Things to do in Cardiff

Although Cardiff is a young capital city and does not boast the grand architecture of the likes of London and Edinburgh, it nonetheless has a great selection of historical, cultural and entertainment attractions. Cathedrals, castles and churches abound and there are some quality museums and galleries here, not to mention the fun family-orientated attractions.

Cardiff Castle

One of Wales’s best known attractions, Cardiff Castle is located in the heart of the city centre and boasts 2000 years of history. The exterior is impressive with its elaborate stone carvings, but it is the restored interior that attracts most visitors’ attention. The furnishings and décor are elegant and the 12th century Norman keep in the centre of the structure offers unrivalled city views.

Cardiff City Hall

For those interested in architecture, Cardiff City Hall is perhaps Cardiff’s most endearing landmark. The building has recently seen extensive restoration work and features a domed roof and a huge marble hall. City Hall regularly hosts festivals and exhibitions and if you are in Cardiff when there is something on, make sure you check it out.

St David's Hall Galleries

This popular Cardiff art gallery facility is home to several top class art galleries and exhibitions. St David’s also hosts major city concerts and festivals.

Cardiff Bay

This is a tourist hotspot with several of Cardiff’s best attractions and is a must-see. The area is decked out with shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars and is an ideal escape from the city centre. The views are outstanding and visitors can take a scenic boat ride around the bay.

The Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village

Also be found in Cardiff Bay, the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village is another favourite with children, with its impressive bowling alley, a quality cinema, and many eateries, bars and clubs.

Waterfront and Britannia Parks

For walkers, the Britannia Parks in Cardiff Bay offer many quiet retreats and beautifully landscaped areas. There are miles of walking paths here and some outstanding views of Cardiff and the bay.

Llandaff Cathedral

This impressive cathedral is located just to the northwest of the city centre, Llandaff Cathedral features stunning themes and forms, such as its Gothic arches, its spectacular interior and the modern statue of Christ. The cathedral sits in a quiet part of the city and holds regular services and concerts.

Castell Coch

Just outside Cardiff and beyond the M4 motorway, Castell Coch is Cardiff’s fairy tale castle and an important historical landmark for the area. Known as the Red Castle, owing to its red turrets and tall round towers, the castle was original built for the third Marquis of Bute – a rich and powerful figure in Cardiff’s history.

Barry Island

Located on the coast out towards Cardiff International Airport, Barry Island is actually a peninsular and is a very popular seaside resort. Most tourists who visit Cardiff make the trip out to Barry, especially families. There are attractions-galore here, such as many thrilling rollercoaster and fairground rides, numerous amusement arcades and an array of shopping options.

Museums
The national museum and gallery is located just north of the city centre on the University of Wales’ campus and features many arts and science displays. The museum’s highlight is its fabulous galleries that contain mainly famous international works, while other exhibitions cover the evolution of Wales through art and historic artefacts. There are also many interactive displays here for the kids. Techniquest is similar to London’s science museum and is located in Cardiff Bay. The main draws are the Planetarium and the Science Theatre, while dozens of interactive exhibits will keep kids of all ages happy.