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 showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(888 area reviews)

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

Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Castle Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Principality Stadium to St. David's Hall – 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
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Cathays

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to Principality Stadium or National Museum Cardiff.

Cathays
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! (2,470 reviews)
"Ideal location for visiting Cardiff, right opposite the castle. Walking distance for shops, eateries, bars, castle and museum. Hotel has no parking itself but there's an NCP just around the corner. Useful disabled access door and lift round the right hand side of the hotel. Sadly only one of the ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is S$180 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$180
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,300 reviews)
"Great family stay ! Excellent food options and spa facilities great"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is S$176 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$176
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,715 reviews)
"Very nice hotel - would have given 5 stars but was a little disappointed that the room was declared as deluxe when there was barely room around the bed. Bathroom was lovely though. Breakfast was also very good and all staff were professional."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 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! (262 reviews)
Just the fit
"Very good location, close enough to town, but in a quiet Away close to lovely park."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Inside was great, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the room was fine, though the carpet was a bit tired. It was just by a busy bridge which had a lot of traffic and mostly it became quiet when the window was closed. I will certainly think of staying in places like that again (student ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"I payed for 2 adults 1 child but when we got into the apartment there was only a double bed and a small sofa not suitable for sleeping"

Reviewed on 7 Apr, 2025

Quay Apartments Clarence House
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