Cardiff
Travel Guide
Welcome to our Cardiff travel guide, where we explore the capital city of Wales in the UK. Home to Cardiff castle, the principality stadium, Cardiff Bay and a vibrant city centre, Cardiff covers all interests from waterside activities, history lovers and party goers.
Cardiff is full of things to see and do, but even more so, it’s brimming with the overwhelming kindness and warmth of the Welsh people, some of the friendliest folk in the UK. Whether you’re in the city for a night out, a rugby game or a family outing, you’re sure to make a new Welsh friend. New development across the city has helped Cardiff develop into a thriving urban centre in the last decade, but the city still retains its old charm alongside its more modern and confident side. At the weekend, the nightlife can get a little hectic, but this is all part of the fun, and come the morning the city is as smart as ever.
Travel Guide Contents
Cardiff Travel Guide
How to get to Cardiff
Cardiff Airport (CWL) is located 26km west of Cardiff city centre and is the closest airport to Cardiff city. The airport is small but modern and caters to a growing number of flights. The second closest airport to Cardiff is Bristol airport, which is bigger, yet still a smaller airport. You can read more about Bristol airport on our Bristol guide. Many visitors will also arrive in Cardiff from London. Let’s explore the best options for getting to Cardiff from Cardiff airport, Bristol airport and London:
From Cardiff Airport via taxi – The journey by taxi takes approx 20min and will cost £25-£35 ($35-$48) to central Cardiff. Taxis can be found outside arrivals
From Cardiff Airport via bus – The T9 bus runs from Cardiff Airport to Cardiff city centre every 20min from Apr-Oct and every 30min from Nov-Mar. The journey takes approx 35min with tickets costing £5 ($7) per adult one way, £8 ($11) return and can be bought on board
From Cardiff Airport via train – Rhoose train station is the closest station to Cardiff Airport, with shuttle buses running from the airport to the station once every hour, taking 10min and tickets costing £1 ($1.50) per person. Trains to Cardiff Central leave once every hour and take approx 35min. Tickets for the train cost around £5 ($7) per person and can be bought online or at the station
From Bristol Airport via taxi – A taxi will cost between £95-£110 ($130-$150) from the airport to Cardiff city centre. An Uber will cost around £80-£90 ($110-$125). The journey will take around 1hr. An expensive option but one that could work out reasonable if there are a group of people
From Bristol via public transport – Take the A1 airport flyer bus from Bristol Airport to Bristol Temple Meads train station and then the train to Cardiff central direct from Temple Meads. The entire journey should take between 1hr 40mim and 2hr 30min, generally only the longer time on Sundays when trains run less frequently. Prices will vary but should cost in the region of £28 ($39) per person, book your tickets online via Trainline to save money and time
From London via public transport – Getting to Cardiff from London couldn’t be easier. The GWR train service connects London to Cardiff central via a direct train link from London Paddington. The trains run once every hour and take approx 1hr 50min. Tickets can be expensive so buying your ticket in advance via Trainline is highly recommended as you will get a better price
Areas to stay in Cardiff
Cardiff city centre is very compact and easily walkable to all the main attractions. Walking to Cardiff Bay from the city centre takes just 25min on foot, so even this is very convenient. We would recommend first-time visitors to the city, or anyone wanting to be in the easiest and most convenient area, to stay in Cardiff city centre. However, if you’re thinking of staying elsewhere or want to learn about the other areas of the city then here are the best areas to stay in Cardiff:
Cardiff centre – As we’ve already noted, this is our recommended area for visitors to stay. Cardiff centre has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, is close to most of the major attractions and has good transport links to areas such as Cardiff Bay. The widest range of accommodation options are here
Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Bay is a great place to stay if you’re in town for an event at the Millennium Centre or traveling with kids, as there are lots of family-friendly activities in the Bay area
Cathays & Roath – Slightly further afield of the main city centre, these two areas are mainly residential and student areas of the city. However, there are a growing number of great restaurants and cafes popping up on the high streets of these areas, as well as being home to attractions such as Roath Park. Accommodation is primarily apartments in these areas, but often less expensive than in the city. It’s a 30-40min walk into the centre
