Things to do in Cardiff

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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A castle surrounded by lush green trees and a park with people relaxing.
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Things to do

From Barry Island: Gavin and Stacey Tour

From Barry Island: Gavin and Stacey Tour

￥9,752
per adult
From Barry Island: Gavin and Stacey Tour
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff/Swansea: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Mumbles Day Tour

￥17,337
per adult
Cardiff/Swansea: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Mumbles Day Tour
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

￥3,468
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
United Kingdom 15 minute Go Kart Race Session

Go Karting, Llandow South Wales @ Kart Kingdom

￥4,332
per adult
Go Karting, Llandow South Wales @ Kart Kingdom
Cardiff: Doctor Who City Walking Tour

Cardiff: Doctor Who City Walking Tour

￥4,334
per adult
Cardiff: Doctor Who City Walking Tour
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour

￥17,337
per adult
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour
Cardiff in a Day

Cardiff in a Day

￥18,421
per adult
Cardiff in a Day
Tree Tops High Ropes at Ashton Court

TreeTops Adventure Bristol

￥5,190
per adult
TreeTops Adventure Bristol
From Cardiff: Guided Tour of Welsh Valleys

From Cardiff: Guided Tour of Welsh Valleys

￥16,904
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Cardiff: Guided Tour of Welsh Valleys
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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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A modern stadium with a unique architectural design, a river in the foreground, and a bridge connecting to another area.

2. 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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A coastal town with a sandy beach, a rocky peninsula, and a large body of water.

3. 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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A historic stone castle with a flag, surrounded by grassy hills and trees.

4. 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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5. 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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A historic building with classical architecture, including a prominent dome and detailed facade.

6. Tintern Abbey

Stroll among the windowless and roofless ruins of Tintern Abbey, a 12th-century building founded by Cistercian monks. The abbey's shell may well be open to the sky, but it has been well maintained and there is a lot to see.
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A historic stone cathedral with large arches and Gothic windows.

7. 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.
Learn more
A modern building with large letters spelling "HORIZONS" and "ALIVE".

What to do in Cardiff

Stay near popular Cardiff attractions

A modern stadium with a unique architectural design, a river in the foreground, and a bridge connecting to another area.

Principality Stadium

9.0/10 (893 reviews)
This iconic venue hosts Wales' rugby team in one of Europe's largest covered stadiums. Take a guided tour to walk through players' tunnels and step onto the hallowed pitch where sporting history unfolds.
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Where to stay in Cardiff

Find the best Cardiff areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cardiff
Learn more about Cardiff
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Cardiff City Centre

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

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Cathays

Cathays is well-liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to National Museum Cardiff or Cardiff City Hall.

Newport City Centre

If you're spending some time in Newport City Centre, Friars Walk Newport and Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre are top sights worth seeing.

A circular grassy field with stone walls, surrounded by trees and hills.
Photo by Mark Rentz
Open Photo by Mark Rentz

Caerleon

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

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Pontcanna

Bars, historic sites, and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Popular day trips from Cardiff

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Bristol

A playground with swings and a slide, a bench, and an ancient stone ruin in the background.

Abergavenny

An aerial view of a coastal town with a prominent breakwater, sandy beach, and rolling hills in the background.

Bridgend

The ruins of a large, historic stone building with multiple arches and a tall, narrow tower.

Chepstow

A coastal landscape with a golf course, a lighthouse, and cliffs.

Newport

A sunset over a calm body of water with industrial structures and smokestacks in the background.

Port Talbot

A panoramic view of a town with a river, industrial buildings, and a large open field.

Cwmbran

A long bridge with multiple arches and lights, spanning over a calm body of water at sunset.

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.