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A mini guide to
Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk between the main sights
Visit Cardiff says many main attractions are no more than about a 15-minute walk apart, and that the center is flat.
Take the waterbus to the Bay
A waterbus runs between the city center (stop in Bute Park) and Cardiff Bay (in front of Mermaid Quay and the Pierhead Building). Check the operator for the current schedule.
Use the free museums
National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History and the Museum of Cardiff all say entry is free; special exhibitions may be charged.
Follow the Taff Trail
Visit Cardiff recommends the Taff Trail for traffic-free walking and cycling, and says it runs about 60 miles from Brecon back to Cardiff Bay.
Allow time outside the center
St Fagans, Llandaff Cathedral and Castell Coch are all a short bus or rail journey out; check Traveline Cymru for current services.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay?
Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay is in Cardiff, Wales. A compact capital: a castle in the city center, free museums and a redeveloped bay. Nearby stops and stations include Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street, Waterbus (city center to the Bay).
How long do I need in Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay?
One to two days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd), Principality Stadium (Stadiwm Principality), Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru). See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Cardiff Central (Transport for Wales, GWR, CrossCountry); Cardiff Queen Street (Transport for Wales); Waterbus (city center to the Bay) (Cardiff boat tours); Cardiff Bus (Cardiff Bus). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 22 places to eat and drink in and around Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 12 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the 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 (Caerdydd) & the Bay
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Principality Stadium (Stadiwm Principality)
National stadium of Wales, with a retractable roof and a usual capacity of 73,931, a short walk from Cardiff Central.
Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru)
National arts center for Wales in Cardiff Bay, on a site of 7.5 acres (3 hectares).
Senedd
Home of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), the elected body that makes laws for Wales, on the Cardiff Bay waterfront.
Wales
More areas to explore
Eryri (Snowdonia)
Yr Wyddfa, mountain railways and slate heritage in the first national park in Wales
Open the mini guide →
Conwy, Llandudno & the North Coast Castles
A walled medieval town, a Victorian seaside resort and Edward I's coastal castles
Open the mini guide →
Pembrokeshire Coast (St Davids & Tenby)
Cliff paths, sandy bays, a cathedral city and a walled seaside town
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Cardiff Market (Marchnad Caerdydd): Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Principality Stadium (Stadiwm Principality): Clint Budd from About 15 miles North of Swansea, Wales, CC BY 2.0, source
- Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru): y.naomi from São Paulo, Brazil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Senedd: User: (WT-shared) Cardiff at wts wikivoyage, Public domain, source
- Eryri (Snowdonia): Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, source
- Conwy, Llandudno & the North Coast Castles: Source: Llywelyn2000Derivative: User:MathKnight, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Pembrokeshire Coast (St Davids & Tenby): Ввласенко, CC BY 4.0, source
- Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons): Dave.Dunford at English Wikipedia, Public domain, source
- Gower & Swansea (Abertawe): Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits