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Why we love Cardiff

There’s something to appeal to everyone who visits Wales – and its capital Cardiff is no exception.

Whether it’s white water rafting or an epic music scene you’re after, the city is a quirky, creative hub brimming with things to see and do. Step into 2,000 years of history at Cardiff Castle, or savour local produce at Cardiff Central Market. Get a taste of the action and head out of the city on the Cambrian Way to discover 185 miles (almost 300km) of National Parks, fairy-tale castles and snow-capped peaks. With a buzzing arts and foodie scene and independent shops galore, Cardiff is your gateway to all that’s wonderful about Wales.

Things to do in Cardiff

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

Step into the future of broadcasting at BBC’s newest and most advanced studios.

Get behind the scenes at BBC Cardiff

Photo by: BBC Tours

Location: Cardiff, Wales

An inside view of the BBC Studios in Cardiff
BBC Tours – Central Square, Cardiff

Though it has 2,000 years of history to discover, Cardiff Castle is also bang up to date – hosting festivals and events galore.

Plan your visit to Cardiff Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Alex Major

Man looking out at the castle view
Cardiff Castle

Make a splash at this Olympic standard, family-friendly white-water rafting centre in Cardiff Bay.

Take the plunge at CIWW

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canoeists at White-Water Rafting Centre, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff International White Water

In Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts top-class live music and theatre shows from all over the world.

See what's on at Wales Millennium Centre

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Person looking up at the front of a bronze building at night
Wales Millennium Centre

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

Catch a match at Principality Stadium

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Principality Stadium

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Delve into the National Museum Cardiff

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

People viewing artwork in the National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff

Tranquil Cardiff Bay is yours to explore on sailing boats, canoes, rowing trips and kayaks.

Visit Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canoeists at White-Water Rafting Centre, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

There’s always something fresh to discover here, from stand-up comedy to arthouse cinema.

Explore Chapter Arts Centre

Photo by: Chapter Arts Centre

A performer on stage at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Chapter Arts Centre

An icon of Cardiff Bay, this historic church hosts art exhibitions, live music and stand-up comedy.

Visit Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Photo by: Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Exterior view of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Pride Cymru

21st - 22nd June 2025

Supportive, sociable and spirited: that’s the ethos of Cardiff’s LGBTQIA+ festival every summer.

Explore Pride Cymru
Group of people celebrating Pride on the streets of Cardiff, Wales
Pride Cymru

Iris Prize Festival

13th - 19th October 2025

One of the world’s biggest LGBTQIA+ film festivals, this cultural celebration takes place in October.

What’s on at the Iris Prize Festival

Photo by: Iris Awards

Location: Image stage

An audience watching the Iris Awards presentation in Cardiff
Iris Prize Festival

With a banging playlist, great-value drinks and live DJs, this LGBTQIA+ nightclub is a Cardiff favourite.

Hit the dancefloor at Pulse

Photo by: Pulse Cardiff

A crowd of people out at a club night in Pulse Cardiff
Pulse

A popular hangout for the queer crowd, kick back with karaoke and cabaret at this historic pub with a traditional style.

Visit The Golden Cross

Photo by: Getty Images/EyeEm

A DJ setting up on stage at a nightclub venue
The Golden Cross

Tafwyl

14th June 2025

From folk music to rap, this annual festival at Bute Park celebrates Welsh-language music.

What’s on at Tafwyl

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff

A group of people at the barrier at a music stage at Tafwyl, an annual music festival inside the grounds of Cardiff Castle
Tafwyl

This three-day feast includes farmers’ markets, cooking demos, street food and Welsh delicacies galore.

Discover Cardiff Food and Drink Festival

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Food image

A group of men eating food at a table at the International Food and Drink Festival in Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Visit Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Image Cardiff

A woman looking out across Cardiff's harbour
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Adventure ahoy! Choose from thrilling speedboat trips and intrepid voyages along the Welsh coast.

Discover Bay Island Voyages

Photo by: Bay Island Voyages

Location: Image boat

A group of people on a boat tour around Cardiff's bay area
Bay Island Voyages

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Discover Bute Park

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: Cardiff

View of Bute Park, Cardiff from above, with green trees in the foreground and blue skies
Bute Park

Whether for picnics, long walks or a dip in the water playground, this historic spot is a great summer hangout.

Explore Victoria Park

Photo by: Mark Wilson/Victoria Park

Location: Image park

A night-time performance on the bandstand in Victoria Park, Cardiff
Victoria Park

This iconic hotel in Cardiff Bay offers spa treatments, fine dining and indulgent leisure facilities.

