Things to do in Cardiff
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Top 10 attractions in Cardiff
Cardiff Bay
The Cardiff Bay strip, about 2 miles (1.5km) south of the city centre, offers a variety of activities, from boat rides to Barrage, or to the technology discovery centre especially for the little ones. It is also the seat of the new Welsh Assembly. After the end of World War II, with the rise of new energy sources and the rise of container terminals, the raw coal transportation industry declined. By the 1980s, a large number of coal mines in South Wales were closed by Margaret Thatcher's government, and the port of Cardiff was abandoned, and large beaches became wasteland. In the late 1980s, the British government launched a plan to "give new life to declining urban areas". The Welsh government established the "Cardiff Bay Development Company" in April 1987 to transform the 1,100-hectare abandoned port area. The original muddy lake has become a clear freshwater lake, which has become a good place for people to relax and enjoy water sports.Grangetown · 1.4km from downtown
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a very important historical site in the area, and it is also an attraction that every visitor to Cardiff will not miss. The castle is in Victorian faux-Gothic style, a far cry from traditional Welsh castles. In the middle of the scenic spot, the parts with a similar traditional architectural style are the Norman Keep, which was built in the 12th century, and the 13th century Black Tower, which forms the entrance gate. Since the 19th century, towers and spires have been built on the west side of the castle, and the colorful bell towers are towering and very eye-catching.Castle · 314m from downtown
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is located in the town center and is one of the largest castles in Wales and the UK, second only to Windsor Castle. Unlike many other castles in Wales, Caerphilly Castle was not built during the period of Edward I's rule in Wales, but was constructed by a descendant of a Norman nobleman. The castle is surrounded by water, and one of its leaning towers is similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, making it a very striking feature. In recent years, Caerphilly Castle has also become a popular filming location for various movies and TV shows, including the hit BBC series "Merlin".Caerphilly · 10.9km from Cardiff
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village
Penarth · 7.6km from Cardiff
Barry Island Pleasure Park
Barry · 12.6km from Cardiff
National Trust - Dyffryn Gardens
Wenvoe · 10.2km from Cardiff
Cefn Mably Farm Park
Michaelstone-y-Fedw · 8.7km from Cardiff
London Eye
Take a ride on the incredible 135-metre London Eye and enjoy a panoramic view of London's stunning skyline, packed with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and more. Ride during the day, at night, at sunset, or at dusk—which will you choose? The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned, fully enclosed cabins, each of which can accommodate approximately 25 people. It takes about half an hour to complete a full rotation. The cabins are equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which play when they rotate to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive information panels are also available.United Kingdom · London
Mermaid Quay
Mermaid Wharf is located near Cardiff Harbour. It is the main dining and shopping area on the waterfront. It has beautiful sea views and there are many cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from. Every local festival, lively carnivals will be held here, adding a lot of liveliness.Butetown · 552m from downtown
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. The British Museum houses over 8 million cultural relics and treasures from around the globe, with its vast quantity and diversity of collections being rare among museums worldwide. Rich collection of treasures Due to its vast collection, The British Museum can nearly showcase the entire course of world civilization. Despite spatial limitations, it still displays approx. 50,000 items simultaneously. The main collections date from the medieval period, with particular renown for ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artifacts, alongside a wealth of precious cultural relics from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Many cultural treasures from around the world can only be seen in their authentic form here. Ancient Greek-style main building The main building emulates ancient Greek architecture, featuring a grand entrance with a tall colonnade flanked by eight thick and towering Roman-style columns on each side, topped by a pediment roof adorned with reliefs. Entering through the main door leads to the great court, which is connected to over 100 galleries of various sizes surrounding it. Inspired by the Louvre Pyramid, the great court is bright, spacious, and elegantly minimalist. Bright central atrium The great court was originally part of the British Library. After the library moved out, it was transformed into a covered square with a white color scheme. The square's massive semi-transparent roof is composed of many uniquely shaped glass panels, combined with white stone, ensuring excellent lighting even on gloomy days in London. The sculptures displayed in the court are genuine treasures, such as the marble lion and Easter Island statues. Additionally, artists from around the world occasionally perform here, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the solemn museum. At the center of the grand atrium is the reading room, displaying art literature and books open to the public, where travelers can admire the dome and quaint circular bookshelves up close. The entrance of the reading room is marked with the names of notable figures to commemorate their time spent reading here. Cafés and restaurants are located on both sides and above the grand atrium, offering dining options with a view overlooking the entire space. Along the outer edge of the reading room lies the museum shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs after their tour. Three iconic treasures The Rosetta Stone: Originally from Egypt, this stone bears three different script