Top things to do in Cardiff
Attractions, tours and activities in Cardiff
Cardiff: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Cardiff
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Cardiff Bay
1.1 miles from city centre
This is a city that loves to party, and every weekend Cardiff Bay fills with revellers. Its stylish waterfront bars provide a festive alternative to the landlocked streets closer to the centre. Rugby fans rejoice in knowing that legendary winger Billy Boston came of age on these very docks, sipping these same brews.
Places to stay from £45 per night
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Cardiff Centre
In the city centre
Cardiff has grown a lot in the past decades. The city centre’s designer shops and lovely boutiques bear witness to a drive that keeps up with its kindred European capitals. The Holy Trinity of shopping streets are St. Mary’s, the Hayes, and Queen. In all three you’ll find sophisticates swinging bags and tourists sifting through vintage wares.
Places to stay from £26 per night
About Cardiff
Including tips for the best time to visit Cardiff
Situated in the historic county of Glamorgan, Cardiff is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom and a relatively young capital of Wales. From architecture dating back to the Norman period to streets lined with trendy bistros, the city puts forth a good balancing act as a modern metropolis with medieval roots.
Tourism in Cardiff is largely centred on its rich history and culture. A visit to Cardiff Castle will give you a glimpse of the region’s medieval chronicles. You can also take a walk through the grounds of Castell Coch, a Gothic revival castle peeping out of ancient beech woods. Another prominent fortification to explore is the 13th-century Caerphilly Castle appearing to rise from a lake.
The natural backdrops of this Welsh city are best discovered on foot – be it walking along the waterfront area of the scenic Cardiff Bay or the heritage trails of Fforest Fawr. You’ll also spot many urban parks on your trip to Cardiff, one of them being the Bute Park – a landscaped garden along the banks of River Taff.
Cardiff’s shopping portfolio comprises timeless Victorian and Edwardian arcades, suburban retail parks and indoor markets. You’ll find independent boutiques and cafés at Royal Arcade, high-end brands at St David’s and fresh organic produce at Pontcanna Farmers Market.
Tonight
From £47 per night
This weekend
From £301 per night
Next weekend
From £208 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | GBP |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | £6 per night |
| Average weekday price | £5 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Cardiff
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Cardiff
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Cardiff Castle
0.1 miles from city centre
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St David's Hall
0.1 miles from city centre
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St David's Shopping Centre
0.2 miles from city centre
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Wales Millennium Centre
1.3 miles from city centre
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Cardiff City Stadium
1.3 miles from city centre
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St Fagans Castle
3.9 miles from city centre
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Cardiff Bay
1.4 miles from city centre
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Llandaff Cathedral
2 miles from city centre
Cardiff reviews
What other travellers say about Cardiff
Whenever we needed help the rail staff and residents were...
6 February 2023
Whenever we needed help the rail staff and residents were most kind and helpful. Cardiff has now grown into a huge living factory which I believe means it is gaining a cosmopolitan rather than a Welsh identity.
Reception really helpful and friendly the bar staff too...
30 January 2023
Reception really helpful and friendly the bar staff too really great. Location fabulous - parked in NCP across the road from hotel - the key pad too sensitive to use, tried several times, therefore we did not get any money off as a Park Plaza Guest!. Room was on the small size - the air conditioning was non existent we both woke up hot and couldn't get back sleep - opened the window such a tiny gap and no air that was the worst bit such a shame as the hotel is lovely.
We visited Cardiff specifically to see a gig at the arena,...
30 January 2023
We visited Cardiff specifically to see a gig at the arena, however we did visit the castle. This was a beautiful castle, very interesting and definitely worth a visit. The late shopping area was lovely. Plenty of restaurants. I would love to come back in the Summer.
Cardiff is very nice, lots to do and see, clean and well...
28 January 2023
Cardiff is very nice, lots to do and see, clean and well organised, many fun and curious places to go: the castle, museums, restaurants and coffee places. Bonus points for the game stores, comic shops and board game cafe!
As a swansea resident, visiting Cardiff has always been an...
14 January 2023
As a swansea resident, visiting Cardiff has always been an event in itself. So much more to see and do than swansea. Staying for 2 nights this time gave us the opportunity to see and do so much! 3 full days was probably enough though
Cardiff is diverse and has many things going for it.
5 January 2023
Cardiff is diverse and has many things going for it. There are adventurous things to do down towards the water, there is historic stuff available and it has good shopping too. The people are relatively friendly as well which always helps. Lots of night life from good restaurants to clubs and pubs. Good area to set as a base as you can venture to lots of places fromhere. Be careful driving around, speed cameras seem to be all over the place.
Popular places to stay in Cardiff
Stay in some of the best accommodation Cardiff has to offer
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The DeerView Lodge with Hot Tub. Cardiff, United Kingdom
From £252.20 per night
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Stunning Spacious City Apartment with free parking Cardiff Centre, Cardiff
From £160 per night
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Hansen House Cardiff Apartment with Parking Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
From £123 per night
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Ty Mynydd Lodge Holiday Home Cardiff Outskirts, Cardiff
From £79.20 per night
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Parador 44 Cardiff Centre, Cardiff
From £75 per night
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