Top-15 Best Things to Do
in Cardiff

What is it?
It's a Victorian Gothic revival mansion and castle, one of Cardiff's oldest buildings.

Why should you go?
One of the most popular attractions in Cardiff, Cardiff Castle is a must-see destination for all visitors to the city. The original castle was built by Norman invaders in the 11th century. Over the years, it has endured numerous renovations and expansions. Cardiff Castle witnessed many significant historical events like the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr, Wars of the Roses, and the English Civil War. The building you see today is a Gothic Revival mansion designed on orders of the 3rd Marquess of Bute during the 19th century. Apart from the magnificent interior rooms, imposing walls, and tall towers, the castle is also home to the Animal Wall – a selection of animals nestled on castle walls.

Specialization
History & Sightseeing

Perfect for
History buffs, families, and children

What is it?
This waterfront area next to the eponymous lake is a popular tourist destination and home to several noteworthy attractions.

Why should you go?
Visiting Cardiff Bay is one of the most popular things to do in Cardiff. Considered Europe's largest waterfront development, this place has plenty to offer to any visitor, including shops, restaurants, sights, and attractions. The active development of this area started in the 19th century, thanks to the increasing industrialization of Cardiff. Nowadays, this waterfront area is one of the best places to visit in Cardiff. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Cardiff are the Cardiff Bay Barrage, the Senedd, the Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve, Roald Dahl Plass, and the Pierhead.

Specialization
Nature, Sightseeing, Hiking

Perfect for
Everyone, especially hikers and backpackers

What is it?
It's a museum and an art gallery next to Cardiff's City Hall with free entry for all visitors.

Why should you go?
If you want to learn more about local history and explore a rich collection of art, the National Museum Cardiff is the place to go. Founded as the National Museum of Wales in 1905, this great visitor attraction lets you expand your knowledge in several topics, including natural history, geology, and art. This museum is also home to many temporary exhibitions like BBC 100 in Wales, The Rules of Art, and The Sea Horizon. The National Museum Cardiff is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Cardiff, and you don't need to purchase a ticket – there is no entry fee.

Specialization
History & Art

Perfect for
Art lovers, history and science buffs, families

What is it?
This stadium in the Leckwith area of Cardiff is home to Cardiff City Football Club and the national football team of Wales.

Why should you go?
The second-largest stadium in Wales (after the Principality Stadium), Cardiff City Stadium is a perfect place to visit if you're a football fan. Opened in 2009, this stadium has become a popular venue not only for football matches but for concerts and other events as well. This massive complex will host the final match of the UEFA Champions League, concerts by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, the Cardiff Food Festival, and the Cardiff Comic Con. As you can see, there are many interesting events you can attend at Cardiff City Stadium.

Specialization
Sports & Entertainment

Perfect for
Sports fans

What is it?
It's an arts and entertainment venue in Cardiff Bay and one of the main cultural hubs of the city.

Why should you go?
The unique design of this building reflects the natural and industrial background of Wales. Located at the heart of the bustling district of Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre is a favorite arts venue in the city. Here, you can watch a great variety of theater performances, dance shows, comedy evenings, operas, musicals, and other exciting events. So, if you're looking for a place to watch an amazing show, the Wales Millennium Centre is your best choice. We recommend checking out this place, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cardiff.

Specialization
Art & Entertainment

Perfect for
Everyone

What is it?
This attraction is a science discovery center in Cardiff Bay; its goal is to explain science in a fun and easy way.

Why should you go?
Another exciting attraction in Cardiff Bay, Techniquest, is a perfect place to spend a fun and interesting afternoon learning more about science and technology. Established in 1986, Techniquest has become one of the most popular attractions in Cardiff; it offers plenty of interactive installations and exhibits for all visitors, whether a kid or an adult. This science museum lets you expand your scientific knowledge through interactive experiences and exhibits. Techniquest is one of the best places to visit in Cardiff, especially if you have a kid or two interested in science.

Specialization
Science & Technology

Perfect for
Families and children

What is it?
It's a beautiful park, full of gardens and parkland, that used to be the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

Why should you go?
This impressive park complex on the eastern bank of the River Taft lies next to Cardiff Castle. It's not surprising since Bute Park used to be the grounds of this famous castle. Nowadays, you can explore this park in all its beauty and splendor. Among the points of interest in Bute Park are The People's Door, Stuttgart Garden, Blackweir Woods, Dock Feeder Canal, Gorsedd Stone Circle, and the famous Bute Park Arboretum. If you want to spend several hours outside of Cardiff's many museums, arcades, and other attractions, we recommend visiting Bute Park.

Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Nature lovers and sightseers

What is it?
This location in Cardiff city center is home to plenty of noteworthy landmarks and attractions.

