The 11 things to do in Cardiff

Visit Cardiff: What are the best things to do and see in the capital of Wales?

Cardiff became the official capital of Wales in 1955. Located on the large Severn estuary and crossed by the small Taff and Rhymney rivers, the city has long been an important port. And thanks to its role as a cultural and economic centre in the country, it makes it an excellent starting point to explore South Wales. Cardiff propose un wide range of leisure opportunities , many festivals and a variety of sports facilities, including recognized golf courses. Its arcades and well-preserved Victorian streets are pleasant to discover, and are home to excellent shops and restaurants. If you leave visit Cardiff , here are the essential things to do:

1. The Castle of Cardiff

Wikimedia - Nigel Mykura

Located in the center of the city, the Cardiff Castle stands on a site formerly occupied by a Roman fort, some of which (the walls, some bastions of the 4th century and the north door) were preserved and partially restored. The castle is actually a set of three fortresses. A new castle (the Norman castle) was built in 1090, and several buildings richly decorated were added later (the whole complex was rebuilt at great cost between 1865 and 1920). Don't miss climbing on the main tower (The Norman Keep) to have a view of the city, explore the basements make a guided tour of the Castle House and its beautiful apartments and the banquet room, the Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower Tours). An audio guide is included with the entrance to the castle which costs £12.

2. The National Museum of Cardiff

Wikimedia – Lewis Clarke

Located in the spectacular Civic Centre of Cardiff (or Cathays Park), National Museum of Cardiff welcomes the collections of archaeology, geology, art and natural history of the country. The exhibition on the evolution of Wales takes visitors on a trip of 4.5 million years, including the many dinosaurs that once travelled the country. The exhibits of fossils and weapons of the Bronze Age are also remarkable. Another highlight of your visit will be the superb art gallery of the museum that includes very beautiful collections of paintings, sculptures and ceramics covering five centuries. In particular, his collection of impressionist art, where you can admire the work of Picasso, Rodin and Monet. Admission is free.

The Cardiff National Museum is right next to the City Hall (left on the photo).

3. Cardiff Bay

geograph.org.uk – Karen Blyth

Widely regarded as one of the greatest successes in Britain, Cardiff Bay’s superb redevelopment spans nearly 1,100 hectares in the former dock district and houses high-end housing, offices, hotels, restaurants, theatres, sports grounds and many parks. This is where you will see the Pierhead , a red brick building built in 1897 that now contains documents relating to the history of Wales. Don’t forget Mermaid Quay with restaurants, cafés and trendy shops.

This is also where you will find the Senedd , the new building (2006) architecturally pleasing of the National Assembly of Wales, as well as the magnificent Norwegian Church, today a centre of art and a concert hall in an old church often visited by Roald Dahl, one of the most famous Welsh writers. Moreover the Roald Dahl Plass , very close, hosts many concerts in the summer. The Bay of Cardiff is also where you can find Techniquest , a science entertainment centre and discoveries with a planetarium and a theatre.

4. St Fagans National History Museum

Wikimedia – Rudi Winter

Located in a beautiful park 6 km west of Cardiff, this beautiful outdoor museum is one of the most popular attractions in Wales and has an amazing collection of buildings that includes cottages, farms, workshops (like a tannerie, see photo) and mills. Also exposed are beautiful traditional gardens, with costumes, tools and time machines. All this brings to life all the living conditions of the past. Special events take place here during the May Fair, the Mid-Summer Festival, the Harvest Festival and the Christmas Festival.

5. Doctor Who Experience

Credit – grouptravelorgan.com

One of the new attractions of Cardiff Bay (which quickly became one of the most popular) is called Doctor Who Experience. Consistent with the BBC’s television series over 50 years old (1963), this playful and interactive exhibition begins with a short film followed by an invitation to join the Doctor in his TARDIS : its famous machine to travel in time “greater inside than outside”. The adventure includes his sworn enemy, the Daleks. You can also walk on two floors overflowing with the series’s drawers, including costumes and accessories.