Riverside – Lining the river Taff on the edge of the city centre, Riverside has a good choice of budget accommodation options and is a 10min walk to the centre. If you’re looking for a hostel or budget guest house then this is a great place to stay
Accommodation in Cardiff
Cardiff is abundant in accommodation options from hostels and budget hotels to apartments and high-end hotels. The majority of accommodation options are found within the city centre and bay areas, but apartments and some guest houses are found further out. Prices are much higher at the weekend due to the popularity of the city as a nightlife destination so be sure to book well in advance if you plan to visit over a weekend. Rugby matchdays also fetch a high price when games are taking place at the large Principality stadium in the city centre, so watch out for dates of big games and try to avoid these if you can, unless, of course, you’re visiting for the game! Here are some of our top picks for where to stay in Cardiff:
Budget Option | The River House – Overlooking the River Taff and the Principality Stadium, The River House is a good budget option in Cardiff and is within a short walk to the city centre. Rooms are simple, modern and well equipped and there is a shared kitchen available for guest use
Mid-range hotel option | The Royal Hotel – Situated on St.Mary’s Street in the heart of Cardiff, The Royal Hotel offers modern rooms in a period building. Friendly service and one of the best locations in the city centre make this hotel a solid mid-range option for any visitors to Cardiff
Mid-range hotel option | Hotel Indigo – Part of the IHG hotel group, Hotel Indigo offers contemporary, well-designed and well-equipped rooms in a city centre location. A good breakfast is available as well as dining at the on-site Marco Pierre White Steakhouse. A fitness centre is also available
Luxury hotel option | Voco St.David’s Cardiff – A popular luxury option for Cardiff situated in Cardiff Bay, Voco St.David’s has spacious, contemporary rooms overlooking the bay and an on-site spa
How to get around Cardiff
With a compact city centre and no hills, Cardiff is a very walkable city. However, if you are staying further afield, visiting attractions out of the city or need some help getting around then there are transport options for you. Here are the most popular options for getting around in Cardiff:
Train – Across Wales, including Cardiff, there is an extensive local train network. These trains may not always be the most convenient way to get around but the small stations that cater to Cardiff Bay or Cathay’s can be very useful as they run reasonably frequently and are inexpensive. Tickets can be bought at the station or at Trainline and will usually cost under £4.00 ($5.50) one way per person for journeys within Cardiff
Bus – There is a great bus network that covers Cardiff city and beyond, with regular buses operating daily. Bus tickets are £2.00 ($2.75) for an adult single or £4.00 ($5.50) for an adult day pass and can be bought from the driver when boarding the bus
Taxi – Taxi’s are in operation across Cardiff and there are several taxi ranks across the city. Taxi prices are generally quite reasonable in the city. If you need a taxi and can’t find a rank then look up Dragon Taxis, one of the most popular local taxi services in Cardiff
Uber – Operating across Cardiff, Uber offers travellers an inexpensive taxi option with the convenience of the Uber app. Wait times are generally quite good in the central part of the city
Car – Cardiff is well connected to the rest of Britain via the M4 motorway. Getting into the city from the motorway is easy and quick and there are plenty of carparks across the city to accommodate drivers. Although we always recommend taking public transport where possible
Things to do in Cardiff
Cardiff has lots to do for both couples and families. We’ve put together a compact list of the top 5 things to do in Cardiff to help you plan your trip:
Cardiff Castle – Originally built in the 11th century, Cardiff Castle is one of the best Cardiff attractions. Visitors can explore the gardens and the castles incredible interior. Tickets start from £13.50 ($18.50) per adult
Cardiff Bay – Once the industrial Docklands area for Cardiff, the Bay is now a vibrant area of the city surrounding a freshwater lake. As well as restaurants, cafes and shops that line the waterfront, the bay is home to some of Cardiff’s best sightseeing
Bute Park – Covering 130 acres, this park lies in the centre of Cardiff, next to the castle and was once the castle gardens. The landscaped gardens are free to wander and explore
Cardiff Arcades – At over 150 years old, Cardiff’s many Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades are a joy to explore with over 100 independent and boutique shops and cafes