Why should you go?
This tourist walkway is a perfect way to explore Cardiff's city center. There are 41 waymarkers designating places of interest in the area. You can read about many of these attractions in this very article, so we're just going to list several of the most popular: Cardiff Market, Quay Street, Principality Stadium, Animal Wall, Castle Arcade, Cardiff Castle, Friary Gardens, Cardiff City Hall, National Museum Cardiff, and many others. As you can see, the Centenary Walk has something for everyone, regardless of their interests and preferences.

Specialization
Sightseeing & Hiking

Perfect for
Hikers and sightseers

What is it?
It's a Victorian indoor market in the Castle Quarter of Cardiff's city center.

Why should you go?
If you're looking for local products, look no further than Cardiff Market. This sprawling marketplace has been around since the end of the 19th century, although a farmers' market has operated in the same spot since the 18th century. Nowadays, you will find many shops selling cooked food, fresh produce, and other goods, as well as several fantastic cafes that offer delicious food. If you want to try the famous Welsh cakes, be sure to visit Cardiff Bakestones on the market's ground floor.

Specialization
Shopping & History

Perfect for
Shopping enthusiasts and families

What is it?
This place is the oldest record shop worldwide and the best spot to buy tickets to alternative rock concerts in Cardiff.

Why should you go?
If you want to get something special for a music lover in your life, we heartily recommend visiting Spillers Records. Located within the Morgan Arcade, this record shop opened its doors in 1894 and survived to this day, which is a remarkable feat. Inside, you will find the ever-growing collection of vinyl records from different eras of music, plenty of merchandise, and the unmistakable vibe of rock'n'roll. Also, if you're looking for tickets to an alternative rock gig, this is the place to go.

Specialization
Music

Perfect for
Vinyl lovers and record collectors

What is it?
It's an Elizabethan mansion from the 16th century located in the village of the same name.

Why should you go?
This 16th-century manor house, along with its grounds, is a unique open-air museum in the village of St. Fagans. Although the building itself dates to the 16th century, much of its current interior is from the 19th century when it became the property of the Winsdor-Clive family, who carried out extensive renovations. Today, this castle and its grounds serve as a museum of history and archaeology. Here, you can see dozens of historical buildings, including the Abernodwydd Farmhouse, the Clogmaker's Workshop, the Derwen Bakehouse, the Esgair Moel Woolen Mill, and many others.

Specialization
History & Sightseeing

Perfect for
History buffs

What is it?
This visitor attraction is an Olympic standard white water rafting center located in Cardiff Bay.

Why should you go?
If you're after a more active form of vacation, we recommend checking out Cardiff International White Water. Based at the Cardiff International Sports Village, this place offers plenty of water-based activities, including white water rafting, white water tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. You can be a complete novice or a seasoned pro; Cardiff International White Water has an activity for visitors with any skill level. The main complex is in Cardiff Bay; you can easily reach it by public transportation, and the closest railway station is Cogan Train Station.

Specialization
Sports & Entertainment

Perfect for
Families and friends groups

What is it?
It's one of the bases of operations of the Welsh Parliament, also known as the Senedd.

Why should you go?
Located within the former Cardiff Docks, the Senedd building is home to the debating chamber and three committee rooms of the Welsh Parliament, which is also called the Senedd. This building has a very distinctive silhouette with its wooden ceiling, glass facade, and metal roof. The Senedd illustrates the concept of sustainability, built using local materials and eco-friendly technologies, with minimal energy consumption in mind. You can go on a guided tour of this unusual building, explore the exhibitions inside, and even witness committee meetings of the Senedd from public galleries.

Specialization
Architecture & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Sightseers and architecture lovers

What is it?
These places of interest are shopping centers inside Edwardian and Victorian buildings that offer plenty of activities to their visitors.

Why should you go?
Shopping at one of many local arcades is one of the best things to do in Cardiff. Cardiff is known as "The City of the Arcades," thanks to several beautiful Edwardian and Victorian arcades scattered across the city. There are four prominent arcades in Cardiff: the Castle Quarter Arcade, the High Street Arcade, the Royal Arcade, and the Morgan Arcade. Whether you want to dine at a fancy restaurant, go on a shopping spree, or just enjoy the atmosphere of an old-timey arcade, Cardiff got you covered.

Specialization
Shopping & Entertainment

Perfect for
Shopping enthusiasts, families, and children

What is it?
It's one of the two cathedrals in Cardiff that contains many tombs of various saints and clergy members.

Why should you go?
Llandaff Cathedral is one of the most noteworthy churches in Cardiff. The site of this building has been an important place for the local Christian population since the sixth century. The current building was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier church. The cathedral survived many significant historical events like the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, the English Civil War, and the Cardiff Blitz during WWII. Despite extensive damage done to the building on several occasions, the cathedral has survived the ages and continues to be one of the most beautiful landmarks in Cardiff.

Specialization
History & Architecture

Perfect for
History buffs