Cardiff city guide and sightseeing
Summary
Cardiff has received plenty of wonderful, free advertising as the setting for the latest reincarnation of the popular Doctor Who series and it’s a city crammed with world-class attractions, one of the best sporting and concert venues in the world, some great nightlife and fabulous shopping.
The buzzing heart of south Wales offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget hostels to the luxury St David’s Hotel and Spa, and a packed cultural calendar makes it a perfect city-break destination and a good starting or end point for a longer holiday in Wales.
Getting there/getting around Cardiff
There are domestic flights to Cardiff from all over the UK and the International Airport of Cardiff is 12 miles south-west of the city centre. If arriving by train, Cardiff Central station is five minutes walk from the town centre. There are direct train services from London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Portsmouth and Southampton.
If you want to drive then get on the M4, before getting off at junction 29 and taking the A48 M sign for Cardiff east, then the A4161 into the city centre. Once you’re in Cardiff it’s easy to get about on foot, or the orange and white Cardiff bus services provide quick and cheap travel.
Sightseeing in Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is 2000 years old and there are daily guided tours of its interior. The castle grounds and gardens are lovely for a stroll too. If you haven’t got tickets to one of the major sporting or music events which take place at the majestic Millennium Stadium, take a tour of this incredible piece of architecture and walk down the players’ tunnel before trying out the Queen’s seat in the Royal Box.
If you love art, you’ll find one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside Paris at the National Museum. Entry’s free and you get to gaze upon the works of Renoir, Monet and Cezanne
Cardiff family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences
Family attractions in Cardiff
Kids will love the interactive Doctor Who Exhibition in the Red Dragon Centre. You’ll find loads of props from the series and the chance to get up-close-and-personal with a Cyberman and a Dalek.
Techniquest is also extremely popular. It’s a science and technology centre in the Cardiff Bay area with over 150 hands-on exhibits, a Science Theatre and a Planetarium, in which you can tour the universe.
Day trips from Cardiff
If you fancy filling your lungs with some sea air, head to Penarth and visit its beautiful Victorian pier. On the city’s outskirts, the Welsh Folk Museum at St Fagans is worth a visit, as is Castell Coch, a fairytale medieval castle commissioned by the third Marquis of Bute – apparently the richest man in the world at that time – in the early 20th century.
If you’re a bit of a history buff and want to learn more about the industrial history of the valleys, then the Rhondda Heritage Park, 10 miles north-west of the city, is a must.
Shopping in Cardiff
Pedestrianised Queen Street is one of the best places to shop and you’ll find plenty of familiar stores like Zara, Office, Benetton and Fopp. St David’s Shopping Centre has over 200 stores and food and drink outlets and you’ll find shops like Marks & Spencer, the Disney Store and Miss Selfridge.
Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades are home to lots of boutique stores and designer shops and are ideal to head to for Welsh handicrafts, such as textiles or love spoons. The Hayes shopping area has had a bit of a facelift. Home to Howell’s department store, it’s often used as a location for filming Doctor Who, so you might even get onto the telly while you shop.
Cardiff nightlife, restaurants, bars and clubs
Restaurants in Cardiff
The city’s proximity to the sea means you can sample some exquisite seafood as well as enjoying the finest Welsh lamb. The newly developed Mermaid Quay, in Cardiff Bay, has everything from chain restaurants such as Nandos and Strada to independent establishments serving Turkish, Thai, and Chinese and Mediterranean cuisine.
The many wine bars and restaurants in the Brewery Quarter in the city centre mean it’s a great spot for dining al-fresco in the summer.
Nightlife in Cardiff
St Mary’s Street is the hub of the Cardiff nightlife scene and there are tons of pubs, bars and clubs all within easy staggering distance of each other. Popular nightclubs include Evolution and Wish. In Greyfriars Road you’ll find upmarket wine bars and cocktail lounges such as Fatcats and Laguna.
Those who prefer their evenings to be a bit more cultured should head to the Wales Millennium Centre, which has a full programme of musicals, opera, ballet and contemporary dance. The Social is another popular live music venue, often frequented by large numbers of students.
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