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Panoramic view of Cardiff Bay

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Cardiff
Cardiff

The Welsh Capital

Cardiff in short

Located in southeast Wales, Cardiff is a vibrant city, rich in history and culture and modern. From ancient castles to unique waterfronts, this Welsh capital offers a diverse and one-of-a kind experience for all types of travellers.

Cardiff Castle

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As you walk through Cardiff, the city reveals its magnificent landscapes, from the imposing ramparts of Cardiff Castle, a 2,000-year-old fortress with spectacular Gothic interiors, to the avant-garde architecture of Cardiff Bay, where restaurants and bars line the waterfront, and where the iconic Wales Millennium Centre stands as a unique venue.

Wales Millennium Centre

- © murbansky / Shutterstock

Right in the heart of the city, lose yourself in the timeless charm of the Cardiff Arcades, where Victorian and Edwardian passages are lined with unique boutiques and cosy cafés. Then, a short stroll away, the Cardiff National Museum invites you to explore a wealth of art, archaeology and natural history collections, while sports fans can feel the pulse of Welsh passion at the Principality Stadium, a world-class venue hosting major rugby and football events.

Principality Stadium

- © Sergii Figurnyi / Shutterstock

For a moment of tranquillity, head to Llandaff Cathedral to discover the past of this historic monument. Its serene rooms are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Or step back in time at the St Fagan National History Museum, where traditional Welsh life comes to life in a picturesque open-air setting thanks to reconstructed historic buildings.

What's more, at Cardiff Market, the aroma of fresh, local produce fills the air, offering a true taste of Wales. It's a place where tradition is preserved, whether in the form of homemade Welsh cakes or locally made goods and souvenirs.

Cardiff Market

- © jimmonkphotography / Shutterstock

The must-sees

How to get there?

  • By car: Cardiff is well served by major motorways, making it easy to reach from cities such as London, Birmingham and Bristol.
  • By bus: There are regular bus services to Cardiff from all major UK cities. Local buses are also available to get you around the city.
  • By plane: Reach the city by air, as Cardiff has an international airport. Indeed, Wales' national airport, Cardiff Airport, is easily accessible to and from the city centre by shuttle bus as it is just 19 km away from the city centre.
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Where to stay?

Cardiff has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Discover Welsh culture by staying in the hotel of your choice.

The best hotels in Cardiff
Cardiff
The best hotels in Cardiff
Located in South East Wales, Cardiff is a vibrant and welcoming city with a wide range of accommodation options to suit all travellers. From luxury to budget, you'll find the perfect...

Practical information

Some key figures on Cardiff

Total area: 140 square km
Population: 372, 089 people

When is the best time to visit Cardiff?

Although Cardiff is a year-round destination, it can be very rainy from October to January. So you'll either need to bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, or need to plan your stay later in the year. Indeed, with less rain and warmer days from May to October, most people choose to visit Cardiff during this period. What's more, summer is the ideal time to enjoy the city, with an average temperature of 22°C and a host of festivals to enjoy.

Safety in Cardiff

Cardiff is known for being a safe and welcoming city, but it's always best to be vigilant and know what to do in case of danger. In an emergency, you can call 999 for the fire brigade, police and even an ambulance. You can also call 111 for urgent care, such as the emergency unit.

What should you bring back from your trip to Cardiff?

  • You should take home some Welsh Cakes, a local delicacy filled with currants, usually found in bakeries.
  • Cardiff is passionate about rugby and has some excellent shops where you can buy rugby shirts, scarves and much more.
  • Bringing back local crafts is never a bad idea, so don't forget to pack some local Celtic jewellery.
  • You can also opt for a national symbol as a dragon-themed souvenir, whether it's flags, shirts or keyrings, the possibilities are endless.
lightbulb_outline Editor's tip
  • Tipping is not generally expected in Cardiff as there is no tipping requirement in Wales.
  • Cardiff is a small city, so it's easy to explore on foot or by bike. What's more, most parts of the city centre are pedestrianised, which may encourage you to get around on foot. However, if you have a busy schedule, don't worry, buses and trains from the public transportations are efficient and affordable.
  • Although the Welsh language is at the heart of the national culture, you'll manage to visit speaking only English, as most people in Cardiff speak English as one of their main languages.
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