Wales is known as the ‘land of castles’, and some of the best are located right in the heart of the Welsh capital of Cardiff. You can visit many places that celebrate the city’s rich history, including museums and maintained or restored historical sites. Sports fans will also feel right at home with Cardiff’s many sports bars and stadiums to watch live events.
Find historical things to do in Cardiff
With such a deep history, it’s no wonder that some of Cardiff’s most popular destinations revolve around the city’s history. With reconstructed historical buildings and archaeological sites that have been carefully maintained over centuries, history buffs will find plenty of things to do in Cardiff.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a historical structure comprising a medieval castle and a Gothic mansion from the Victorian era. The original castle dates back to the 11th Century when it was built by Norman invaders on top of an already existing Roman structure from the 1st Century. When you explore the castle, you can glimpse into hundreds of years of Welsh history, from when it was used as a fortress by the Romans and Normans to when it was repurposed as an air-raid shelter during World War II. You can take guided tours through the castle and hear the stories behind various rooms, such as Lord Bute’s Bedroom and the Banqueting Hall.
Llandaff Cathedral
Cardiff is also known for its beautiful churches, and Llandaff Cathedral is probably the most well known. Similar to Cardiff Castle, the cathedral was, in the 1300s, constructed on top of an existing structure from the 1100s. Even strolling past the exterior will give you a glimpse of the grand windows and tower added in the 1400s. Heading inside will bring you face to face with a range of religious sculptures and artefacts that you can discover either by yourself or on a guided tour.
St Fagan’s National Museum of History
St Fagan’s National Museum of History is an open-air museum where you can walk through the history of Wales. It comprises over 50 rebuilt and maintained historic buildings, including Llys Llywelyn, a medieval era Prince’s Hall, and the 1920s era Gwalia Stores, a Welsh family business that sold everything from baked goods to men’s clothes. With a focus on the everyday life of the Welsh people throughout the centuries, you’ll also find historic cottages, a school and workshops where craftsmen demonstrate their skills. Admission to the museum is free, and it is open daily between 10am and 5pm. It is recommended that you allow at least three hours for your visit.
Explore art and history in Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff is both an art gallery and a museum, boasting a collection of fascinating artefacts alongside artwork from around the world. You can explore the prehistoric history of Wales through the Evolution of Wales gallery with its fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Amongst its collections of art, particularly Welsh art, from several different centuries, one jewel in The National Museum’s crown is its exhibition of impressionist pieces. You can find works by world-renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.
Things to do in Cardiff: Sports
Football and Rugby are hugely popular in Wales, and if you’re a sports fan, you’ll find plenty of attractions and events to visit. From sports bars to stadiums, Cardiff is crammed with places to catch your favourite teams live.
Principality Stadium
Principality Stadium is the home of Wales’ National Rugby Team and frequently hosts major music acts, including greats such as Madonna and Ed Sheeran. The 74,000 seater stadium is considered one of the most iconic sports venues in the world, and if you want to experience it first-hand, you can book one of the guided tours that will take you behind the scenes. So, whether you’re looking to watch one of Wales’ national sports teams, your favourite football team or a chart-topping music act, Principality Stadium is a likely stop on many travellers’ itineraries.
Sports bars in Cardiff
A sports-mad city means plenty of local pubs and bars will be showing big matches, particularly during major tournaments. O’Neill’s is a popular sports bar that has big screens showing a variety of sports, including rugby, football and cricket from around the world. You can check out what will be screened ahead of time on the pub’s website and book your table in advance. If you’ve been lucky enough to watch a game in person, The City Arms, one of Cardiff’s most iconic pubs, is located just outside Principality Stadium. You’re sure to meet fellow sports fans over a pint.
Things to do in Cardiff: Food and Drink
On Sunday mornings, you’ll find The Riverside Food Market next to Principality Stadium on the banks of the River Taff. The market is excellent for local produce, including traditional Welsh meats, locally baked goods and handmade crafts. So, whether you want to stock up on local fruits and vegetables for the week or grab a quick bite to eat, check out The Riverside Food Market for a uniquely Welsh experience.
Restaurants, Bars and Cafes
In Cardiff’s local food scene, you will find a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences. Neighbourhood Kitchen hosts an ever-changing street food menu to keep customers amazed with new foods and flavours. Pitch Bar and Eatery is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, dedicated to serving modern Welsh food with ingredients sourced from local farmers. The 200 Degrees cafe prides itself on its freshly roasted coffee beans and serves both dine-in and takeaway options.
Nightlife in Cardiff
Cardiff’s nightlife scene is focused chiefly around St Mary Street, with many bars and pubs close to the city centre and Cardiff Ccentral Sstation. DEPOT is a popular and unique events space located in what used to be a warehouse. A night out at DEPOT combines a range of street food offerings with themed entertainment and events. For a more relaxed vibe, head on over to Gin and Juice, a traditional pub that serves a wide variety of gins and innovative drinks.
Parks in Cardiff
Bute Park is made up of landscaped gardens covering 130 acres right in the heart of Cardiff. Open to the public, the park was originally landscaped by Capability Brown, the best-known landscaper in the English landscaping style. Amongst the park’s highlights are the 21 sculptures crafted by different artists, some incorporating the remains of dead trees that grew in the gardens. If you need a spot to take a break, you can find multiple small cafes and tea rooms scattered throughout the park.
Shopping in Cardiff
The city boasts many unique attractions, including its shopping arcades, many of which have been preserved to maintain their original Victorian-era design and atmosphere. The oldest one, The Royal Arcade, was built back in 1856, and many of its stores retain their original shopfronts. Just a few decades later, the High Street Arcade was built, specialising in fashion, and even to this day, it is known for its vintage clothing stores. If you’re planning a trip to Cardiff Castle, take a stroll through the Castle Arcade, which connects the Castle to downtown Cardiff and has a range of shops and cafes and even some small art galleries.
Cardiff Bay
At some point during your trip, you’re sure to find yourself somewhere on the 2,700 acres of land that make up Cardiff Bay. The Bay is home to a wide range of activities and sights, including restaurants located in former warehouses. The Wales Millennium Centre hosts live performances, and Techniquest, a science museum, is perfect for families with young kids looking for a hands-on experience. In addition, there are several parks and walking trails around the Bay, with some of them taking you to nature reserves and wetlands.
