- February 15, 2021
- in Capitals, Cultural, Northern Europe, United Kingdom
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Overview
Cardiff is one of the UK’s four capital cities (the others are Belfast, Edinburgh and London) and it is a unique blend of British culture, Welsh attributes and Celtic personality. Cardiff has a subtle charm that you learn through the independent stores, laneways of bars, a medieval castle smack-bang in the centre, a diverse culinary scene and an international stadium boasting world artists and the city’s passion for sport. See the best of Cardiff in one day with our city guide and itinerary.
When
Being a city in the UK, rain is almost guaranteed in the winter so the best time to visit Cardiff would be between April and September for a sunny day out, to enjoy the parks and lakes on offer and to experience a summer afternoon in a British beer garden.
If you aren’t particularly bothered by the chance of rain though, October to January is an excellent time to visit Cardiff because you can watch the city transform for Christmas with decorations, markets and a winter wonderland, or experience a unique holiday in the UK called Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes night) where the entire country celebrates with firework displays, sparklers, hot dogs and gatherings.
True Welsh pride is found in three things: the flag, the National Anthem and sport. To enjoy all three, visit between February and March for the Six Nations which is an annual Rugby tournament and games are always held in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. You cannot beat the atmosphere around the city at this time because there is an air of excitement, fun and friendly faces to greet you in every neighbourhood.
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Get the low-down on visiting the UK, with tips about packing, travel, money, staying safe and lots of great city itineraries for your trip.
Travel
Cardiff Airport is the main airport in Wales, connecting the capital city to other destinations in Europe and to regional airports in the UK. International travelers will have to plan for at least one layover. Alternatively, fly to one of the UK’s capital city airports and travel by car or train to Cardiff from London, a journey of around two to three hours.
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Stay
One of the best hotels and places to stay in Cardiff is the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa located just a few minutes walk from the city centre. The hotel boasts four stars and you’ll see why when you visit its excellent location with full spa facilities, free car park and spacious, affordable rooms.
Well located on busy and pedestrianised Queen Street, Hotel Indigo is packed with Welsh charm and design touches that create a warm and welcoming vibe. Highly rated, with hospitable service and an excellent restaurant, this is a perfect spot for a Cardiff visit.
See & Do
You might ask “is one day enough for Cardiff?”. With our one day Cardiff itinerary and city guide you can explore all the unmissable things to do in Cardiff that showcase this distinctive city and region.
Morning
Visit Cardiff Castle
If there’s a piece of Welsh history to explore in Cardiff in just 24 hours, Cardiff Castle is it. Nestled in the heart of the city centre and surrounded by lush parkland, this 2000 year old castle and fort built by the Romans and home to Norman Lords now holds guided tours, exhibitions, concerts and even weddings. It was gifted to the city of Cardiff and remains a place of interest in South Wales.
At special times of the year, Cardiff Castle is decorated with something unique for a limited time (celebrating literature and specifically Roald Dahl, there was a giant peach, and at Christmas there is a huge Christmas tree outside the entrance). In addition, Cardiff Castle plays a large part in city events. It’s the starting line for the annual Cardiff Half Marathon, and the entire street was closed when Wales came third in 2016 Euros football tournament for the team’s homecoming. One of the top attractions in Cardiff, it’s a great place to visit and even better if there’s something going on in the city, so be sure to check with the Cardiff Tourist information Centre before arriving.
Sample a Welsh Cake
You cannot come to Wales and not sample a Welsh cake. But don’t settle for one from a supermarket, you need a home-made Welsh cake like nana used to make! Welsh cakes are like a flat scone with a unique taste, made from flour, currants, eggs, milk, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Sometimes called griddle cakes because of the method of cooking, they can be eaten warm or cold, and are absolutely delicious.
Fabulous Welsh Cakes found opposite Cardiff Castle (and a sister branch in Cardiff Bay) is one of the best places to go in Cardiff for traditional Welsh cakes. They also do a range of Welsh cake shapes and a new fusion of flavours. Get a batch for the next stop in the city’s main park (and maybe a few to take home).
Stroll Bute Park
Surrounding and adjacent to the castle, you’ll find Cooper’s Field, protected by a wall full of sculpted animals which leads to Bute Park, a gorgeous greenery stroll for your mid-morning visit to Cardiff. Walk next to the River Taff and discover the wildlife (very rare, but see if you can spot an otter popping its head out of the water) or pull out a blanket to enjoy those Welsh cakes and grab a cuppa from the park’s cafe.
Explore Cardiff Market
Cardiff Central Market is an indoor market that’s been around since the 16th century and is the beating heart of the city. Wandering through the market just window shopping is an experience in itself. Add the shouts of the fruit sellers hawking their goods, the beautiful rows of fresh flowers, the smell the strong fishmongers section at one end and the taste of the fresh breakfast rolls being cooked at the other end just enhances the experience. Most importantly, you feel part of the community in this local establishment. The market is also the prime spot for your Cardiff souvenirs with stalls from every local trader you can think of selling local Welsh gifts.
Shopping in Cardiff is a great idea because you can get anything you want all within walking distance of one another. Cardiff has plenty of shopping arcades with gems selling vintage music, or bookshops specifically selling Welsh language-only books. As well as the usual high street shops you can find in any UK city, Cardiff has a few streets of interest like Womanby Street, which oozes with individuality from its street food to its street art.
Afternoon
National Museum Cardiff
The Cardiff Museum is something free to do in Cardiff and touring around this museum won’t take a huge amount of time out of your 24 hours, so is definitely a must on your trip. Explore this museum and you’ll be amazed by the history, art and dinosaur information that you’ll learn about Wales.
