Things to do in Cardiff

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Cardiff showing a city, street scenes and night scenes
Cardiff showing a city, street scenes and night scenes
Cardiff featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza
Bute Park showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a garden
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage elements, art and interior views
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Cardiff must see attractions

1. Principality Stadium

Watch national and international sporting events, see musical legends perform and go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium. This is the national stadium of Wales, a 74,500-seat venue that is the home of the Welsh national rugby team.
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Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

2. Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval stronghold and Victorian Gothic mansion with approximately 2,000 years’ worth of history. The magnificent structure was built on the site of a Roman fort and a Norman castle and during its existence also served as a home, a concert venue and a World War II shelter.
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Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

3. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
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Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

4. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
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Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

5. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
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D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

6. Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Millennium Centre is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Cardiff. It is a place to see everything from small dance pieces and comedy shows, to West End musicals and major art exhibitions. The venue hosts several performance areas and is the home of the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and other arts organizations. Watch a show, view some art and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.
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Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, modern architecture and signage

What to do in Cardiff

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cardiff

Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Principality Stadium

4/5(21 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of sporting and musical greats when you tour this vast sporting arena. Walk on the pitch, see dressing rooms and lift a trophy.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(93 reviews)

A fortified tower from the 12th century, World War II tunnels and Welsh military history make a fascinating day out at this magnificent castle.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

4.5/5(4 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

4/5(12 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

4/5(8 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, modern architecture and signage

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Book your tickets for theater, opera, dance and comedy shows and go on a backstage tour at this prestigious arts venue.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and religious elements

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Tour the ruins of an ancient monastery where Cistercian monks used to live, pray and study. See the remains of their former dwellings and church.

Tintern Abbey
Bute Park showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements

Bute Park

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Take a calming stroll through Cardiff’s Bute Park. Follow the trails, explore the remains of a medieval friary and admire the horticulture and wildlife.

Bute Park

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff aerial view panorama in Wales capital cityscape 360 panoramic skyline feat. River Taff, Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle, famous landmarks and city center downtown streets from above in UK

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(99 area reviews)

Discover the bustling shopping scene in the sixth most successful UK destination, featuring Queen Street, St. Mary's Street, and the Hayes. Explore Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and the National Museum, while enjoying dining options at Mill Lane cafe quarter.

Cardiff City Centre
Castle Arcade, Cardiff. #red

Castle Quarter

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Castle Quarter. Make a stop by Cardiff Market or St. David's while you're exploring the area.

Castle Quarter
Pier Building, Cardiff Bay. UK

Butetown

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

The ample dining options and luxurious 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
Beautiful flowers by the banks of the River Taff in Cardiff

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
A bridge over the River Taff in Cardiff against a blue sky

Pontcanna

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Tree-lined streets and large houses define this affluent Cardiff district, boasting cafes and independent retailers on Pontcanna Street and Cathedral Road. Enjoy Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields, and the nearby SWALEC Stadium for cricket enthusiasts.

Pontcanna
Hollybush Estate Road - Coryton

Whitchurch

4/5(3 area reviews)

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch

Popular day trips from Cardiff

Wills Memorial Building showing a city, night scenes and heritage elements

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Monmouthshire & Brecon canal

Abergavenny

Aerial view of Porthcawl beach harbour and fun fair in South Wales UK

Bridgend

Tintern Abbey featuring a ruin, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Chepstow

View of Newport Sands Beach from the golf club. Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales. UK

Newport

Editorial Swansea, UK - November 24, 2017: Daybreak over Swansea city, the second largest city in Wales after Cardiff, UK, showing the East Side and the new University campus.

Port Talbot

Aerial view of early morning fog and mist raising over Cwmbran, South Wales, UK

Cwmbran

St Marys' Church, Magor
Photo by John Lord (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Magor

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Cardiff is visit Cardiff Castle. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's culture and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, spend the rest of your day exploring Cardiff's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cardiff?
The top tourist attraction in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff?
Three days in Cardiff is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay Waterfront and New Theatre are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Bristol.
Is Cardiff a walkable city?
Some top sights in Cardiff, including Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from central Cardiff is Cardiff City Centre and Castle Quarter is 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff with kids?
Planning what to do in Cardiff with kids has never been easier. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Cardiff for adults?
Cardiff City Hall and The Senedd are just a couple of the things to do in Cardiff. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Cardiff is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Cardiff Bay Waterfront is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.