Cardiff

Travel Guide

Cardiff which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes
Cardiff featuring a square or plaza, modern architecture and a statue or sculpture
Bute Park showing a park, heritage elements and a castle
Cardiff Castle featuring art, interior views and heritage elements
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage elements, château or palace and interior views
Cardiff is a beautifuland intriguing city that blends medieval architecture and a two thousand yearold history with lush green spaces and a legendary night life and entertainmentscene. The capital of Wales is a lively port city, home to medieval castles,pristine parks, modern sporting arenas and a sparkling waterfront leisuredistrict. It dates back to the Roman period when it was just a small settlementon the River Taff it grew over the centuries to officially become a city in1905 and has been the Welsh capital since 1955.

Cardiff has two maintourist areas: the historic city centre and CardiffBay. It’s easy to explore the compact centre comfortably on foot, makingit a cheap city to navigate, made all the more simple by the extensivesignposts indicating the major attractions.

Check out the medieval Cardiff Castle, a stunningexample of Norman architecture and one of five castles located in the city. Wanderthe glorious parkland and arboretum of Bute Park. Admire the grand civicbuildings and pretty Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park. Discover the evolutionof Wales and then spot impressionist art at the National Museum Cardiff. Learnabout the history of the city at the Cardiff Story.

The people of Cardiff,much like the rest of the Welsh, have a passion for sports and live events. The75,000-seat Millennium Stadium plays host to major rugby and internationalfootball matches. The stadium offers tours when they aren’t putting on events,but nothing beats watching a rugby match live or a gig by world-famous artists,which the stadium also does. Or, if you want something a little moresophisticated, watch ballet, opera or the philharmonic orchestras at St.David’s Hall.

Pay a visit to Cardiff Bay, a former dockland, nowa shopping and entertainment district. Here you’ll find bars and restaurants,boutique shops and fashion retailers in refurbished Victorian arcades. Perusethe Norwegian Church Arts Centre, which showcases the work of local artists.History buffs shouldn’t miss the displays of historic vessels at the World ofBoats.

Make sure you see St. Fagans National HistoryMuseum, where you’ll find a collection of over 40 typical Welsh buildings.Other historical landmarks include Castell Coch and Llandaff Cathedral. Accessany of these via public bus from the city centre.

Cardiff has aninternational airport, which receives flights from most major Europeandestinations. The city is only about a three hour drive from London, andthere’s plenty to explore around Cardiff, includingthe beaches of Gower Peninsula and the picturesque hills of BreconBeacons National Park, so why not get yourself a hire car and makethe most of your Cardiff city break.

Where to stay in Cardiff

Cardiff showing a square or plaza, a statue or sculpture and modern architecture

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 showing a square or plaza, a statue or sculpture 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 featuring a square or plaza, modern architecture and a city

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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Llantrisant

Visitors to Llantrisant enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, The Royal Mint Experience is worth a stop.

Llantrisant
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! (2,554 reviews)
"Fantastic stay would highly recommend and great service from all the staff, great location"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is €125 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€125
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,293 reviews)
"What an excellent hotel. Other than the Steam"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
The price is €87 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€87
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,443 reviews)
"Easy access to the city, quiet hotel and very safe for female travellers"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
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! (267 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, only stayed one night. Daughter has dietary needs so kitchen was a bonus"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (210 reviews)
"friendly staff, nice clean rooms, easy access to trains/buses/town/shopping"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Yugo Explore - Arofan House

Yugo Explore - Arofan House

2 out of 5
Vere Street, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this aparthotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium ...
7.8/10 Good! (50 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Yugo Explore - Arofan 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.

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