Enjoy Cardiff, the Capital of Wales! 26 Recommended Tourist Attractions

Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the western part of the UK, is the largest city in Wales, with a population of about 300,000. Once a thriving coal-exporting port, it has recently transformed into a hub for business and tourism through waterfront redevelopment.

Located just about two hours by train from London, Cardiff is perfect for a day trip. Surrounded by rich natural beauty and filled with historical architecture, it is an excellent sightseeing destination easily accessible from London. Here, we present 26 recommended attractions in Cardiff.

1. Cardiff Castle

The history of Cardiff Castle began as a fortress built by the Romans about 2000 years ago. After being owned by the Tudor royal family, it was renovated in the 19th century and is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. In fact, it is said that this castle in Cardiff was the model for the movie "Castle in the Sky".

The highlight of Cardiff Castle is the Bute family castle located in the southwest of the grounds. The many gorgeous rooms, such as the nursery with fairy tales, the gorgeous Arabian room, and the Winter Smoking Room with its beautiful intricate stained glass, are recommended as tourist spots.

When sightseeing, so please make use of it. The interior is large, and it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore it slowly.

2. Caferri Castle

Cafery Castle is a castle built in Cardiff in the 13th century by the Norman lord Gilbert de Clare. During the Puritan Revolution, one of the towers was tilted during an attack by the Parliamentarians and has been left as it is. It is the largest castle in Cardiff and you can tour the inside as a tourist spot.

It is an old castle surrounded by a moat, giving it a sense of history and the charm of an old castle. Many of the castles around London that can be visited have museums inside, but this castle does not have any exhibits such as weapons or crafts and is just an old castle.

It is about 15 minutes by bus or train from Cardiff, so it is definitely worth visiting as a tourist spot.

3. Castell Coch

Coch Castle means "Red Castle" in Welsh. It was designed by the same architect as Cardiff Castle and was renovated from a medieval castle as a villa for the Marquess of Bute. It is now open to the public as a tourist attraction.

It is a cute castle built in the forest, just like in a fairy tale. When you cross the drawbridge with the Virgin Mary and Child and enter the castle, you will find a square inside, and the rooms are located in the tower. The interior is also very cute, and it feels like you are in a doll's house. The walls are painted with pictures of rabbits, foxes, chickens, and other creatures, making you feel warm and fuzzy.

It is a popular tourist spot for girls in Cardiff. Here you can get a glimpse into the life of the British aristocracy.

4. Norwegian Association Arts Centre

Roald Dahl, the famous children's author who wrote "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was born here in Cardiff. Dahl was baptized at the Norwegian Church. The church was built on Cardiff Pier and served as a social gathering place for Norwegian sailors.

Eventually, the church fell into disuse and closed, but was rebuilt in 1987 by a Cardiff preservation organization. It is now open to tourists and hosts Christmas events and community classes. Occasionally, special exhibitions related to Roald Dahl are also held.

There is a café on the premises, so on nice days you can enjoy tea time on the terrace while looking out at the sea. It's definitely worth stopping by during your sightseeing.

5. Llandaff Cathedral

Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff is a monastery founded in the 6th century that was significantly expanded and remodeled in the 12th century to become a cathedral. Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff was heavily damaged during World War II and rebuilt after the war. However, the Celtic cross and other structures remain in their original form from the 6th century and are open to the public and tourists.

Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff is famous for its aluminum Christ statue, created by American sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein. The arch on which the statue stands and its highly original design are the reasons for its popularity with tourists.

There is a small shop inside the cathedral where you can buy guidebooks and postcards. Why not pick one up as a souvenir from your trip?

6. St. John's Church

Located in downtown Cardiff, this church is the oldest in the city. It was built in 1170, but was rebuilt in 1453. A 42m-tall tower was built 20 years later, and it is also a recommended tourist spot.

You can climb to the top of the tower, but only in the summer. From there, you can get a panoramic view of Cardiff cityscape and a pleasant view. Inside the church, there are stained glass and a pipe organ, and it is a place of prayer for the local people of Cardiff.

It is located right next to Cardiff Castle, so be sure to visit it when you are sightseeing.

7. Parliament of Wales/Pier Head Building

This red brick building was built in 1897 and is currently the visitor centre for the National Assembly for Wales. It was originally the headquarters of the Cardiff Railway Company and was run by the Marquess of Bute, a local billionaire who held extensive rights in coal, railways and ports.

The Pier Head Building is nicknamed "Baby Big Ben", but it looks more like Westminster Abbey than it does like the Big Pen, the clock tower in London. The building is located in a tourist spot called Cardiff Bay, and the surrounding area is popular with tourists as it has shopping centres and cafes.

8. City Hall

Located in Cardiff's Cathay's Park, this Baroque-style town hall was built in 1906 during the Edwardian era. It is also designated as one of the UK's most important historical buildings. It is a beautiful white-toned building with a symmetrical structure that spreads out from the center of a dome, and is recommended for sightseeing.

The clock tower also features a bronze statue of a dragon, a symbol of England. The interior is elegantly decorated with paintings, and can be viewed as a tourist spot. It is currently used for events and weddings by Cardiff residents. It is also beautiful when lit up, so be sure to visit it at night.

