33 Essential Things to Do in Cardiff (By a Local)
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Cardiff has lots of great things to do, from visiting interesting historical attractions and museums, going on guided tours, to having fun at a family-friendly attraction.
Even though Cardiff is a fairly small and compact city, it can be hard to choose what to do as there’s a lot of choice. As a Cardiff local, I’m going to share with you the must-see attractions like Cardiff Castle and some lesser-known hidden gems and cool ideas. Make sure to bookmark my guide to where to stay in Cardiff, too. Let’s get started!
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33 Best Things to Do in Cardiff
Cardiff Castle
Explore over two thousand years of history at the iconic landmark in the heart of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 (0)29 2087 8100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday (Seasonal opening times apply) | Entrance: £16 adults, £10.50 children 5-16
Cardiff Castle is a top attraction and a must-see for all visitors. You’ll be amazed by the exquisitely decorated rooms and the views from the castle walls and Norman Keep!
There is a lot to explore as the castle’s history spans over 2000 years. Although you can enter the castle grounds for free, I really recommend buying a ticket so you can visit the inside of the buildings. Consider booking a tour too, as you get to explore even more of the castle and learn from knowledgeable guides.
Don’t miss the famous Animal Wall which runs alongside Cardiff Castle by Bute Park!
If you’re a fan of castles, be sure to check out my entire guide to the best castles in Wales for even more cool places to visit!
👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Wales
National Museum Cardiff
Discover art and history from Wales and across the world in this monumental building.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 0300 111 2 333 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free, Donations
The National Museum Cardiff is an attraction in Cathays Park with something for everyone. You can learn about when dinosaurs roamed Wales, see Impressionist paintings, and much more. I always enjoy checking out the latest exhibitions, and never tire of looking around the galleries.
The National Museum is one of the best places to visit on a rainy day and with kids – it’ll keep you entertained for hours! The museum is free to enter (donations encouraged!) and there’s a cafe and gift shop on site.
Cardiff Winter Wonderland
Have festive fun at attractions that liven up the city during the winter months.
Website | Hours: Vary
Cardiff Winter Wonderland is usually open from mid-November to early January. City Hall Lawns is transformed into a festive wonderland with a funfair, giant wheel, ice bar and Alpine Bar.
My Winter Wonderland highlight is ice skating along the ice trails and on the rink in the grounds of Cardiff Castle…and then warming up with a mulled wine!
If you’re visiting during the winter, be sure to check out Cardiff Christmas Market too. The German style huts are each home to a different local producer or handicrafts, which makes for ideal Christmas shopping!
👉 Read Next: The Most Interesting Neighbourhoods in Cardiff
Bute Park and Arboretum
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and unwind in the green heart of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7.30 am – 7:30 pm, daily | Entrance: Free
Bute Park covers 130 acres of landscaped gardens by Cardiff Castle and the Taff River. It is a beautiful space full of nature (and over 3,000 trees!) with lots of things to do. You can admire sculptures, follow one of the park’s trails, head to a play area, or visit one of the cute cafes.
I love watching Bute Park change through the seasons – Spring in Cardiff is my favourite when the daffodils and magnolia trees are in full bloom! Christmas at Bute Park is a must-see if you’re visiting Cardiff in winter, and is one of my festive highlights, along with Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Step into Wales’ past in this open-air museum set in acres of parkland.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 0300 111 2 333 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free, Donations
St Fagans National Museum of History is my favourite museum in Cardiff! Set in acres of parkland, you can explore over 40 original historic buildings from around Wales, a working farm, and St Fagans Castle.
I recommend spending at least half a day here to explore the historic buildings and exhibitions, and have a bite to eat in the cafe. St Fagans is a 30-minute bus ride from the city centre and has something for everyone.
The Principality Stadium
Immerse yourself in Welsh rugby culture in this super central state-of-the-art stadium.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Wales loves its rugby! The Principality Stadium is where a lot of Wales’ international rugby action happens, as well as gigs and events. The Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, has a seating capacity of 74,500 and a fully retractable roof.
You’re bound to see the stadium from outside, but you can also go on stadium tours, and attend matches or events to get a closer look at the action. If you fancy a more adventurous way of seeing the stadium, check out SCALE!
