Things to do in Cardiff

Why go to Cardiff

• Cardiff Castle

  A Roman fort, medieval keep, and lavishly decorated Victorian Gothic apartments rolled into one unmissable city-centre landmark.

• Castell Coch

  A fairytale 19th-century Gothic Revival castle perched on a wooded hillside just outside the city, straight out of a storybook.

• National Museum Cardiff

  One of the UK's finest free museums, housing Impressionist masterpieces by Monet and Renoir alongside natural history wonders.

• Cardiff Bay & Mermaid Quay

  A stunning waterfront regeneration district home to the Wales Millennium Centre, Senedd building, and lively bars and restaurants.

• Principality Stadium Tour

  Go behind the scenes of one of world rugby's most iconic and atmospheric arenas, right in the city centre.

Good to know in Cardiff

• Cardiff's city centre is extremely walkable; you can reach the castle, bay (30-min walk or short bus), and most museums on foot, saving heavily on transport.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Wales, rounding up or leaving 10% at sit-down restaurants is generous; tip jars at cafés are optional.
• Tap water in Cardiff is clean and safe to drink straight from the tap, carry a refillable bottle and skip bottled water entirely.
• National Museum Cardiff is permanently free; check Visit Cardiff's website for free or discounted entry events at Cardiff Castle and other paid sites.

Trip essentials