Cardiff

Travel Guide
Cardiff featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza
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 which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(99 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Cardiff City Centre. Make a stop by Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Cardiff City Centre
Wales Millennium Centre featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

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
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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
Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

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 Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Castle Quarter
Poncanna Fields, Cardiff.

Pontcanna

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Bars, historic sites, and gardens are just a few things travelers enjoy about Pontcanna. Check out Sophia Gardens or Swalec Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Pontcanna
Well-preserved oval mound that once hosted gladiatorial combat and military processions. This amphitheater was built for the Roman forces at Isca around AD 90 and would have seated around 6000 spectators!

Caerleon

4/5(5 area reviews)

Caerleon is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Caerleon Amphitheatre and Isca Augusta.

Caerleon
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is ¥9,231 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥9,231
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,032 reviews)
"Stayed here before"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is ¥16,227 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥16,227
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
Business trip
"A decent hotel with needs a little bit of rod to bring it back to former glory"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Celtic Manor Resort
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,808 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥14,808
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,103 reviews)
"Great hotel. Close to the train station and right in the heart of the city. Staff a team members provide est in class service."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

The Parkgate Hotel
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.
Quay Apartments Clarence House
Quay Apartments Clarence House
3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport Cathedral ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (94 reviews)
Home from home
"Throughly enjoyed the stay"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Quay Apartments Clarence House
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, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (140 reviews)
"Perfect location for the city centre, the stadium and local restaurants and bars. Lovely building with lots of high quality apartments"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
 Park Lane Aparthotel
Park Lane Aparthotel
4 out of 5
23-24 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and National Museum Cardiff are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"We were thrilled to find this property at a reasonable price and great location during Six Nations. Communication from the property was clear and timely. The shower had been damaged by a previous tenant, so I sent an email to the property and two friendly gents came to fix it within 2 hours. Great ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Park Lane Aparthotel
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

Things to do

Reviews of Cardiff

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
53
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
38
" "4 - Good 35.84905660377358%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 11.320754716981131%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9433962264150944%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 1.8867924528301887%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

Cardiff is all built on angles and very hard to see the street signs. We got SO lost it was unbelievable!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 21, 2020

The people here are so friendly, and just 15 minutes from the lodge is Caerphilly, and it is a beautiful valley with an amazing castle! Public transportation here is fantastic.

4/5 - Good

Ken
Nov 15, 2019

Cardiff overall is up and coming these days. Still tough to find anywhere decent serving dinner at 11pm on a Wednesday but lots of option inside more a normal timeframe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 3, 2019

The people were very friendly and the town kept nice!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 16, 2019

Everyone was super friendly and helpful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 1, 2019

Downtown was great walking & church near the castle a historical gem (read some of the gravestones)

Cities near Cardiff