Hotels in Cardiff

Since 1955, Cardiff is the capital of Wales. As the youngest capital in Europe, Cardiff exudes both a good mix of culture and history and modern architecture. It’s a city of contradictions with its history and castles but it also embraces its youthful vigor. It embraces its ancient history and the ultramodern waterfront. Its beautiful scenery has also made it the perfect venue for the Doctor Who series that has captured the hearts of many.

Cardiff’s energy and love for its Rugby team are also what sets it apart. As the home to one of the most popular Rugby teams in Europe, Cardiff is known for its enthusiastic fan energy. Moreover, visitors from all over Europe visit Cardiff to be part of its sprightly weekend energy and its one-of-a-kind pubs, bards, and live-music venues.

How to Get There

Cardiff Airport is the busiest airport in Wales. They have welcomed over 1.581 million passengers in 2018, a number that is increasing yearly as more and more travellers flock to Cardiff.

It takes about 30 minutes to get from Cardiff Airport to the city centre. There are many ways to get to the city centre from the airport including taxis, buses, and trains. Trains run from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport railway station every hour from Monday to Saturday and every two hours every Saturday. There is a shuttle that takes passengers from the airport to the train station.

Getting Around

Cardiff, to begin with is a small, compact city that is easily explored by foot. All of Cardiff’s major shopping streets and it's beautiful waterfront are easily walkable (all within 15 minutes of each other). This makes it easy to get from one attraction to another.

You can also opt to ride a taxi. You’ll find taxi ranks around the city. Hackney carriages are hailed on the roadside and you would know if the taxi is available because they will have their taxi light on.

There are also buses available in the city. Cardiff Bus runs an extensive system throughout the capital and can take travellers to nearby Penarth and Barry. Meanwhile, bus centres connect to the city centre with Cardiff Bay. You can try Trawscymru and Stage Coach both of which will take you to different areas to further explore Cardiff.

Top Things to Do

Cardiff has everything you need from shopping to beautiful castles, beaches, and even ancient monuments. And for the young travellers out there, Cardiff is known as the “sixth” most Instagrammed historic site in the United Kingdom.

One of the first things a traveller should do upon arriving in Cardiff is visiting Cardiff Castle. It has had its long history of being the Roman Fort, Norman Castle, Victorian Gothic mansion, and Second World War Bomb shelter. Cardiff Castle allows you to experience the battlements and grounds and climb to the top of the keep for a panoramic view of the city.

Across the castle is the Castle Arcade, which is one of a series of Victorian shopping arcades around the city. One of its most popular places is Madame Fromage which is a great lunch spot where you can try a traditional crawl such as soup made with lamb and root vegetables or even a local cheese platter. Dessert enthusiasts can enjoy a treat at nearby Science Cream, a place that uses liquid nitrogen to make super-smooth ice cream.

Another popular destination is the National Museum of Cardiff. Entry is free but donations are welcome. The National Museum of Cardiff allows you to visit two museums in one. The ground floor shares about natural history which shares the evolution of Wales. The upper floor showcases paintings, sculptures, and other art forms from all over the world.

Another place not to miss is the red-brick Pierhead Building that was built as the headquarters of the Bute Dock Company in 1897. The famed clock tower called the ‘Big Ben of Wales’ is a famous attraction as well as its Welsh history museum. The Norweigan Church is also famous because it is where the author Ronald Dahl was christened and has now turned into an arts centre and cafe.

The beautiful Millenium Center is the most recognizable building in the bay. The Millenium Center is home to opera, music, and theater performances. Nature fans, on the other hand, will enjoy a trip on the Cardiff Sea Safaris. It is a 15-minute ride around the bay in high-speed inflatable RIB boats and a shorter one that takes you on a coastal and island tour.

What to Eat

Similar to its “Millenium” nature, the Cardiff food scene also boasts of strong individual emphasis on local produce. The local food scene finds a balance between its strong Welsh history but also unafraid to offer new offerings such as Mediterranean cuisine. There are many options from eclectic food choices as well as traditional ones.

Brunch lovers must not forget to try Bill’s, Cathay’s, and Field of Beans. Other must-try restaurants also include Penylan Pantry, Snails, and Waterloo Tea.

Nightlife

As a young capital, Cardiff is proud of its vibrant night scene that has attracted multiple travellers from all over Europe and the world. There are many to choose from and Cardiff offers something for all kinds of partiers. If you would like to go to a place with a large cocktail selection, do not miss out on Tea Mill Lane and if you want a ‘classy, quiet’ place the best destination is One. Pulse is the party destination of choice if you wish to dance to the latest tunes.

Where to Stay

When it comes to the best neighbourhoods in Cardiff, Wales there are many to choose from depending on the purpose of your travel. For first-time travellers, the City Centre is the best neighborhood for you to be. There are many hotels and Airbnb that would welcome tourists who choose to stay right in the middle of the action.

Meanwhile, the Cardiff Docks used to be a forbidden area within Wales. However, it has revamped itself and now it has chic apartments overlooking the revamped landscapes, making it a famous destination for young travellers. Outside of the city centre is the Riverside. Just outside of the centre and next to the idyllic green oasis, it’s a quieter option for families since it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the bars and restaurants.

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