9. Bute Park

Bute Park is a park next to Cardiff Castle. It is located in the center of the city and is a place of relaxation for the people of Cardiff. It is a space where you can spend your time as you like, whether it be jogging, picnicking, or taking a walk. The beautiful greenery makes it a popular tourist spot.

This park in Cardiff also has a tea room and garden, which tourists can enjoy. On the south side of the park, there are stone sculptures of animals, which are recommended for children. At the end of the year and New Year's fireworks, beer festivals, and curry festivals, you can have fun with the locals.

10. Cathays Park

Cathays Park is Cardiff's government district, and this area is known as "the most sophisticated government district in the UK." It is lined with beautiful buildings built in the early 20th century and is recommended as a tourist spot, including the Temple of Peace, City Hall, and the National Museum and Art Gallery Cardiff.

Cardiff is a city undergoing redevelopment and those who know the old Cardiff may be surprised by the changes. With a focus on tourism, Cardiff Bay is changing every day. The area around Cathays Park retains an old-fashioned atmosphere, making it a relaxing area for tourists.

11. Rhondda Heritage Park

About an hour's drive north from Cardiff, there is a place called Rhondda Valley. This area developed in the 19th century due to the coal industry, and there is Rhondda Heritage Park, a former coal mine that has been turned into a museum.

If you climb up to the hill, you will be greeted by a beautiful view. It is said that the opening scene of the movie "Castle in the Sky" was inspired by this place.

It is an interesting tourist spot, and you can enter the mine tunnels on a mine cart that once carried miners. Inside, there are wax figures on display, and you can learn about what the coal mines were like at the time. It is a tourist spot on the outskirts of Cardiff, but if you visit Cardiff, be sure to check it out.

12. Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a popular tourist spot in Cardiff, with many cafes and restaurants. There are many unique monuments, and the square called "Roald Dahl Place" continues to the Millennium Centre.

There are also street performances, making it a fun spot to take a break between sightseeing. As the bay area of ​​Cardiff, be sure to enjoy sightseeing while feeling the sea breeze.

Cardiff Bay also has Indian, Italian, Frenc,h and other restaurants, as well as bakeries and ice cream shops. Be sure to try a variety of foods.

13. Millennium Stadium

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium was built as the main venue for the Rugby World Cup held in 1999. It is one of the few all-weather stadiums in Europe with a retractable roof. Soccer matches were held there during the London Olympics.

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium is widely known as the home of the rugby powerhouse Wales. It is also used as the stadium for the Welsh national soccer team. It would be great if you could see a match when you come to Cardiff for sightseeing.

14. Wales Millennium Centre

The Wales Millennium Centre is an eye-catching building in Cardiff Bay. It was built using local materials and opened in 2004. It hosts a variety of events, from performances by the Welsh National Opera to musicals and rock concerts.

It was originally designed by British female architect Zaha Hadid, but due to lack of funding the plan was shelved. Zaha Hadid is also known as the architect who designed the original plan for the New National Stadium, which will be the venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The current building was designed by Welsh architect Jonathan Adams and features a Welsh character. Cardiff has a long history of Roman influence, and the lettering on the front was created with Roman ruins in mind. It is a recommended tourist spot in Cardiff, so be sure to visit it.

15. Mermaid Key

It is an area in Cardiff Bay with various restaurants. You can get there by boat from Cardiff Castle, so it is recommended for sightseeing.

There are restaurants with ship-like exteriors, and it has a great harbor atmosphere. Since it is on the waterfront, you can dine while looking out at Cardiff's seaside from any shop. Many shops offer takeout, so if you get tired of walking around, we recommend buying ice cream or coffee and sitting on a bench on the quay to take a break!

This is also a popular tourist spot in Cardiff.

16. Techniquest Science Museum

Cardiff's Techniquest Science Museum is located about a 10-minute walk from Cardiff Bay Station. Although it is a science museum aimed at children, it is also popular as a tourist attraction that adults can enjoy together. It is an experiential science museum where you can see, touch, and learn in a fun way, with over 160 exhibits. There is also playground equipment so even small children can have fun.

If you come to Cardiff with your children, be sure to visit. There are also exhibits that are typical of the UK. There is also a planetarium, and science shows are held. It is a popular tourist spot in Cardiff that the whole family can enjoy.

17. St. Fagans National Museum

St. Fagans National Museum exhibits, building by building, the life of Wales and Cardiff from the 17th century onwards. It is more of a park rich in nature than a museum.

You can see farms, factories, schools, and churches built outdoors as they were in those days. The grounds are large, so please allow yourself plenty of time.

There is a restaurant in the park that sells delicious bread and cakes. They also sell foods unique to Wales and Cardiff.

18. National Museum and Art Gallery Cardiff

This museum exhibits the history, biology, and art of Cardiff and Wales. The first floor is a popular tourist spot, with a stuffed basking shark, a humpback whale skeleton, and fossils on display.

