23 Best Places to Visit in Wales (By a Local)

Wales is full of amazing places to visit, but it can be hard to know where to start. As a Welsh local, I’ve picked some of the best places to visit in Wales to help you! 

I’m going to share with you popular destinations like Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and lesser-known places, such as the abandoned village of Cwmorthin. I recommend deciding on some places you want to visit when building your itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out. 

With so many great places to visit and loads of awesome things to do in Wales, I’m sure you will have a fab trip!

23 Best Places to Visit in Wales

Portmeirion

This postcard-perfect town brings a hint of the Mediterranean to Wales’ coast.

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Portmeirion is one of my favourite places to visit in Wales! This private village with Italianate architecture in north Wales is simply magical to walk around. Built on the banks of the Dwyryd Estuary, Portmeirion is surrounded by spectacular scenery and offers lush views. 

There is something for everyone at Portmeirion, from having a game of giant chess in the Central Piazza to having a spa day. 

You can either buy a day ticket to visit or have a luxurious stay in Portmeirion Village or Castell Deudraeth. Portmeirion is walkable from the nearby town of Porthmadog or accessible by car or taxi.

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Explore dramatic landscapes and enchanting villages in the country’s largest national park.

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Wales’ largest national park is home to incredible mountains, lakes, villages and coastline. With a total of 823 square miles to explore, Eryri will please thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike.

Many visitors head to Wales’ highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), but there is so much more to see! Seasoned hikers could head up a lesser-known peak such as Y Garn, or take on some of the Wales Coast Path. 

If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend visiting Betws-y-Coed, a charming village and great starting point for several hikes.

Cardiff (Caerdydd)

The capital city of Wales has something for everyone from a spectacular castle to sporting events!

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Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and offers lots of amazing things to do. You can’t miss the spectacular Cardiff Castle in the heart of the city! Other iconic attractions include the Millennium Centre and the Principality Stadium.

A visit to Cardiff isn’t complete without sampling some of the tasty food in different Cardiff restaurants. Cardiff merits at least a full day to explore, so consider staying the night and check out my top recommendations for where to stay.

As a major transport hub, Cardiff is easy to travel to and from with public transport.

Barry Island

One of the most loved seaside destinations in South Wales is affectionately nicknamed ‘Barrybados’.

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Barry Island is a quintessential seaside destination in South Wales, known for its sandy beach, funfair, arcades and fame on the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey. When visiting, you can build a sandcastle on the beach, have fun at the fair or even go on a tour of Gavin and Stacey’s filming locations. 

Barry Island is fun for all the family, and the flat promenade and beach wheelchairs for rent make it more accessible. Barry Island is a short distance from Cardiff by public transport.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

Look across the hills and up to the stars in this stunning national park.

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Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park covers a 520-square-mile area. There are three mountain ranges, as well as lakes, waterfalls, forests, and canals to visit. Bannau Brycheiniog is a paradise for outdoor activities. You can go hiking, horse riding, climbing, and even paragliding! 

I also recommend visiting the National Park for a less active day, too. Head to the picturesque town of Abergavenny to enjoy mountain views from a cute cafe, or go to a special stargazing spot at night to relax and look up!

Swansea (Abertawe)

Wales’ second largest city is a fun and scenic place to visit near some of Wales’ best beaches.

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Swansea is a vibrant coastal city with lots of great things to do for people of all ages and interests.

You can muse over artefacts in the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea Marina or shop in the city centre. Visit the Dylan Thomas Theatre, dedicated to the legendary Welsh poet, for a cultural experience. Swansea also has a buzzing nightlife scene and many eateries and bars.

I love how close the city centre is to the sweeping sandy beach of Swansea Bay, and some of the best beaches in Wales on the Gower Peninsula. The city is pretty well-connected by public transport, but some beaches are best reached by car.

The Castles of King Edward in Gwynedd

These four spectacular castles in north Wales are some of the best in the country.

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The Castles of King Edward in Gwynedd in north Wales form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are some of the best castles in Wales. Harlech Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle are all spectacular and in stunning locations.

Conwy and Caernarfon are two of my favourite towns in Wales, so I recommend adding some time to your castle visit to look around the town. 

