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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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

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
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$161 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
S$161
14 Sept - 15 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 ...
Celtic Manor Resort
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 ...
The Angel Hotel
Mercure Newport Hotel

Mercure Newport Hotel

4 out of 5
Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales
The price is S$148 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
S$148
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Mercure Newport 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 ...
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 Newport ...
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