For anyone looking to explore the incredible country of Wales, Cardiff is the perfect starting point. An iconic city, located at the beating heart of Welsh industry and culture, Cardiff contains a rich history, juxtaposed by its modern elements and vibrant nightlife.
cardiff – what’s it all about?
With such an interesting past, perfectly balanced by its more modern lifestyle, there is so much to see and do in the city of Cardiff. Here, you’ll find the perfect balance of academic life, culture, and shopping, as well as great food and drink too.
So let’s take a look at some of the places and experiences you have to sample on your trip to Cardiff.
must-see attractions
Here are some of the attractions that anyone visiting Cardiff needs to see.
cardiff castle
Any good guide to Cardiff will recommend taking a trip to visit Cardiff Castle, and with good reason. Nestled in the heart of the city, this 2,000-year-old Roman fort was built in the 1st century AD, with later constructions being made by the Normans in the 11th century.
During World War II the walls which surrounded the Castle were used as air raid shelters; a place of safety for thousands of Cardiff citizens. A reconstruction of the shelters has been opened for visitors to explore.
Just next to the castle is the much-loved Animal Wall, originally built in 1890, it features life-like stone sculptures of a variety of animals perched on the wall between the Castle’s Clock Tower and West Gate Lodge.
firing line museum
If you’re looking for a little more history within the castle itself, we’d also recommend taking a visit to the Firing Line Museum. This exhibition includes artefacts from The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and the Royal Welsh. In this museum in particular, get up close and personal with the people who would have lived and worked in the walls of the castle. Great for all members of the family, but history buffs in particular.
the pierhead
Built in 1897, the Pierhead Building is a Grade I-listed building in Cardiff. Originally constructed as the headquarters for the famed Bute Dock Company, and the beating heart of Cardiff’s industrial past, the building now forms part of the estate of the Senedd. As a building that played a pivotal role in Cardiff’s coal and mining history, the Pierhead is now considered one of the most famous landmarks in Cardiff.
heritage
Cardiff has plenty to offer any history buff, with a wealth of ages that have left their mark on the city today.
roman history
Selected as a strategic site that allowed easy access to the sea, the first Roman fort was constructed in Cardiff in 50 AD. Throughout Roman rule, this fort was rebuilt until the fall of the Roman Empire, which saw the fort abandoned. It’s thought that the name Cardiff originates from the name Caer-Taff, meaning fort on the (river) Taff. Remains of the original Roman walls can still be seen in the city today.
port and market town
Due to its location as a port city, Cardiff played a key role in the industrial revolution during the 1790s. The boom in iron and coal trade saw the construction of the docks in the 1830s, which further cemented the city’s position as a leading port and market town. As a result, the area surrounding the dock saw a flourishing community, with people from more than 50 different countries travelling to settle in an area of the city known as Tiger Bay.
mining
Between the Industrial Revolution and the global depression in the 1930s, Cardiff was a highly prosperous mining town. Particularly in the 18th century, the city of Cardiff saw a boom in its mining industry. With the opening of the canals that allowed for easy transportation of goods across Wales and to the rest of the UK, the city saw a boom in its population as well as its industry. It was in Cardiff that the world saw its first-ever £1 million deal, made at the coal exchange in 1907.
ales & beer
As a region well-known for its beer, Cardiff contains a range of breweries, crafting everything from bitter, lager and IPA. To experience a truly local Cardiff brewery, look no further than Crafty Devil. Started by two friends in a garden shed in West Cardiff, Crafty Devil is a proudly independent brewery bringing a Cardiff twist to beers and ales.
welsh rarebit
This classic, warming dish is loved throughout Cardiff and beyond. Traditional Welsh rarebit consists of hot cheese served on warm, toasted bread. Despite what the name might suggest, the dish doesn’t contain any rabbit.
welsh cakes
These flat, sugar-heavy cakes are ideal for any sweet-toothed travellers exploring Cardiff. Traditionally cooked on a bakestone, Welsh cakes are made with a mixture of flour, sultanas, raisins and sugar.
bara brith pudding
This sweet treat is a traditional, rich fruit cake, packed with dried fruit that’s been soaked in tea. Best enjoyed with a healthy spread of salted butter, a slice of bara brith is perfect after an afternoon of exploring the city.
where to sample it
the potted pig
Located in underground, disused bank vaults, The Potted Big serves modern, British dishes with French and New York twists. The team at The Potted Pig keep their menu fresh and updated, showcasing their favourite flavours of the moment. Be sure to stop in to sample delicacies from local independent suppliers with seasonal flavours.
heaneys
Sitting in the heart of Pontcanna, Heaneys brings fun and relaxed dining experiences for those looking to eat out in Cardiff. As well as working with local suppliers for authentic Welsh flavours, they even cook with produce from their very own chefs’ garden, for a truly fresh dining experience.
nook
For a more intimate dining experience, we would recommend Nook. Offering guests a range of small plates and natural wines, you’ll quickly discover why Nook has been recommended in the Michelin guide. In this small, cosy restaurant overlooking Victoria Park, use the best seasonal produce, and cater to a range of tastes and requirements through their revolving range of indulgent dishes.