Built by English King Edward I to suppress Welsh resistance, these castles tell important stories of Wales’ history. You’ll be surprised how much there is to explore in them!

Zip World

Thrill seekers, get your adrenaline rush at one of Zip World’s unique adventures.

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Do you fancy flying on the world’s fastest zip wire? Velocity is an adventure at the Zip World Penrhyn Quarry Summit Site, where thrill-seekers can soar up to, and over, 100 mph!

There are many other activities at the Zip World sites to experience. Trampolining underground in an old mine at Zip World Llechwedd is one of the most unique things I’ve ever done in Wales!

Zip World has four outdoor adventure parks in Wales with a range of activities for people of all ages. Book in advance and double-check height and weight restrictions.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Feast your eyes on this small town with the longest place name in Britain!

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Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is a small village with the longest place name in Britain and one of the longest in the world! Llanfair PG (as it’s known for short) is on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. 

For most tourists, the highlight of the village is the train station and its long Welsh name sign! 

Check out Llanfairpwllgwyngych’s website for tips on saying the name. You can hear me talk about the Welsh language, one of the oldest languages in Europe, on Episode 22 of the Travel Lemming podcast.

Aberystwyth

Visit this vibrant town in Mid Wales for sea air, culture, nightlife, and more!

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Aberystwyth is a coastal town in Mid Wales with many cool attractions. You can head up the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway to the top of Constitution Hill for cracking coastal views and a visit to the famous Camera Obscura. 

Aberystwyth is also home to the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Castle, a bustling town centre, and the Royal Pier. 

Whether you want to party on the pier, relax on the beach, hit the shops, or soak up culture, Aberystwyth will tick your boxes.

Cwmorthin

Venture to this abandoned village hidden in the Welsh hills.

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Cwmorthin is an abandoned village and former slate quarry with a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere. You’ll find dilapidated buildings, a beautiful lake and more slate than you’ve ever seen. I recommend walking from Blaenau Ffestiniog and enjoying Cwmorthin waterfall en route. 

Whilst no one lives in the village anymore, apparently many ghosts still call it home!

Take care when visiting here and always stay on the main paths.

Tintern Abbey and The Wye Valley

Explore the iconic 12th-century Gothic Abbey and the surrounding National Landscape.

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The sight of Tintern Abbey’s beautiful Gothic architecture in the Wye Valley is pretty magical. Despite visiting many times, I still find it awe-inspiring!

The Abbey is on the bank of the River Wye in the Wye Valley National Landscape. For a spectacular view, cross the river and hike up to the popular viewpoint, Devil’s Pulpit.

Nature lovers should take time to explore more of the Wye Valley.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Be greeted by breathtaking coastal scenery and gorgeous towns in one of my favourite parts of the country.

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of my favourite places to visit in Wales! I love walking along the dramatic coastline and visiting some of Wales’ best beaches, like Newgale. You can go on boat trips, visit archaeological ruins, surf, sunbathe, and much more!

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park also encompasses St David’s, Britain’s smallest city, and Tenby, one of Wales’ most loved towns. There’s plenty to see and do in the UK’s only truly coastal national park.

Great Orme

Catch a tram up this headland for spectacular views and several attractions.

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Great Orme is a headland in North Wales by the popular seaside resort town of Llandudno. You can catch a tram or cable car up Great Orme, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views. A visit on a sunny day is preferable! 

There are several family-friendly things to see and do, such as exploring a prehistoric copper mine at Great Orme Mines and an Iron Age fort. 

For nature lovers, Great Orme has lots of interesting geology, flora, and fauna.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

Travel by boat on one of the highest navigable aqueducts in the world.

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Deep in the Dee Valley in north Wales stands the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The incredible engineering from over 200 years ago still carries boats along the canal, 38.4 metres above the river below. 

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a designated World Heritage Site. The 11-mile site has canals, aqueducts, tunnels, and viaducts in beautiful countryside. 

Book onto this highly rated canal boat tour to paddle round the area and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. If you’re afraid of heights, stick to walking on ground level!

Blaenavon

Discover industrial history and heritage in this unassuming town.

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The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is unique to South Wales and is a designated World Heritage Site.

