Cardiff Travel Guide [Things to Do, Where to Stay + Travel Tips]
Our Cardiff Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for the Welsh capital. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Cardiff!
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ Cardiff Travel Guide
If youโre planning a visit to the Welsh capital, this Cardiff Travel Guide will help you plan your trip with confidence. Cardiff (Caerdydd) is a compact, friendly city that blends historic landmarks, green spaces, waterfront dining and a lively cultural and sporting scene.
In this guide, youโll find practical information on things to do in Cardiff, how to get there, the best areas to stay, day trips beyond the city and where to eat and drink. Whether youโre visiting Cardiff as a short city break or as part of a wider Wales or UK itinerary, this guide is designed to help first-time visitors make the most of their time.
Since 1955, Cardiff (Caerdydd) has been the capital of Wales and home to the Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru). Geographically situated in the southwest of Wales, the historic county of Glamorgan is on the Bristol Channel and at the mouth of the River Taff.
Visitors from all around the UK and overseas visit all year round for many varied reasons, including students to its renowned university.
Cardiff offers history, music and nightlife, architecture, shopping, open green areas, and sporting venues. Cardiff Bay has a beautiful waterfront with bars and restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
A direct train ride away from London (fastest time 1 hour 50 mins) makes Cardiff an appealing and accessible destination.
Plan your visit to Cardiff – FAQs
When is the best time of year to visit Cardiff?
- Weather
The best time to visit Cardiff is from May to September, when days are longer and the weather is generally milder. Summer is ideal for festivals, outdoor dining and events in Cardiff Bay perfect for a Cardiff city break
Spring and early autumn are good alternatives with fewer crowds, while winter is quieter and well suited to museums, shopping arcades and Christmas markets.
- Festivals and events
Cardiff hosts a wide variety of popular events and festivals throughout the year including
- Cardiff Comedy Festival >> Various venues (May)
- Cardiff Food and Drink Festival >> Cardiff Bay (July)
- Medieval Festival >> Llantrisant Guildhall, Pontyclun (September)
- Cymru Food Festival >> At St Fagans National Museum of History (September)
- Cardiff Brick Festival >> A LEGO Fan event (October)
- Oktoberfest Cymru >> Beer Festival (October)
- Music >> Many groups/artists – Live performances (All Year round)
- Sport >> Rugby/football/cricket/ice hockey/speedway (and more) Seasonal-specific national and International outdoor and indoor sporting events.
- Cardiff Christmas Market >> City Centre Nov/Dec
How many days do you need in Cardiff?
Most visitors find two to three days is enough to explore Cardiff. This allows time to visit Cardiff Castle, explore the city centre and Cardiff Bay, enjoy the museums and fit in a nearby day trip such as Caerphilly Castle or St Fagans.
Is Cardiff worth visiting?
Yes. Cardiff is well worth visiting for its historic castle, walkable city centre, waterfront setting, excellent museums and strong food and pub scene. It also works well as a base for exploring South Wales.
How to travel to Cardiff from London
Cardiff is easy to reach from London by train, coach or car. Direct trains run regularly from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, making it a straightforward city break or add-on to a UK itinerary.
By train
The Central and Queen Street train stations are close to Cardiff city centre and hotels. Also a few minutes further train ride to Cardiff Bay. The main train line from the Central Station links Cardiff with English stations.
Queens Street Station connects Cardiff to areas north and east of the city. Cardiff Bay station is a terminus station.
Cardiff Central Station also links to Cardiff International Airport, with a total travel time of around 42 minutes. There is a 30-minute train journey to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Station and a 7-minute bus ride to the airport.
Approx time
- London Paddington – Cardiff Central takes 2h 50 direct service (available).
- Bristol Temple Meads – Cardiff Central takes 54 minutes, direct service
- Manchester Piccadilly – Cardiff Central takes 3h22, direct service
- Oxford – Cardiff Central takes 3h25, 2 train changes at Didcot and Bristol Temple Meads.
- Bath Spa – Cardiff Central 1 train change at Bristol Temple Meads.
By car
Easily accessible by road with good road links via the M4 and M5 motorways.
Car parking is available in the city centre and in the Cardiff Bay area.
- Park & Ride
- Locations are available for park and ride in Cardiff, depending on the direction of arrival towards the city. More P & R facilities are introduced on match days at the Principality Stadium in the city.
- Payment of a few pounds for the day is per car.
Do you need a car in Cardiff?
No. You do not need a car to explore Cardiff itself. A car can be useful if you plan to visit more rural parts of South Wales, but many popular attractions can be reached by public transport or organised tours.
How to get around Cardiff
Cardiff is one of the easiest UK cities to explore without a car. The city centre is walkable, with most major attractions, shops and restaurants clustered close together.
Buses run frequently across the city and to Cardiff Bay, and local trains connect the city centre with suburbs and nearby attractions. Taxis are easy to find, particularly around Cardiff Central station and major venues.
