1. Cardiff Castle
Ah, Cardiff Castle! It’s the crown jewel in Cardiff’s regal hat and commands attention, much like a peacock in full strut. Built during Roman times and dressed up again by the Victorians, it’s the perfect spot to imagine yourself as the ruler of all you survey—probably while loudly humming the Game of Thrones theme song. Whether you’re a local or a wide-eyed tourist, the castle grounds offer history, grandeur, and an excuse to post extravagantly filtered selfies.
2. St Fagans National Museum of History
If time travel is more your speed, hop on the metaphorical time machine that is St Fagans National Museum of History. With over forty reconstructed buildings from various time periods, it’s the closest you’ll get to time travel without any wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff. Pro tip: it’s also a fabulous place for a leisurely stroll with family while pondering existential questions like, “Did I leave the kettle on?”
3. The Millennium Centre
A beacon of culture, singing, and the occasional heartfelt soliloquy, the Millennium Centre is Cardiff’s answer to a glittering night out. Whether you’re here for an opera, a musical, or just to gawk at its architectural magnificence, the Centre promises a chaotically cultural experience. Did I mention there’s usually someone belting out a tune so good that you’d willingly pay them just to stop?
4. Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is where water meets the city in a splashy embrace. Walk alongside the bay like a seafaring wanderer from Welsh myths, but maybe skip the part where someone gets turned into a stone. A hub for dining, entertainment, and general frolicking, Cardiff Bay is clock-a-block with bars, eateries, and more picturesque views than you can wildly snap with your phone. And for the love of Instagram, keep an eye out for the Welsh text on Pierhead building—it’s photo gold.
5. Bute Park
What’s the best antidote for urban hustle? A swathe of green tranquillity! Slap dab in the middle of the city, Bute Park offers locals and visitors alike a verdant escape. Whether you’re dog-walking, hoping to spot the cherry blossoms in bloom, or simply lounging while drawing questionable parallels between humans and ducks, this place has rejuvenation written all over it. Speaking of which, fancy a stroll? Here are some walks in Cardiff you shouldn’t miss.
6. National Museum Cardiff
For fans of curious curios and artistic splendour, the National Museum Cardiff is a shrine of eclectic collections. From stunning art pieces to exhibits that make you question if pterodactyls might make good pets, this museum has it all. Did I mention admission is free? Saving money while expanding your mind is always a win-win!
7. Principality Stadium
Ah, the coliseum of Cardiff fervour, where dragon roars merge with the sound of players either scoring or pondering life decisions after a fourth loss in a row. The Principality Stadium is more than just rugby; it’s a vibe, a home to concerts, and a large reason why bars in Cardiff are so energetic on game days. Feel free to join in on the excitement while sipping your beverage of choice!
8. Llandaff Cathedral
A bit out of the city centre, Llandaff Cathedral stands like an old bearded sage surveying the land. It’s perfect for those who enjoy soft whispers of spirituality and architecture, or those who just want to check a ‘mystical’ mood box in their travel itinerary. Plus, it’s got a spooky edge—who doesn’t love some ancient ghost stories on a rainy day?
9. Roath Park
Swans. Playgrounds. Botanic Gardens. Roath Park is the kind of place where fairytale afternoons come to life. Built around an impressive lake, this park is a hit for romantics, selfie-addicts, and small children who believe they’re on a pirate adventure. Just try not to capsize, okay?
10. Techniquest
Finally, if pure, unadulterated fun with a smattering of science sounds like a great time, Techniquest is the quirky epicentre of educational entertainment in Cardiff. Get hands-on with amusing experiments that entertain and educate in equal measure. It’s the kind of place where you’ll rediscover your inner child and NO, you don’t have to tell anyone about the times you failed to get a science project right back in school.