The beating heart of Wales is a city that surprises at every turn. Its cobbled streets hide tales of Roman forts and Viking raids, while its modern waterfront gleams with the audacity of a young dragon, the capital's iconic emblem. History buffs will find themselves enthralled by Cardiff Castle, a formidable Norman keep that morphed into a lavish Victorian mansion. Wander its echoing halls and imagine grand balls under glittering chandeliers. Cardiff offers a feast for the senses.
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Castle Arcade, Castle boasts an eclectic mix of shops. Start your visit with a decadent treat from Barker Gelato Ice Cream Parlour where you can savor creative shakes like the Mocha Marshmallow Doughnut Shake. The also features the Harry Potter-themed Mayhem & Magic where you can pick up Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans or test wands to find the one that chooses you.
Duke Street Arcade, Duke Street offers a mix of shops including Spillers Records the world's oldest record store. Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate browsing through their extensive collection.
High Street Arcade, This charming houses a variety of independent shops including Madame Fromage known for its delectable cheeses. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast or just curious, this spot is worth a visit.
Morgan Arcade, Morgan features unique boutiques and vintage shops. Check out Bodlon where you'll find Welsh gifts homeware and accessories.
Royal Arcade, The Royal is home to Wally's Delicatessen, a food lover's paradise. Explore shelves filled with gourmet ingredients cheeses and specialty foods. Don't miss their famous Welsh cakes!
Wyndham Arcade, home to The Plan Café a cozy spot for coffee and light bites. Enjoy the historic surroundings while sipping your latte.
Stroll through those Victorian arcades – the elegant heart of the city – where independent shops spill out onto bustling lanes. Duck into a traditional Welsh pub and sample a pint of local ale alongside a plate of "cawl," a hearty stew that warms the soul.
Arcade Photos courtesy of https://www.thecityofarcades.com/
Explore the National Museum of Wales, a treasure trove of art and artifacts that tell the story of Wales, from prehistoric times to the present day. Later, indulge in a plate of freshly caught seafood in the Cardiff Bay area, watching sailboats bob on the water.
For a touch of contemporary cool, head to the Wales Millennium Centre, a striking building of steel and glass that houses a world-class concert hall and opera house. Catch a performance or simply marvel at the architectural feat.
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The Castle and the Keep
At the heart of Cardiff stands Cardiff Castle, its walls echoing tales of Roman legions, Norman knights, and opulent banquets. Climb its towers for views across the city, where medieval meets modern. Cardiff Castle is at once a Roman fort a Norman stronghold and a Victorian Gothic fantasy palace.
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Venture to Cardiff Bay, once a bustling port, now a symphony of glass-and-steel architecture. Stroll along the waterfront, where yachts sway and seagulls dance. At sunset, the Senedd, home to the Welsh Parliament, reflects in the calm waters. And don't miss Roald Dahl Plass, named for the beloved storyteller.
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Culinary Adventures
Cardiff’s markets beckon. In the Central Market, aromatic spices mingle with fresh produce. Try a Welsh cake, warm and crumbly, or savor a hearty cawl—a traditional stew. For a taste of the sea, head to Mermaid Quay, where seafood restaurants overlook bobbing boats.
The Taff Trail
Follow the Taff Trail, a riverside path that winds through parks and past the Principality Stadium. The path leads to Castell Coch, a fairytale castle perched on wooded hills, where knights and dragons seem just out of sight.
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Daytrips
Join up with one of the local operators of daytours by mini-coach, usually for 6 to 8 hours, visiting South Wales.
by train: Abergavenny – Gateway to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (about 40 minutes from Cardiff)
by train: Caerphilly – Britain’s second biggest castle (about 20 minutes from Cardiff)
by bus – St Fagans National Museum of History, this free museum is a must see when visiting Cardiff (about 30 minutes from Cardiff)
My hotel choice: Hotel Indigo
For more information see the Official Tourist Information website
PLACES
Caerphilly, by train 16 min Caerphilly Castle with its sheer size and Norman might. The construction began in 1268 and, throughout the 20th century, was meticulously restoredhttps://www.visitwales.com/destinations/south-wales/south-wales-valleys/things-do-caerphilly
Dominions, houses Barker Tea House a delightful tea room where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience.