Attractions and things to do in Cardiff
- Visit Cardiff Castle, right in the city centre. It combines Norman origins with lavish Victorian interiors and also includes a military museum.
- National Museum Cardiff – A must-see museum celebrating natural history, Welsh art and archaeology. Free entry.
- Cardiff Bay is a redeveloped waterfront area with restaurants, bars, walks and plenty going on.
- Must-sees in the Bay Area are:
- The Pierhead – A neo-gothic red brick building, event and heritage centre.
- Cardiff Bay Barrage – A waterfront walk or bike ride with stunning bay and skyline views.
- Norwegian Church Arts Centre – The iconic former church of Norwegian seamen.
- Cardiff Boat Tours – a 60-minute boat tour of the Bay area.
- Must-sees in the Bay Area are:
- Visit Llandaff Cathedral, a historic cathedral known for its architecture, stonework and stained glass.
- Just outside the city, St Fagans National Museum of History is an open-air museum and one of the best places to learn about Welsh life and culture.
- Cardiff Central Market – A traditional indoor market in the city centre with food stalls, local produce and independent traders. A good stop for a quick bite or to browse.
- Victorian Shopping Arcades – Visit the renowned Victorian Castle Quarter Arcades.
- Explore the impressive Caerphilly Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and discover De Clareโs impressive medieval castle, just 30 minutes by public transport from Cardiff centre. Managed and run by CADW (The Welsh Govt Historic Service), it is a 20-minute train ride from the central station to Caerphilly and a 10-minute walk to the castle.
- Bute Park & Arboretum – 130 acres of public green space situated near the castle with walking trails and picnic areas. In winter, keep an eye out for seasonal light trails and events.
- Cardiff Christmas Market – Runs from early November until 23rd December and is a must-see for Christmas Craft lovers.ย You will find it situated in the city centre’s main pedestrianised shopping areas.
- Principality Stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) – The cityโs world-class national and International sports venue. It also holds music/concert festivals.ย
- Take a trip to the stunning Castel Coch (Red Castle), a gothic/ Victorian fairytale house built on a 13th-century castle ground. CADW manages and runs the place, which is around 25 minutes by car from Cardiff centre.
- Spillers Records – Described as the world’s oldest record shop. Open since 1894. Located in the Morgan Arcade.
Cardiff and beyond
Cardiff makes an excellent base for exploring South Wales. Popular trips beyond the city include medieval castles, coastal scenery and countryside walks.
Easy options include visiting Caerphilly Castle by train, exploring St Fagans National Museum of History just outside the city, or travelling further afield to the Wye Valley, the Gower Peninsula or the Pembrokeshire coast. Many of these destinations are easiest to reach by car, though tours are also available.
- South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour
- Waterfalls, Mountains & Castles Day Tour
- Guided Tour of Welsh Valleys
Where to eat and drink in Cardiff
The Cottage
Despite the name, The Cottage is a pub, and itโs a great one for a classic Cardiff pint and a relaxed meal. Itโs right in the city centre, so itโs an easy stop after a day exploring Cardiff Castle, the shopping arcades and the main sights.
Expect a warm welcome, traditional interiors and a proper pub atmosphere. If you can, time your visit for a rugby day for the liveliest vibe.
Where and when
25 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AA
Open daily, typically from 12:00 until late
The Lansdowne Pub
If you want a friendly local pub with a bit more space and a more family-friendly feel, The Lansdowne is a solid pick. Itโs well known in Cardiff for its atmosphere and quality, and itโs a good option for drinks plus hearty pub food.
It tends to be busiest later in the day, with a good mix of families, locals and groups catching up over a pint.
Where and when
71 Beda Road, Cardiff, CF5 1LX
Typical hours: MonโThu 12:00 to 23:00, FriโSat 12:00 to 23:30, Sun 12:00 to 22:30
Accommodation in Cardiff
For first-time visitors, staying in or close to Cardiff city centre is the most convenient option. Central accommodation puts you within walking distance of Cardiff Castle, the shopping arcades, restaurants, transport links and major attractions.
Cardiff offers a good range of accommodation, including hotels, serviced apartments and budget-friendly options. Areas near Cardiff Central station and the castle are particularly practical for short stays, while Cardiff Bay can suit visitors who prefer a waterfront setting with easy transport links back into the city.
Booking ahead is recommended during major events, match days and summer weekends, when accommodation can fill quickly.
More special stays โ Accommodation Guide for Wales
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ Enjoy your visit to Cardiff
Cardiff is an easy, welcoming city that rewards both short visits and longer stays. With its mix of history, green spaces, waterfront areas and excellent transport links, it works well as a standalone destination or as part of a wider Wales or UK itinerary.
Alongside this Cardiff Travel Guide, youโll find more inspiration and planning help in our Wales travel guides and related articles.