To immerse yourself in this fascinating industrial history, you can visit many attractions. My favourite is Big Pit National Coal Museum, one of Wales’ best museums, where you can take an underground tour. I also love the authentically furnished workers’ cottages at Blaenavon Ironworks.

There’s a lot to discover in and around Blaenavon. A visit here suits families, friends, and solo travellers alike.

Hay-on-Wye

The town of books is a charming place to visit and is the perfect literary getaway.

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Hay-on-Wye is a small town on the border of Wales and England. Hay-on-Wye is famous for its bookshops and annual literary festival, Hay Festival. There are over 25 bookshops to peruse, including the legendary Richard Booth’s Bookshop. 

Hay-on-Wye has a lovely selection of independent cafes, such as The Electric Coffee Shop. As well as being a leisurely place to visit, Hay-on-Wye is surrounded by beautiful countryside to explore.

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales

A perfect family day out in Mid Wales with caves, alpacas, and dinosaurs!

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The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is one of the best places to visit for families, suitable in all weathers. There are three spectacular caves to explore, including Dan yr Ogof, a 17-kilometre-long cave network.

You can see many more attractions here, too. Take a look around the dinosaur park, meet some farm animals on Mr Morgan’s Victorian farm, and try your luck panning for gold. 

You can also take a ghost tour or stay the night or in the nearby Craig-Y-Nos Castle. Make sure you book online and check travel arrangements in advance.

Ramsey Island

Pack your binoculars for a trip around this paradise for wildlife.

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Ramsey Island is a Nature Reserve in Pembrokeshire with lots of wildlife. Ramsey Island is home to endangered species of birds like the Chough, and grey seals. 

Keen birdwatchers and wildlife spotters will be in their element on and around Ramsey Island. There is also spectacular coastal scenery with some of the highest sea cliffs in Wales.

The best way to visit Ramsey Island is on a guided boat tour from the city of St David’s. Visits can only take place in certain seasons and weather conditions.

Machynlleth

A quirky town in Mid Wales with lots to see and do, and many layers to explore.

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Machynlleth is a cool market town in Mid Wales with a variety of interesting things to do. You can check out contemporary art in MOMA Machynlleth and learn about Welsh history in Owain Glyndŵr’s Parliament House. Head to the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology for some eco-inspiration!

I also enjoy just pottering around the shops and cafes in the town centre.

Machynlleth is in the stunning Dyfi Valley and surrounded by gorgeous countryside. Walk up an appetite, then dine in the nearby Michelin-starred restaurant Ynyshir.

Caerleon

Step back in time in one of the furthest outposts of the Roman Empire.

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Caerleon is on the River Usk in South Wales and was an important outpost of the Roman Empire. 

History buffs and families will enjoy exploring the Roman museums, artefacts, and remains in Caerleon. Highlights are the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain and the National Roman Legion Museum. The museum even made my list of the best museums in Wales!

There are regular family-friendly events throughout the year, especially during school holidays.

Traeth Porthor

Listen up, the sand on this rugged beach makes a unique whistling sound.

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Traeth Porthor, commonly known as Whistling Sands, is one of the most spectacular beaches on The Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. 

The rugged beach is a peaceful spot only interrupted by the mesmering squeaking sound that the sand makes when you walk on it. It’s a gorgeous beach for exploring rockpools, swimming in the sea, relaxing, and having an ice cream from the cafe. 

Why not visit some of the other beautiful beaches in the Llŷn Peninsula National Landscape too while you’re here?

Penderyn Distillery

Take a tour around the home of award-winning Welsh whiskey.

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Penderyn Distillery produces award-winning single-malt whiskies and spirits across three distilleries in Wales. The original distillery is in the Brecon Beacons National Park. 

Go on an hour-long tour to learn about how Penderyn whiskey is made, and what makes it so unique. You even get to taste some at the Tasting Bar! 

Penderyn also runs informative and engaging masterclasses and special events. 

A visit to Penderyn Distillery is great for friends, couples, or solo travellers looking for something unique.

👉 Read Next: The Best Places to Stay in Wales

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I hope you feel inspired after reading about the best places to visit in Wales! If you’re wondering when to visit, check out my article on the best time to visit Wales.