Cardiff, Wales: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025
Visiting Cardiff offers a vibrant blend of cultural attractions, modern entertainment, and beautiful waterfront scenery in the South Wales region. The city is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters to explore, making it an excellent destination for arts and culture lovers. Strolling around the rejuvenated Cardiff Bay area provides a scenic experience with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the water.
Cardiff’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy the mix of historic and contemporary architecture. The city is also a great spot for sports fans, with iconic venues like the Principality Stadium hosting major rugby and football events. For those who enjoy outdoor spaces, Cardiff boasts several parks and green areas that offer relaxing escapes right within the urban setting.
The city also caters well to food lovers, offering a diverse range of dining options from casual eateries to high-end restaurants celebrating Welsh produce. Whether you’re interested in shopping, nightlife, or family-friendly attractions, Cardiff provides a welcoming and dynamic environment in the South Wales region that suits all types of visitors.
History of Cardiff
Cardiff in Roman and Medieval Times
Cardiff’s origins trace back to Roman times when a fort was established to control the area. The settlement gradually developed through the medieval period, growing around the Norman castle built in the late 11th century. This fortress became a focal point for defense and governance, laying the groundwork for Cardiff’s importance in the region.
Cardiff during the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution transformed Cardiff dramatically as it became a major coal-exporting port. The city expanded rapidly in the 19th century, with docks built to support the booming coal trade. This period saw Cardiff grow from a modest town into a bustling industrial centre, attracting workers and businesses, which shaped its urban landscape and population.
Cardiff in the 20th and 21st Centuries
In the 20th century, Cardiff continued to diversify beyond heavy industry, developing as an administrative and cultural hub. The city became the capital of Wales in 1955, enhancing its political significance. More recently, Cardiff has seen regeneration projects that blend modern architecture with historic landmarks, reinforcing its status as a vibrant capital city with a strong cultural identity.
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
Visiting Cardiff for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Cardiff on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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1 Best places to See in Cardiff
This complete guide to Cardiff not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Cardiff and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Cardiff Castle
Location: Cardiff | Hours: (Summer) March – October; Monday – Friday: 10:00–18:00. Saturday – Sunday: 09:00–18:00. (Winter) November – February; Monday – Friday: 10:00–17:00. Saturday – Sunday: 09:00–17:00. Closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) & New Year’s Day (1 January). (Cardiff Castle) | Price: Entrance fee: Adults £16; children (5–16) £10.50; concessions (senior/student/disabled) £12.50; under 5s free. | Website | Distance: 89.2km
Visiting Cardiff Castle
Best Day Trips from Cardiff
A day trip from Cardiff offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Cardiff provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.
Newport
Visiting Newport
Chepstow
Visiting Chepstow
Bristol
Visiting Bristol
Brecon
Visiting Brecon
Swansea
Visiting Swansea
Bath
Visiting Bath
Hay-on-Wye
Visiting Hay-on-Wye
Gloucester
Visiting Gloucester
Exeter
Visiting Exeter
Carmarthen
Visiting Carmarthen
Where to Stay in Cardiff
Cardiff city centre is the most popular area for visitors wanting to be close to the main attractions, shopping, and nightlife. Here you’ll find a mix of modern hotels and boutique options. For example, Clayton Hotel Cardiff offers comfortable rooms and easy access to Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium. Nearby, Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff provides a stylish stay with river views and is perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury in the heart of the city.
The Cardiff Bay area is another great choice, especially for those who enjoy waterside views and a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars. Future Inn Cardiff Bay is a popular hotel here, offering spacious rooms and great amenities near the Wales Millennium Centre. For a five-star luxury hotel located on the picturesque Cardiff Bay waterfront try .
For a quieter and more residential feel, the Pontcanna neighbourhood is favored by visitors who want to be near green spaces like Bute Park while still being a short distance from the city centre. This area has charming guesthouses and smaller boutique hotels, ideal for those seeking a calm retreat after exploring the city. The Park House Cardiff is a well-regarded option in this area, known for its friendly service and comfortable rooms.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Cardiff. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Cardiff Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Cardiff
Visiting Cardiff in Spring
Spring in Cardiff brings milder weather with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s parks and outdoor attractions as flowers bloom and the city feels lively. Events like the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival often take place during this time, adding a festive atmosphere to the city.
Visiting Cardiff in Summer (Best)
Summer is the best time to visit Cardiff, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 22°C. The city enjoys longer daylight hours and generally dry weather, perfect for outdoor festivals and events. Highlights include the Cardiff Festival and the Proms in the Park, attracting locals and visitors alike. The warm weather also makes it an excellent time to enjoy Cardiff Bay and the city’s many outdoor spaces.
Visiting Cardiff in Autumn
Autumn sees temperatures cooling to between 10°C and 16°C, with occasional rain showers. The changing foliage adds a scenic beauty to the parks and gardens. This season features cultural events such as the Cardiff Film Festival, which showcases a diverse range of films and draws cinephiles to the city.
Visiting Cardiff in Winter
Winter in Cardiff is relatively mild compared to other UK cities, with temperatures usually between 2°C and 8°C. While the weather can be wet and chilly, the city sparkles during the Christmas season with festive markets and events like Winter Wonderland. Indoor attractions such as museums and theatres offer plenty to do despite the cooler weather.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 8°C 49°F
- February 9°C 51°F
- March 10°C 54°F
- April 14°C 61°F
- May 14°C 62°F
- June 19°C 69°F
- July 21°C 73°F
- August 22°C 75°F
- September 18°C 67°F
- October 14°C 61°F
- November 11°C 56°F
- December 10°C 54°F
How to get to Cardiff
Getting to Cardiff by air
Nearest airports: The main airport serving Cardiff is Cardiff Airport, located about 12 miles to the west of the city center. It offers domestic and international flights, making it a convenient entry point. Additionally, Bristol Airport is about an hour away by car and provides a wider range of flights.
Getting to Cardiff by train
Cardiff Central station is well connected to major UK cities. Direct trains run regularly from London Paddington, Birmingham New Street, and Manchester Piccadilly, making it accessible for travelers using rail. Train operators serving Cardiff include Great Western Railway (https://www.gwr.com) and Transport for Wales (https://tfw.wales).
Getting to Cardiff by Car
Cardiff is accessible via the M4 motorway, with Junctions 29 and 30 providing routes into the city. The city has several car parks and on-street parking zones, though parking can be limited in busy areas. Driving is a practical option if planning to explore the surrounding South Wales region.
Travelling around Cardiff
Cardiff has an efficient local transport network including buses and taxis. The city also offers a park and ride service for visitors looking to avoid inner-city traffic. Cycling is popular with designated bike lanes across the city. Transport for Wales operates many local bus and train services within Cardiff and the wider region (https://tfw.wales).