The National Museum in Cardiff – Founded in 1905, the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff houses the Welsh collection of botany, geology and zoology alongside the national museum of art which opened in 2011. Entry is free
What to eat in Cardiff
Alongside a healthy selection of British favourites, Cardiff’s food scene covers Welsh cuisine as well as a varied array of international foods including Indian, American and Japanese. The city is home to just over 800 restaurants for travellers to choose from, including 10 restaurants recommended by the Michelin guide. It would be a crime to visit Wales without trying some local dishes so here are the best foods to try in Cardiff:
Welsh cakes – A traditional sweet found across Wales, these cakes are made with flour, sugar, butter and dried fruit, usually raisins or sultanas. They can be eaten hot or cold
Leeks – We’re not suggesting to just eat a plain leek, but leeks are an emblem of Wales, particularly on St David’s day. Have them in soup, quiche or any way you want, you’ll find them a common ingredient in dishes across Wales
Lamb Cawl – The national dish of Wales, Cawl is a Welsh soup usually consisting of lamb with leeks, potatoes, swedes, carrots and other seasonal vegetables
Laverbread – A very traditional Welsh dish consisting of laver, an edible seaweed found on the coast of Wales, served on bread
Rarebit – Essentially cheese on toast but extra very tasty
Money - Cardiff Travel Costs
The currency in Wales is the British Pound (£). Credit & Debit cards are widely accepted throughout Wales, including Cardiff, and there are plenty of ATM’s which accept foreign cards. A service charge is commonly added to the bill in mid-range, chain and high-end restaurants, this is usually either 10% or 12.5%. If a service charge has not been added, you can leave a tip if you are happy with the service. A tip of 5-10% is the norm and you can round up for taxi’s. Cardiff has a good range of affordable options for food and accommodation and is less expensive than many other British cities. Here’s a guide for what you can expect to pay (per person) for:
A local draught beer – £3.00-£5 ($4-$7)
A coffee – £2.50-£4 ($3.50-$5.50)
A sandwich – £1.50-£3 ($2-$4)
Budget restaurant meal – £8-£15 ($11-$20)
Mid-range restaurant meal – £20-£40 ($28-$55)
High-end restaurant meal – £50+ ($68+)
When to go to Cardiff and for how long
The best time to visit Cardiff is from June to September. Although July and August are peak season, this is the time of year when the weather should be at it’s best. But, being Britain, the weather can never be relied on too heavily. Watch out for large Rugby match days at the Principality stadium, which can pack out Cardiff and make getting around, booking accommodation and eating out more expensive and very crowded. As a compact city, most of the sites of the city centre can be visited in 1-2 days, as well as sampling some of the local food, so we would recommend a trip of 2 days or a long weekend.
Local language and phrases
The most widely spoken language in Wales is English, however, many Welsh people, particularly in rural areas of Wales, speak Welsh. Welsh is also still included on all signs in the country, alongside English, and is taught in schools. The Welsh language can be very difficult, and you won’t be expected to speak it in Wales. The Welsh do also have a variety of their own slang, so here’s some of the top picks of Welsh slang to help you out:
Tidy – Great, brilliant etc
Now in a minute – Meaning soon, or something will be done soon(ish)
Butt – Mate, friend etc
Cwtch – Cuddle
Lush – Very nice
Cardiff travel tips
– Cardiff is a safe city and is safe for lone travellers, including lone females
– There are a range of places to eat including those specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets
– Cardiff Airport, Bristol Airport and London Airports offer Covid-19 PCR & Antigen tests for those that require them, it is advisable to book a slot in advance if you require a test
Cardiff travel guide written in October 2021
This site uses affiliate links. When you click on a link and purchase an item, we may be compensated on qualifying purchases. However, this is at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for further information.
Cardiff Travel Articles
Cardiff Walking Tour Videos And Maps
Check out our Youtube Channel for more Cardiff and UK walking tours, and tours for other destinations too.
Cardiff City Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights of Cardiff’s vibrant city centre, and accompanying map showing the route we walked
Cardiff Bay Route
A walking tour video of Cardiff Bay, highlighting the main Cardiff Bay attractions and an accompanying map showing the route we walked
Pin this Cardiff Travel Guide to save it for later!