versions of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's decree. Through comparing these scripts, archaeologists gradually unlocked the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization. However, the Rosetta Stone displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a replica. Admonitions scroll: The scroll consists of 12 paintings in total, with The British Museum housing 9 Tang dynasty replica versions. The Admonitions scroll ranks 39th in BBC's "A History of the World in 100 Objects," highlighting its immense cultural and historical value. Throughout history, the scroll has been collected by numerous emperors and high-ranking officials. The Elgin Marbles: These are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, with a history of over 2,500 years. They have been housed in the museum for over 200 years since the British royal family purchased them at great expense. Specialty exhibition halls Asian pavilions: Halls 33 and 95. Hall 33 features artifacts from China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including collections from countries like India. Hall 33B is dedicated to Chinese jade artifacts, while Hall 95 showcases Chinese ceramics. The British Museum is one of the museums with the largest collections of lost Chinese artifacts, housing over 25,000 pieces, with approx. 2,000 on long-term display. The exhibition is meticulously designed, organizing Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes along a chronological sequence, displaying artifacts from the Shang and Zhou, Qin and Han, to the Republican era. The major kilns of porcelain are divided into different curated sections by Ru, Ge, Jun, Ding, and Guan styles, presented professionally and systematically. Recommended artifacts to admire include large Tang tri-color ceramics, the Song Cizhou kiln "circus pillow," the Yuan blue-and-white fish and algae pattern large plate, Ming Xuande cloisonné, and Dunhuang mural Buddha statues. Ancient Egypt exhibition hall: halls 4, 61-66. One of the popular spots in the museum. The exhibits include mummies. The ancient Egypt hall is also one of the most visited exhibition halls, and almost all visitors to The British Museum make it a must-see. Ancient Greek and Roman galleries: rooms 11-23, 69-73, 77, 78, 82-85. The entire Parthenon is truly awe-inspiring, along with numerous ancient Greek marble sculptures and exquisite artifacts like vases. Don't miss the Portland Vase in room 70. Some exhibits are not suitable for long-term display and are only open during specific periods each year (including the mentioned Admonitions scroll). If you plan to visit, check the schedule on the official website in advance.United Kingdom · London
Experiences you can't miss in Cardiff
Featured Day tours in Cardiff
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Featured Cultural experiences in Cardiff
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Free things to do in Cardiff
Cardiff Bay
Grangetown · 1.4km from downtownBook now for tomorrowCardiff Castle
Castle · 314m from downtownCaerphilly Castle
Caerphilly · 10.9km from CardiffCosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village
Penarth · 7.6km from CardiffBarry Island Pleasure Park
Barry · 12.6km from CardiffNational Trust - Dyffryn Gardens
Wenvoe · 10.2km from CardiffCefn Mably Farm Park
Michaelstone-y-Fedw · 8.7km from CardiffLondon Eye
United Kingdom · LondonImmediate access, Book now for todayMermaid Quay
Butetown · 552m from downtownThe British Museum
United Kingdom · London
More ways to travel from Cardiff
What travellers say about Cardiff
AK52012 July 2023
5.0
Cardiff Bay is very easy to go. It is very closed to Cardiff Central Station. You can take the bus or walk 30 mins from central station. It is free to visit, of course, and the scenary there is fantastic. You can spend a few hours there, no doubt. Take lots of pictures there. There are a lot of shops and restaurant and coffee shop there. So once you are tired, you can grab a coffee there, by sitting next to the seashore, enjoying the coffee and the sea at the same time. Different kinds of pubs and restaurant there, from high class to family restaurant. There are also a few historical buildings there, and there is a modern exhibition center there. The design of its outlook is so high tech, you definitely will fall in love with it.
Cardiff Bay
Mel202420 October 2024
5.0
An amazing castle and visiting the grounds was a treat. Full of history and going through the surroundings, it wasn't repetitive and not boring at all. I absolutely loved it and it's was very interesting. I love the Arab Room and the war shelters.
Reasonable priced tickets compared to the Royal castle prices.
I highly recommend this visit for all ages.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
I love Cardiff. It's so refreshing compared to London.
Cardiff Castle
Joe041230 September 2022
5.0
Absolutely amazing place. Quite amazing to see such a huge castle next to a town. It's beautiful to walk and makes great photo opportunities. Right next to Caerphilly bus station.
Caerphilly Castle
M32***2313 September 2019
5.0
Dyffryn Gardens is the garden attached to the manor. The flowers are lush and in full bloom. It is worth a visit. There are many flowers, the flower beds are very delicately trimmed, and there are some lounge chairs that are perfect for bringing picnic food. It is an interesting trip!
National Trust - Dyffryn Gardens
名人画家15 April 2022
5.0
【Scenery】Both gardens and fields, enjoyable for both the refined and the common, lots of fun
Cefn Mably Farm Park
Catherine Kwong14 October 2026
5.0
Wonderful experience, very nice view and lovely weather in early Aug
London Eye
柯林c31 December 2019
5.0
The scenery is very beautiful, and there are many people on weekends. You can take a boat directly to Cardiff Castle. There is also a food festival every summer. If you have the chance, you must come in summer~~~~~
Mermaid Quay
Chelsea小星10 October 2026
5.0
I visited the British Columbia University 10 years ago and found it quite challenging. This time, I decided to opt for a guided tour, and the experience was immediately different. The guide was very knowledgeable, providing excellent depth and breadth in their explanations, and answered my questions very well.
The British Museum
