The top 10 attractions in Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

This historic fortification is one of the most important heritage sites in Wales and ranks among the top attractions in Cardiff. You’ll go on a journey back in time to discover more than 2,000 years’ worth of tales at this impressive city centre fortress, which is surrounded by the Gorsedd Stone Circle.

National Museum Cardiff

Just a short stroll away opposite the landscaped Gorsedd Gardens, the National Museum is one of Cardiff’s top cultural attractions. Free to enter, exhibits range from captivating natural history collections to world-class impressionist artworks, including a selection of temporary exhibitions.

Principality Stadium

For some, it’s possible to get all the culture you need at the Principality Stadium just steps from the castle. Previously known as the Millennium Stadium, the arena is the home of the Welsh rugby union team. It also hosts major football matches and other sporting events, as well as some of the world’s biggest musical acts.

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff lies within a sweeping bay and functions as a host of docks around the freshwater lake which the River Taff and Ely flow into. The waterfront has seen plenty of development over recent years, and is home to a wide array of shops, restaurants and attractions – from sailing and windsurfing to canoeing and powerboating.

St Fagans National Museum of History

Located on the western outskirts of town in the St Fagans area, this is another superb museum that’s also free to enter. You can explore some 230,000 years of Welsh history as you make your way around more than 40 historic buildings, which have been reconstructed to provide a revealing glimpse into how people used to live in the country.

Roath Park

If you’re planning a summer visit to Cardiff, one of the must-try attractions should definitely be Roath Park, covering 130 acres and including a boating lake that attracts lots of birds and other rare wildlife.

Wales Millennium Centre

It may cover a smaller area at just under five acres, but the Millennium Centre has a lot packed into it. There’s a 2,500-seat main theatre, along with two smaller venues and a selection of shops, bars and restaurants you can visit before catching a show.

Fforest Fawr

When you want to take a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head north out of town to this atmospheric forest. The beautiful woodlands are littered with historic sites and landmarks including the 19th-century Castell Coch and the Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail, with a network of walking trails to guide you.

South Wales Aviation Museum

This excellent museum is a must for any aviation fanatic. Even those with a passing interest will enjoy getting up close and personal with the historic planes, helicopters and other exhibits on show.

Caerphilly Castle

Finishing in a similar manner to how we started, Caerphilly Castle is a majestic fortress that traces its roots back to 1268. Surrounded by a picturesque moat, this is the largest castle in Wales and the second biggest in the UK behind Windsor Castle.