Areas: where to base yourself
- City centre: steps from the castle, the arcades and the station; the most practical base.
- Cardiff Bay: waterfront hotels, restaurants and evening strolls; a short ride from the centre.
- Pontcanna and Cathays: leafy residential areas with cafés and guesthouses, a pleasant walk through Bute Park to the centre.
Food and drink
Try Welsh cakes fresh from the griddle in the market, Welsh rarebit, cawl (a lamb and vegetable broth) and laverbread with cockles at breakfast. Brains is the historic local brewery, and the city has a lively independent coffee and craft-beer scene around the arcades and Pontcanna.
Money-saving tips
- The National Museum and St Fagans are free.
- If you plan several castles, compare a Cadw membership or Explorer Pass with single tickets.
- Book trains early or travel off-peak for cheaper fares.
Practicalities
Cardiff is generally safe; take normal city precautions on busy nights. Signs are bilingual in Welsh and English. On rugby international days the whole centre becomes a fan zone: great fun, but hotel prices rise sharply.
Sample plans
One day
Morning at Cardiff Castle, lunch in the market and the arcades, an afternoon at the National Museum, then dinner in Cardiff Bay.
Two days
Add a half day at St Fagans and an afternoon trip to Castell Coch and Caerphilly Castle.
Three days
Spend the third day on a tour to Gower or the Brecon Beacons.
