Cardiff City Guide

Cardiff punches well above its weight for a capital city of its size. The castle sits right in the city centre, a medieval fortress surrounded by parkland, and from there you can walk to world-class rugby at the Principality Stadium, independent shopping in the beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades, and a waterfront in Cardiff Bay that has been completely reimagined over the past two decades.

The Wales Millennium Centre in the Bay is a cultural powerhouse — home to Welsh National Opera, dance, comedy, and touring theatre productions. But Cardiff's arts scene extends well beyond one building. Chapter Arts Centre in Canton is a brilliant hub for independent film, exhibitions, and performance, while the live music venues around Womanby Street — Clwb Ifor Bach, The Moon, Fuel Rock Club — are the beating heart of the Welsh music scene.

Cardiff's food scene has blossomed. The indoor market in the city centre is a local institution, famous for its Welsh cakes cooked fresh on the griddle. Pontcanna and Canton have become foodie neighbourhoods, with independent restaurants, delis, and cafes lining every street. And Roath, with its beautiful park and lakeside walks, is home to a growing cluster of excellent eating and drinking spots.

The city is wonderfully compact and walkable, with Bute Park providing a green corridor right through the centre. The Taff Trail follows the river all the way to Brecon, making Cardiff a brilliant base for combining city culture with outdoor adventure. And the welcome is warm — Cardiff has a relaxed, friendly energy that makes it hard to leave.