Explore Cardiff: A Vibrant City Full of History and Culture
Compact, multicultural Cardiff dances to its own beat, boasting numerous historical sites, independent businesses, and a friendly atmosphere. This guide highlights the best things to do in Cardiff, showcasing attractions from its grand castle and leafy urban gardens to the best Welsh cakes and the world’s oldest record shop.
Cardiff Castle
Located in the heart of the city center, Cardiff Castle is a medieval marvel surrounded by Roman walls. The opulent interiors designed by William Burges epitomize Victorian Gothic style. Inside, visitors can marvel at intricate woodcarvings, epic murals, and stained glass that transform the spaces into a vibrant visual experience. Climb to the top of the Norman keep for panoramic views over the city, with a clear day offering sightlines to its sister castle, Castell Coch, in the distance.
Cardiff’s Arcades
Stretching over half a mile between the main shopping streets and the castle end, Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian indoor shopping arcades provide a delightful retail experience that has earned the city its nickname—”the city of arcades.” These charming corridors are home to independent boutiques, family-run cafes, and quirky pop-up spaces, offering an authentic atmosphere far removed from chain stores. Explore the vinyl selection at Spillers, the world’s oldest record store, or enjoy a cozy coffee at Coffee Barker.
National Museum Cardiff
As home to Wales’ rich collections of art, geology, and natural history, the National Museum Cardiff is both educational and expansive. It boasts the largest collection of French Impressionist paintings located outside London, featuring works from renowned artists like Van Gogh and Picasso. The museum’s Evolution of Wales section narrates the country’s story from the Big Bang up to the present day, complete with remarkable dinosaur exhibits.
Cardiff Bay Barrage
Designed to regenerate Cardiff’s docklands, the Cardiff Bay Barrage stands as Europe’s largest waterfront development. This picturesque pathway for pedestrians and cyclists stretches across the water from Cardiff Bay to Penarth, a nearby seaside town, providing an excellent vantage point to appreciate the city’s scale and history. From the barrage, visitors can stroll along Penarth seafront, home to an award-winning pier and charming shops, with glimpses of Flat Holm and Steep Holm islands across the Bristol Channel.
Cardiff Bay
With year-round boat trips, diverse restaurants, and stunning views, Cardiff Bay offers various activities and experiences. Witness the Welsh talent for storytelling at the Wales Millennium Centre, a premier venue for theatre, dance, and music. The Senedd serves as the home to the Welsh Parliament, showcasing political art. For adventurous souls, Cardiff International White Water offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting and kayaking, all within the city. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Nata & Co, a Portuguese bakery known for its exquisite tarts.
Chapter Arts Centre
Established by local artists over 40 years ago, Chapter Arts Centre is the cultural hub of alternative arts in Cardiff. It showcases diverse talent in its theater, two cinemas focusing on indie films, and an art gallery. The open-plan café is a favorite among local creatives, reflecting Cardiff residents’ friendly nature and love for meaningful conversations with its wholesome meals and craft beers.
Principality Stadium
The iconic Principality Stadium, previously known as Millennium Stadium, is a defining feature along the River Taff. It hosts major sports events such as football, rugby, motorsport, and boxing, doubling as a concert arena. Visitors can explore the stadium through guided tours offering behind-the-scenes access to the home dressing room, VIP boxes, and pitch-side views.
Bute Park
Located next to Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is a verdant retreat favored by locals. Stroll along the River Taff, teeming with wildlife, or meander through the park’s picturesque flower beds and woodlands. Don’t miss the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where many notable alumni such as Anthony Hopkins and Rob Brydon have studied.
Cardiff Market
A historic former jail, Cardiff Market features two floors of eclectic stalls within its Victorian architecture. With a wide variety of offerings, it serves as a delightful spot for browsing. Don’t miss Bakestones for the finest Welsh cakes and Clancy’s, known for their delicious vegan offerings.
St. Fagans National History Museum
As one of Wales’ most popular heritage sites, St. Fagans National History Museum offers an open-air glimpse into Welsh cultural history. Historic buildings from various eras have been disassembled and reconstructed here, allowing visitors to explore Welsh architecture through time, from a medieval court to a vintage bakehouse. The picturesque 100-acre site includes tranquil walking paths and the quaint Gwalia Tea Room.
Cardiff’s Nightlife
Ready for a night out? Cardiff’s nightlife is legendary, especially around St. Mary’s Street and its adjacent lanes. For trendy cocktails, The Dead Canary offers a unique speakeasy experience. Alternative club Metros provides a lively atmosphere, while Clwb Ifor Bach regularly hosts live music events. For LGBTQI+ nightlife, visit Pulse, Mary’s, or The Golden Cross. After dancing, head to Caroline Street (Chippy Lane) for a late-night snack of chips and curry sauce.
Roath Park
Just a short trip from Cardiff’s city center, Roath Park is a lovely Victorian public park featuring a vibrant Botanic Garden, a tropical conservatory, and a picturesque lake with a striking clock tower, commemorating Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition. Rent a pedalo or rowboat to enjoy the lake or grab a treat from the ever-popular ice-cream van while watching the swans and geese.
This article was first published in January 2017 and updated in October 2023.
