Looking for some things to do in Cardiff? I have been to Cardiff, Wales a number of times. Let me help you in choosing the best Cardiff attractions and guide you on what to do in this Welsh city.
Wales is known for its beautiful countryside landscapes, rugged beaches and charming coastal towns. So without a doubt, it’s a famous destination for British holidaymakers for a short weekend break.
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, one of the four kingdoms in the UK. The city has been known for its rich history and academic excellence. Before we share the list of what to do in Cardiff, I wrote another article on how to get to Cardiff, Wales.
Best Things To Do in Cardiff (Wales)
1. Cardiff Castle
📍Address: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Day Trip to Cardiff with Cardiff Castle Entry
🌟 Ratings: 4.4 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Travelodge Cardiff Central Queen Street
Cardiff Castle is a massive stone fortress that dates back to 50AD and it is truly a remarkable place. It is one of the most beautiful castles in Wales. Visiting this castle is definitely one of the best things to do in Cardiff if you’re a history geek. Rebuilt in the 1800s, it is now a fairytale castle perched at the heart of the city.
Cardiff castle’s history began in Roman times and then was passed on to the Normans. It was then passed on to various families who took over the lordship of Cardiff.
Your visit to Cardiff cannot complete without visiting Cardiff castle. You can buy tickets to get into the impressive Castle Apartments, exhibits, Battlement Walk, bomb shelters used in World War II, and a Norman keep. For the House Tour, you may have to pay extra to access the amazing rooftop garden, along with other private rooms. Join this guided tour around Cardiff Castle to fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the castle.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in UK Recommended by Travel Bloggers
2. Enjoy various Cardiff museums
The Welsh capital is well known for various museums. Apart from endless options for shopping, with lots of activities and things to do in Cardiff it also houses a range of interesting museums that will pique your interests.
St. Fagan National Museum
📍Address: Cardiff CF5 6XB
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: The Laurels Bed and Breakfast
St. Fagan National Museum – It is an open-air museum, which greets visitors across 40 different doorways. One of the unique tourist attractions in the UK, St. Fagan National Museum is a range of buildings (including a chapel, homes, a school, and a farm) in different historical styles. Here, you can get through the past from one door to another and get inspiration from the traditional crafts of Wales. Entry is free here.
National Museum of Cardiff
📍Address: Cardiff CF10 3NP
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Cardiff Whovian Chronicles A Sci-Fi City Stroll
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Park Plaza Cardiff
National Museum of Cardiff – Visiting the National Museum of Cardiff is one of the best activities in Cardiff, especially when the weather is not so friendly. Located next to Cathays Park, the National Museum exhibits a large collection of natural history, contemporary charm, and the exciting Evolution of Wales Galleries. Also, look for the dinosaur skeletons that once lived in Wales around 2 million years ago and the woolly mammoth.
Techniquest
📍Address: Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: voco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
Techniquest – If you have a curious mind, Techniquest is the hands-on science museum for you. You may not see signs like ‘Please don’t touch the exhibit’. Have a super exciting day out to learn things, which do not have to be boring. It is definitely one of the best places to see in Cardiff.
3. Cardiff Bay
📍Address: Bay, Cardiff CF11 0AW
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Day Trip to Cardiff with Cardiff Castle Entry
🌟 Ratings: 4.4 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Head towards Cardiff Bay and visit the largest waterfront development in Europe where you can get breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Norwegian Church and Pierhead, along with Wetlands Nature Reserve and the old docks. You can take the guided boat tours that are available regularly from Penarth Barrage and Mermaid Quay and it lasts up to 45 minutes.
Visit the Craft in the Bay after cruising, which is a well-known exhibition of work by craft makers in Wales. You can also visit the regular workshops over there. Enjoy the beauty of Cardiff bay by joining this guided tour.
4. Visit the Wales Millennium Centre
📍Address: Bute Pl, Cardiff CF10 5AL
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
The Millenium Centre is a venue, which hosts comedians, huge bands, and theatre shows and has a capacity of 2500 guests. This venue is made completely of metal, wood, glass, and slate sourced in the country in 2004.
You can expect to see contemporary dance, opera, and the big rock, pop, and international musicians in any week. You can also get discounts at the restaurant, café, and bar, exclusive seats, and money off tickets if you are a member. Explore various tourist attractions by joining this tour with a local guide or the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus.
5. Visit Castell Coch
📍Address: Cardiff CF15 7JS
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Castles Mountains and More Full-Day Trip
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Gelynis Farm House Bed and Breakfast
Castell Coch is a Gothic Revival castle that dates back 19th century built in South Wales. It is one of the most beautiful castles across Cardiff. It was built in the Victorian Era but it has the feel of the Middle Age, which seems it has come from a fairy tale.