Wales Millennium Centre
Get a boost of creativity in the spectacular National Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 029 2063 6464 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday-Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday-Sunday (opening times differ on performance days)
The Millennium Centre is spectacular inside and out! This iconic, curved bronze building in Cardiff Bay houses Wales’ national arts centre. To watch an incredible range of performing arts in the beautiful auditorium, book online or go to the Box Office.
There is also a welcoming cafe on site and regular exhibitions and events, which you can just turn up to.
The Senedd and The Pierhead
These two iconic buildings in the heart of Cardiff Bay form part of the Welsh Parliament’s estate.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: 0300 200 6565 | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm Monday–Friday, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Saturdays, Closed Sundays | Entrance: Free
The Pierhead and the Senedd are two incredible destinations that are part of the Senedd estate, the Welsh Parliament. The Pierhead is the oldest building in Cardiff’s waterfront whilst the Senedd is a modern building home to Welsh politics. You’ll enjoy a visit if you’re interested in architecture, history, or politics.
You can do a self-guided tour, visit an exhibition, or just head to the cafe and shop in the Senedd.
Arcades
These beautiful structures are a must-see for anyone visiting ‘The City of Arcades’!
Cardiff has seven beautiful Victorian and Edwardian Arcades, hence the nickname ‘The City of Arcades’! The arcades are Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade, Royal Arcade, Morgan Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, Dominions Arcade, and Wyndham Arcade.
Each arcade has a special character and style, making them a unique place to shop, eat, and drink. They house over 100 independent shops, bars, and eateries, alongside big brands. My top tips are to check out Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world, in Morgan Arcade and Wally’s Delicatessen and Kaffeehaus in the Royal Arcade.
History and Museums
Castell Coch
This fairytale castle stands in an ancient woodland, a short distance from central Cardiff.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 03000 252239 | Website | Hours: Opening times change seasonally | Entrance: from £10.50 adults, £7.30 children aged 5-17
Castell Coch is over 700 years old and looks like something from a fairytale. Adults and children will love the magical castle and the surrounding nature. You can cycle or walk from Cardiff’s city centre, following the Taff Trail, or travel by bus. You’ll need at least a few hours to travel and make the most of the castle and grounds.
Cardiff Story Museum
Step into Cardiff’s past at this interactive museum housed in the Old Library.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 029 2034 6214 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily, Closed Sundays | Entrance: Free, Donations
The Cardiff Story Museum, also known as the Museum of Cardiff, is a great way to explore the history of the city. It’s a hands-on museum with things to listen to, watch, touch, and read.
I love the display of Cardiff’s diverse communities and music! Don’t miss the original Tiled Corridor which is a remnant of the building’s past.
Cathays Park
Explore Cardiff’s Civic Centre, home to lush parks and notable buildings.
Cathays Park is the city’s Civic Centre and is an area in central Cardiff. Cathays Park is full of gems, including the majestic City Hall, the National Museum, university buildings, and parks. It’s interesting to wander round the tree-lined avenues and look at the Edwardian buildings.
I love sitting in Alexandra Gardens, a peaceful green place with flowerbeds, statues, and memorials.
Arts, Music and Culture
New Theatre
Enjoy a show in a traditional-style theatre that has entertained audiences since 1906.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 0343 310 0041 | Website | Hours: Vary
The New Theatre is Cardiff’s oldest surviving theatre and is a top destination for a range of shows, from ballet to comedy. I have fond memories of watching Christmas pantomimes, theatre shows, and musicals here!
You can buy tickets online or at the Box Office. The theatre is around the corner from Cathays Park and is wheelchair accessible.
Norwegian Church Arts Centre
This Nordic landmark in Cardiff Bay hosts exhibitions, art galleries, and a Norsk Cafe.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 02920 492261 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 6 pm daily
The eye-catching Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay is a remnant of the city’s industrial history. It was built as a meeting point for Norwegian seafarers who traveled to Cardiff’s dock. Roald Dahl, the famous children’s author, was among the Norwegian Church’s congregation.
Norwegian Church now hosts a charming cafe, art exhibition space, and performing arts shows, and provides information about the church’s history.
Llandaff Cathedral
Visit this stunning cathedral which has graced the city for over 1,500 years.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm Mon-Sat, 8 am – 5 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free, donations
The site of Llandaff Cathedral has been important since at least the 6th Century. The Cathedral majestically stands in the peaceful Cardiff neighbourhood of Llandaff. It is beautiful inside and out and welcomes visitors and worshipers. Guided tours of Llandaff Cathedral are available for those wishing to learn more about the building’s history.