Discover voco St David’s Cardiff

Photo by: Voco Cardiff

Location: Image hotel

A top down view of voco St David's Hotel in Cardiff, Wales
Voco St David’s Cardiff

How many of these 21 sculptures can you find? Look out for wooden flowers, animals and people…

Follow the Bute Park Sculpture Trail

Photo by: Bute Park/Chris Wood

Location: Image mole

A wood sculpture of a mole in Bute Park, Cardiff
Bute Park Sculpture Trail

These ‘secret’ streets feature unique boutiques, artisan cafes and even a vintage video game arcade.

Explore the Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Image men

A gay couple, with arms linked, shopping indoors
Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Looking for top fashions, beauty and homeware? This city-centre mall is full of Britain’s favourite brands.

Discover St David’s Dewi Sant

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Shop

An inside view of St Davids Centre, a mall in the heart of Cardiff, Wales
St David’s Dewi Sant

Beyond the restaurants and nightlife, explore Cardiff Bay’s colourful history and secret local hotspots.

Take a Cardiff Bay Walking Tour

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Image people

A group of people exploring the harbour of Cardiff at sunset
Cardiff Bay Walking Tour

Gorge scrambling, kayak-surfing, rock climbing and more: which adventure will you choose?

Discover Blue Ocean Activities

Photo by: Blue Ocean Activities

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A group of people diving into the ocean off a rock coast in Cardiff, Wales
Blue Ocean Activities

For inquisitive minds of all ages, this science centre is full of mind-boggling films and experiments.

Plan your trip to Techniquest

Photo by: Techniquest

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man and a woman playing with an exhibit at Techniquest in Cardiff
Techniquest

Is it a food market, a nightclub or a theatre? Depot is all of those things – and much more!

Get to know Depot

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman sat at a table with a drink at Depot in Cardiff
Depot

Enjoy Cardiff’s best bites on this walking tour, and learn all about Welsh culture along the way.

Join a Loving Welsh Food tour

Photo by: Loving Welsh Food

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A group of people eating and drinking at an outside table at Cosmo, Cardiff
Loving Welsh Food Tour

Just outside Cardiff, step into history at Caerphilly Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Discover more about Caerphilly Castle

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in sunglasses looking out across Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle

Discover Wales’ history, culture and wildlife at this interactive museum, set in wild beech woodland.

Visit St Fagans National Museum of History

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in headphones looking out in a garden at St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
St Fagans National Museum of History

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Head to Spillers Records

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man looks through records at Spillers Records in Cardiff
Spillers Records

Create one-of-a-kind souvenirs at this sociable ceramics studio, with classes and workshops galore.

Get arty at Cardiff Pottery Workshops

Photo by: 10'000 Hours / Digital Vision / Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Woman making pottery, Potter's hands making bowl on pottery wheel
Cardiff Pottery Workshops

This shop and cafe celebrates LGBTQIA+ makers and artists, and serves great coffee and cake.

Discover The Queer Emporium

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cambridge

The logo for the Queer Emporium in Brighton
The Queer Emporium

Almost plucked straight from a fairytale, Castell Coch is a medieval style castle built by Victorians, and is surrounded by woodland idyll.

Experience the fairytale Castell Coch

Photo by: Cadw Photographic Library

Location: Wales

A juggler in costume juggling balls at Castell Coch in Wales
Castell Coch

Spanning over two floors, this market brings an abundance of traders to the heart of the city – but it’s the food that brings it to life, along with Welsh delicacies.

Visit Cardiff Central Market

Photo by: VisitBritain/Visit Cardiff/Visit Wales

Coffee stall inside Cardiff Central Market in Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Central Market, Cardiff

Step into the future of broadcasting at BBC’s newest and most advanced studios.

Get behind the scenes at BBC Cardiff

Photo by: BBC Tours

Location: Cardiff, Wales

An inside view of the BBC Studios in Cardiff
BBC Tours – Central Square, Cardiff

Though it has 2,000 years of history to discover, Cardiff Castle is also bang up to date – hosting festivals and events galore.

Plan your visit to Cardiff Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Alex Major

Man looking out at the castle view
Cardiff Castle

Make a splash at this Olympic standard, family-friendly white-water rafting centre in Cardiff Bay.

Take the plunge at CIWW

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canoeists at White-Water Rafting Centre, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff International White Water

In Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts top-class live music and theatre shows from all over the world.

See what's on at Wales Millennium Centre

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Person looking up at the front of a bronze building at night
Wales Millennium Centre

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

Catch a match at Principality Stadium

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Principality Stadium

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Delve into the National Museum Cardiff

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

People viewing artwork in the National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff

Tranquil Cardiff Bay is yours to explore on sailing boats, canoes, rowing trips and kayaks.

