Cardiff

Travel Guide

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

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 centre and Cardiff Bay. Explore the compact centre 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 Centre, 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 centre.

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 statue or sculpture, a city and a square or plaza

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(888 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from St. David's Hall to Cardiff International Arena – discover Cardiff City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff which includes a statue or sculpture, a city and a square or plaza

Castle Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from St. David's Hall to Cardiff Market – discover Castle Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Castle Quarter
Wales Millennium Centre showing modern architecture, a city and a square or plaza

Butetown

4/5(275 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and relaxing 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

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

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
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Pontcanna

4.5/5(70 area reviews)

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

Pontcanna

Whitchurch

4/5(29 area reviews)

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
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! (2,615 reviews)
One night
"A quick one night stay for me , but would recommend the hotel. Very central but still a quiet area near the castle . I’d stay again no problem."

Reviewed on 15 Sept, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is S$182 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
S$182
22 Sept - 23 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,306 reviews)
"Top class hotel and facilities, rooms very well equipped and big"

Reviewed on 14 Sept, 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is S$170 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
S$170
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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! (1,739 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in a location convenient to the train station. No onsite parking and a bit difficult to find. It would have been helpful to have overnight parking suggestions/information before arriving. Also emailed the day before the stay to ask about parking, but didn’t get a reply before ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept, 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! (275 reviews)
"Great apartment. Very clean and comfortable, had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 14 Sept, 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Quay Apartments Clarence House

Quay Apartments Clarence House

3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Belle ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (140 reviews)
"Okay"

Reviewed on 25 Aug, 2025

Quay Apartments Clarence House
Student Only Eclipse

Student Only Eclipse

2 out of 5
Newport Rd Ln, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium are located ...
Student Only Eclipse
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cardiff

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
550
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
415
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
71
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
7
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Motorpoint Arena is next to the hotel and the City Centre is very pleasant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I loved Cardiff and wished I was there on holiday and not business. I will return.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city, and small enough to walk the whole centre, plenty to see outside as well

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Our first visit was very brief, a quick overnight stop, but enough to whet our appetites to return.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I live Cardiff the weather was limiting mango restaurant very good but expensive

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Cardiff visit for the rugby so location to St Mary’s street is perfect