Top Things to do in Cardiff
Top Restaurants in Cardiff
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Top 10 Things to do in Cardiff, Wales
The Welsh capital may have begun its life as a Roman fort, but it's since become a bustling city. Where the fort once stood, Cardiff Castle has held court since the 11th century. It remains a central presence in the city, now full of lively art and music venues, hip boutiques, fun bars and modern hotels. Even with so many new and exciting things to see, the National History Museum is still the most visited attraction in Wales. Don't be the only visitor who plays hooky!
Restaurants in Cardiff
1. Principality Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,021 reviews
Principality Stadium is the home of the Welsh Rugby Team and one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Sporting the first fully-retractable roof in the UK, the venue is at the leading edge as a multi-purpose, multi-faceted event venue. The Stadium is established as a world class must play, must visit venue and has played home to major sporting bodies and music artists over the years. From Madonna and U2 to David Beckham and Joe Calzaghe, Rugby World Cups & Olympics events, some of the world's greatest stars have set the stage alight here. Tours of the Principality Stadium are available through out the week. Experience the inner workings of the 74,000 seater stadium and see where the Welsh Rugby Team battle against opponents from across the globe and where the football titans of Europe fought for the 2017 Champions League Trophy. Principality Stadium Tours run 7 days a week and are £12.50 for adults & £9.00 for 5-16 year olds.
Reviewed By jollyrobert - Bridgend, United Kingdom
We attended the Wales versus Barbarians match last Saturday. Using the park & ride from Cardiff Football Club, we were discharged in Canal St, giving us ample time and opportunity to walk through the closed streets to enjoy the atmosphere. Anyone who has attended any live event, will know how special the atmosphere is, if you were there. After the usual pre-match preliminaries, we met up with other rugby loving friends, not least because they had our tickets, and were sheperded into the stadium, bags searched, and in our seats by 2.15, about half-an-hour before kick off. With the roof closed and the stadium well-lighted, we enjoyed the theatre before our eyes, with the Welsh Regimental band parading with mascot goat, and the massed male voice choirs singing Calon Lan, Cwm Rhondda, and of course, "Why, why, why Delilah". Finally, the players lined up, the anthems were sung and we were off. The final result with Wales winning 43 points to 33, was just about deserved, but the occassion was particularly special for another reason. It was the final game played by the great Ulsterman, Rory Best, and the final game the former Welsh coach, Warren Gatland would be coaching, this time the Baa-Baas, albeit his successor, Wayne Pivac winning their encounter. Once the game was over, and the final validictory was said, the stadium proper emptied very quickly, allowing us to pick up our return bus to the park and ride facilities out of town. The Millenium stadium has won a good reputation for handling these big games and its well-deserved, and apart from the outrageous prices paid for snacks and drinks, it was jolly good day out.
2. Cardiff Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,473 reviews
Beautifully ornate pleasure palace built by the Victorian architect William Burges.
Reviewed By lwatsoniom - Douglas, United Kingdom
Climb the steps to the viewing platform in the keep, take the guided tour of the astonishing house, wander through the tunnels used as air raid shelters in WWII, it's all here, something for everyone
3. National Museum Cardiff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,619 reviews
Witness one of Europe's finest art collections. Five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including one of Europe's best collections of Impressionist art. The building also has galleries showing the diverse natural history of Wales, as well as a journey taking you through the Evolution of Wales (with dinosaur displays) from the very beginnings of time to the present day.
Reviewed By _vyt1947 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Amazing,free and awesome! Very knowledgable staff.Great art collection-don't miss the Rembrandt-comprehensive Collection of French Impressionists and lots more Great natural history galleries Visit lasted hours longer than we anticipated
4. St Fagans National Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,194 reviews
A walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day. St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction.
