Looking for your next unexpected city escape? Let me introduce you to Cardiff, Wales’ best kept secret.
This is a city where ancient castles rise above shopping arcades and rugby roars echo through futuristic stadiums. You can spend your morning exploring centuries of history and your afternoon sipping drinks by the bay. Cardiff may not always be on the typical travel radar, but that is exactly what makes it such a hidden gem.
What makes Cardiff especially inviting is how easy it is to explore. Everything is within walking distance, parks, shops, museums, and cosy pubs serving local food and ales. Whether you are into history, nature, sports, or just discovering a new city at your own pace, Cardiff feels like a place that welcomes you in and leaves you wanting more.
Here are my top 10 recommendations for experiencing the best of Cardiff. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, these highlights will help you discover what makes Cardiff truly special.
Things To Do
1. Step into History at Cardiff Castle
Right in the middle of the city, Cardiff Castle is one of the most unique and fascinating landmarks you will find. You can explore Roman ruins, climb medieval towers, and wander through lavish Gothic Revival interiors. The Arab Room alone is worth the visit, it feels like something out of a fantasy film.
2. Get Inspired at the National Museum Cardiff
This free museum offers an impressive mix of art, science, and natural history. It is home to works by Turner, Monet, and Van Gogh as well as exhibitions on dinosaurs and Welsh geology. It is a great stop on a rainy day or when you are looking to slow down and take in some culture.
3. Unwind at Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is where the city meets the water and it is a lovely place to relax. The area is filled with restaurants, scenic walkways, and spots like the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd, the home of Welsh Parliament. You can even take a boat ride or walk across the barrage for sweeping views of the sea.
4. Feel the Buzz at Principality Stadium
Even if you are not a huge sports fan, there is something electric about a match day in Cardiff. The stadium sits right in the city centre, and its atmosphere spills into the streets. If you are not there for a game or concert, you can still take a behind the scenes tour including the players’ tunnel and locker rooms.
5. Breathe Easy in Bute Park
Tucked behind Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is one of the largest urban parks in the UK. It is perfect for a walk or picnic, and you will often spot joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists enjoying the peaceful riverside trails. In spring and summer, the flower gardens are beautiful.
6. Wander Cardiff’s Victorian Arcades
Cardiff’s historic shopping arcades are full of charm. You will find independent shops, artisan coffee, vintage clothes, and local treats like Welsh cakes. Try Morgan Arcade and Castle Arcade for a mix of style, history, and great photo ops.
7. Take a Trip to St Fagans National Museum of History
Just a short ride from the city, this open air museum brings Welsh history to life. Dozens of historic buildings, from farmhouses to chapels have been rebuilt here, and you can step inside and explore them all. It is a peaceful, hands-on way to learn about Welsh life through the ages.
8. Discover Cardiff’s Story at the Museum of Cardiff
Housed in the old library building, this museum gives a personal, local look at Cardiff’s journey from a small market town to a modern capital. It is interactive, engaging, and a great way to understand the people and events that shaped the city.
9. Escape to the Fairytale Castell Coch
Perched above a forest just outside the city, Castell Coch (the “Red Castle”) is like something from a storybook. With its pointed towers and richly decorated rooms, it is a dream for photographers and architecture lovers. The woodland walks nearby make it a lovely half day escape.
10. Savour the Local Food Scene
Cardiff’s food scene is a mix of the traditional and the trendy. Try classic Welsh dishes like cawl (a hearty lamb stew) or grab a warm, sugary Welsh cake from Cardiff Market. The city is also home to lively street food venues like DEPOT, as well as great pubs, vegan cafes, and international restaurants.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Cardiff is from May to September, with mild weather and plenty of events. May–June offers fewer crowds, while July–August is busiest and liveliest. April and October are quieter but less predictable weather wise. Winter is colder and wetter, though festive around Christmas.
Getting Here
Cardiff is easily reached by train, coach, or car. Trains from Oxford take 1.5–3 hours with a change at Reading, starting around £24. Coaches take 4.5–6 hours and cost from £20. Carpooling options, like BlaBlaCar, take about 2 hours and can be as cheap as £12. Once in Cardiff, the city is easy to navigate by bus, taxi, or on foot.
Cardiff may be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to experiences. It is more than just a destination. From the warmth of the people to the richness of its heritage and the energy of its cultural scene, Cardiff is a city that welcomes you in and invites you to stay just a little longer. Once you have been, you will wonder why it took you so long to visit.
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