Things to do in Cardiff

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.

The Valleys tour or Swansea Bay tour. Please choose correctly.

HK$950
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Valleys tour or Swansea Bay tour. Please choose correctly.
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Mumbles Scenic Day Tour

HK$918
per adult
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Mumbles Scenic Day Tour
The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour

The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour

HK$1,023
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

HK$169
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour

HK$918
per adult
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour
Cardiff: Waterfalls, Mountains & Cathedrals Full Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Mountains, Waterfalls & More Day Tour

HK$918
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cardiff: South Wales Mountains, Waterfalls & More Day Tour
Cardiff Doctor Who Walking Tour

Cardiff Doctor Who Walking Tour

HK$232
per adult
Cardiff Doctor Who Walking Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Watch national and international sporting events, see musical legends perform and go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium. This is the national stadium of Wales, a 74,500-seat venue that is the home of the Welsh national rugby team.
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A modern stadium with a unique architectural design, a river in the foreground, and a bridge connecting to another area.

2. Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval stronghold and Victorian Gothic mansion with approximately 2,000 years’ worth of history. The magnificent structure was built on the site of a Roman fort and a Norman castle and during its existence also served as a home, a concert venue and a World War II shelter.
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A historic stone castle with a flag, surrounded by grassy hills and trees.

3. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
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A coastal town with a sandy beach, a rocky peninsula, and a large body of water.

4. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
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5. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
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6. Tintern Abbey

Stroll among the windowless and roofless ruins of Tintern Abbey, a 12th-century building founded by Cistercian monks. The abbey's shell may well be open to the sky, but it has been well maintained and there is a lot to see.
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A historic stone cathedral with large arches and Gothic windows.

7. Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Millennium Centre is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Cardiff. It is a place to see everything from small dance pieces and comedy shows, to West End musicals and major art exhibitions. The venue hosts several performance areas and is the home of the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and other arts organizations. Watch a show, view some art and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.
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A modern building with large letters spelling "HORIZONS" and "ALIVE".

What to do in Cardiff

Stay near popular Cardiff attractions

A modern stadium with a unique architectural design, a river in the foreground, and a bridge connecting to another area.

Principality Stadium

9.0/10 (893 reviews)
This iconic venue hosts Wales' rugby team in one of Europe's largest covered stadiums. Take a guided tour to walk through players' tunnels and step onto the hallowed pitch where sporting history unfolds.
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Where to stay in Cardiff

Find the best Cardiff areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cardiff
Learn more about Cardiff
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Cardiff City Centre

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from St. David's to Utilita Arena Cardiff – discover Cardiff City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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Cathays

Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to National Museum Cardiff or Cardiff City Hall.

Newport City Centre

If you're spending some time in Newport City Centre, Friars Walk Newport and Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre are top sights worth seeing.

A circular grassy field with stone walls, surrounded by trees and hills.
Photo by Mark Rentz
Open Photo by Mark Rentz

Caerleon

Caerleon is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Isca Augusta and Caerleon Amphitheatre.

A suspension bridge over a river with leafless trees in the background.

Pontcanna

Bars, historical sites and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

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Bristol

An aerial view of a historic castle surrounded by lush green fields and a river.

Tintern

A playground with swings and a slide, a bench, and an ancient stone ruin in the background.

Abergavenny

The ruins of a large, historic stone building with multiple arches and a tall, narrow tower.

Chepstow

A coastal landscape with a golf course, a lighthouse, and cliffs.

Newport

A long bridge with multiple arches and lights, spanning over a calm body of water at sunset.

Magor

A winding road through rolling hills with a valley in the background.

Aberdare

A row of colorful beach huts with stone walls in the background.

Barry

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Cardiff is visit Cardiff Castle. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's culture and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, spend the rest of your day exploring Cardiff's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cardiff?
The top tourist attraction in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff?
Three days in Cardiff is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay Waterfront and New Theatre are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Bristol.
Is Cardiff a walkable city?
Some top sights in Cardiff, including Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from central Cardiff is Cardiff City Centre and Castle Quarter is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff with kids?
Planning what to do in Cardiff with kids has never been easier. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Cardiff for adults?
Cardiff City Hall and The Senedd are just a couple of the things to do in Cardiff. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Cardiff is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Cardiff Bay Waterfront is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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