The Best Travel Guide to Cardiff (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Cardiff

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Overview

Cardiff The guide was updated: 2024-04-18

Cardiff, the youngest capital city in Europe, is known for its castle, art, dragons, river, Victorian arcades, parks, rugby, music, university, bay, and Brains beer. This diverse list of attractions means that whether you enjoy art, rugby, historical castles, modern architecture, classical music, or new bands in pubs, Cardiff has something for everyone.

Facts

Population:	359,512 Cardiffians
Currency:	British Pound Sterling £1 = 100 pence
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, Ambulance & Fire Brigade: 999
Newspapers:	South Wales Echo & The Western Mail: www.walesonline.co.uk Cardiff Times: www.cardiff-times.co.uk The Cardiffian: cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffian
Website:	www.visitcardiff.com
Opening hours:	Most shops are open from 9:30am to 8pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, most businesses close a bit earlier, around 7pm. On Sundays, expect shops to be open from 11am to 5pm.
Tourist information:	Visit Cardiff Visitor Information Point Cardiff Castle on Castle Street (inside the main gate and to the right-hand side) March through October: open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9am–5pm. November through February: open Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat & Sun 9am–4pm.

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Section in Cardiff

Cardiff offers a wealth of activities and sights, and its compact size makes it exceptionally easy to explore on foot. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Cardiff Bay, unwind beneath the trees in Bute Park, or delve into the city’s rich history at Cardiff Castle. These are just a few of the experiences that Cardiff has to offer.

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle

This walled fortress boasts 2000 years of history. Originally a Roman fort, the castle was rebuilt after the Norman conquest and served as a keep until the 18th century, when it became the home of the Bute family, who renovated it in Gothic Revival style. You can walk around the Norman keep, discover the Roman foundations and take a guided tour around the grand apartments with their gilt ceilings and murals.

Bute Park

Bute Park

The entrance to the park is a short walk along Castle Street, to the left of the castle. The gardens have their own walled parapet that features incredibly life-like stone animals including a bear, lion, hyena, monkeys and a pelican. The park runs alongside the River Taff and has great views of the castle and its moat – it even has a miniature Stonehenge!

Principality Stadium

Principality Stadium

The stadium opened in 1999 and is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and the largest covered stadium in Europe. It is also a venue for football cup finals and music concerts. Guided tours of the stadium are also available.

National Museum Cardiff

National Museum Cardiff

This impressive domed building houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in Europe, along with the best Welsh art. The museum also comprises an archaeology and geology collection as well as a natural history exhibit with giant skeletons of whales and dinosaurs.

St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church

With the exception of Cardiff Castle, St John the Baptist Church is the oldest building in the city. The church originally dates back to 1180 but was destroyed in 1404 during the Welsh Revolt and rebuilt thereafter in Gothic style. Now it serves as an Anglican church and is open to the public for prayer or visit.

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay has altered beyond recognition, from its past as the world’s largest coal exporting port to a modern sports and leisure complex. It is also Europe’s largest waterfront development which has a wealth of leisure activities available both on and off the water. Sights of interest and things to do include: Pierhead Building, Coal Exchange, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Mermaid’s Quay’s restaurants and bars.

Castell Coch (Red Castle)

Castell Coch (Red Castle)

A fairytale castle nestled in the woods on the outskirts of the city. Despite bearing the mark of Victorian renovation, it still retains much of its medieval charm and it offers an interesting insight into medieval architecture and art.

St Fagans National Museum of History

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open air museum set on 100 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Cardiff. The museum is a village of 40 buildings that tell the story of Wales throughout the ages, and each building was transported brick-by-brick from their original location. The village includes a 17th-century farmhouse, working men’s hall, a tannery, bakery and terrace of workers’ cottages with each house representing a different decade.

Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle

The second biggest castle in Britain (after Windsor), it was built in the late 13th century to secure the area against Welsh attacks from the north. The castle is one of the greatest examples of medieval military architecture displaying an enormous array of defensive structures such as high towers, large moats and barbicans. It is located 15 minutes by train from Cardiff.

Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park

Located an hour from Cardiff, Brecon Beacons National Park is a natural reserve with an area of 1,340 square kilometres. Inside the park it is possible to enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching and so on. The park is also perfect for stargazing, as it was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013.

Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Millennium Centre

The Wales Millennium Centre was built as a haven for arts and performances. It houses a theatre and several halls, restaurants and shops, hosting live events like plays, operas and concerts on a regular basis. The centre is also the home of various organisations such as the Welsh National Opera, the National Dance Company and the Arts Council of Wales.

Techniquest

Techniquest

Founded in 1986 by Professor John Beetlestone and his colleagues from Cardiff University, Techniquest is a discovery and science centre with many exhibits and activities for children and science lovers. Inside you will find a science theatre, a planetarium and more than 120 different exhibits where you can test your abilities and discover more about the world of science and technology.

Cardiff International White Water

Cardiff International White Water

Water-based adventures and thrilling activities abound at Cardiff International White Water. Choose from a variety of sports including rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and gorge walking. Additionally, the Indoor Wave offers the excitement of surfing with the convenience and safety of an indoor environment, simulating the rush of ocean waves right in the heart of the city.

Senedd — National Assembly Building

Senedd — National Assembly Building

The Senedd is the administrative heart of Cardiff, where the National Assembly gathers to discuss matters of political interest. The building is a fine example of modern architecture and was designed to be environmentally friendly, with a sustainable heating system and materials.

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