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 St. David's Hall or Cardiff International Arena 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 St. David's Hall or Cardiff Market 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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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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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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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! (2,560 reviews)
"Great internet access , friendly staff when checking in and at the bar. Good links with transport and central"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is P6,897 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P6,897
P8,277 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,299 reviews)
"What an excellent hotel. Other than the Steam"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 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 P5,130 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,130
P6,156 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,448 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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 Aug 1, 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 Jul 19, 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! (51 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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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