You can also enjoy a range of concerts and events here.
Chapter Arts Centre
A bustling centre for arts and culture with a varied programme including independent cinema and art exhibitions, and a cafe with an enticing menu!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 (0) 29 2031 1050 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 10 pm daily, open until 11 pm on weekends
Chapter Arts Centre is an international centre for contemporary arts and culture, tucked away in the neighbourhood of Canton. Check out the website for the ever-changing programme, or just rock up! Expect thought-provoking art, the best of independent cinema and a variety of performances and theatre.
You’ll also find a welcoming cafe-bar space open to everyone, and regular workshops and events, from a Burns night Ceilidh to the Japanese animation festival.
Clwb Ifor Bach
Head to a gig and soak up some nightlife in Wales’ leading grassroots music venue.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 029 20 23 21 99 | Website | Hours: Vary
Clwb Ifor Bach is an independent live music venue, nightclub, and promoter on the famous Womanby Street. Originally set up as a Welsh language social club, Clwb Ifor Bach continues to be an important venue for Welsh speakers. You can enjoy a range of music here, from international bands to homegrown talent.
Family-Friendly Activities
Techniquest
Learn whilst having fun in this interactive, family-friendly science discovery centre.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 029 2047 5475 | Website | Hours: Varies throughout the week | Entrance: £14 adults, £12 children aged 3-15
Techniquest is one of the best attractions for families, with its hands-on exhibitions, a science theatre, and a planetarium. Techniquest is a science museum that’s sure to keep everyone from toddlers to teenagers entertained.
Try out your skills on the theremin or the giant piano, see what it’s like inside a hurricane, and much more.
Look out for special events, especially during school holidays. Techniquest is by Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay and can be booked in advance online.
Chance and Counters
Play one of over 650 board games in this welcoming board games cafe.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 029 2132 0220 | Website | Hours: Vary
Chance and Counters is a board game cafe tucked away on High Street near Cardiff Castle. There are over 650 games, tasty food and drinks, and friendly staff. You can sit and play games for a small hourly cover fee.
Although this is not one of the most famous things to do in Cardiff, it’s one of my favorite places to go! Chance and Counters would be a great unique addition to any holiday itinerary.
Shopping and Dining
Cardiff Central Market
Shop ‘til you drop in this charming Victorian indoor market hall in the city centre.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Sundays
Cardiff Market houses dozens of stalls, some of which have been trading here for over 50 years! You’ll find traders selling fresh produce, reasonably priced meals, and a wide selection of goods from fabric to records.
Don’t miss the upstairs of Cardiff Central Market! You can grab a table on the balcony and enjoy delicious food like pizza from Ffwrnes, the iconic street food at Tukka Tuk Canteen, and much more.
Afternoon Tea
Savour the delightful British tradition of afternoon tea – with a Welsh twist!
Going for an afternoon tea is one of the most relaxing and quintessentially British things to do in Cardiff. It is a great choice for couples or groups of friends or family.
Several cafes and restaurants across Cardiff offer afternoon teas, such as the cosy Barker Tea House in High Street Arcade. Check out menus and availability by contacting eateries in advance.
The Coal Exchange
See where the first ever million-pound deal was agreed upon in an incredible wood-paneled hall.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 (0) 2921 991 904 | Website
The Coal Exchange is a spectacular building near Cardiff Bay, once at the centre of Welsh coal trading. The building is now a boutique hotel which hosts events and is one of the best places to stay in Cardiff.
The Coal Exchange is not a tourist destination as such, but if you ask nicely at the hotel reception they usually let you look at the historic trading hall. You can also visit the onsite restaurant and bar ‘Culleys’, one of my top restaurants in Cardiff.
Mermaid Quay
Feast on food and feast your eyes on gorgeous views at Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 02920 480 077 | Website | Hours: Vary
Mermaid Quay is a waterfront destination with over 30 Cardiff restaurants, bars and cafes. Mermaid Quay is super close to many popular Cardiff Bay attractions. You can enjoy a range of cuisines here, visit shops, the Glee comedy club, and the boutique Everyman cinema.
I’m a big fan of the Japanese restaurant Yakitori 1, and the popular ice cream parlour ‘Cadwaladers’!
