Although small, with a population of around 350,000 people, Cardiff is known as one of the UK's friendliest cities. So it's perhaps not surprising that the Welsh capital attracts over 20 million visitors each year. Most of these tourists stay in town for just one night, with many of them coming to witness one of the countless sports or musical events that take place here. With so many of Cardiff's top attractions within easy walking distance of one another, it's very possible to take in the city's top highlights in a single day's walking tour. If you're thinking of touring Cardiff in one day, here's how it's done.
Explore the historical heart of the city with a visit to Cardiff Castle. Situated right in the centre of Cardiff and just a five-minute walk from the train station, this ancient structure offers the perfect starting point for any tour of the city. The history of this site begins with the Romans in the Fifth Century and, astonishingly, it remained a private residence until 1947. A quick stop will not do full justice to the grounds, the Norman keep, and WWII air raid shelters you'll discover here, but 60–90 minutes should suffice for a whistle-stop tour.
Behind the castle, you will find Bute Park — an expansive parkland on the banks of the River Taff. Amongst the trees, sculptures and flower gardens, you could easily forget that you're in the middle of a capital city. You will nonetheless encounter plenty of friendly faces here, with local students and commuters using it as a shortcut across the city. The Secret Garden Café offers a quiet spot for refreshments before your adventure continues. Alternatively, there is a traditional British tearoom as well as a Summerhouse Café.
Situated just across the road from Bute Park (there is a pedestrian underpass), you will find the National Museum Cardiff. The museum is abutted by City Hall and the Law Courts, and it shares with them a Classical architectural style, which is all the more striking because of how unusual it is in South Wales. Visitors to the museum are treated to as diverse an array of artefacts as you are likely to find in any museum of this scale: here you will find fine art, geological displays, natural history exhibitions and much else besides. What's more, like almost all museums in Wales, admission is free of charge.
If your legs are tired after the Castle and museum, then you may wish to ride on the water taxi to Cardiff Bay. Otherwise, enjoy a pleasant 30-40 minute walk — note that the long, tree-lined Lloyd George Avenue offers a more pleasant outlook than Bute Street running parallel. When you reach Mermaid Quay, choose from the many bars and restaurants on offer. Be sure to ask for a window table: most lunch spots here offer great views across the bay towards the seaside town of Penarth.
Before undergoing one of Europe's largest ever waterfront redevelopments, this area of Cardiff was once known locally as 'Tiger Bay'. With a reputation as wild as the name suggests, this was for many years a place that tourists would avoid. Today, it is a must-see destination for any visitor to the region. It is home to the Senedd — The Welsh Parliament Building — as well as the Wales Millennium Centre (home to the Welsh National Opera). You will also find here the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and The Makers' Guild. Spend the afternoon exploring and taking in the sights.
Cardiff is known throughout the UK for its nightlife. Especially on weekend evenings when a rugby, football or music event has been on, the atmosphere in town is lively and friendly but quite raucous. If you fancy a night on the town, head to St Mary Street and the Brewery Quarter, where a party atmosphere awaits. For a quieter night, head for Cathedral Road towards the pubs and restaurants of Pontcanna and Canton. On a rugby weekend, prior dinner reservations are essential.
If you're looking to go a bit deeper, or a bit further afield, here are some other Cardiff attractions that may be of interest.
St Fagans National Museum of History is a large open-air space dedicated to chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people.
Stunning architecture in peaceful surroundings. Visitors are welcome but, to avoid clashes with planned events, it is advisable to check the Llandaff Cathedral website and social media in advance.
Wales is obsessed with Rugby. And the home of Welsh rugby is undoubtedly the Principality Stadium, where the national team plays its home fixtures. If you can attend on a match day, then so much the better.
A fun and educational time for kids and big kids – that's what you will find if you visit Techniquest science museum in Cardiff Bay.
A great way to mix with the locals is to head to one of Cardiff's local farmer's markets. Especially during the warmer months, it's a great way to spend a relaxing weekend morning.
If you're looking to get outdoors for a few hours, put on your walking boots or hire a bicycle and head for The Taff Trail, a scenic Greenway that runs from Cardiff Bay through the city all the way to the Brecon Beacons National Park 55 miles beyond.
Technically just outside of Cardiff, the beautiful seaside town of Penarth sits just across the bay. But, on a warm summer's day, there is no better place to enjoy fish 'n' chips and an ice cream than on Penarth's pier and pavilion.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
