Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is the largest city in the country. Located on the southwest coast, it’s a major hub for Welsh culture, commerce and government. Packed with historic castles, legendary Welsh hospitality and modern waterfronts, there’s a great deal to do.
There are plenty of experiences available for tourists to enjoy. Whether you’re in Cardiff for the first time or you’ve visited before, it’s worth planning to make sure you get everything seen and done within the time you have.
Here’s how to make the most of a weekend break without feeling rushed at any point.
Day 1: Castles, Arcades, and Welsh Culture
If you’re a lover of castles and want to explore the Welsh culture available, spend your first day exploring the history of the city.
A few great highlights are Cardiff Castle and climbing the Norman Keep. You could take a stroll through Bute Park, which is a great expanse of green space hidden behind the castle walls. For lunch, you’ve got Cardiff Market to keep you well fed. Enjoy traditional, freshly baked Welsh Cakes right from the griddle.
For the afternoon, you could burn that lunchtime grub with some vintage shopping. Wander the city’s famous Victoria and Edwardian shopping arcades and browse independent boutiques as well as vintage clothing.
In the evening, when the sun goes down, you can make the most of dining out at contemporary Welsh restaurants or exploring the Welsh talents of other cuisines, like the best Italian restaurant in Cardiff.
If you’re a lover of beer, then craft beers can be found on Womanby Street, which is the heart of Cardiff’s live music scene.
Day 2: Waterfront Views and Modern Vibrancy
For the second day, you can make the most of the waterfront views and the modern vibrancy that the city has to offer.
Take a scenic water taxi from Bute Park and down the river to Cardiff Bay. You’ve also got the striking slate-and-copper architecture of the Wales Millennium Centre.
When lunch comes around, make the most of the bayside dining available. Eat lunch overlooking the water at Mermaid Quay and choose from a variety of global and local cuisines.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the culture or exploring the wetlands. For example, you might want to walk across the Cardiff Bay Barrage for views of the Severn Estuary. Alternatively, you could explore the Norwegian Church Arts Centre or the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve.
Head up to the trendy suburbs of Canton or Roath for a relaxed dinner and to explore the quirkier areas of the city in the evening. There’s a lot of evening entertainment on too, which is worth checking out depending on what your plans might be.
Spending 48 hours in a city like Cardiff is one to remember. So, with that being said, make sure to plan in order to get everything done. The warmth and variety of Cardiff is a beautiful travel experience to have