dead canary bar
Nestled in the twists and turns of Barrack Lane, you might stumble across an unassuming doorway, decorated only with an empty birdcage and a large doorbell. Ring the doorbell, and you’ll step into a speakeasy-style bar sampling refreshing drinks and delicious cocktails.
cardiff bakestones
If you’re looking to sample some truly traditional Welsh Cakes, you simply have to stop in at Cardiff Bakestones. With shops in both the Cardiff Indoor Market and the Merthyr Indoor Market, this family-run business has specialised in Welsh cakes for nearly 20 years. See your cakes prepared by hand before your eyes, before enjoying them amongst the market stalls.
beyond the city – places on the dooRstep worth visiting while in cardiff
wye valley
Bordering England and Wales, the Wye Valley contains some of the most iconic landscapes in the world and is internationally protected on account of its rich wildlife. Home to the River Wye, the fourth-longest river in the UK, the Wye Valley can also be a hotspot for wildlife lovers and even the odd fishing fanatic. Along the valley, you’ll also find Newent, one of the oldest inhabited towns and an incredibly picturesque place to spend the afternoon exploring its 100 listed buildings.
caerphilly castle
Located in Caerphilly, South Wales, this mediaeval fortification was constructed in the 13th century and showcases some incredible military architecture for the period, including towers, gatehouses, and even water defences across the 30 acres of land. Today, visitors can explore the castle and the grounds, and learn more about how the residents lived and worked.
gower peninsula
The Gower Peninsula sits at the most westerly part of the Welsh county of Glamorgan and contains a nature lover’s paradise. In 1956 the region became the first area in the UK to become an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
example itinerary
Ready to start exploring Cardiff, but don’t know where to start? Let’s walk through an example itinerary to help you make the most of your adventure in Cardiff.
- Breakfast at Cardiff indoor market
Located in an impressive Victorian structure, the Cardiff indoor market is the perfect place to kickstart your day in the city. Browse the selection of street food options and artisan coffee providers, and even do some light shopping at the gift and homeware brands that call Cardiff indoor market their home too.
- National Museum Cardiff
After filling up on some breakfast, call in at the National Museum to explore some incredible and unique collections and exhibitions. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Impressionist art to be found outside of Paris, and the current exhibition, the Art of the Selfie (running until January 2025). As well as these exhibitions, here you’ll also find artefacts and stories documenting the history of the city, from the 1300’s until today.
- Bute Park
Head to Bute Park overlooking the River Taff, once the castle’s private grounds, but now open to the public. Whilst you’re here, try the traditional Pettigrew’s Tea Rooms for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea. There are over 3,000 individually catalogued trees in Bute Park’s nationally significant arboretum. The rare Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila ‘Aurescens’) is one of only two mature specimens known in the UK.
- Royal Arcade
Browse the endless independent shops and cafes of Cardiff’s beautifully ornate glass-roofed arcades which date back to Edwardian and Victorian times. The best known is The Royal Arcade in Cardiff, an independently owned Welsh shopping mall that is a popular tourist destination. The arcade contains a great range of local, independently owned businesses, including Cardiff’s Antiques Centre, Pen and Paper, Van and Dal Co., and Sobeys. At the east entrance is Wally’s Delicatessen a quirky and long-established deli in Cardiff
If you’re into vinyl, you must visit the historic Spillers Records and Troutmark Books is a second-hand bookshop and local institution, tucked in the arcade opposite the castle.
- Check out Cardiff Bay
Then, wander down to the former coal docks of Cardiff Bay which have had a full face-lift under one of Europe’s largest waterfront regeneration projects. The Bay (as it is known locally) is now home to enticing harbour-side bars and restaurants as well as the Millennium Centre, The Welsh Assembly, the iconic red-brick Pierhead, the Science Museum and the unique Norwegian Church, now a thriving arts centre, to which Roald Dahl and his family belonged. If you want a leg stretcher you can follow the 10km circular walking trail around the bay soaking up the sights.
practical information
Now that you’re ready to explore Cardiff, here’s some practical information on what to expect in the city.
getting to cardiff
The city of Cardiff is incredibly well connected, both to the rest of Wales, the UK, and internationally. The central train station sits right in the city centre and has frequent services running across Wales and beyond. The city also has its own airport, located just outside of the city itself. The airport can be accessed by shuttle bus, or by taxi from the city centre.
getting around cardiff
The city itself is fairly small compared to most capital cities and is easily walkable. The main destinations and locations are all located in the city centre and can be explored on foot very easily
currency in cardiff
The accepted currency in Cardiff and the rest of Wales is pound sterling (£).
time zone
The time zone for Cardiff is GMT.
final thoughts
The city of Cardiff is the perfect place to experience a slice of the Welsh lifestyle. Located on the doorstep of the Welsh countryside, here you’ll find endless things to explore, see and do on your Welsh adventure.
commonly asked questions
do i need to understand welsh?
Even though Welsh is an accepted and commonly spoken language in Cardiff, that doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to learn and speak Welsh for your vacation here. The majority, if not all vendors will speak English.
do i need a car to get around cardiff?
Cardiff is quite a small city, and the major attractions can be reached on foot. If you do want to explore a bit further afield, it’s easy to see all of Wales in the same weekend, or even the same day.