Then, do not hesitate to visit the nearby museum World of Boats with its unique collection of ships and ships from all over the world.

6. Millennium Stadium

Wikimedia - Querido

Millennium Stadium (Millennium Stadium) to Arms Park is one of the most advanced sports facilities in the country, and it is a favorite and special place for rugby fans. In addition to the football and rugby games of the national team, the stadium also hosts concerts, boxing fights, motorcycle races... You can visit the stadium and feel like a Welsh international as you approach the kick-off. The Millenium Stadium has the particularity of having a retractable roof entirely.

7. The Cathedral of Llandaff

Wikimedia - Ham

Llandaff Cathedral , founded in the early 12th century on the site of an ancient church, is one of the most beautiful examples of religious buildings in Wales. The main part of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, while the northwest tower was rebuilt in the 15th century. Much of the cathedral fell later in a state of advanced decay, but an "Italian Temple" was built in its walls in 1734. Although severely damaged during the last war, it has since been restored and contains many beautiful features, including one statue of Christ in glory by Jacob Epstein above the nave.

8. The Wales Millennium Centre

Flickr – gordonplant

Widely regarded as one of the best art centers in the world, the Wales Millennium Centre became one of the most important cultural sites of Cardiff and is a must-see attraction. Covering an area of almost two hectares, it regularly hosts shows (operas, ballets, dance, musical productions, comedies and concerts...) among the most varied and animated in Europe. It is close to the Bay of Cardiff and you can visit it with a guide or simply admire its impressive structure.

9. Castell Coch

Wikimedia - HannahHopton

Located in the village of Tongwynlais, 10 kilometers north of Cardiff, the Castell Coch , also called "red castle", is an enchanting Gothic castle with several rounded towers. It was built during the second half of the 19th century by the famous architect William Burges, who is also at the origin of the cathedral of Salisbury and the castle of Cardiff. The interior is richly decorated and is not bored during the visit. This castle was occupied by the Marquise of Bute until his death in 1950. In the backdrop of the castle, you have the Fforest Fawr , a beautiful forest known for the appearance of wood jacinths in the spring.

10. The Château de Caerphilly

geograph.org.uk – David Dixon

Located only 12 km north of Cardiff (5 km east of Castell Coch), Caerphilly Castle was built in 1628 in order to consolidate England’s control over the region. The castle, the largest in the Welsh Country, has the most elaborate defense system of all British castles. Expanded on several occasions, it has two impressive bridges, huge ramparts, circular towers and doves. There are also 4 replicas of the nature of medieval artillery. The museum inside details its involvement in the wars between the Gallois and the English. One of its other features is to own a leaned tower, the Leaning Tower .

11. The night life of Cardiff

Credit – awesomecardiff.co.uk

Cardiff's pubs and clubs are on St Mary Street which is closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday night. Mill Lane , otherwise known as the "Cafe Quarter", offers a good choice of restaurants and cocktail bars. The Castle Quarter houses trendy bars and clubs, while gay establishments are in Charles Street and on the southern periphery of the city center. On Wednesday evening the students go out on the city for animated nights in various places of Cardiff.

How do I go to Cardiff?

The Welsh capital is served by several airlines but it will be necessary to plan a flight with a stopover from most French cities. Compare the best flights on Skyscanner . If you prefer to arrive by train, check the schedules and prices from London. On the day, trains depart to Cardiff every 30 minutes from London (Paddington). In the evening, it’s every hour and if you book in advance, you can get a Round trip for less than 20 €!

Where to sleep in Cardiff?

If Cardiff is the capital of Wales, it is not as far as the city is gigantic. Depending on the duration of your stay here, there are areas to be preferred. To help you, you can read our article on areas where to stay in Cardiff . To find a cheap hotel in Cardiff, search this Compare hotels in Cardiff .