Reviewed By caelchamberlain2 - Bridgend, United Kingdom
Absolute gem of welsh cultural history, amazing indoor displays and great outdoor exhibits to walk round , free entry so you can’t go wrong , the castle and gardens are amazing and dogs are permitted throughout the area
5. Bute Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,822 reviews
Bute Park & Arboretum is an extensive area of mature parkland that forms the 'green heart' of Cardiff. Equivalent to 80 football pitches in size, Bute Park is one of the largest urban parks in Wales. As well as beautiful flowers and an abundance of paths and tracks to explore, visitor facilities include an Education Centre & Visitor Centre (open daily 12 - 3pm), 3 cafes, toilets, a woodland play trail, wooden sculptures and fitness equipment. There is a varied events programme, see Bute-park.com for current listings. A Grade 1 listed landscape, it contains designed views and interesting built heritage such as the remains of a medieval friary and the ever-popular Animal Wall. The magnificent arboretum contains “champion” (tallest or widest of their species in UK) and many rare and beautiful trees. The site is managed by Cardiff Council and benefitted from a £5.6M restoration project between 2010 - 2014, supported by a £3.1M grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Reviewed By firsthwelshman - Accra, Ghana
A huge and beautiful park in the centre of the city. Located alongside the River Taff and behind the wonderful Cardiff Castle, it has miles of walks, the site of the ancient Black Friars Monastery, a super café alongside the river and access to the lovely area of Pontcanna and Pontcanna playing fields and the home of the Glamorgan County Cricket club. A wonderful location for a picnic, or a stroll from shopping with some locally purchased sandwiches. Excellent views and photo opportunities that also include and ancient stone circle. Truly magical.
6. Cardiff Bay Barrage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 685 reviews
This dam transformed Cardiff's landscape from unsightly, marshy mudflats to dry, fertile land surrounding a pretty lake.
Reviewed By ginag602017 - Telford, United Kingdom
Beautiful walk on a beautiful November day, lots of places to stop and sit for a while. Lots of places to have a drink and something to eat, there is a play park at one point. Lovely to stop and watch the different boats. There are toilets at two points along the way, you can skate board, roller blade or skate, kids can go on their scooters and you can bike ride as well all safely. The bridge does open but the barriers come across first. You can get different boat rides just ask the price first as we got on one only to find out it was a fiver each as we read it was three pound each.
7. Cardiff Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,106 reviews
Picturesque wharf lined with shops, boutiques and cafes.
Reviewed By rosemarief348
Fab place to visit, with its array of shops, bars and restaurants and the incredible Millennium Centre.My husband is disabled and uses a mobility scooter, so the barrage walk was great. It was so good to see people of all ages enjoying the fresh air and exercise. Lots of places for the children to use their new scooters and bikes and for families to walk together. Plenty of room, even though it was quite busy. A wonderful asset for the area.
8. Castell Coch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,676 reviews
The beautiful fabled home of a very wealthy man. While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate us today. High Gothic was the order of the day. The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By ionag77 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
We were on a 50k bike ride & needed a boost..Too early in the afternoon for a pub stop in Tongwynlais, so pedalled up to Castell Coch. You can visit the tea room without paying the entrance fee to go round the Castle [which is thoroughly worth doing when time]. The tea room is a delight with delicious welsh cakes and amazing atmosphere!
9. Wales Millennium Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,675 reviews
We’re so much more than a theatre. Our visitors enjoy blockbuster West End musicals, opera, ballet and contemporary dance, hip hop and stand up comedy, art exhibitions, workshops, training days, free daily foyer performances, guided tours, bars and restaurants... there is something for everyone.
Reviewed By michaeltC2091IE - Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom
Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding, I believe my wife paid £7 each for the trip, behind the scenes of the Millennium Centre. Robin our guide was full of information. We were very lucky for it to be only us on the tour. More relaxing, plenty of time to ask questions. I cant recommend this trip enough. They don’t run them all the time. So don’t delay it is well worth it. Mike
10. Roath Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,053 reviews
Reviewed By Valleyschick1 - Rhondda Cynon Taf, United Kingdom
Following an incredible few hours of shopping at Cardiff we decided to visit Roath Park on the way home. We have been regular visitors to the Park for years and there is a fantastic lake with boats to hire (lots of ducks and swans to feed), a children's play ground and lots of walks to enjoy. There are also several gardens including the botanic garden and the wild garden. As well as a bowling green, tennis courts, basketball court, an historic pond, ice-cream kiosk and a cafe selling snacks and drinks at very reasonable prices. We usually bring a pack lunch, but on this occasion we picked up fish and chips from Youngers Fish Shop in Birchgrove, Cardiff. I would definitely recommend a visit, as this is a great day out.
