Things to do in Cardiff

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

Cardiff Attractions

Heading to this fascinating country without exploring Cardiff would be like seeing the ocean for the first time and not wanting to dip your toes in the water. It's inconceivable. Whether you're on the hunt for excitement or relaxation, sightseeing or local history, the nation's capital has something for everyone in the family!

Explore the sights of Cardiff with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {106 fun activities in Cardiff fun activities in Cardiff}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and put your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Cardiff

Tours & day trips

See all 96 activities
Cardiff: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Cardiff: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $23 per adult
Cardiff: City Highlights Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 14 activities
Day Hike: The Six Waterfalls Of The Brecon Beacons

Day Hike: The Six Waterfalls Of The Brecon Beacons

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $80 per adult
Day Hike: The Six Waterfalls Of The Brecon BeaconsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery

Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $108 per adult
Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distilleryOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery

Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $108 per adult
Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distilleryOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 4 activities
Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Cardiff

Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Cardiff

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in CardiffOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Cardiff

Number of things to do
106
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Secrets of Bristol Waterfront: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Cardiff

Free Things to Do in Cardiff

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Cardiff:

National Museum Cardiff - Chock-full of fascinating displays and objects, this gallery is a paradise for minds that burn with curiosity.

The Gate Arts and Community Centre - If you're eager to get cultured, head here and enjoy the artistic creativity on show.

Trelai Park - You can't beat this attraction if you're in the mood to let go and just have fun.

University of South Wales, Cardiff Campus - If you're an admirer of modern-day architecture and design, add this landmark to your sightseeing list.

Cathays Cemetery - If you're eager to explore the history of the area through its landmarks, mark this one down on your travel schedule.

Cardiff Bay Waterfront - Stroll the streets and take in the atmosphere of this popular local haunt.

Cardiff Market - Leave time to take a look at this place of local significance.

Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral of St David - Whether you're spiritual or not, this site is sure to inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Cardiff Bay - Devour your favorite magazine or play some tunes while you're catching those rays.

Gorsedd Stones - Take your camera and let Mother Nature stimulate your imagination.

Bute Park - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a stroll around the gorgeous plant life.

Things to Do in Cardiff with Kids

Escaping with the young ones? You'll find loads of activities and tours in Cardiff that'll put wide smiles on little faces. Take a peek at these family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Cardiff? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cardiff

Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Principality Stadium

4/5(21 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of sporting and musical greats when you tour this vast sporting arena. Walk on the pitch, see dressing rooms and lift a trophy.

Principality Stadium
Wales Millennium Centre featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.

Cardiff Bay
Barry, South Wales. Vale of Glamorgan. UK

Barry Island Beach

4.5/5(4 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(93 reviews)

A fortified tower from the 12th century, World War II tunnels and Welsh military history make a fascinating day out at this magnificent castle.

Cardiff Castle
Cardiff University

Cardiff University

4/5(12 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, modern architecture and signage

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Book your tickets for theater, opera, dance and comedy shows and go on a backstage tour at this prestigious arts venue.

Wales Millennium Centre
Cardiff International Arena

Cardiff International Arena

4/5(8 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Cardiff International Arena
Tintern Abbey showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and religious elements

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Tour the ruins of an ancient monastery where Cistercian monks used to live, pray and study. See the remains of their former dwellings and church.

Tintern Abbey
Bute Park showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements

Bute Park

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Take a calming stroll through Cardiff’s Bute Park. Follow the trails, explore the remains of a medieval friary and admire the horticulture and wildlife.

Bute Park

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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 Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall 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
Default Image

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
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
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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Cardiff

Tintern Abbey featuring a ruin, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Chepstow

Photo by Dean Melbourne

Port Talbot

Photo by Brian71

Cwmbran

Photo "Pencoed" by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA)

Pencoed

Photo "Magor" by Mrs Blorenge (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mrs Blorenge (CC BY-SA)

Magor

Photo by Gareth Bickerton

Aberdare

Photo by Ian Richards

Monmouth

Photo by Callum Witts

Penarth

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff worth visiting?
Famous for its culture and shopping, discovering cool things to do in Cardiff is easy. Don't forget to add Cardiff Castle to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and food options in Cardiff.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cardiff?
The top tourist attraction in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle, so be sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff?
You can easily visit popular sights like Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay Waterfront and New Theatre with a three-day trip to Cardiff. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Bristol.
Is Cardiff a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to see and do in Cardiff. Several key sights, such as Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Cardiff's neighborhoods, Cardiff City Centre is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Castle Quarter is 0.1 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff with kids?
What to do in Cardiff for adults?
Cardiff City Hall and The Senedd are just a few of the things to do in Cardiff. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Cardiff. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Cardiff Bay Waterfront is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.