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A mini guide to
Cardiff Bay: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Take the boat one way
The waterbus runs between Bute Park and the dock in front of Mermaid Quay and the Pierhead Building. Check the operator for the current timetable.
Visit the barrage
The Cardiff Bay Barrage runs between Queen Alexandra Dock and Penarth Head; Cardiff Harbour Authority operates it and posts notices on its site.
Visit the Senedd
The Senedd is the home of the Welsh Parliament; check its site for visiting arrangements before you go.
Check the Wetlands boardwalk
Cardiff Harbour Authority posts notices when the boardwalk at the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve is closed for work.
See a show
The Wales Millennium Centre is the national arts centre for Wales; its site lists what is on.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cardiff Bay?
Cardiff Bay is in Cardiff, Wales. The redeveloped docklands: the Senedd, the Millennium Centre and a freshwater bay. Nearby stops and stations include Cardiff Bay, Waterbus stop, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bus.
How long do I need in Cardiff Bay?
Half a day to a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru), Senedd, Pierhead Building (Adeilad y Pierhead). See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Cardiff Bay (Transport for Wales); Waterbus stop, Mermaid Quay (Cardiff boat tours); Cardiff Bus (Cardiff Bus). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 15 places to eat and drink in and around Cardiff Bay, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 4 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Cardiff Bay accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Cardiff Bay
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Roald Dahl Plass
Bowl-shaped public space named after the Cardiff-born author, in front of the Wales Millennium Centre.
Cardiff International White Water
White-water rafting centre at the International Sports Village, built to an Olympic standard.
Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru)
National arts centre for Wales in Cardiff Bay, on a site of 7.5 acres (3 hectares).
Cardiff
More areas to explore
Cathays Park and Roath
The Edwardian civic centre and National Museum, then student Cathays and leafy Roath Park
Open the mini guide →
Pontcanna, Canton and Llandaff
Restaurant streets, riverside parkland, a cathedral village and the castles and museum beyond
Open the mini guide →
City centre and Cardiff Castle
The castle, the national stadium, a Victorian market and the arcades, all within a short walk
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Mermaid Quay: Seth Whales, Public domain, source
- Roald Dahl Plass: Thomas Davey, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Cardiff International White Water: Jon Caterer, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru): y.naomi from São Paulo, Brazil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Cathays Park and Roath: User:Yummifruitbat, cropped by User:Ham, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Pontcanna, Canton and Llandaff: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- City centre and Cardiff Castle: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cardiff