Best 20 things to do in Cardiff, United Kingdom

Welcome to Cardiff, the city that will make you want to wear a dragon mask and dance through its enchanting streets! Discover the wonders of this vibrant city by starting with a visit to the majestic Cardiff Castle, where knights might just pop out from hidden doors (or maybe not). Next, unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes and join an interactive detective tour to uncover the secrets lurking in the Victorian arcades, keeping an eye out for any suspicious-looking teapots! Finally, climb to the top of Cardiff's very own summit, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, and soak in the breathtaking views of the bay while pondering over whether the Vikings had a thing for stunning sunsets.

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1. Cardiff Market

4.5 (5335)

5-7 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AU, UK

Welcome to Cardiff Market, the bustling hub of edible delights and quirky knick-knacks, where you can experience the joy of shopping without actually needing anything! Feast your eyes on an array of stalls that cater to all your culinary cravings, from succulent Welsh cakes to the "world's spiciest" chilli sauce, guaranteed to leave your taste buds in a frenzy! Don't miss the chance to wander through this melting pot of peculiar oddities – from vintage vinyl records to antique pottery – because who knows, you might just stumble upon that one item you never knew you desperately needed, like a 1960s lava lamp for your pet goldfish!

www.cardiffcouncilproperty.com

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2. Insole Court

Insole Court, Cardiff CF5 2LF, UK

Welcome to Insole Court, a hidden gem in Cardiff where history meets charm, and dramatic stumbles are as welcome as the sight of a perfectly placed teacup. Meander through the grand Victorian mansion, where you'll find opulent rooms that will make you feel like you accidentally stepped onto the set of a period drama - just try not to knock over the vases, they're actually real. Step outside into the sprawling gardens and be prepared for a game of "spot the peacock," because who needs birdsong when you can have flamboyant, free-ranging showstoppers?

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3. Bute Park

4.7 (5958)

North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER, UK

Welcome to Bute Park, the green sanctuary amidst the charming chaos of Cardiff! Get ready to embark on a stroll through a majestic wonderland where you can escape the incessant honking of traffic, while dodging the occasional rogue squirrel looking for a snack. Marvel at the stunning 56 acres of immaculately manicured gardens, where flowers bloom as if they were in a real-life fairytale, and be prepared to battle the mischievous gusts of wind as you explore this urban oasis.

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4. Wales Millennium Centre

4.7 (6543)

Bute Pl, Cardiff CF10 5AL, UK

Welcome to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, where culture and quirkiness collide! Nestled in the heart of the city, this architectural marvel resembles a giant metallic armadillo that had too many energy drinks. With its striking exterior and a majestically quirky aura, it's no wonder locals affectionately refer to it as the "Tin Can on Steroids." Step inside, and you'll be welcomed by an explosion of creativity fit for a Viking unicorn! The interior boasts a stunning fusion of contemporary design and traditional Welsh motifs. Be prepared to be dazzled by its grandeur while secretly wondering if you've stumbled into a spaceship that took a wrong turn at Alpha Centauri. As you explore the various performance spaces, keep an eye out for the Taffywood Troll lurking in the shadows. Legend has it that he's known to snatch the unfinished scripts of unsuspecting playwrights and sprinkle them with pixie dust – voila, a Tony Award-winning show is born! So, hold on tight to your scripts and let the magic of the Wales Millennium Centre transport you to a whimsical wonderland unlike any other.

www.wmc.org.uk

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5. Llandaff Cathedral

4.7 (475)

Cathedral Cl, Cardiff CF5 2LA, UK

Nestled in the nooks and crannies of Cardiff, Llandaff Cathedral stands tall, watching over the city like a dignified guardian with a penchant for architecture. A quirky blend of old and new, this majestic Cathedral boasts a unique mishmash of Gothic and Welsh styles, making it a haven for history buffs and design enthusiasts alike. If you find yourself wandering its hallowed halls, don't miss the chance to rub shoulders with ancient tombs, fascinating statues, and the occasional eccentric ghost (hopefully of the friendly variety).

www.llandaffcathedral.org.uk

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6. Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, Jim Driscoll Way, Cardiff CF11 7HB, UK

Welcome to Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, where water-lovers can plunge into a sea of thrilling adventures and emerge with smiles as wide as friendly dolphins. Nestled amidst Cardiff's urban jungle, this aquatic playground promises to turn even the most landlocked visitors into salty seadogs. Whether you're a kayaking novice or a seasoned sailor, this lively spot will have you giddy with excitement faster than you can say, "Hey, what's all this splashin’ about, then?"

