Cardiff is the lively, cosmopolitan capital of Wales, where visitors are assured of a warm Welsh welcome. There is so much to do in the city, whether you’re a sports fan or a culture vulture, a food lover or a party animal. Here are our suggestions for three action packed days in Cardiff!

An aerial view of Cardiff

DAY ONE

Whether you arrive in Cardiff by car, or by train at the central station, once you’re in the city centre you will be well-placed for all the main attractions. The centre is compact, so it’s very easy to get around, with good public transport to Cardiff Bay and the nearby countryside. Choose a centrally located hotel to make the most of your stay.

Cardiff Castle is one of the most recognisable attractions in Cardiff and not to be missed. Originating in Roman times, the medieval castle sits right in in the middle of the city. In the 19th century, the castle was transformed, when the rooms were decorated in an ornate Gothic style by William Burges. On a tour of the interior, you will see the luxurious furnishings, floral carvings and elaborate décor. For a fantastic view of the city, climb to the top of the keep.

Cardiff Castle

On leaving the castle, make your way through Bute Park to Llandaff Cathedral. Once forming the grounds of Cardiff Castle, the 130-acre landscaped park on the banks of the River Taff is the green heart of the city, where you will discover a superb tree collection, a flower garden, a nature activity trail, a visitor centre and a selection of cafés. Llandaff Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, stands on one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain.

Cathedral Green in Llandaff, Cardiff

Back in the city centre, museum buffs will enjoy both the Museum of Cardiff and the National Museum Cardiff. Telling the story of Cardiff through the eyes of the people who have lived in the city, the Museum of Cardiff, housed in the Old Library, offers a great introduction to the city. The National Museum Cardiff is a treasure trove of art and history, and its galleries include a remarkable display of Impressionist paintings, Welsh pottery and porcelain. 

National Museum Cardiff

For sports fans, the iconic Principality Stadium is the place to go in Cardiff. As the spiritual home of Welsh Rugby, the stadium has witnessed some of the greatest moments in UK and international sport and, on match days, there is a fabulous atmosphere as crowds gather. Enjoy a stadium tour or experience SCALE, an exciting new aerial adventure on the roof of the stadium.

SCALE at the Principality Stadium

For shopaholics, Cardiff boasts nearly a mile of shopping arcades weaving through the city, dating back to Victorian and Edwardian times. Inside you can find dozens of quirky independent shops, family-run cafes and intriguing boutiques.

When it comes to eating out, Cardiff offers a world of diverse food experiences to suit all tastes. Visit City Road in Roath or Cowbridge Road East in Canton for authentic international cuisine. Mill Lane in the city centre has fancy bars for cocktails, and there are a number of good restaurants on High Street and St Mary’s Street. Don't forget Cardiff Indoor Market for a wide range of tasty produce from some of the best food producers in Wales.

Morgan Arcade, Cardiff

If you fancy a food walking tour around the city, then Loving Welsh Food offers a number of tasting tours, and there's the free City of Arcades history and culture guided walking tour with Fogo’s Free Tours.

When it comes to nightlife, Cardiff has something for everyone. The New Theatre, which is the oldest theatre in Cardiff, dating back to 1906, has a programme of classic and contemporary plays, as well as pantomimes, ballets, and musicals. Womanby Street is home to iconic music venues and nightclubs including Clwb Ifor Bach, an independent live music venue which has been at the forefront of Welsh culture for over 40 years.

DAY TWO

Head to Cardiff Bay in the south of the city for day two of your visit. Cardiff Bay is described as Europe’s largest waterfront development, stretching for six miles (10 km) around the shore of a freshwater lake, which was once a  tidal dockland, famous for exporting Welsh coal to the world.

The Pierhead Building, The Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay

The most famous building in Cardiff Bay is the Wales Millennium Centre – Wales’s equivalent to the Sydney Opera House, which hosts a variety of shows, from West End hits to Welsh language productions, inside a spectacular architectural delight.

Wales Millennium Centre

The Senedd, nearby, is the Welsh Parliament and if you're interested in learning more about how Wales is run, you can take a tour of the building, which was designed by renowned architect Richard Rogers.

The distinctive Pierhead Building dates back to 1897 and was originally built as offices for the Bute Docks Company (later renamed the Cardiff Railway Company). Following the decline in the coal industry, the Pierhead became disused. It was reopened in 2010 and today it is an event and conference venue, which hosts art exhibitions and has historical displays for visitors to enjoy.

The Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay

The pretty Norwegian Church on the bay is now an arts centre but was originally built to serve the Norwegian sailors who docked in the city when coal was king. The writer Roald Dahl, who was born in Cardiff to Norwegian parents, was baptised in the church in the early 20th century. Today the restored church features an interesting gallery and friendly café with great views across the Bay.

The bustling bay area is overflowing with independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants, which are worth a try as you explore the area, and if you want to see more of Cardiff’s coastline, there’s no better way than by boat. Cardiff Bay is where the boat trips begin and there’s everything from water taxis to exhilarating rib rides. For walkers, it’s an easy stroll around the bay across the sea barrage to the marina in the charming seaside town of Penarth.

Boat trips in Cardiff Bay

For bigger thrills, visit the Olympic standard white water rafting facility at Cardiff International White Water on the bay. The on-demand surges of water are perfect for trying white water rafting, kayaking and more.

Nature lovers will not want to miss the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve, which was created on the site of a former salt marsh. It features reedy marshland and floating timber structures offering sheltered breeding areas for birds.

DAY THREE

For the final day of your stay in Cardiff, why not head out of the city centre to explore the surrounding area?

St Fagans National Museum of History, located four miles west of Cardiff City Centre, should not be missed. One of Europe's leading open–air museums, St Fagans is Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It features over 50 original Welsh buildings from different historical periods, including a Victorian school, a medieval church, a Tudor merchant’s house and a woollen mill. The museum stands in the grounds of St Fagans Castle, a late 16th century manor house.

St Fagans National Museum of History

National Trust Dyffryn Gardens is an Edwardian garden in restoration with an ever-changing seasonal landscape. A peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Cardiff, Dyffryn Gardens covers more than 55 acres and boasts intricate themed garden rooms, sweeping formal lawns, productive kitchen gardens and a large arboretum.

For a perfect end to the day, Llanerch Vineyard, with its picturesque vine-clad hills is a great place to indulge in the finest Welsh wines. Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Cardiff, the vineyard also offers luxury accommodation and an award-winning restaurant.

Penarth Pier

If you're looking to enjoy the refreshing sea air then visit Penarth, just a stone's throw from Cardiff. With a pier and a lively esplanade, it's a fabulous place to enjoy some food or a coastal walk. And of course, the surrounding Vale of Glamorgan countryside also offers many scenic trails - perfect for leisurely rambles.

If your or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Cardiff on a tailor-made tour of Wales, please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales