The 21 most amazing things to do in Cardiff

What is it? A city-centre fortress that has dominated life in Cardiff since the eleventh century

Why go? Few are the visitors who come to Cardiff and don’t immediately head to Cardiff Castle. Built by Norman invaders on top of a third-century Roman fort, the castle sits in the very centre of the city and is more than capable of filling an entire day’s worth of exploration. A 50 minute guided tour explains the many curiosities of the castle’s interior, much of which was created for one of the world’s richest men, while the grounds are tailor-made for idle wandering and wistfulness. 

Don’t miss: The famous Norman Keep is the castle’s centrepiece, home to a replica trebuchet and centuries of history.

What is it? A free-to-visit gallery and museum covering all things Welsh, from the Big Bang to the modern-day

Why go? Found next to Cardiff’s grand City Hall, the National Museum Cardiff is a museum and art gallery that boasts some of the most exquisite artefacts in the UK. The museum part focuses largely on botany, zoology and geology, while the gallery has one of the finest collections in Europe, boasting more than 500 paintings. They also have a rolling programme of awesome exhibitions, so check what's on before you visit. The museum is free to enter, although donations are always welcome.

What is it? A eye-poppingly vast, unique shopping experience housed within a Grade II listed building.

Why go? Under one roof, you’ll find dozens of independent traders, from artisan bakers and butchers to book dealers, cobblers and tarot readers. Opened in 1891, the market is the beating heart of Cardiff city centre – locals love it for the chatty characters who work there (and the quality of the produce). Eat your way through two floors of food stalls, and browse record stores, handmade gift shops and more.

Don’t miss: The sights and smells of Bakestones, the finest Welsh cake connoisseurs in all the land. Visit early in the morning, before lengthy (but enthusiastic!) queues start to form. 

What is it? A fantastic science and discovery centre on Cardiff Bay

Why go? What could be better than the combination of curious science and a gorgeous setting? That is the tip of the iceberg at Techniquest, a science centre that is all sorts of engaging for visitors of all shapes, sizes and ages. The innovation stretches across two floors, with plenty of fun for all the family. Why not pay a visit to the 360 degree Planetarium, or the auditorium's live science shows?

What is it? The home of modern Welsh politics

Why go? Opened on St David’s Day in 2006, the Cardiff Bay-located Senedd building is where the politicians of Wales converge to debate the issues of the day. The building is an architectural curiosity, with an eye-catching wood ceiling providing shade for the many steps in front. The Senedd was built with sustainability in mind, proving once more that architecture can straddle the divide between environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. There are exhibitions and tours available, but the latter must be booked ahead of time.

What is it? Touted as Europe’s largest waterfront development, the bay is full of shops, restaurants, bars and attractions.

Why go? You lose track of time at Cardiff Bay, with something new revealed around every corner. The centre of the development is home to a variety of restaurants that provide shelter to Ianto’s Shrine (a shrine to a fictional character that died more than a decade ago, just in case you were wondering), while the Cardiff Bay Trail is a 4.5-mile cycle route that will keep visitors fit as the landmarks pass by. Many of Cardiff’s best attractions are found in and around the bay, from the Senedd to the Millennium Centre via Roald Dahl’s Enormous Crocodile and more.

What is it? One of Britain’s first multicultural communities

Why go? Undoubtedly one of Cardiff’s most fascinating areas, the history of Butetown is every bit as fascinating as it is defiant. Established in the nineteenth century, the district, better known as Tiger Bay, separated the city centre from the bay and was the birthplace of Welsh singing icon Shirley Bassey. Butetown is very much a living neighbourhood with major challenges and poverty issues, but it is also as close to the ‘Real Cardiff’ as you’re going to get. Make sure to check out the striking statue of Betty Campbell, an activist and Wales’s first Black headteacher. 

What is it? Formerly the Millennium Stadium, this 74,500-seater stadium is where Welsh sporting dreams come true.

Why go? The Principality Stadium has been the epicentre of Welsh rugby since it was built in 1999 and is an absolute must-visit for anyone even vaguely interested in anything sport or, indeed, Wales-related. Cardiff transforms into a different city on match days, with the streets tingling with palpable excitement. Tours of the stadium are a great way to further understand the national relationship with sport and success.

What is it? In the heart of Cardiff Bay, you can shop and dine to your heart’s content at Mermaid Quay.

Why go? While the centre of Cardiff certainly isn’t short of shops and eateries, there’s something about Mermaid Quay, in Cardiff Bay, that feels extra special. Grab something to eat at Demiro’s or The Clubhouse, treat yourself at Zia Boutique, or head to The Glee Club for some excellent stand-up. Or, even get the Aquabus waterbus from the Quay to Cardiff Castle! It’s the ideal place to spend a relaxed afternoon off or even begin your night. It’ll take you about half an hour to walk there from the city centre, or you can get a quick train from Cardiff Centre. 

What is it? The artisanal beer tsunami has given new life to the bars of the city centre.

Why go? Cardiff is a famous party town (especially on rugby and football days), but the city’s willingness to experiment and evolve has made it one of the most electrifying craft-beer cities in the UK. Tiny Rebel is the centre’s showstopper, a titan of the scene that remains at the forefront of innovation in hops. The Cambrian Tap offers a vast range of beers and ales from all over the place, while Crafty Devil’s Cellar can be found in the Pontcanna area to the west of the city centre and features a range of beers from nearby Crafty Devil Brewing.