Cardiff

Travel Guide

Cardiff featuring street scenes, a city and night scenes
Cardiff which includes a square or plaza, a statue or sculpture and modern architecture
Bute Park which includes a castle, heritage elements and a park
Cardiff Castle showing a statue or sculpture, art and heritage elements
Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, interior views and a castle

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 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 to Cardiff Castle – discover Castle Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Castle Quarter
Wales Millennium Centre which includes 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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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 Cardiff City Hall.

Cathays
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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

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
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! (2,662 reviews)
"Beautiful foyers into hotel and grand staircase. Does look shabby in places but is an old building. Friendly welcome- we checked in late in the evening due to delayed trains but we received a warm welcome. Room was very hot couldn't open windows but luckily had a fan (which helped to cool the room ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

The Angel Hotel
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

4 out of 5
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales
The price is RM356 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM356
RM428 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The rooms are a bit dated, and rough around the edges, but comfortable and clean. Good valie. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The location is good, just a short walk to the city. Car park was expensive, and cheaper options available, if more organised than me. Overall a lovely stay and ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is RM565 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
RM565
RM678 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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! (1,322 reviews)
"Fantastic"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
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! (286 reviews)
"The overall building is a little old but it is worth the money. Do not go in expecting a five star stay as it’s basically a three star experience. They do not have basic items such as tissue papers or toiletries. But I will commend the front desk guy Richard. He was extremely helpful and did provide ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

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 Belle ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (144 reviews)
"Friendly, simple check -in. Easy parking in multistory just behind which can be added to the room. Great TV, good shower and comfy bed. Roomy flat with good equipment level in the kitchen. Some welcome gifts too (tea, coffee, sugar, washing up liquid and tea towels) which were very welcome. Mini ..."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Quay Apartments Clarence House
 Park Lane Aparthotel

Park Lane Aparthotel

4 out of 5
23-24 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, meeting facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium ...
7.2/10 Good! (51 reviews)
"Nice little apartment to stay at, the only thing that let it down was how incredibly hot it was. There was a fan provided but it generally blew hot air back. I would come back but probably just in the winter."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Park Lane Aparthotel
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