Leisure and Sports Activities
International Sports Village
Get sporty in Olympic-standard sporting facilities used for training for the 2012 London games in this modern waterside area.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Vary | Entrance: Varies
The International Sports Village is an area by Cardiff Bay Barrage that boasts several sporting and leisure venues. You’ll find the Cardiff International White Water Centre, Cardiff Ice Arena, and Cardiff International Pool.
Although the facilities were used for training for the 2012 London games, you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy them! The facilities make for a fun activity with friends or family. It’s best to book your activity in advance, especially if you plan to head to the International White Water Centre.
Cardiff City Stadium
Don a Welsh bucket hat and head to the home of Welsh football to cheer on the Bluebirds or Cymru.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Vary
Cardiff City Stadium is home to Cardiff City Football Club (The Bluebirds) and the Wales national football team. It is a modern, state-of-the-art stadium built in 2009 in the Leckwith area with a capacity of 33,280. Admire the stadium from outside, visit the on-site club store, or head to a match!
SCALE
Experience Cardiff from a height on the city’s newest adrenaline-filled attraction.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Vary | Entrance: From £44
How about having a birds-eye view of The Principality Stadium?!
SCALE The Stadium is Cardiff’s newest attraction for thrill-seekers. Climb the iconic building and enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline, 60m above the stadium floor. Then, zipline across the stadium before abseiling to ‘Base Camp’ – if you dare!
SCALE has caused quite a stir in Cardiff and already has glowing reviews.
Roath Park
Life is but a dream as you row your boat gently in Roath Park on a sunny day!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 029 2233 0251 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 30 minutes before sunset, daily
Roath Park has been a popular leisure destination in Cardiff since the Victorian era. There’s plenty to explore, including a large lake you can walk around or row on, a lakeside cafe, landscaped gardens, and a play park. I love going to Roath Park on a sunny day, but even if it’s raining, you can check out the Botanic Garden, Cardiff’s little tropical oasis!
Roath Park is around 25 minutes from the city centre by bus and is a family-friendly day out.
Hike up The Garth
Walk to the top of this hill just outside Cardiff for sweeping views across the capital city and beyond!
A 20-30 minute train ride from Cardiff will take you to the village of Taffs Well, where you can follow a picturesque circular route up The Garth. Garth Hill, or Garth Mountain, is 307 m (1,007 ft) high and rewards hikers with sweeping views across Cardiff, to the Severn Estuary and Bannau Brycheiniog.
The circular route from Taffs Well is roughly 4.5 miles and takes around 3-4 hours, and is enhanced by a stop in The Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn, a charming local village pub.
Tours and Sightseeing
BBC Cymru
Discover behind the scenes of one of the country’s national broadcasters.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Tours on Thursday through Sunday | Entrance: £15, adults, £12 under 26
BBC Cymru is a division of the BBC, the world’s leading public service broadcaster. On the tour, you’ll see behind-the-scenes of BBC’s newest studios, including a visit to one of the broadcaster’s largest newsrooms.
Touring the BBC Cymru is a unique and interesting thing to do for anyone interested in media, technology, or journalism.
Boat Tour
Step aboard one of the many boats in Cardiff to experience this coastal city from a new angle.
👉 Book a Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
Cardiff is a coastal city with the River Taff running through it. These waterways were vital for the city’s industrial growth. You can explore Cardiff Bay on a leisurely boat tour, go on an adrenaline-filled speedboat ride, or even go out to sea to visit the nearby island ‘Flat Holm’!
There are several providers which you can find online or at Cardiff Bay Marina. Book this one-hour boat tour of Cardiff Bay if you want a calm ride with lots of scenic views and historical commentary.
Walking Tours
Discover more about Cardiff on a range of walking tours around the city, including a unique Doctor Who tour.
👉 Book the Doctor Who Walking Tour or a Private Walking Tour
Guided walking tours are a great way to discover Cardiff. Tours with Cardiff Walking Tours range from a private walking tour to a specialized tour about the hit British TV show ‘Doctor Who’.
I also recommend checking out walking tours by Invisible cities, a social enterprise which trains people affected by homelessness or social disadvantage to become tour guides. The tours in Cardiff and other cities offer a different perspective and help you get to know the city better. Book online to secure your spot on a walking tour!
Ding Cardiff Cycle Tours
Explore Cardiff and the surrounding area on two wheels with expert guides.