Visit Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canoeists at White-Water Rafting Centre, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

There’s always something fresh to discover here, from stand-up comedy to arthouse cinema.

Explore Chapter Arts Centre

Photo by: Chapter Arts Centre

A performer on stage at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Chapter Arts Centre

An icon of Cardiff Bay, this historic church hosts art exhibitions, live music and stand-up comedy.

Visit Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Photo by: Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Exterior view of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Pride Cymru

21st - 22nd June 2025

Supportive, sociable and spirited: that’s the ethos of Cardiff’s LGBTQIA+ festival every summer.

Explore Pride Cymru
Group of people celebrating Pride on the streets of Cardiff, Wales
Pride Cymru

Iris Prize Festival

13th - 19th October 2025

One of the world’s biggest LGBTQIA+ film festivals, this cultural celebration takes place in October.

What’s on at the Iris Prize Festival

Photo by: Iris Awards

Location: Image stage

An audience watching the Iris Awards presentation in Cardiff
Iris Prize Festival

With a banging playlist, great-value drinks and live DJs, this LGBTQIA+ nightclub is a Cardiff favourite.

Hit the dancefloor at Pulse

Photo by: Pulse Cardiff

A crowd of people out at a club night in Pulse Cardiff
Pulse

A popular hangout for the queer crowd, kick back with karaoke and cabaret at this historic pub with a traditional style.

Visit The Golden Cross

Photo by: Getty Images/EyeEm

A DJ setting up on stage at a nightclub venue
The Golden Cross

Tafwyl

14th June 2025

From folk music to rap, this annual festival at Bute Park celebrates Welsh-language music.

What’s on at Tafwyl

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff

A group of people at the barrier at a music stage at Tafwyl, an annual music festival inside the grounds of Cardiff Castle
Tafwyl

This three-day feast includes farmers’ markets, cooking demos, street food and Welsh delicacies galore.

Discover Cardiff Food and Drink Festival

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Food image

A group of men eating food at a table at the International Food and Drink Festival in Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Visit Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Image Cardiff

A woman looking out across Cardiff's harbour
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Adventure ahoy! Choose from thrilling speedboat trips and intrepid voyages along the Welsh coast.

Discover Bay Island Voyages

Photo by: Bay Island Voyages

Location: Image boat

A group of people on a boat tour around Cardiff's bay area
Bay Island Voyages

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Discover Bute Park

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: Cardiff

View of Bute Park, Cardiff from above, with green trees in the foreground and blue skies
Bute Park

Whether for picnics, long walks or a dip in the water playground, this historic spot is a great summer hangout.

Explore Victoria Park

Photo by: Mark Wilson/Victoria Park

Location: Image park

A night-time performance on the bandstand in Victoria Park, Cardiff
Victoria Park

This iconic hotel in Cardiff Bay offers spa treatments, fine dining and indulgent leisure facilities.

Discover voco St David’s Cardiff

Photo by: Voco Cardiff

Location: Image hotel

A top down view of voco St David's Hotel in Cardiff, Wales
Voco St David’s Cardiff

How many of these 21 sculptures can you find? Look out for wooden flowers, animals and people…

Follow the Bute Park Sculpture Trail

Photo by: Bute Park/Chris Wood

Location: Image mole

A wood sculpture of a mole in Bute Park, Cardiff
Bute Park Sculpture Trail

These ‘secret’ streets feature unique boutiques, artisan cafes and even a vintage video game arcade.

Explore the Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Image men

A gay couple, with arms linked, shopping indoors
Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Looking for top fashions, beauty and homeware? This city-centre mall is full of Britain’s favourite brands.

Discover St David’s Dewi Sant

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Shop

An inside view of St Davids Centre, a mall in the heart of Cardiff, Wales
St David’s Dewi Sant

Beyond the restaurants and nightlife, explore Cardiff Bay’s colourful history and secret local hotspots.

Take a Cardiff Bay Walking Tour

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Image people

A group of people exploring the harbour of Cardiff at sunset
Cardiff Bay Walking Tour

Gorge scrambling, kayak-surfing, rock climbing and more: which adventure will you choose?

Discover Blue Ocean Activities

Photo by: Blue Ocean Activities

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A group of people diving into the ocean off a rock coast in Cardiff, Wales
Blue Ocean Activities

For inquisitive minds of all ages, this science centre is full of mind-boggling films and experiments.

Plan your trip to Techniquest

Photo by: Techniquest

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man and a woman playing with an exhibit at Techniquest in Cardiff
Techniquest

Is it a food market, a nightclub or a theatre? Depot is all of those things – and much more!

