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11 Best Free Things to Do in Cardiff, Wales
Travelling can be expensive, especially travelling to capital cities, but this is no reason to skip the Welsh capital. There are actually a lot of amazing free things to do in Cardiff Wales.
I explored all the best free and cheap attractions in Cardiff during my day trip from Bristol, from the amazing Cardiff Bay area to the beautiful Bute Park.
Here I have listed the top free things to do in Cardiff, so you can make the most out of your time and wallet.
Best Free Things to Do in Cardiff, Wales
1. Walk Through the Castle Gate
Admittedly you have to pay an entrance fee when you want to see the castle from inside but you can walk through the castle gates for free and have a look around. Cardiff Castle is located in the city centre and has over 2,000 years of history.
I know we’re talking about attractions in Cardiff with free entry in this post, but just fyi Cardiff Castle was the only paid attraction I visited on my day trip to Cardiff and I do think it’s worth spending the money if you can afford it.
2. Stroll Though the Shopping Arcades
Cardiff has a variety of Victorian and Edwardian arcades, each with its own character and charm. The interior architecture is stunning with glass domes, ornate ceilings and charming shop fronts.
Even when you don’t buy anything from the shops, strolling through these arcades is one of the best things to do in Cardiff city centre. The only thing I bought at the arcades were some vegan Welshcakes at Fabulous Welshcakes, which very actually very affordable.
In case you got in the mood for window shopping, you can also check out the Central Market of Cardiff, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to toys, from clothes to pet supplies.
3. Visit the Cardiff National Museum
Visiting the Cardiff National Museum is one of the best free things to do in Cardiff in the rain. You can easily spend a few hours here admiring the natural history and art. I loved the combination of historic and modern art exhibitions.
It’s so amazing that all museums of the UK offer free admission to their permanent collections. You only have to pay for temporary exhibitions.
The Museum of Cardiff, or Cardiff Story Museum, is one of the best free things to do in Cardiff for families as all their exhibitions about cultural evolution of Wales is very interactive. When I visited as an adult by myself, I felt a bit out of place, it really is catered towards kids.
4. Relax in Bute Park
One of the largest urban parks in Wales is Bute Park. It’s a great place to escape from the busy city centre and have a picnic or just relax in the warmer months.
The park has beautiful woodland area, meadows, and even a stone circle, which reminded me of a tiny version of Stonehenge.
The park is massive, it doesn’t feel like inside a city at all. It’s full with wildlife, I saw so many squirrels and ducks during my visit. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this urban woodland.
5. Take Pictures in Cathays Park
Cathays Park, or Alexandra Gardens, is a more manicured garden in Cardiff. While Bute Park stands out for its nature vibes, Cathays Park scores points with its sculptures and flower beds.
It’s a great spot for taking scenic photos with the beautiful flowers and statues as your backdrop.
Right next to the park you can find Cardiff city hall and the Cardiff National Museum.
6. Enjoy the View from the Library
The Cardiff Central Library is located in the heart of the city and is free to visit for everyone. Inside you can find comfy reading chairs and lots of books. It’s a good place to relax a bit and read a book (or use their free WiFi).
Another bonus point is that the library has 5 floors and a glass front, so you can enjoy great city views from inside the library.
7. Explore Mermaid Quay
Mermaid Quay is the heart of Cardiff Bay. Walking around the area and admiring the views of Cardiff Bay is completely free. It’s a great spot for watching boats go by and people-watch.
Just the view of the Pierhead Building with the ferris wheel next to it and the harbour in the background makes it worth visiting Cardiff Bay. But there are some more interest attractions in the bay area, like the Senedd.
8. Learn about the Parliament in The Senedd
The Senedd, which is known under theĀ National Assembly for Wales, is the Welsh Parliament building and it’s free to visit.
You just have to go through a security check. Inside you can learn about the history of Welsh politics and government. The building itself is also an architectural wonder with its sustainable design.
Don’t miss a quick peek inside the debating chamber. Standing in the viewing form you can almost imagine a political debate going on downstairs.
9. Visit the Norwegian Church Arts Centre
Another attraction is the Norwegian Church Arts Centre. The church was built in 1868 and played an important role in the seafaring history of Cardiff.
At the present day there’s a cafĆ© on the ground level with seating outside as well, and a artisan market upstairs, where you can find souvenirs from local artists.
10. Walk Part of the Cardiff Bay Trail
The Cardiff Bay Trail is a 10km (6 miles) trail that takes you around the bay area. You don’t have to do the whole route, just walk as far as you like and then head back.
Along the way, you’ll get to see different viewpoints of the Cardiff Bay Barrage and you can even spot some wildlife, I saw some bunnies hopping next to the trail!
11. St. Fagans National Museum of History
This open-air museum is a bit further out from the city centre but it’s definitely worth the visit. St. Fagans showcases different periods of Welsh history with over 40 historic buildings and traditional crafts demonstrations.
You can learn about Welsh culture and heritage, traditional skills, and original buildings of the area while roaming around this beautiful outdoor museum. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved.
Final Thoughts: Free Activities in Cardiff
Whether you’re admiring the stunning views from the library, exploring the eco-friendly design of The Senedd, or taking a leisurely stroll through Bute Park watching squirrels dash by, every corner of Cardiff offers something unique without costing a penny.
In fact, Cardiff Castle stands out as the only exception where it’s worth paying the entrance fee, but with everything else being free anyway, it feels like a small price to pay for such rich experiences.
So next time you’re planning a trip to South Wales, don’t forget to include some of these free places to visit in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales! No matter what your budget is, you can still have a great time exploring this vibrant city.
Read more:
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- 10 Best Free Things to Do in Cardiff, Wales
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