Cardiff, Wales’ capital and largest city, centers around a small hill where Cardiff Castle was built 2,000 years ago. Today, layers of buildings and development around the castle tell the history of the city, and by extension the whole of Wales— from the Gothic Revival mansion at the castle and the city’s Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades to modern-day builds like the Cardiff Arms Park and Millennium Stadiums and the Cardiff Bay waterfront development. There’s a lot to see and do in this cool little capital.
Many people find Cardiff’s mild-to-warm summers, with temperatures that generally peak around 68°F (20°C), the best time to visit. Outdoor activities typically run through summer, from arts events and outdoor movies at Cardiff Castle to cricket matches and music concerts. However, Cardiff is a reasonably big city with plenty of indoor attractions, too. Catch Welsh singers during concerts around Christmastime, and retreat from the winter’s cold in a museum or the many shopping arcades.
The city center and Cardiff Bay—two of the main areas of interest to tourists—are close together and easily walkable. To travel further in the city, consider bicycling: Cardiff is a flat city with some dedicated cycle paths and shared pedestrian-cycle paths. Public buses and a small train network make getting around the greater Cardiff area easy during the day, and taxis and ride share services also are available.
It’s easy to understand why Cardiff bears the nickname the City of Arcades. Shopping and dining here can be more atmospheric than in the average mid-sized UK city, thanks to its seven Victorian and Edwardian–period arcades that host many independent retailers. This is great news for winter travel, or any time it’s raining. Look for the shop selling Welsh cakes in Castle Arcade, the award-winning fine arts supplies store in Duke Street Arcade, and vintage clothing stores.
