Cardiff Castle is one of the top things to see and do in Cardiff

There is something special about a city break. No matter if you are there for a few hours or days, you will always find something to do. City breaks are also a fantastic option for travellers who don’t always have time on their side. But with so many options, where to go first? Let guest authors Lowri Thomas and Jamie Jenks from Many Other Roads Introduce you to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. 

Caerdydd, otherwise known as Cardiff, is full of incredible food spots, historic buildings and friendly locals. If you are looking for a city break, weekend getaway or just a place to visit that mixes culture, history and plenty of things to do, Cardiff is a fantastic option. 

Wales isn’t usually on the top of people’s bucket list destinations. However, with its incredible landscapes, coastal walks and welcoming atmosphere, it’s without a doubt, becoming one of the most popular spots in the UK. To plan the ultimate trip to this amazing destination, here are the top things to do in Cardiff. 

Visit Cardiff Castle 

If you are lucky enough to explore Wales, you will notice that there are castles everywhere. Cardiff is no exception with there being many castles in the area, including the Fairytale Castle Coch. However, Cardiff Castle which can be found right in the city centre is absolutely one of the top things to do in Cardiff. 

The 2000 year old castle in the heart of the city is a great way to learn more about Cardiff city’s history. From Romans to Normans, this castle has seen it all. It is also completely free to visit for anyone who lives or works in Cardiff! 

If this doesn’t apply to you, there are some great options, including guided tours. An Adult ticket is about £14 but if you are on a budget you can have a peak at the Castle grounds for free.J ust walk towards the ticket office or the bar on the grounds. 

Stroll through Bute Park 

There is something super special about visiting a city that has nature in it. Cities that offer a piece of nature to escape the crowds, will always be a big hit. You can find the green heart of the city just off Cardiff’s main high streets. If you love being outdoors, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours. Bute park has some amazing facilities including bee hives, discovery trails and views of the River Taff. 

You will find toilets, 4 places to grab a bite to eat and a coffee as well as a few historical spots throughout Bute Park. While you are walking through Bute Park keep an eye out for the amazing flowers and plants. If any take your fancy, you can buy them at the Bute Park Plant Shop. The perfect way to remember your Cardiff trip! 

Enjoy a drink with a View at Cardiff Bay

Everyone who visits Cardiff Bay falls completely in love with it. Being able to sit back with your favourite cocktail and watch the water is the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the city. 

Cardiff bay is about a ten minute drive out of the city centre. If you don’t fancy driving or getting a taxi, It is easy to walk as it’s flat. There is also a regular train that you can get from Cardiff Central or Queen Street station too. 

The Best Places to stop by at Cardiff Bay

The Mount Stuart Wetherspoons is great if you are on a budget and it has an amazing upstairs decking area. This is the perfect spot to grab a drink, a bite to eat and look over the water. But be warned, there are some Seagulls that like to swoop if they get the chance! 

If you are looking for the best deserts and Gin’s at Cardiff Bay, you need to stop by The Gin & Bake. Another location with an amazing view of the Bay and some of the best cocktails about. If you want to take some Insta-Worthy pictures, get a table inside! 

Cardiff Bay not only has some of the best bars in Cardiff but restaurants with the most amazing views. There is also the red dragon centre nearby with a cinema, even more restaurants and a bowling alley. And if you want to test your skills on the Ice, Cardiff Bay is also home to the Ice Arena Wales. 

Enjoy a drink or meal at Cardiff Bay

Watch a Cardiff Devils Game

No trip to Cardiff Bay is complete without Watching a Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey Game. Even if you aren’t a fan, it is such a good night. The atmosphere is great and an awesome few hours for all. Ice Hockey isn’t a popular sport in the UK so it is really unique to see it in Cardiff. Watching a Cardiff Devils Game is a great way to see Ice Hockey up close and personal.

Step into History at St Fagans National Museum of History

Museums can be a pretty hit or miss experience. They can be too expensive, not interactive enough or just pretty dull. However, St Fagans is a fantastic day out for all and one of the top things to do in Cardiff. St Fagans has aspects of Welsh History including the Celtic Village, St Fagans Castle and the Victorian School. For Free, you can step into all the historic buildings and see what it would be like living during that period of time. St Fagans is dog friendly and the perfect place to have a picnic. If you don’t pack a picnic there is the old tea room and the old bakery that does the best cheese bread.

End your night in Chip Alley

Chip Alley is an incredibly popular street for any Welsh person visiting Cardiff. Caroline Street or Chip Alley is a street in the lower part of Cardiff City Centre which is full of fast food shops. From Greek Gyros to Tacos, you will find it all here. You will find many after a rugby match or the end of the night head towards Chip Alley to get the best Curry and Chips from Dorothys.

Are you Sold to visit Cardiff?

These are just a few of the amazing things you can do when visiting Cardiff. From comedy shows to shopping, this city offers everything you could want. Cardiff City is definitely one of the most underrated city breaks in the UK. Use this list of top things to do in Cardiff to plan the ultimate trip that will have you completely fall in love with Wales. Then you can discover more of Wales.

Guest Authors: Many Other Roads is a travel blog written by Welsh Couple Lowri Thomas and Jamie Jenks. With years of extensive Europe Road Trips behind them, they share their in-depth knowledge and advice for other travellers wanting to hit the road. Their honest blog posts of their personal travels with their Border Collie Scout aim to help others avoid the mistakes they did and have the most amazing taste of Europe. Their posts are always full of original photographs so readers can get an insight into the real Europe.

Accommodation in Cardiff for your Stay

Even though you can visit Cardiff in a day why not extend your stay for a couple of days or more. There is plenty of accommodation in Cardiff for your stay. Ranging from hostels to five star hotels there is something for every budget.

There are a number of hostels close to the city centre – Bunkhouse (0.3km) and The Riverhouse (0.7km) for those of you looking for a bed in a dorm room. For a budget hotel try the Ibis Budget Hotel Cardiff City or the Holiday Inn. Happy to splurge for your time in Cardiff check into The Parkgate Hotel or the St David’s Cardiff an IHG Hotel.