Things to do in Cardiff

Activities, attractions and tours

Cardiff which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes
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
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Watch national and international sporting events, see musical legends perform and go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium. This is the national stadium of Wales, a 74,500-seat venue that is the home of the Welsh national rugby team.
Learn more
Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

2. Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval stronghold and Victorian Gothic mansion with approximately 2,000 years’ worth of history. The magnificent structure was built on the site of a Roman fort and a Norman castle and during its existence also served as a home, a concert venue and a World War II shelter.
Learn more
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture

3. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
Learn more
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

4. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
Learn more
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

5. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
Learn more
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

6. Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Millennium Centre is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Cardiff. It is a place to see everything from small dance pieces and comedy shows, to West End musicals and major art exhibitions. The venue hosts several performance areas and is the home of the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and other arts organizations. Watch a show, view some art and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.
Learn more
Wales Millennium Centre showing signage, modern architecture and street scenes

What to do in Cardiff

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Principality Stadium

4.5/5(198 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of sporting and musical greats when you tour this vast sporting arena. Walk on the pitch, see dressing rooms and lift a trophy.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(190 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(251 reviews)

A fortified tower from the 12th century, World War II tunnels and Welsh military history make a fascinating day out at this magnificent castle.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

4/5(76 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

4/5(44 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

4.5/5(59 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre showing signage, modern architecture and street scenes

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(210 reviews)

Book your tickets for theater, opera, dance and comedy shows and go on a backstage tour at this prestigious arts venue.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Tour the ruins of an ancient monastery where Cistercian monks used to live, pray and study. See the remains of their former dwellings and church.

Tintern Abbey
Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Cardiff when you take a trip to Cardiff Bay Waterfront. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

Areas of Cardiff

Cardiff aerial view panorama in Wales capital cityscape 360 panoramic skyline feat. River Taff, Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle, famous landmarks and city center downtown streets from above in UK

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(888 area reviews)

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

Cardiff City Centre
Castle Arcade, Cardiff. #red

Castle Quarter

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

Castle Quarter
Pier Building, Cardiff Bay. UK

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
Beautiful flowers by the banks of the River Taff in Cardiff

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
A bridge over the River Taff in Cardiff against a blue sky

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
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

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 National Museum Cardiff or New Theatre.

Cathays
Wills Memorial Building featuring heritage elements, night scenes and a city

Bristol

Monmouthshire & Brecon canal

Abergavenny

Aerial view of Porthcawl beach harbour and fun fair in South Wales UK

Bridgend

Tintern Abbey which includes heritage architecture, a ruin and heritage elements

Chepstow

View of Newport Sands Beach from the golf club. Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales. UK

Newport

Editorial Swansea, UK - November 24, 2017: Daybreak over Swansea city, the second largest city in Wales after Cardiff, UK, showing the East Side and the new University campus.

Port Talbot

Aerial view of early morning fog and mist raising over Cwmbran, South Wales, UK

Cwmbran

Porthcawl

Porthcawl

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Cardiff is visit Cardiff Castle. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's culture and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, spend the rest of your day exploring Cardiff's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cardiff?
The top tourist attraction in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff?
Three days in Cardiff is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay Waterfront and New Theatre are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Bristol.
Is Cardiff a walkable city?
Some top sights in Cardiff, including Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from central Cardiff is Cardiff City Centre and Castle Quarter is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff with kids?
Planning what to do in Cardiff with kids has never been easier. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Cardiff for adults?
Cardiff City Hall and The Senedd are just a couple of the things to do in Cardiff. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Cardiff is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Cardiff Bay Waterfront is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia