Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons of Wales' Capital

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Located in the South Wales, Cardiff is a city that has undergone major transformation in recent years. What used to be an industrial town is now a bustling metropolis, attracting tourists from all over the world.

But is Cardiff worth visiting? In this post I’ll share both my personal experience of visiting Cardiff as well as the results of my thorough research.

Now, let’s start with the best things to do in Cardiff that make the city worth visiting, before we take a look at the reasons why it might not be the best city after all.

Table of Contents

Reasons to Visit Cardiff

Historic Castle in the City Centre

One of the main attractions in Cardiff is its historic castle with the castle walls, situated right in the heart of the city. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the rich history of Wales. Simply walk through the gates and explore the castle grounds for free.

While most other attractions in Cardiff are free, you have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Cardiff Castle. But this entrance fee is more than worth it, you don’t just get to see the beautiful castle rooms but you also get to climb the steps of the Norman Keep for a spectacular view.

Unique framed view of Cardiff Castle showcasing its historical architecture, inviting exploration and affirming that Cardiff is worth visiting. — Is Cardiff Castle worth visiting? Absolutely, it was my favourite part of my trip to Cardiff!

Amazing Urban Woodland

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of green spaces in Cardiff. Bute Park is a beautiful urban woodland that’s the perfect place for a walk or a picnic. It’s also home to numerous events and festivals throughout the year.

When I was wandering through the park and squirrels and ducks crossed the path right in front of me, I didn’t feel like in a capital city at all but rather like in a peaceful countryside.

Peaceful Bute Park in Cardiff, featuring ancient stone formations set against lush greenery, one of the best free things to do in Cardiff Wales — There’s even a ancient stone circle in Bute Park

Picturesque Shopping Arcades

Cardiff has some of the most stunning shopping arcades in Europe, each with its own unique charm and history. It’s actually sometimes referred to as the city of arcades, because of it’s beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades.

The oldest arcade, the Royal Arcade, was built in 1858. It’s home to independent shops and boutiques offering a variety of goods, from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing.

Even if you’re not into shopping, the arcades are still worth visiting simply for their beautiful architecture.

Charming Victorian arcade in Cardiff, adorned with pink cherry blossoms, offering a picturesque stroll, a delightful free activity in Cardiff, Wales. — Just strolling through the shopping arcades without buying anything is worth it

Lively Bay Area

If you’re a fan of the sea, make sure to check out Cardiff Bay. It’s a lively area with plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre and the beautiful Pierhead Building with a Ferris wheel next to it.

Another attraction in Cardiff Bay is the Senedd, the Welsh National Assembly building. You can go inside for free, after going through a security check, and have a look around the parliamentary rooms.

For those who enjoy a scenic stroll, the Cardiff Bay Trail Walk is a must-do, offering picturesque views along the waterfront.

You can also enjoy a boat ride or water sports at Cardiff Bay. The best spot is Cardiff International White Water, offering rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.

Vibrant Cardiff Mermaid Quay waterfront with the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, featuring inscriptions, on a day trip from Bristol to Cardiff. — The famous public square, Roald Dahl Plass, at Mermaid Quay

Taste of Welsh Culture

Visiting Cardiff means getting a taste of Welsh culture. From the language (each sign is in two languages – English and Welsh) to the cuisine and traditions, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and immerse yourself in Welsh heritage.

The National Museum Cardiff is a great place to start, with exhibitions showcasing Welsh art, Welsh history, and natural history. The St. Fagans National Museum of History is also a must-visit, as it offers a glimpse into Welsh culture and heritage through its open-air museum.

A directional signpost in Cardiff, Wales, showing the way to key attractions such as the Shopping Centre, Civic Centre, Cardiff Castle, and Central Market, with bilingual signage in English and Welsh, under a cloudy sky. — Before visiting I didn’t know all signs are in two languages in Wales

Top for Dr Who Fans

I have to admit, I’m more of a Harry Potter fan girl myself, I’ve been to almost all Harry Potter locations in the United Kingdom. But if you’re a fan of the sci-fi series Doctor Who, Cardiff is the place to be.

Many of the iconic scenes from Doctor Who were filmed in and around Cardiff, making it a popular spot for fans to visit. The best way to see all the best spots is with a Dr Who guided walking tour.

Curved wooden architecture inside the Senedd, reflecting Cardiff's modernity. — Inside the Senedd

Great for Sport Enthusiasts

Cardiff is also a great destination for sports enthusiasts. It’s home to the iconic Principality Stadium, which hosts major rugby and football events, as well as concerts.

The iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, stands majestically under an overcast sky, its modern architecture highlighted by the striking white masts supporting the stadium's roof. A prominent destination for visitors exploring Cardiff's sporting venues. — Cardiff City Stadium houses different sporting events

Vibrant Nightlife

If you’re looking for a good time, Cardiff’s nightlife won’t disappoint. There’s a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs catering to different tastes.

The city also hosts several festivals and concerts throughout the year, making it a vibrant and lively place to be.

Reasons Not to Visit Cardiff

Attractions Not in Easy Walking Distance

While Cardiff has a lot to offer, some of the main attractions are not in easy walking distance from each other.

The attractions inside the city centre are within walking distance but just the bay area is about half an hour walk from the Cardiff city centre. Not to mention the popular St. Fagans National Museum of History which is outside the city, it would take 2 hours to walk there.

So, if you’re short on time or not keen on taking public transportation, Cardiff might not be the most convenient option.

Expansive view of Cardiff Castle with the cityscape in the background, illustrating the blend of history and modernity that makes Cardiff worth visiting. — View of Cardiff from the Norman Keep

Comparison With Other Welsh Towns

While Cardiff has plenty to offer, compared to other Welsh towns and the countryside it might not stand out as much.

For example, I was impressed by Cardiff Castle, the only Welsh castle I’ve visited. Yet, it doesn’t even appear in the official Wales website’s top 10 list of castles to visit in Wales.

Bute Park inside Cardiff is beautiful because it feels like nature but you could also simply visit proper nature in Wales, like the Snowdonia National Park, and get a more authentic experience.

The picturesque Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff, one of the best free attractions in Cardiff. — Norwegian Church Arts Centre in the Bay area

Is Cardiff a Safe City?

Cardiff is generally a safe city, but like any other city, it has its fair share of crime. The crime statistics say that there’s a 41% higher crime rate in Cardiff than there is in the rest of Wales, and a 31% higher crime rate than the average of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

So, while Cardiff is relatively safe compared to other major cities in the UK, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Unpredictable Weather

As with any place in the UK, the weather in Cardiff can be quite unpredictable. If you’re planning outdoor activities or events, it might be wise to have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme weather conditions.

Tina in a bright orange jacket is seen from behind, looking up at the Norman Keep of Cardiff Castle, which looms majestically against a cloudy sky, with a Welsh flag flying atop, inviting exploration and discovery. — Me on my day trip to Cardiff

Is Cardiff Worth Visiting on a Day Trip from London?

While Cardiff is worth visiting overall, whether or not it makes sense for a day trip from London depends on your interests and time constraints.

If you’re interested in exploring Welsh culture and history, and seeing iconic spots from Doctor Who, then Cardiff would be a great choice for a day trip.

However, if you’re mainly looking to see popular tourist attractions or famous landmarks, there are better day trip destinations from London, like Oxford or Cambridge.

Is Cardiff Worth Visiting on a Day Trip from Bristol?

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a great option for a day trip from Bristol. It’s only about an hour away by train, making it easily accessible.

But I must admit, Cardiff wouldn’t be my first choice for a day trip. Bath is the best option from Bristol because it’s nearby and features stunning Georgian architecture, the iconic Roman Baths, and a cozy vibe.

However, I was lucky enough to stay a month in Bristol house sitting, so I had the opportunity to do multiple day trips. And I really enjoyed my day trip from Bristol to Cardiff. My favorite parts were the medieval castle and the bay area.

Hand holding a package of Fabulous Welshcakes, a local delicacy, purchased on a day trip to Cardiff from Bristol, with a blurred arcade in the background. — I got the best Welsh cakes at Fabulous, I love that they have vegan options

Final Thoughts: Is Cardiff Worth Visiting?

If the Welsh capital, Cardiff, is worth visiting depends on your interest and on how much time you have. While the city wouldn’t be my first choice of a day trip from London or Bristol, it’s definitely worth exploring if you have time.

Among the many pros of visiting Cardiff, I would say the historic castle, the taste of Welsh culture, and the serene beauty of the Bay are some of its unique selling points.

However, keep in mind that some attractions might not be easily reachable on foot and compared to other Welsh towns and nature spots, Cardiff might not stand out as much.

Overall, it’s up to your preferences. I hope this post has helped you decide if the capital city of Wales is on your list of best places to visit in the UK.

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Promotional image for Veganderlust.com asking 'Is it worth visiting?' with a stunning view of the historical Cardiff Castle in Wales, showcasing its medieval architecture and green surroundings on a clear day. — Is Cardiff Wales Worth Visiting?

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Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons of Wales’ Capital