Best things to do in Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and a vibrant and welcoming destination that offers visitors a range of experiences, from exploring its rich history and culture to enjoying its lively nightlife and culinary scene. Whether you’re travelling alone, with friends, or with family, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.

Cardiff: A Vibrant and Welcoming City, Where to Go?

• Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval fortress located in the heart of the city of Cardiff, Wales. The castle’s history dates back over 2,000 years, and the site has been occupied by Romans, Normans, and Victorians, each of whom left their mark on the castle.

The castle’s most distinctive feature is its Norman Keep, which was built in the 12th century by Robert Fitzhamon, a Norman lord who conquered the area. The Keep is a massive stone tower that rises above the castle walls and offers visitors stunning views of the city from the top.

In the 19th century, the castle was extensively renovated and expanded by the third Marquess of Bute, who employed architect William Burges to transform the castle into a Gothic masterpiece. Burges added a series of ornate rooms to the castle, including the lavish Arab Room, the opulent Winter Smoking Room, and the sumptuous Banqueting Hall.

Today, visitors to Cardiff Castle can explore the Keep, the Castle Apartments, and the Victorian Gothic Mansion, which houses the Interpretation Centre. There are also guided tours of the castle available, which offer a fascinating insight into the castle’s history and architecture.

Throughout the year, Cardiff Castle hosts a variety of events, including outdoor cinema screenings, music festivals, and medieval re-enactments. It’s a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Welsh history and architecture.

• The National Museum Cardiff

The National Museum Cardiff is another must-visit destination for anyone interested in Welsh history and culture. The museum houses a range of exhibits, including art, natural history, and archaeology, that tell the story of Wales from the earliest times to the present day. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, attend lectures and events, and enjoy the museum’s beautiful architecture and setting.

• Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a lively and vibrant waterfront area that’s home to a range of attractions, including the Doctor Who Experience, the Wales Millennium Centre, and the Norwegian Church Arts Centre. Visitors can take a boat tour of the bay, stroll along the waterfront, or enjoy a meal or drink in one of the many restaurants and bars in the area.

• St Fagans National Museum of History

St Fagans National Museum of History is an open-air museum located in the village of St Fagans, just outside of Cardiff. The museum is set in 100 acres of parkland and is home to over 40 historic buildings that have been moved to the site from across Wales.

Visitors to St Fagans can explore a range of different buildings, including farmhouses, cottages, a school, a chapel, and a bakehouse, each of which has been painstakingly restored to show what life was like in Wales in different periods of history. There are also plenty of gardens, orchards, and fields to explore, where visitors can see traditional Welsh crops and livestock.

The museum offers a range of hands-on experiences, including traditional craft demonstrations, where visitors can learn about and try their hand at traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing. There are also regular events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals, food and drink events, and traditional Welsh celebrations such as the St David’s Day festival.

One of the highlights of St Fagans is the main building, St Fagans Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and has been transformed into a beautiful museum space. The castle houses a range of exhibitions that tell the story of Wales from the earliest times to the present day.

Overall, St Fagans National Museum of History is a fascinating and unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore Welsh history and culture. With its beautiful setting, range of historic buildings, and engaging hands-on experiences, St Fagans is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Welsh history or culture.

• Techniquest

Techniquest is a science discovery centre located in Cardiff Bay, Wales. It’s a hands-on science centre that offers over 120 interactive exhibits and shows designed to inspire visitors to explore and learn about science and technology.

The exhibits are interactive, engaging and cover a range of scientific topics including physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. Visitors can explore the mysteries of the human body, learn about the world of robotics, discover the principles of energy and forces, and even experiment with virtual reality.

The centre is a great place for families with children of all ages. Younger visitors will enjoy the water play area, the sensory room, and the mini makerspace, while older children can explore the physics laboratory, the biology zone, and the planetarium.

In addition to the exhibits, Techniquest also offers a range of shows and workshops, which provide visitors with a more in-depth look at specific scientific concepts. These shows include interactive live experiments, planetarium shows, and talks from experts in various fields of science.

Techniquest is also committed to making science accessible to all, and offers a range of programs and resources for schools, families, and community groups. These include teacher training sessions, outreach programs, and special events for children with special needs.

Overall, Techniquest is a fantastic destination for families who are looking to learn and have fun together. With its interactive exhibits, engaging shows, and commitment to making science accessible, Techniquest is sure to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.

What to Do in Cardiff?

• Enjoy the Outdoors

Cardiff has plenty of green spaces and parks where you can enjoy the outdoors, including Bute Park, Roath Park, and Victoria Park. Bute Park is the largest park in the city and offers plenty of walking and cycling paths, a children’s playground, and space for picnics and games. Roath Park is home to a large boating lake, a children’s playground, and a beautiful conservatory, while Victoria Park has a children’s playground, a basketball court, and plenty of space for games and picnics.