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7. Cardiff Bay

4.6 (1161)

Cardiff Bay, United Kingdom

Welcome to Cardiff Bay, a place that will make you feel like you’re sailing the high seas – without ever leaving Wales! Take a stroll along the charming waterfront promenade, where you can indulge in some serious people-watching and pretend you're the captain of your very own boat... even if it's just a wonky plastic swan pedalo. Get ready to immerse yourself in the nautical atmosphere as you hop on a water taxi and cruise around the bay, avoiding attacks from rogue seagulls who are eyeing up your fish and chips.

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8. Cardiff Central Market

4.5 (5335)

5-7 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AU, UK

Welcome to Cardiff Central Market, where shopaholics and food enthusiasts unite in a melting pot of vibrant chaos. Here you'll find a treasure trove of wonders, from forgotten antiques to the latest fashion trends—just be careful not to trip over the occasional pigeon that's found its way inside. Indulge in the mouthwatering aromas of local delicacies, and if you're lucky, you might even witness a heated debate between Welsh grannies over who makes the best Welsh cake in town.

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9. Techniquest

4.5 (1299)

Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW, UK

Welcome to Techniquest in Cardiff, the land where science and fun collide! Step into this exciting interactive science center and prepare to have your mind blown. Discover a world where you can make gravity-defying bubbles, magically levitate objects, and unleash your inner mad scientist. With mind-boggling exhibits and dazzling shows, Techniquest will have you feeling like a kid in a candy shop, but one where the candy is knowledge and the shop is filled with joyous explosions of curiosity.

www.techniquest.org

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10. Principality Stadium

4.7 (12631)

Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1NS, UK

Welcome to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the grand arena that proudly flaunts its round shape like a giant, yet fancy, Pac-Man ready to gobble up excitement! Feel the thrill as you step into this colossal stadium, known for its hilarious game of 'Guess the Right Seat' where even the locals sometimes end up cheering for a stranger's team! With a unique retractable roof that never quite knows if it's coming or going, this architectural marvel offers a winning combination of striking beauty and mild confusion.

www.principalitystadium.wales

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11. Cardiff City Hall

City Hall, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff CF10 3ND, UK

Welcome to Cardiff City Hall, a grand building that looks like it could claim the title of "Supreme Ruler of All Architecture." With its imposing facade, it practically screams, "Bow down, mortal, for I am Cardiff's most regal resident!" Step inside and feast your eyes on the lavish marble staircase, fit for a rollercoaster, except instead of loops, there are elegant banisters to gracefully slide down (if you ask really, really nicely, which is usually frowned upon).

www.cardiffcityhall.com

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12. Chapter Arts Centre

4.6 (2068)

Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Cardiff CF5 1QE, UK

Welcome to Chapter Arts Centre in vibrant Cardiff! This quirky cultural hub is more diverse than your wardrobe after a shopping spree—expect surprises around every corner. As you step inside, brace yourself for a whirlwind rollercoaster ride through contemporary art, indie cinema, and sassy theater productions that will leave you questioning just how long you can hold your laughter in. With a charming cafe that serves up equally delightful coffee and witty banter, you'll find yourself wondering why chapters don't come with footnotes.

www.chapter.org

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13. Cardiff Castle

4.5 (16830)

Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK

Welcome to Cardiff Castle, a fortress that has seen more knights than a medieval-themed wedding! Prepare to be transported back in time as you enter this fairytale-like structure, where history and comedy have joined forces in a peculiar partnership. From its enchanting Gothic Revival architecture to its bewildering maze of rooms and corridors, this castle promises to confuse even the bravest of adventurers. Buckle up, fellow travelers, because Cardiff Castle is about to take you on a wild ride through the centuries!

www.cardiffcastle.com

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14. Cardiff Bay Barrage

4.7 (276)

Queen Alexandra House, Cargo Rd, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Penarth CF10 4LY, UK

Welcome to Cardiff Bay Barrage, the place where the Welsh took their obsession with sheep to a whole new level! This splendid barrage, designed to keep sheep from wandering off into the depths of the Bristol Channel, now serves as a gateway to some majorly impressive sights. Prepare to be baaaaa-salted by the stunning views of the bay and the famous Norwegian Church, where Vikings once came to refuel their traditional Welsh longboats with leek soup.

