Cardiff, Wales’ capital and largest city, centers around a small hill where Cardiff Castle was built 2,000 years ago. Today, layers of buildings and development around the castle tell the history of the city, and by extension the whole of Wales— from the Gothic Revival mansion at the castle and the city’s Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades to modern-day builds like the Cardiff Arms Park and Millennium Stadiums and the Cardiff Bay waterfront development. There’s a lot to see and do in this cool little capital.
Many people find Cardiff’s mild-to-warm summers, with temperatures that generally peak around 68°F (20°C), the best time to visit. Outdoor activities typically run through summer, from arts events and outdoor movies at Cardiff Castle to cricket matches and music concerts. However, Cardiff is a reasonably big city with plenty of indoor attractions, too. Catch Welsh singers during concerts around Christmastime, and retreat from the winter’s cold in a museum or the many shopping arcades.
The city center and Cardiff Bay—two of the main areas of interest to tourists—are close together and easily walkable. To travel further in the city, consider bicycling: Cardiff is a flat city with some dedicated cycle paths and shared pedestrian-cycle paths. Public buses and a small train network make getting around the greater Cardiff area easy during the day, and taxis and ride share services also are available.
It’s easy to understand why Cardiff bears the nickname the City of Arcades. Shopping and dining here can be more atmospheric than in the average mid-sized UK city, thanks to its seven Victorian and Edwardian–period arcades that host many independent retailers. This is great news for winter travel, or any time it’s raining. Look for the shop selling Welsh cakes in Castle Arcade, the award-winning fine arts supplies store in Duke Street Arcade, and vintage clothing stores.
Attractions 15 | Tours 83 | Reviews 861 |
Yes. Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, offers many cultural attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the Cardiff Arms Park stadium, the Techniquest science museum, and the National Museum of History at St. Fagans Castle. There’s also Cardiff Bay, home to restaurants, nightlife, and the impressive Senedd Welsh National Assembly building.
...MoreThree days is an ideal length of time to spend in Cardiff, and there are many things to do. Spend two days at the city attractions of your choice, then make a day trip to nearby Brecon Beacons National Park for hiking and cycling, and to admire the natural landscapes.
...MoreCardiff, the capital city of Wales, is best known for its ancient castle, the Cardiff Arms Park and Millennium Stadium rugby stadiums, and the Cardiff Bay waterfront development that houses many restaurants and shops, as well as the architecturally dramatic Senedd Welsh National Assembly building, which is open to visitors.
...MoreYes, there is a lot to do in Cardiff, a relatively large city of around half a million people. Among the range of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities in Cardiff include visits to Cardiff Castle and the city museums, as well as attending a rugby match (November through early spring).
...MoreYes, you can speak English in Cardiff. Welsh is an official language in Wales, and in West or North Wales you may hear it spoken in the street. However, most people in Wales do not speak Welsh as a first language, and Cardiff is in South Wales, where English is predominant.
...MoreCardiff is generally a safe city and not especially “rough” at night. As in many other cities, you should take general precautions when you’re out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. It is always wise to make sure you have a safe way to get back to your accommodation.
...More