• Visit Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Visitors can take a boat tour of the bay, visit the Doctor Who Experience, or enjoy a show or event at the Wales Millennium Centre.

• Explore the Nightlife

Cardiff has a lively and vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink in a traditional pub or a night out on the town at one of the city’s many clubs, there’s something for everyone. Popular nightlife areas include St. Mary’s Street, the Brewery Quarter, and the student-friendly Cathays area.

• Attend a Sporting Event

Sports fans will love Cardiff, which is home to some of the most iconic sporting venues in Wales. The Principality Stadium is the national stadium of Wales and hosts major rugby and football matches throughout the year, while the Cardiff City Stadium is home to Cardiff City Football Club. Visitors can also catch a cricket match at Sophia Gardens or a horse race at the famous Cardiff Racecourse.

• Go Shopping

Cardiff is a great destination for shopping, with a range of independent boutiques, high-street stores, and designer outlets to choose from. Popular shopping areas include St. David’s Centre, which is home to over 150 shops and restaurants, and the Victorian arcades, which offer a range of independent and vintage stores.

Cool attractions to do in Cardiff for families

• Techniquest

As mentioned earlier, Techniquest is a fantastic attraction for families, offering a range of interactive exhibits and shows that are both educational and fun. Children can experiment with virtual reality, explore the mysteries of the human body, and learn about energy and forces.

• St Fagans National Museum of History

St Fagans National Museum of History is another great attraction for families, providing a fun and interactive way to learn about Welsh history and culture. Children can explore historic buildings, learn about traditional crafts and skills, and take part in hands-on activities and workshops.

• Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. Families can take a boat tour of the bay, visit the Doctor Who Experience, or enjoy a meal or snack in one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area.

• Cardiff Castle

Children will love exploring the towers and battlements of Cardiff Castle and learning about the lives of its former residents. The castle also offers a range of family-friendly events throughout the year, including medieval reenactments, jousting tournaments, and outdoor cinema screenings.

• Bute Park

Bute Park is a great destination for families, offering plenty of green space and a range of activities and events throughout the year. Families can take part in nature trails and guided walks, explore the park’s gardens and arboretum, or simply enjoy a picnic or game of frisbee on the grass.

Where to Eat in Cardiff?

• The Potted Pig

The Potted Pig is a popular restaurant located in a former bank vault in the city centre. The restaurant offers a range of modern British dishes, including roast pork belly, lamb rump, and hake fillet, as well as a selection of local beers and ciders.

• Bar 44

Bar 44 is a tapas bar and restaurant located in the heart of Cardiff’s trendy Pontcanna neighbourhood. The restaurant serves a range of authentic Spanish dishes, including patatas bravas, chorizo, and paella, as well as a selection of Spanish wines and cocktails.

• The Clink

The Clink is a unique restaurant located within the walls of Cardiff Prison. The restaurant is staffed by prisoners who are undergoing training in hospitality and catering, and serves a range of dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.

• The Grazing Shed

The Grazing Shed is a popular burger restaurant that uses locally-sourced Welsh beef and free-range chicken in their burgers. They also offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as sides such as loaded fries and onion rings.

• The New Conway

The New Conway is a traditional pub located in the city centre, serving a range of classic pub dishes such as fish and chips, pie and mash, and bangers and mash. The pub also has a great selection of local beers and ales, as well as live music and pub quizzes.

Where to Stay in Cardiff?

• The St. David’s Hotel & Spa

The St. David’s Hotel & Spa is a luxurious five-star hotel located on the waterfront in Cardiff Bay. The hotel features a range of facilities including a spa, fitness centre, and indoor pool, as well as a selection of restaurants and bars.

• Jurys Inn Cardiff

Jurys Inn Cardiff is a popular hotel located in the city centre, within walking distance of many of Cardiff’s main attractions. The hotel features a range of comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and a bar serving a selection of drinks and snacks.

• Park Plaza Cardiff

Park Plaza Cardiff is a four-star hotel located in the heart of the city centre, close to shopping and entertainment options. The hotel features a range of spacious and modern rooms, as well as a restaurant serving Welsh and international cuisine, and a bar serving a range of cocktails and drinks.

• Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff is a modern hotel located in the city centre, within walking distance of Cardiff Castle and other popular attractions. The hotel features a range of comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving British and international cuisine, and a bar serving a selection of drinks and snacks.

• Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff

Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff is a stylish and affordable hotel located in the city centre, close to the railway station and other transport links. The hotel features a range of modern rooms, as well as a restaurant serving a range of British and international cuisine, and a bar serving a selection of drinks and snacks.

In conclusion, Cardiff is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages, offering a range of attractions, activities, and experiences to suit every interest and budget. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich history and culture, enjoying its lively nightlife and entertainment scene, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in one of its many parks and green spaces, Cardiff is sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.