The Welsh capital has transformed from a coal-mining town into a modern city. Its bay area, museums, and sports venues showcase Cardiff's rich history and vibrant culture.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a city where you can explore a medieval castle, cheer at a rugby match, or dine by the waterfront. Walk through the Victorian arcades, visit world-class museums, or relax in one of the many parks. With its central location, Cardiff also serves as a gateway to the Welsh mountains and coastline.
Discovering Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay, once one of the world's busiest ports, is now a modern waterfront area. You can watch opera, theater, and music performances at the Wales Millennium Centre, known for its distinctive copper-domed building. Take a free tour of the Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament, to learn about Welsh politics and see the building's sustainable design features. For an adrenaline rush, try white water rafting at Cardiff International White Water, an Olympic-standard course in the bay area.
Experiencing Cardiff's Sporting Culture
Rugby is central to Cardiff's identity, especially on match days when fans fill the city. If possible, attend a game at the Principality Stadium, which seats 74,500 people and has a retractable roof. Even without a match, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium. Football fans can catch a game at Cardiff City Stadium, home to the local team.
Exploring Parks and Green Spaces
Cardiff has many green spaces, with Bute Park being the largest. This 130-acre park in the city center is ideal for walks or picnics. Roath Park, with its Victorian design, has a large lake where you can rent boats in summer. For a nature experience, visit Forest Farm Country Park on the outskirts of the city, where you might see kingfishers and otters along the Taff Trail.
Shopping in Cardiff
The pedestrianized city center makes shopping easy. Explore the Victorian arcades, particularly the Royal Arcade and Castle Arcade, for independent shops and cafes. Cardiff Central Market, a Victorian indoor market, sells local produce, Welsh cakes, and unique gifts. For high-street brands, visit the modern St David's shopping center.
Museums and Culture in Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff houses a large collection of Impressionist paintings, along with exhibits on Welsh history and natural science. To learn about Welsh culture and history, visit St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum with reconstructed buildings from different periods of Welsh history. In the evening, you can see a show at the New Theatre or listen to live music at one of the city's many venues.
Eating and Drinking in Cardiff
Try traditional Welsh dishes like cawl (a hearty soup) or Welsh rarebit at local pubs. The Potted Pig, located in a former bank vault, serves modern British cuisine. For international food, try the restaurants in Cardiff Bay. Don't miss Welsh cakes, a local sweet treat, from bakeries or market stalls. Cardiff has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries like Tiny Rebel offering tours and tastings.
Getting Around Cardiff
You can walk to many places in the center of Cardiff. For longer trips, use the extensive bus network. Nextbike, the city's bike-sharing scheme, lets you explore on two wheels. If you're traveling further, trains from Cardiff Central station connect to nearby towns and cities.
Exploring Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is in the city center, its walls encompassing nearly 2,000 years of history. The site includes a Roman fort, Norman keep, and Victorian Gothic revival mansion, each representing different periods of Welsh history. Take a guided tour to learn about the castle's past and see the ornate interiors. Climb to the top of the Norman keep for views across the city center.
