Wales · City Guide
Cardiff
Cardiff is the vibrant capital of Wales, a compact and welcoming city combining a magnificent castle at its heart, the outstanding National Museum of Wales, a thriving food and music scene centred on Pontcanna and the Arcades, the extraordinary Principality Stadium and easy access to the breathtaking landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, the Gower Peninsula and the Vale of Glamorgan. The youngest capital in Europe has developed into a genuinely enjoyable destination.
Elect's take
"Cardiff has a confidence and a Welsh warmth that I find very appealing. The castle in the city centre is remarkable, the Arcades provide beautiful covered shopping streets and the combination of rugby culture, outstanding music and access to beautiful countryside creates a well-rounded destination."
Cardiff Castle is a remarkable building at the very heart of the city, combining Roman fort remains with a Victorian Gothic fantasy of extraordinary interior decoration commissioned by the Marquess of Bute. The National Museum Cardiff provides outstanding collections of art, natural history and archaeology including the finest collection of Impressionist art in Wales. The city's Victorian and Edwardian arcades — Morgan Arcade, Royal Arcade and the Castle Arcades — provide beautiful covered shopping streets of independent boutiques. The Principality Stadium, the iconic covered rugby ground, is one of the most atmospheric sporting venues in the world on match days. The Brecon Beacons are 45 minutes north.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Cardiff Castle
A remarkable building combining Roman fort remains with extraordinary Victorian Gothic interiors.
National Museum Cardiff
Outstanding art, natural history and archaeology including the finest Impressionist collection in Wales.
Victorian Arcades
Beautiful covered shopping streets of independent boutiques in the heart of the city.
Principality Stadium
One of the world's most atmospheric rugby stadiums on international match days.
Brecon Beacons
Beautiful upland landscape and Dark Sky Reserve approximately 45 minutes north.
Cardiff Food Scene
An excellent and rapidly evolving independent restaurant and café scene.
