Cardiff

Travel Guide

Cardiff showing street scenes, a city and night scenes
Cardiff featuring modern architecture, a city and a square or plaza
Bute Park featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a park
Cardiff Castle featuring a statue or sculpture, interior views and heritage elements
Cardiff Castle which includes heritage elements, chateau or palace and interior views
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 center and Cardiff Bay. Explore the compact center 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 Center, 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 center.

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 modern architecture, a statue or sculpture and a city

Cardiff City Centre

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Cardiff City Centre. Make a stop by Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff which includes modern architecture, a statue or sculpture and a city

Castle Quarter

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Castle Quarter. Make a stop by Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Castle Quarter
Wales Millennium Centre showing a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Butetown

The ample dining options and luxurious 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

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

Bars, historic 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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Cathays

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 Principality Stadium or National Museum Cardiff.

Cathays
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! (2,540 reviews)
"Lovely, classic hotel with clean rooms and an excellent location. I recommend without hesitation."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
The price is P5,142 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P5,142
P6,171 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,419 reviews)
"Celebrating 45th anniversary Staff went the extra mile to make sure we had a great time. Room was exceptional ,very clean and had everything needed for a relaxing break.Bed was very comfortable 😌 and breakfast delicious."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
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 P4,280 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P4,280
P5,136 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Excellent service free upgrade for partners bday"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
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! (266 reviews)
Spires 2 Bed Apartment in Cardiff.
"Easy hassle-free access to building in a great area ( just past Cardiff Castle near Sophie Gardens nearby). The 2 bed apartment ( with en-suites) was very clean with good decor. Very comfortable beds. Good sized rooms. We had a very quiet and chilled stay. Kitchen/community room was very well equipped. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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 Belle Vue ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (210 reviews)
"friendly staff, nice clean rooms, easy access to trains/buses/town/shopping"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Student Only The West Wing

Student Only The West Wing

2 out of 5
Glossop Road, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle ...
Student Only The West Wing
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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