Cardiff

Travel Guide

Cardiff showing a city, street scenes and night scenes
Cardiff featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza
Bute Park showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a garden
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage elements, art and interior views
Cardiff Castle featuring interior views, heritage elements and chateau or palace

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 a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(99 area reviews)

Discover the bustling shopping scene in the sixth most successful UK destination, featuring Queen Street, St. Mary's Street, and the Hayes. Explore Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and the National Museum, while enjoying dining options at Mill Lane cafe quarter.

Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Castle Quarter

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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 featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Butetown

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

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
Poncanna Fields, Cardiff.

Pontcanna

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Tree-lined streets and large houses define this affluent Cardiff district, boasting cafes and independent retailers on Pontcanna Street and Cathedral Road. Enjoy Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields, and the nearby SWALEC Stadium for cricket enthusiasts.

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
The Royal Mint.

Llantrisant

Home to the Royal Mint and its museum, Llantrisant offers a charming Old Town with independent retailers, the Model House Craft & Design Centre, and local pubs. Explore Llantrisant Castle and the scenic Common and Pastures, just a train ride from Pontyclun station.

Llantrisant
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
$107 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$129 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and 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! (1,306 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay, very welcoming and helpful staff. Rooms are of a high standard as are the services and the hotels communal areas."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$65 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$78 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and fees
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! (2,583 reviews)
"I stayed in the Angel Hotel over bank holiday weekend and it was excellent. The staff were so welcoming had such a good time.."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$76 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$92 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and 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! (1,014 reviews)
"Room was ok the tv was very limited on what you could watch the room I had before had smart tv which was nicer I do stay at this hotel quite a lot as I enjoy the spa"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 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! (269 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
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (56 reviews)
Good but
"Weather is hot but fan is not available and you can’t hang your jacket you have a wardrobe but not hangers no hair dryer 🙁🙁"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Yugo Explore - Arofan House
Student Only Eclipse

Student Only Eclipse

2 out of 5
Newport Rd Ln, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium are located ...
Student Only Eclipse
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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