Cardiff

Travel Guide

Cardiff featuring a city, night scenes and street scenes
Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and modern architecture
Bute Park featuring a garden, a castle and heritage architecture
Cardiff Castle showing a statue or sculpture, interior views and a castle
Cardiff Castle featuring interior views, heritage elements and château or palace
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

4.5/5(28 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
Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Castle Quarter

4/5(5 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
Wales Millennium Centre featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Butetown

4.5/5(4 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
Poncanna Fields, Cardiff.

Pontcanna

5/5(4 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
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Cathays

5/5(1 area review)

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 Principality Stadium or National Museum Cardiff.

Cathays
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $93 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $93
CA $112 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,489 reviews)
"Always like to stay in the Angel Hotel, Cardiff . Staff friendly always a nice welcome which is a must on reception. Breakfast well recommended good value for money. Rooms lovely and clean basic & comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is CA $146 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
CA $146
CA $176 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,301 reviews)
"Great family stay ! Excellent food options and spa facilities great"

Reviewed on Jul. 7, 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $154 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $154
CA $185 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,720 reviews)
"Centrally located within easy walking distance of Cardiff castle, bars, restaurants, shopping etc"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

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.
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, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (264 reviews)
Just the fit
"Very good location, close enough to town, but in a quiet Away close to lovely park."

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Inside was great, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the room was fine, though the carpet was a bit tired. It was just by a busy bridge which had a lot of traffic and mostly it became quiet when the window was closed. I will certainly think of staying in places like that again (student ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 27, 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Inn Cardiff
Inn Cardiff
3.5 out of 5
17 Lower Cathedral Road, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (96 reviews)
10/10 BEST STAY EVER
"we were staying here as we were attending cardiff pride on the Saturday. it was last minute booking for us and omg i could not have been happier. the stay was absolutely perfect. comfiest sleep my family have had in a long time. it was clean, communication was spot on and instructions were clear. ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 24, 2025

Inn Cardiff
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.

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Reviews of Cardiff

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Small town feel in a city. Would be good for a night out

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice place to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The people were friendly and courteous

5/5 - Excellent

Ros

I was born near Cardiff and I am familiar with it. A fabulous place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

First visit. Loved it. Will come agqi qnd stay longer

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I was surprised at how many times I was asked for change and smokes. Rougher than I expected.

Cities near Cardiff