Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Sarah kelly
30/07/2025
Balazs Bezeczky, Pexels
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a vibrant and modern city that offers a mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and green spaces. It draws visitors with its iconic Cardiff Castle, charming Victorian arcades, diverse museums, and the lively Cardiff Bay, frequently hosting international sports and music events.
Cardiff provides varied social opportunities, with the city centre being a hub of activity. St. Mary's Street is particularly active, featuring numerous pubs, clubs, and cocktail bars. Womanby Street presents an alternative nightlife scene with live music venues and rock clubs. Furthermore, the redeveloped Cardiff Bay area, specifically Mermaid Quay, offers a fashionable waterfront environment for dining, drinking, and socialising.
Top 6 Things to do in Cardiff
Cardiff offers a variety of experiences, from historical exploration and cultural immersion to leisurely strolls through vibrant urban spaces.
1. Cardiff Castle
Stepping into Cardiff Castle, visitors encounter nearly 2,000 years of history, from its Roman foundations to the opulent Victorian Gothic interiors created by the Bute family. A guided tour inside reveals intricate wood carvings, impressive murals, and stained glass. Exploring the grounds allows for views of the city from the castle walls and a sense of its rich heritage. The Firing Line exhibition within the castle grounds delves into Welsh military history.
Cost: Adult admission is approximately £15.50 (2025 prices), with an additional £4.50 for the House Tour. It is possible to enjoy the outer green and public square free of charge. An annual pass with unlimited entry for 12 months can be purchased for a small surcharge on a standard ticket.
Transport: Cardiff Castle is located in the heart of the city centre and is easily accessible on foot from major transport hubs.
2. National Museum Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff houses a diverse collection spanning art, archaeology, and natural history. Visitors can explore galleries featuring world-class art, including Impressionist paintings, as well as exhibits on the evolution of Wales, complete with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. The natural history section also displays animals and birds from Wales and beyond.
Cost: Admission is free, though some special exhibitions, events, or activities may have a charge.
Transport: The museum is situated in Cardiff's civic centre, a short walk from the city centre. A visitor car park is available behind the museum for £6.50 per day (card payment only). Blue badge holders park for free. Buses, such as the number 53 or 85 from Cardiff Central Bus Station, or the Bay Car bus number 6 from Cardiff Bay, serve the museum.
3. Principality Stadium Tour
Experiencing the Principality Stadium on a guided tour offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous rugby stadiums. Visitors can walk through the Dragon's Lair (the national rugby team's changing room), proceed down the players' tunnel, and step onto the pitch with crowd cheers playing. The tour also includes a visit to the President's Box, offering a chance to lift a trophy. This vast arena hosts international rugby matches, football games, boxing, motorsport events, and major concerts.
Cost: Adult tours cost approximately £19.50, with concessions available. Children under 5 go free. Private tours require a minimum payment of £150. The guided tour typically lasts 60-75 minutes.
Transport: The stadium is a short walk from central Cardiff and its main train station (Cardiff Central).
4. Explore Cardiff Bay & Wales Millennium Centre
Cardiff Bay is a redeveloped waterfront area offering a mix of dining, drinking, and cultural attractions. Visitors can wander along Mermaid Quay, a fashionable waterfront hub, and observe landmarks such as the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and the striking Wales Millennium Centre. The Centre itself is a prominent arts venue hosting a variety of performances, including West End musicals, opera, ballet, and comedy. Boat tours are available to explore the bay and the River Taff, providing different perspectives of the area and its sights, including the Barrage and the Wetlands Nature Reserve.
Cost: Entry to Wales Millennium Centre is free, though tickets are required for performances and events. Boat trips vary; an Aquabus service from Cardiff Bay to the city centre (Bute Park/Cardiff Castle grounds) costs approximately £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for children (under 3s free) for a one-way trip, taking 25-30 minutes. A one-hour round trip costs around £15 for adults. Tickets for these services can often be paid on board, but online booking is recommended to guarantee a place.
Transport: Cardiff Bay is a short distance from the city centre. Public transport options include a train service from Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay (3 minutes, £2-£3) or a bus service (Baycar Service 6, 6 minutes, approximately £1.90). Water taxis also connect the Bay to the city centre.
5. Wander the Victorian Arcades
Cardiff is renowned as the 'City of Arcades', boasting more Victorian and Edwardian indoor shopping arcades than any other UK city. These charming glass-roofed passageways, such as Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade, Morgan Arcade, and Royal Arcade, offer a unique shopping experience. Visitors can discover independent boutiques, family-run cafes, vintage stores, and specialist shops, providing an alternative to mainstream high-street retail.
Cost: Exploring the arcades is free. Costs for shopping, food, and drink within the arcades vary by vendor.
Transport: The arcades are centrally located within Cardiff city centre, many being a short walk from Cardiff Castle and the main shopping streets.
6. Visit St Fagans National Museum of History
St Fagans National Museum of History is an open-air museum set in the grounds of St Fagans Castle. It offers a captivating journey through Wales' past, featuring meticulously reconstructed buildings from various historical periods. Visitors can explore farmhouses, workshops, and other structures, providing insight into the country's social history and traditional way of life.
Cost: Admission to St Fagans National Museum of History is free.
Transport: St Fagans Castle is located approximately 11 miles west of Cardiff city centre. Public transport options would involve a bus or taxi from the city centre.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
