Cardiff on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Explore the charm of Cardiff without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Cardiff offers a variety of free and low-cost activities, making it a great destination for a budget-friendly trip. Visit Cardiff Castle, stroll through Bute Park, and explore the National Museum all for free. You can also save money by staying in a hostel or booking a budget-friendly Airbnb.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check into the NosDa Studio Hostel, a vibrant and affordable hostel in the heart of the city.
  • Visit Cardiff Central Market, a historic and bustling marketplace filled with local produce and crafts.
  • Take a stroll through Bute Park, a scenic parkland that boasts stunning gardens, ancient trees and Cardiff Castle.
  • Stop by the National Museum Cardiff, where you can discover the cultural and natural history of Wales.
  • Enjoy a pint at The City Arms, a traditional Welsh pub with a vast selection of ales and ciders.
Day 2

Bay Breezes

  • Walk along the Cardiff Bay Trail to Mermaid Quay, a lively waterfront destination with restaurants, shops and boat tours.
  • Take a boat ride to Penarth, a charming seaside town with a Victorian pier, a beach and stunning views of the bay.
  • Visit the Wales Millennium Centre, an iconic arts venue that offers theatre shows, concerts and exhibitions.
  • Try some Welsh specialties at The Potted Pig, a cosy restaurant with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Watch the sunset over the bay from the rooftop bar of The Exchange Hotel.
Day 3

Castles and Countryside

  • Rent a car and drive to Caerphilly Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress with a leaning tower and a moat.
  • Head to the Brecon Beacons National Park, where you can hike, cycle or horse ride through rugged mountains, rivers and valleys.
  • Have a picnic at the Talybont Reservoir, a tranquil lake with scenic views and fishing opportunities.
  • Visit the town of Abergavenny, known for its foodie market and historic castle ruins.
  • Grab a drink at The Bear Hotel, a historic coaching inn with a cosy atmosphere and a lively bar.
Day 4

Rugby and Museums

  • Visit the Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby and a world-class venue for sports and entertainment.
  • Go to the Cardiff International White Water Centre, where you can try white water rafting, kayaking and surfing.
  • Explore the Cardiff Story Museum, a fascinating exhibition that tells the story of Cardiff through the ages.
  • Have lunch at The Cricketers, a traditional pub with a rustic decor and a menu of classic pub grub.
  • Catch a show at St David's Hall, a concert venue that hosts a variety of music events.
Day 5

Shopping and Sightseeing

  • Visit Cardiff Bay Retail Park, a popular shopping destination with a range of high street and designer brands.
  • Go to Llandaff Cathedral, a stunning medieval church with a beautiful interior and peaceful gardens.
  • Walk through Roath Park, a picturesque park with a lake, a rose garden and a Victorian conservatory.
  • Have dinner at The Clink Cymru, a unique restaurant set inside HMP Cardiff that trains and employs prisoners.
  • Finish the trip with a nightcap at The Dead Canary, a speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a mysterious ambiance.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Cardiff

If you ever find yourself longing for majestic castles, passionate sports fans, and a language that sounds like Welsh corgis barking, then you're in luck! Because the city of Cardiff has all of those things, and more.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Cardiff on a Shoestring: A Fun Day Trip Guide.

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Unforgettable Long Weekend in Cardiff, UK

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Cardiff Castle and Crafts: A Family-Friendly Tour

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Budget-Friendly Adventure: 4 Days in Cardiff, UK

A trip to Cardiff, United Kingdom on a limited budget can be an exciting adventure. Visitors can explore many free or low-cost attractions, including Cardiff Castle and the National Museum. For accommodations, budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb rentals are readily available in the city center.