Get to know Depot

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman sat at a table with a drink at Depot in Cardiff
Depot

Enjoy Cardiff’s best bites on this walking tour, and learn all about Welsh culture along the way.

Join a Loving Welsh Food tour

Photo by: Loving Welsh Food

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A group of people eating and drinking at an outside table at Cosmo, Cardiff
Loving Welsh Food Tour

Just outside Cardiff, step into history at Caerphilly Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Discover more about Caerphilly Castle

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in sunglasses looking out across Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle

Discover Wales’ history, culture and wildlife at this interactive museum, set in wild beech woodland.

Visit St Fagans National Museum of History

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in headphones looking out in a garden at St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
St Fagans National Museum of History

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Head to Spillers Records

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man looks through records at Spillers Records in Cardiff
Spillers Records

Create one-of-a-kind souvenirs at this sociable ceramics studio, with classes and workshops galore.

Get arty at Cardiff Pottery Workshops

Photo by: 10'000 Hours / Digital Vision / Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Woman making pottery, Potter's hands making bowl on pottery wheel
Cardiff Pottery Workshops

This shop and cafe celebrates LGBTQIA+ makers and artists, and serves great coffee and cake.

Discover The Queer Emporium

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cambridge

The logo for the Queer Emporium in Brighton
The Queer Emporium

Almost plucked straight from a fairytale, Castell Coch is a medieval style castle built by Victorians, and is surrounded by woodland idyll.

Experience the fairytale Castell Coch

Photo by: Cadw Photographic Library

Location: Wales

A juggler in costume juggling balls at Castell Coch in Wales
Castell Coch

Spanning over two floors, this market brings an abundance of traders to the heart of the city – but it’s the food that brings it to life, along with Welsh delicacies.

Visit Cardiff Central Market

Photo by: VisitBritain/Visit Cardiff/Visit Wales

Coffee stall inside Cardiff Central Market in Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Central Market, Cardiff

Places to stay in Cardiff

Cardiff city centre

Find easy access to designer shops and traditional markets, diverse cuisine and the Principality Stadium in the mainly pedestrianised city centre.

Cardiff Bay

Home to a gleaming Cardiff International White Water Centre where you can try out lots of water sports, as well as cultural spots like the Wales Millennium Centre.

Pontcanna

Out in the city’s leafy suburb discover the Taff Trail on bike or by foot, or get artsy at Kings Road Yard filled with artists, makers, producers and bakers!

Explore nearby

Cool and creative, Bristol is a must-visit for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

For a real adventure, head to Wales' westernmost tip. A paradise for hikers, swimmers, thrill-seekers and birdwatchers.

Photo by: National Trust/Greentraveller

Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales

Back view of two young boys in wetsuits sitting on a rock looking out to sea with blue sky

Looming peaks over thick forests, sheep-grazed valleys and open moors – adventure awaits in Wales.

Photo by: Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

From the wild mountains and moors of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to the slate slopes of Snowdonia (Eryri), the Cambrian Way takes in some of Wales’ most diverse landscapes.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Woman has picture taken standing on a model Welsh dragon.
Wye Valley, Wales and England

Whatever the season, the Wye Valley always puts on a show.

Photo by: Forestry England/Crown Copyright

A rocky outlook surrounded by trees with a river below.
Swansea, Wales

The birthplace of writer Dylan Thomas, Swansea has plenty of stories to tell.

Photo by: Hawlfraint y Goron / Visit Wales

An overhead shot of Swansea town and seaside at dusk.

Discover incredible street art, visit cosy countryside pubs and live your best Bridgerton life on a trip around the south-west of England and south Wales.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Location: Newcastle, England

Friends enjoying tea and cake on a rooftop terrace, overlooking a river and suspension bridge.

Getting to Cardiff

Located in south Wales, Cardiff is a two-hour journey from London by train. The city is also served by Cardiff Airport, which operates direct and non-direct flights to and from a wide range of destinations.

Getting around

It’s easy to travel around the city hassle-free: visit Cardiff Bus to plan your journey and get all the latest information on ticket types. Full of pedestrianised areas, walking trails and parks and gardens galore, it’s simple and enjoyable to explore Cardiff by foot. 

Discover more on travelling around Cardiff and Wales on traveline.

By bus

Download the Cardiff Bus app and you can buy and store tickets on your mobile, making travelling around the city by bus even easier.

By foot

Plot your route and discover more about the city’s walking trails, including the Wales Coast Path, at Outdoor Cardiff.

By train

Trains run into Cardiff Central Station from destinations all across Britain. Find information and train times to help plan your journey with Great Western Railway.

Want to know more?

Head to VisitCardiff for insider tips and travel inspiration.