Website | Hours: Vary
Ding Cycle tours are a great way to see many of Cardiff’s highlights in a short space of time. Whilst riding around on the cute blue bikes, you’ll hear interesting facts and stories about the city and its history from knowledgeable tour guides. I really enjoyed the 3-hour City Centre, Parks and Bay tour!
The tours mainly follow cycle lanes and quiet roads, and the guides are very friendly, making this a good option for people who may shy away from cycle tours in bigger, busy cities. Ding also offers the option to arrange a bespoke private guided tour.
This is a fun thing to do in Cardiff for visitors and locals alike.
Walking and Cycling Trails
Explore Cardiff’s beautiful outdoors on foot or wheels on one of many well-mapped out trails.
Outdoor Cardiff Trails I Bute Park trails
There are many trails around Cardiff and its surroundings which you can follow on foot or wheels. My favourite is the Cardiff Bay Trail, which loops around the Cardiff Bay barrage and by Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve. I also recommend checking out the Taff trail if you want to walk or cycle to Castell Coch.
There are a number of cool trails in Bute Park too, including a history points (QR code) trail and a nature activity trail.
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Thanks for reading! To make the most of your trip to the Welsh capital, check out my article on the best day trips from Cardiff. You won’t get bored staying in this city!
This is a great read with lots of helpful ideas for things to do in Cardiff! I’m curious if there’s an optimal time of year to visit, given the city’s various attractions and activities. I’ll note your tips for exploring Cardiff’s lesser-known spots.
By the way, in case anyone’s planning their budget for the trip, you might want to check out https://world-prices.com/en/uk/prices to get an idea of costs. Though, who can say if the prices there are spot on these days?
Thanks for sharing these insights!
Hello, I’m glad you found the article helpful! I hope you enjoy your visit 🙂
Cardiff is an all year round destination as there is always something going on! Most attractions and activities are open throughout the year, although some are season specific, like AquaPark in the summer and Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland in the winter. Check out my article on the best time to visit Cardiff for more insights.
One thing to note is that some attractions, such as The National Museum Cardiff, and some of the best restaurants in Cardiff are closed on Mondays.
Thanks for sharing that useful website! I had a look and it seems relatively accurate for the UK, although prices are very variable. Cardiff is certainly cheaper than London for example, with more affordable transport and food options. Bear in mind that costs in Cardiff do tend to go up when there are rugby matches or other big events on, particularly for accommodation.
Hope that helps! I’m happy to answer any other questions you have about Cardiff and Wales.
Going to Cardiff tomorrow in our motorhome from Ireland.
2 weeks in Wales already and looking forward to another 2 weeks.
Anywhere to overnight in Cardiff, we also have blue badge for parking .
Any suggestions?
Hello, I hope you’re enjoying your time in Wales so far! I would recommend Cardiff caravan park for overnight stays in a motorhome. It’s really close to the city centre but is in parkland by the River Taff, so it feels very quiet and peaceful. There are good facilities there too. It appears to be booked up most weekends already, but you might be lucky since you’re arriving on a weekday!
Alternatively, I believe you can park overnight in Sophia Gardens car park, and blue badge parking is free. This is also a very central but leafy location. You may also be able to park in Cardiff Marina or Penarth Marina for a more coastal stay! Check the signs and up to date information, as I haven’t personally stayed overnight in any of these car parks. I’ll ask around and get back to you if I find anything else out.
I hope you have a great time in Cardiff. Check out my article on the best Cardiff restaurants if you’re in need of some foody inspiration!
Thank you very much for your detailed information about Cardiff. I am visiting Cardiff in May 2024 from Hong Kong, this is my first time to go there, and by myself, so I definitely need some advise on places to visits (also with address/ distance from my hotel), good foods to try, etc.
Hello, thank you for your comment – I’m glad you find the article useful! May is a nice month to visit Cardiff, and hopefully you’ll have good weather (but always be prepared for some rain!) Cardiff is a compact city so I’m sure you’ll easily be able to visit a few places from your hotel. Check out my article on the best day trips from Cardiff if you are also looking for some places to visit near Cardiff.
In terms of good food, I recommend these Cardiff restaurants . You should also try Welsh Cakes, a typical Welsh sweet treat. My favourite place to buy Welsh Cakes is a bakery called Fabulous Welshcakes in Cardiff Bay and Castle Arcade.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Cardiff!