Cardiff boasts a vibrant waterfront district and flourishing food scene, along with pubs, bars and live music venues. Cardiff is also a fantastic base for exploring the Welsh coastline, which is dotted with sandy beaches, ancient ruins and hilltop castles.

Things to do

Visit the Cardiff Museum, a cultural institution dedicated to natural history and art. It's housed in a beautiful neoclassical building and showcases Monet watercolours and woolly mammoth exhibits. Don’t forget to stop by the gift store for books, jewellery and homewares.

Cardiff is a haven for shoppers. You can browse vinyl albums in the world's oldest record store, shop at farmers markets and stroll down historic arcades. The upscale Morgan Quarter district features antique stores, designer boutiques and artisan cafes.

Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Cardiff Castle, a medieval stronghold topped with towers and turrets. Over the centuries the fort has undergone a series of renovations, including a Gothic clock tower, lavish banquet hall and World War II air raid shelter.

From hip brunch haunts to upscale restaurants, Cardiff cradles a flourishing food scene. Seafood lovers can make reservations at Fish at 85, an elegant restaurant specialising in freshly-caught British fare. Save room for dessert at Science Cream, a liquid nitrogen ice-cream parlour known for its creative flavours.

Getting around

Cardiff is easy to get around on foot and well-connected by local buses and the popular hop-on-hop-off buses. Public ferries cruise along the River Taff from Bute Park to Mermaid Quay. Cardiff Airport is 20 kilometres away.