Things to do in Cardiff

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Visit Cardiff

Cardiff featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Cardiff Attractions

Heading to this fascinating country without exploring Cardiff would be like seeing the ocean for the first time and not wanting to dip your toes in the water. It's inconceivable. Whether you're on the hunt for excitement or relaxation, sightseeing or local history, the nation's capital has something for everyone in the family!

Explore the sights of Cardiff with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {101 fun activities in Cardiff fun activities in Cardiff}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and put your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

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Cardiff must see attractions

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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Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

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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Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

3. 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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Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

4. Cardiff International Arena

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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Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

5. 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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Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, modern architecture and signage

Recommended things to do in Cardiff

Number of things to do	101
Things to do from	$6
Cheapest thing to do	A Journey through Tudor Cardiff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Top 5 things to do	From Cardiff: Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons Full-Day Trip From Cardiff: Mumbles and Gower Peninsular Tour Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tou... Private Day Tour of Cardiff, including Cardiff Castle, St Fagans, & Cardiff... Private Doctor Who Day Tour of South Wales - Castles, Cardiff, and Doctor W...
Under $25	Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tou... Afternoon Distillery Tour in Newport Cardiff Scavenger Hunt: The 6000 Year-Old Capital 2-hour Life Drawing Session in Cardiff A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff
With kids	Welcome to Cardiff: Private Half-Day Walking Tour A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff Cardiff Bay Boat Tour Cardiff: Doctor Who Walking Tour The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

What to do in Cardiff

Free Things to Do in Cardiff

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Cardiff:

National Museum Cardiff - Chock-full of fascinating displays and objects, this gallery is a paradise for minds that burn with curiosity.

The Gate Arts and Community Centre - If you're eager to get cultured, head here and enjoy the artistic creativity on show.

Trelai Park - You can't beat this attraction if you're in the mood to let go and just have fun.

University of South Wales, Cardiff Campus - If you're an admirer of modern-day architecture and design, add this landmark to your sightseeing list.

Cathays Cemetery - If you're eager to explore the history of the area through its landmarks, mark this one down on your travel schedule.

Cardiff Bay Waterfront - Stroll the streets and take in the atmosphere of this popular local haunt.

Cardiff Market - Leave time to take a look at this place of local significance.

Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral of St David - Whether you're spiritual or not, this site is sure to inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Cardiff Bay - Devour your favorite magazine or play some tunes while you're catching those rays.

Gorsedd Stones - Take your camera and let Mother Nature stimulate your imagination.

Bute Park - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a stroll around the gorgeous plant life.

Things to Do in Cardiff with Kids

Escaping with the young ones? You'll find loads of activities and tours in Cardiff that'll put wide smiles on little faces. Take a peek at these family friendly experiences:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Cardiff? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Cardiff on a sunny day?

You won’t want to be lounging in your hotel room when you could be outdoors enjoying a Cardiff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

What should I not miss in Cardiff?

Don’t go home without ticking off the following list of fantastic attractions:

Principality Stadium
Cardiff Castle
Wales Millennium Centre
Llandaff Cathedral

Are there cheap things to do in Cardiff?

There are loads of activities and tours here that are just the ticket if you’re sticking to a budget:

What can you do in Cardiff for free?

You’ll hardly have time to pull your wallet out of your bag with so many free things to do:

Llandaff Cathedral
National Museum Cardiff
Museum of Welsh Life
Cardiff Bay

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cardiff

Principality Stadium

4/5(21 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of sporting and musical greats when you tour this vast sporting arena. Walk on the pitch, see dressing rooms and lift a trophy.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(93 reviews)

A fortified tower from the 12th century, World War II tunnels and Welsh military history make a fascinating day out at this magnificent castle.

Barry Island Beach

4.5/5(4 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Cardiff University

4/5(12 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff International Arena

4/5(8 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Book your tickets for theater, opera, dance and comedy shows and go on a backstage tour at this prestigious arts venue.

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Tour the ruins of an ancient monastery where Cistercian monks used to live, pray and study. See the remains of their former dwellings and church.

Caerphilly Castle

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Caerphilly Castle is a huge medieval castle in the South Wales, located in Caerphilly, seven and a half miles north of Cardiff. The castle stands out from other Welsh castles thanks to two distinct factors. The first of these is its sheer size; it is the second largest castle in the UK after Windsor Castle, occupying 30 acres.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(99 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Cardiff City Centre. Make a stop by Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Wales Millennium Centre featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Butetown

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

The ample dining options and luxurious spas are top of the list for many visitors to Butetown. A stop by Wales Millennium Centre or Mermaid Quay might round out your trip.

Grangetown

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Grangetown. You might want to make time for a stop at Cardiff Bay or Cardiff International Sports Village.

Llantrisant

Visitors to Llantrisant enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, The Royal Mint Experience is worth a stop.

Well-preserved oval mound that once hosted gladiatorial combat and military processions. This amphitheater was built for the Roman forces at Isca around AD 90 and would have seated around 6000 spectators!

Caerleon

4/5(5 area reviews)

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

Pontcanna

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Bars, historic sites, and gardens are just a few things travelers enjoy about Pontcanna. Check out Sophia Gardens or Swalec Stadium while you're exploring the area.

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