Top Tip
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Book online before you go to guarantee entrance, which is, delightfully, free!
Visit Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay (known by locals as Cardiff Docks) is one train stop away from Cardiff Central and is the home of Cardiff’s heyday, when the city was one of the largest coal exporting docks in the world.
In the Cardiff of today, it has transformed to a modern urban haven where you can find indie boutique shops, boat trips, rib rides and stunning modern architecture. Head here to catch a West End musical on tour at the Wales Millennium Centre, learn about Welsh history at the Grade I listed Pierhead building, or visit the Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl was baptised.
Tour Senedd Cymru
One of the best things to do at Cardiff Bay is visit the Senedd, the Welsh Government building, designed by architect Richard Rogers.
Wales has its own devolved legislature and executive, which means the country has its own parliament and government. The Welsh Parliament (known as the Welsh National Assembly until May 2020) makes laws and scrutinises the Welsh Government to make sure they’re doing an effective job of providing services and safeguarding the interests of the people of Wales. If you’re interested in learning more about how Wales is run, or want to see inside the incredible structure, you can take a tour of this amazing and sustainable building.
Enjoy a Pint
A vital part of visiting the Welsh capital is having a pint in one of the many local pubs. This is a must do in Cardiff even if you only have two hours in the city, because enjoying a drink is part of experiencing Welsh life. If you don’t like beer, you could always sample a Welsh Gin. When you’re in Wales, do as the Welsh do!
Top Tip
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Evening
Catch a Game at the Principality Stadium
If you’re lucky to be visiting while there is a rugby or football game on, try and land a ticket for the match at the Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium. If there are no games on, go on a guided tour around the stadium and learn about the games it has hosted, the arena being used for concerts like The Spice Girls, as well as huge boxing matches hosting World Champion, Anthony Joshua. The beauty of this stadium that is appreciated globally is the fact that the roof can be open and closed depending on the fickle Welsh weather.
Sample the Local Nightlife
Home to a great collection of eclectic clubs and bars, the Cardiff nightlife scene will leave you spoilt for choice when deciding on the best places to visit. Whether you like it loud and wild, or you prefer to relax with a cocktail and chat, you’ll find something to suit all tastes.
Top Tip
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Other United Kingdom City Guides
Eat
The Clink
For a unique lunch or dinner, try The Clink Cymru (Cymru means Wales in Welsh and pronounced cuhm-ree). The Clink is located at HMP Cardiff. Yes, you read that correct, this fine-dining restaurant is located in the grounds of Cardiff Prison and run by prisoners who are working towards qualifications in catering and cookery.
The leather upholstery and boardroom tables used in the restaurant are made by prisoners at HMP Frankland, and the poetry on display is from former Clink trainees. Clink’s menu uses only local and seasonal Welsh produce, and you can sample the likes of Cawl, a Welsh stew made with Welsh Lamb.
Now one of the top Cardiff attractions, the project has been such a success in reducing re-offending rates and preparing prisoners for life outside, that two other Clink restaurants have opened at HMP Brixton and HMP High Down.
Chippy Lane
If you’re planning on partying at night in one of Cardiff’s many cocktail bars, happy hour venues or nightclubs then the only way to end the night is on Caroline Street. Locally, and fondly, known as Chippy Lane, this is the one place that you will genuinely feel like a local because this is a rite of passage for all Welsh late-night drinkers. Take your pick between many of the kebab houses and chip shops but beware, the later you are there, the worse the drunks will be.
Five Top Cardiff Travel Tips
- If you use public transport, don’t get confused by thinking every taxi, bus and train driver are named ‘Drive’. It is ingrained in the local culture to say ‘thanks, drive’ when exiting a bus, taxi or (sometimes) train. This is a phrase you always hear in South Wales.
- It may be the capital city of Wales and we do have our own language (Welsh) but everyone in Cardiff can speak English so while you don’t need to carry a Welsh phrasebook around, knowing a few basic words is always good when visiting anywhere.
- Although everyone speaks English, never, ever make the mistake of calling locals English, referring to things as English or classing Cardiff as a city in England. It is highly offensive and completely untrue; this is Wales and they are Welsh.
- The cheapest and most convenient bar and restaurants are the Wetherspoons that flood every UK town and are dotted all over Cardiff. If you’re coming to Cardiff for one day, don’t waste your time in these establishments unless you want to experience the run-of-the-mill British pub. There are plenty of local bars and quirky eateries to experience instead.
- Lastly, it may surprise you that some places (including local buses and some car park payment machines) do not accept cards so ensure you always carry a few pounds spare with you.
Do you have just a little more time to spend in Cardiff?
If you have another half a day or you’re spending a weekend in Cardiff, add these top local attractions to your itinerary;
- St. Fagans National Museum of History is a free open-air museum showcasing the history of Welsh life with traditional cottages, workshops and farms. You’ll also find St Fagan’s Castle in the village of the same name, an Elizabethan manor with beautiful gardens.
- Rent a boat for the afternoon on Roath Lake and picnic at Roath Park with the produce you bought at Cardiff Market.
- Hike or cycle the Taff Trail that runs for 55 miles between Cardiff Bay and Brecon for an active few hours enjoying the nature outside the hustling city.
- The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the best day trips from Cardiff. The mountains are about an hour’s drive from the city and are a must-visit on any trip to Wales to enjoy the breathtaking scenes of the Welsh Valleys, sample the pure Welsh water and visit the waterfalls and forests the Beacons are known for.
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