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15. Cardiff Story Museum

4.4 (420)

The Old Library, The Hayes, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1BH, UK

Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, the Cardiff Story Museum is a delightful slice of history cunningly disguised as a building. It's like a time machine that takes you on a journey through the city's past, complete with quirky exhibits and fascinating tales. Just beware of the cheeky interactive displays, as they might have you reenacting medieval battles or tangoing with a digital dragon - a risk well worth taking!

www.cardiffmuseum.com

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16. St. Fagans National Museum of History

4.7 (9597)

St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6XB, UK

Welcome to the delightfully quirky St. Fagans National Museum of History, located in the enchanting city of Cardiff. Get ready to embark on a time-traveling adventure where history comes to life (minus the stinky time-travel machines, thankfully). This open-air museum magically transports you through centuries of Welsh history, complete with ancient buildings, knowledgeable costumed guides, and an undeniable urge to shout "Medieval selfies, anyone?"

museum.wales

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17. Cardiff International White Water

4.8 (382)

Watkiss Way, Cardiff CF11 0SY, UK

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Cardiff lies an aquatic wonderland - Cardiff International White Water. Be prepared for a wild ride as you surrender to the whims of untamed rapids and gravity-defying twists and turns. Whether you're a seasoned kayaking champ or a complete "water noob," this relentless tide will leave you feeling simultaneously exhilarated and drenched in a style only Mother Nature herself could master.

www.ciww.com

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18. Roath Park

Roath Park, Cardiff CF23, UK

Welcome to Roath Park, the quirky oasis in the heart of Cardiff! With more swans than a Shakespearean play and enough greenery to make Robin Hood jealous, this park is no ordinary patch of grass. Put on your detective hat and keep your eyes peeled for the resident squirrel mafia - they might try to steal your snacks, but hey, it's all part of the adventure! So grab your picnic basket, your sense of humor, and immerse yourself in this lively park where even the ducks rock a Welsh accent.

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19. Wales Coast Path

4.6 (252)

Penarth CF64 5BP, UK

Welcome to Cardiff, where the Wales Coast Path will tickle your toes and tease your taste buds! This picturesque path stretches along the coast, inviting you to indulge in some serious sea gazing while contemplating life's mysteries. As you amble along the waterfront, keep an eye out for charming cafes ready to rescue your rumbling tummy with their delicious Welsh delicacies and leave you longing for seconds.

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20. National Museum Cardiff

4.6 (7854)

Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP, UK

Welcome to National Museum Cardiff, where you can time travel without a DeLorean, and embrace the wonderment of Wales in a single building. With a collection so vast, it's as if all the Welsh dragons united to hoard a treasure trove of art, natural history, and archaeological goodies. Step inside this cultural cornucopia and prepare for a grand adventure that would make Indiana Jones want to trade his whip for a museum pass.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cardiff by plane is to fly into Cardiff Airport, which is located about 12 miles southwest of the city center. Several airlines, including British Airways, Ryanair, and KLM, operate regular flights to Cardiff from destinations across the UK and Europe.

Car

Cardiff is easily accessible by car, and there are several major routes that connect the city to other parts of the UK, including the M4 and the A470. Driving to Cardiff from London takes around 3 hours, while Manchester is around 4 hours away.

Train

Cardiff has excellent rail links with other major cities in the UK, including London, Bristol, and Birmingham. The main station in the city is Cardiff Central, which is located in the heart of the city and is served by several train companies, including Great Western Railway and Arriva Trains Wales.

Boat

Cardiff is one of the UK's busiest port cities, and there are several ferry services that operate from the port to destinations across the UK and Europe. The main ferry terminal in Cardiff is located at the port, which is located about 2 miles south of the city center.

Bus

National Express operates regular coach services to Cardiff from cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The main bus station in the city is Cardiff Central Bus Station, which is located in the city center and is served by several local bus operators.