble families for centuries before the Butes acquired it in the 1700s. The 3rd Marquis of Bute, one of the world’s richest men, transformed the castle into the striking Gothic masterpiece seen today. His redevelopment includes lavish interiors, an ornate clock tower, and the iconic animal wall.
Visitors can explore the Norman Keep, uncover Roman remains, and take a guided tour to appreciate the castle’s grandeur. Cardiff Castle is number one on my list of Cardiff places to visit.
Wander Around Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Places to Visit
Cardiff docks powered the British Empire’s insatiable appetite for coal and steel. Since then, it has been transformed into Cardiff Bay. One of Europe’s largest regeneration projects made the Bay one of Cardiff’s places to visit.
The Cardiff Bay Barrage has created a 500-acre freshwater lake, offering boat trips, waterside strolls, and an array of bars and restaurants. Explore the Norwegian Church Art Gallery, Roald Dahl’s christening place. Visit the historic Coal Exchange, site of the world’s first million-pound deal. You can also tour the Senedd, home to the Welsh Parliament. Finally, pay your respects at the Scott Memorial, commemorating the ill-fated Antarctic expedition.
Learn Welsh History at St Fagans National Museum of History
A visit to St Fagans National Museum of History is a must for anyone keen to explore Wales’ past. This open-air museum showcases historic buildings transported from across Wales and meticulously reconstructed. Highlights include a 12th-century church, a workingmen’s institute, a tollbooth from the Rebecca Riots, and even a cockfighting pit.
Entry is free, with the only cost being parking, making it an unmissable attraction.
Follow in the Footsteps of Doctor Who – Cardiff Places to Visit
When the BBC revived Doctor Who in 2005, the world’s longest running sci-fi series, Cardiff has played a starring role in the beloved programme. Many iconic scenes have been filmed here, including at Howells department store, which doubled as Rose Tyler’s workplace.
Although the Doctor Who Experience has closed, fans can still take themed tours based around the programme. These visit famous locations from the show and its spin-off, Torchwood. A must-see for Whovians is Ianto’s Shrine in Mermaid Quay, a fan-maintained tribute to the beloved character from Torchwood.
Explore Cardiff’s Victorian Arcades
Cardiff’s city centre is home to seven historic shopping arcades. These offer a treasure trove of independent shops, cosy cafes, and quirky boutiques. Highlights include:
- Castle Arcade–Home to a violin shop, a Welsh cake bakery, and a board game store.
- Royal Arcade–Cardiff’s oldest arcade, featuring a whisky shop and a store selling dinosaur fossils.
- Morgan Arcade–An upmarket area with a vinyl record store and a gaming cafe.
Not strictly an arcade, but a key Cardiff place to visit is Cardiff Market. This Victorian-era covered market sells everything from fresh produce to vintage goods.
Catch a Game at the Principality Stadium
Opened in 1999, the Principality Stadium is one of the world’s largest covered arenas, with a retractable roof allowing for year-round events. Primarily known as the home of Welsh rugby, it has also hosted boxing, football finals, and concerts by global stars such as Taylor Swift, U2, and The Rolling Stones.
If there isn’t a match or event on, opt for a backstage tour to learn about the history of the stadium. Thrill-seekers can book the SCALE tour to climb the stadium roof, try an adrenaline-pumping abseil or zipline across the stadium.
Whatever your poison, the Principality Stadium is a must do in any list of Cardiff places to visit.
Explore Castell Coch – Cardiff Places to Visit
Located just outside Cardiff, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is a fairy-tale fortress nestled in woodland. Originally built as a Norman stronghold, it was later transformed by the 3rd Marquis of Bute into a 19th-century Gothic revival masterpiece.
Inside, expect richly decorated interiors, including Lady Bute’s lavish bedroom with Arabian-inspired designs. The castle is easily accessible via a short drive, a scenic train ride to Taffs Well, or a bus journey with a short walk.
Enjoy Cardiff’s Thriving Food Scene
Cardiff’s food scene has flourished, earning a spot in Time Out’s top five foodie cities in the UK.
Whether you’re after fine dining or a casual bite, the city caters for all tastes.
Cardiff now boasts two Michelin starred restaurants Gorse, and Home. The city also features many other top-class establishments such as Thomas in Pontcanna and Asador 44.
Cardiff’s history as a multicultural melting pot has left a legacy of ethnic food styles which are reflected in the city’s food culture. The Purple Poppadom and Mango House enjoy a high reputation.
The Brewery Quarter showcases quality chains. Originally the home of Cardiff’s famous Brains Brewery, it has been turned into a leisure facility rammed with bars and restaurants.
For a classic Cardiff experience, head to Caroline Street (Chip Alley) for a late-night chicken curry half-and-half (half rice, half chips) from Dorothy’s or Tony’s. Don’t ask Cardiffians which is best, they’ll argue about it for hours!
Visit the National Museum Cardiff
Cardiff’s National Museum, in Cathays Park, has amazing natural history displays like a whale skeleton and dinosaur fossils.
Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery of Wales, featuring works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Rembrandt, alongside a remarkable collection of Welsh art. Entry is free, with occasional ticketed exhibitions.
Walk the Taff Trail
The Taff Trail is a 55-mile route stretching from Cardiff Bay to Brecon, offering a scenic way to explore the city and beyond. While hardcore hikers or cyclists may tackle the full trail, most visitors enjoy shorter sections passing landmarks such as Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and Llandaff Cathedral.
A great stopping point is Castell Coch (see above), approximately 7.5 miles from the trail’s start. Opt for train or bus transport back to the city center if the return trip is too much.