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Mermaid Quay is a vibrant waterfront shopping and leisure district located in the Cardiff Bay area of Cardiff, Wales. This captivating destination covers approximately 14 000 square meters (150 000 square feet) and offers a delightful blend of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops
The Museum of Cardiff is a great starting point for any visit to Cardiff and gives an introduction to the city's history through engaging interactive displays. It uses the stories of the people who have lived and worked in the city over past centuries to bring history to life.
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National Museum Cardiff, houses Wales' national art natural history and geology collections and temporary exhibitions. National Museum Cardiff is situated in the heart of Cardiff's elegant civic centre and houses world class art and natural history including Wales's national art natural history and geology collections as well as major touring and temporary exhibitions. If you want to stand and stare, there's plenty to please your eye – from Impressionist paintings to gigantic dinosaurs. For
Newport Market, The market is filled with independent businesses selling a wealth of produce ranging from fresh farm goods to artisan confectionery each stall is completely unique in what they sell and in the people who sell it. Monday & Tuesday 8.00am – 5.00pm / Wed to Sat 8.00am – 8.00pm / Sunday - 10.00am – 5.00pm Food Court Find out what's on the menu take a seat or grab a take out! You'll find everything from Malaysian and Italian-inspired foods to Greek Souvlaki craft beer and cocktails. Wed - Sat 12.00pm – 10.00pm / Sunday 12.00pm – 5.00pm this impressive Victorian structure retains nearly all of its striking historical features making it the perfect place to explore meet eat drink and shop.
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Pieminister, St. Mary Street near the Principality Stadium is the place to go for award-winning pies in Cardiff.
The Dock, Ideally situated at the heart of Mermaid Quay we are at the centre of all the action ideally placed to enjoy the events taking place in the bay all year round and the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply post-work drinks and a bite to eat with friends.
Blue Bell, has been serving the people of Cardiff for over 200 years. As one of Cardiff’s oldest pubs we continue to offer a traditional cosy atmosphere with quality food and drink at affordable prices.
The classroom, is a unique modern European restaurant with panoramic views across the capital city.All dishes are prepared from scratch – including the bread freshly baked each day in our own in-house bakery.T: 029 2025 03 77
Welsh House, We are an independent regional restaurant & bar and when it comes to food and drink we aim to select the very best from within Wales. The great thing about dining here is that youʼll get locally produced fresh flavoursome dishes experienced in a comfortable relaxed environment. Our menu is wholesome delicious and generous inspired by traditional Welsh dishes using great Welsh ingredients. These are familiar Welsh dishes but done well. Our intention is to serve you honest food at a reasonable price. We use quality locally sourced best cuts of meat seasonal vegetables and work with Welsh suppliers to bring you the best that Wales has to offer. 5A High Street
Crumbs Kitchen, vegetarian 09:00 - 16:00 Vegetarian and vegan food doesn’t have to be boring! healthy tasty and homemade dishes for breakfast and lunch. enquiries@crumbskitchencardiff.co.uk 33 Morgan Arcade
The Ivy Cardiff, 69/70 St David’s St Davids Centre relaxed sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of the capital. From modern British classics to Asian-inspired cuisine and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes you’ll find something for everyone to love seven days a week. The restaurant is a luxurious haven from the everyday bustle of the city centre. T 02922338940 https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-cardiff/
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Hotel Indigo, “Housed in an art deco shopping arcade on one of the city’s main shopping streets Hotel Indigo is the stylish hotel http://www.hotelindigo.com/cardiff
SleeperzHOTEL, www.sleeperz.com/cardiff; Station Approach Saunders Rd; r from £38.70; W) Some of the best budget private rooms in the city small but clean are provided in trademark style by the Sleeperz chain which has four hotels across the UK.
Park PlazaHOTEL, ; Greyfriars Rd; r £79-134 ste £149-169; aWs) Luxurious without being stuffy the Plaza has all the five-star facilities you’d expect from an upmarket business-oriented hotel ”---
Parkgate https://www.theparkgatehotel.wales/
Clayton Hotel Cardiff https://www.claytonhotelcardiff.com/
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