Itineraries for Your Trip to Cardiff
2 Days in Cardiff for First Timers
I spent three years living and studying in Cardiff as an undergrad, and although a 2-day Cardiff itinerary for first timers barely gives you time to scratch the surface of this too-often overlooked UK capital, you can certainly begin to get a feel for the place in all its proudly Welsh, rugby-mad, daffodil-sporting glory.
Though many people choose to skip Cardiff in favor of Edinburgh or London—wrongly! —it’s actually the ideal weekend getaway spot, known for live music, great food, and the city center Cardiff Castle, which is especially lovely as a summertime picnic destination. With that in mind, here’s just how to spend two days in Cardiff.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a quick visit to Barry Island, known for the TV show Gavin and Stacey.
Whenever you visit Cardiff, come prepared for the potential of rainfall—packing a waterproof is recommended.
Start your first day in the city with breakfast and coffee at one of the many Cardiff cafés—as a major student city, there are plenty to choose from. Then, meet your guide to take a whistlestop bike tour to many of Cardiff’s major attractions, such as the Wales Millennium Centre and Principality Stadium. If biking’s not your thing, there are also Cardiff walking tours available, including themed Doctor Who options.
This afternoon, stick to the city center but explore a different side of it on a guided food tour through the city’s 19th-century Victorian arcades. Not only will you enjoy several tastings (and wine!) that will ensure you don’t need to worry about lunch, you’ll also get time to stop for some shopping while you’re there. After strolling around, head to Bute Park to relax for the rest of the afternoon.
This evening, there are lots of options to choose from. You can take a nightlife tour of Cardiff to see some of the buzzing bars and clubs frequented by locals in this student city. Alternatively, you can enjoy a quiet pint in a cozy pub or local brewhouse, such as Tiny Rebel. If there’s a rugby or soccer game on, try to snag tickets and attend for yourself.
For your second morning in the city, you can grab some breakfast independently and stroll around the park while sipping a coffee, or take a convenient food tour with a morning start time to sample several local favorites—think: rarebit and Welsh cakes—in one fell swoop. Once you’re done, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore beyond the city center.
Make the most of your proximity to Barry Island this afternoon, especially if you’re visiting on a rare sunny, summertime day. (It’s only a 30-minute drive from Cardiff!) Though this seaside town found fame as the filming location and setting of Gavin and Stacey, it's also home to plenty of fun, retro arcades, and a beachside theme park that will entertain kids and adults alike. Definitely be sure to enjoy fish and chips by the beach.
Head back up the coast after your afternoon in Barry Island, but stop just short of Cardiff; you should take an evening to experience Cardiff Bay, instead. As it’s home to the Wales Millennium Centre, there are plenty of show opportunities to take advantage of. Alternatively, you can just grab dinner and drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants that populate the area, before taking a self-guided audio tour for a little more insight.