Photo credit: DeFacto
It is a bit outside the limits of the city and it will definitely be seen if you visit here by car. Thanks to the High Victorian interiors and the external facades of Castell Coch, a historian, David McLees, has described it as one of the legendary Victorian victories of architectural composition.
Based on the studies by George Clark, an antiquarian in the 19th century, the exterior is quite authentic and Burges adapted its three stone towers to present a beautiful silhouette, which is closer to the European castles on the mainland.
Read more: Best Botanical Gardens in the UK: A Blooming Wonderland in the British Isles
6. Enjoy Cardiff nightlife
📍Address: Cardiff CF5 2DZ
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: CFeleven
For party lovers and nightlife enthusiasts, there are so many bars and pubs in Cardiff, which are the open whole night. It is one of the great activities in Cardiff!
Whether looking for a sophisticated evening while enjoying Champagne or partying hard by night, you can definitely find something for everyone. Small bars and pubs have taken their place with their own styles and personalities. They have stunning artwork, beautiful décor, and a whole range of fresh cocktails and delicious drinks.
Read More: Best Alcoholic British Pub Drinks To Try in The UK
7. Chapter Art Centre
📍Address: Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Cardiff CF5 1QE
🌟 Ratings: 4.6 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Maison Galles
Chapter Art Centre is one of the most dynamic and largest art centres in Europe with theatres, cinemas, studios, exhibition spaces, café, more than 60 cultural workspaces, and award-winning bars.
The chapter is globally renowned for innovation, excellence, and collaboration. You can also catch the ever-changing programme of films, performances, and exhibitions from across the world. The art centre is open 7 days a week and entry is free.
8. Roath Park
📍Address: Lake Rd W, Cardiff CF23 5PA
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Arofan House – Campus Accommodation
Roath Park stands beautifully in an ideal location at the heart of the bustling capital city. The park still holds the classic atmosphere of Victorian Park where both visitors and local residents can have a great time at leisure in several pursuits. Roath Park has plenty of horticultural and historic interests, with diverse environs in the park. Roath Park is land donated to the city by the Marquess of Bute in 1887.
Initially, the work was based on creating a lake from the marshland area. A lighthouse was built in the lake having the scale model of a ship ‘Terra Nova’ as a Captain Scott memorial who sailed from Cardiff to the Antarctic in the year 1910.
Today, the atmosphere of the park still holds the Victorian charm and it is renowned as a Conservation Area to protect these qualities. The park is known to have different types of habitats, which appeal to a huge range of wildlife. It serves as a vital habitat for breeding and wintering birds like herons, cormorants, and mallards.
Map of Cardiff, Wales
HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS:
CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map, whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for my UK trip?
YES – If you’re traveling to the UK, securing travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential for your peace of mind; I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance, which is renowned for its reliability. (READ MORE)
💧 Can I drink tap water in the UK?
YES – You can confidently drink tap water in the UK—just run it for a bit first—and use a Hydro Flask travel bottle, it is a great eco-friendly companion to keep you hydrated while touring the UK attractions.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in the UK?
YES – Renting a car in the UK is one of the best ways to see the country. I recommend Discover Cars, to check for the best car rental deals that suit your budget. See my UK driving tips here.
📲 Will my phone work in the UK?
POSSIBLY. Always check with your home mobile provider. If it won’t work or is too expensive, I recommend using Airlo E-Sim for data packages to stay connected online.
🔌 What adapter should I use in the UK?
TYPE G – In the UK, you’ll need a type G plug travel adapter with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle to power your devices, and the electrical system runs on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz. (READ MORE)
✈️ What is the best site to buy UK flights?
For finding affordable UK flights, I recommend using Skyscanner. You can always compare the prices that suit your budget.
🛏️ What is the best way to book accommodations in the UK?
My go-to for UK accommodations is Booking.com. I recommend to always check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
💷 What currency do I need for my UK trip?
Sterling Pounds – I suggest getting a Wise Travel Card for your hassle-free forex and contactless spending while in the UK. (READ MORE)
🧳 What do I pack for the UK trip?
Depending on the season – You can check my article about the best time to visit the UK.
🛂 Do I need a visa for the UK?
Likely Not – US, Canada, AU, NZ, and EU passport holders do not need a visit visa to the UK. If ever you need one, read more on how to apply for a UK visit visa. Visit iVisa.com to help you with your visa travel documentation needs.
Read More about Wales
- 9 Welsh Traditions: Exploring the Great History and Heritage of Wales
- 12 Beautiful Castles in Wales (UK) To Visit
- 6 Best Snowdon Walk Guide in Wales
- Where is Wales Located?
- 15 Best Things to do in Pembrokeshire, Wales (UK)
If you are looking for a travel itinerary read more of Best UK Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks. I hope that these best things to do in Cardiff will help you plan your weekend breaks.
Have you been to Cardiff, Wales?
Share your travel experiences in the comment box below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryazan Tristram
Travel Writer & PhotographerRyazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.
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