The corner about the development of Cardiff and Wales has dinosaur skeletons and footprints on display, so you can enjoy sightseeing with your children.

The second floor also displays art from Wales and Cardiff, as well as ceramics and silverwork imported from China during the Qing dynasty.

Van Gogh's "Rain" and Millet's impressionist paintings are also on display, making this a recommended tourist spot for art lovers.

19. Big Pit National Coal Museum

Britain was the first in the world to embark on the Industrial Revolution and achieved modernization as the British Empire. One of the driving forces behind this was coal from South Wales. The capital, Cardiff, developed greatly thanks to the high-quality coal mined from the Rhondda Valley, and Cardiff Bay became the world's largest coal shipping port.

The Big Pit National Coal Museum, a tourist spot on the outskirts of Cardiff, was built to pass on to future generations the history of coal mining, which left a huge mark on modern history. Here, underground tours guided by miners who worked in the mines are popular with tourists. There is also a tour that goes down 90 meters underground and walks through the long mine tunnels.

The stories of the miners, mixed with humor, are very interesting, so be sure to visit as a tourist spot where you can feel the history.

20. Museum of Welsh Life

An open-air museum that collects Welsh lifestyles, culture, and architecture on a vast 20-hectare site. At the entrance is St. Fagans Castle. Inside is like a village. It's more like a theme park than a museum, and is one of the most popular tourist spots.

Farmhouses, mills, schools, and other buildings from 150 to 200 years ago are lined up, and you can see how people in Cardiff lived. It's a popular tourist spot for children, and recommended for family trips.

When you enter the entrance, there is a cafe on the right and a souvenir shop on the left, and the second floor is an indoor gallery and restaurant. The gallery displays old musical instruments, costumes, agricultural equipment, and more, so be sure to check it out. It's also a recommended tourist spot for learning about Cardiff's history.

21. St. David's Shopping Centre

St. David's Shopping Centre is the largest shopping centre in Cardiff. With top-notch high street shops all under one roof, you can enjoy shopping efficiently.

There are a wide variety of products, from luxury brands to high street shops and designer clothes. You might even find a souvenir from Cardiff.

There are also many restaurants and cafes, so we recommend eating out during your sightseeing. You could even spend the whole day here. In the UK, January after Christmas is the season for big bargains. Of course, the winter bargains will be held in January at St. David's Shopping Centre in Cardiff!

22. Cardiff Market

Cardiff Market is where Cardiff residents come to shop. It's more of a place of daily life than a tourist spot, but you can see how Cardiff people live. There are butchers, fishmongers, florists, general stores, and more.

There is also a cafe on the second floor, where light meals are recommended. Be sure to try Welsh cake, a specialty of South Wales. It's like a pancake with raisins and other ingredients and is popular with tourists.

There is also a delicatessen, where you can find a selection of deli dishes popular with Cardiff residents. Wales is famous for lamb, and there are deli dishes made with lamb on display, so you can enjoy local flavors while sightseeing.

23. Red Dragon Centre

The Red Dragon Centre is a complex in Cardiff that includes restaurants, a cinema, a bowling alley, and a casino. It is located in Cardiff Bay, and the casino is open 24 hours a day. It is a recommended spot for sightseeing in Cardiff.

There are many restaurants and cafes, so it is also recommended as a place to take a break during sightseeing. There are also fun events held at Christmas, so if you are sightseeing during this time, be sure to enjoy it with the locals. Parking is free, so you can come by car with peace of mind.

24. Doctor Who Experience

Doctor Who is a popular TV show that has been broadcast in the UK for over 50 years. A recommended tourist spot for Doctor Who fans is the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff.

The Doctor Who Experience displays Doctor Who filming locations, costumes, and materials. First, there is an attraction where you can meet characters from Doctor Who, followed by an exhibition room.

With a wide range of costumes, machines, and accessories from Doctor Who throughout the years, it is a must-see tourist spot for fans.

25. Cardiff Castle Quarter Arcade

An arcade street near Cardiff Castle. On the west side of the road called High Street is Castle Arcade, and on the east side is Duke Street & Arcade. Lined with general stores and cafes, it is a recommended tourist spot for shopping in Cardiff.

This arcade was built in the late 19th century and is lined with Georgian and Victorian-style buildings, making it popular with tourists. As it is an arcade, it is nice that you won't get wet even if it rains. Be sure to find a souvenir of Cardiff here.

26. Royal Arcade

The Royal Arcade is the oldest arcade in Cardiff. It is lined with independent shops such as miscellaneous goods and restaurants. It is also recommended as a tourist spot as it is lined with stylish shops and cafes.

There is also a Viennese-style coffee house here, where you can enjoy open sandwiches and cakes. How about making it a souvenir of your trip to Cardiff?　

There are many other interesting shops lined up, so you can enjoy the British arcade at your own pace.

Summary

What did you think of the tourist spots in Cardiff that we introduced to you? Cardiff is a city with many tourist attractions, including many ruins and churches from Roman times. The city once prospered as a mining town, so we recommend visiting the remains of the coal mines.

There are also many ways to enjoy the city, including shopping, gourmet food, concerts, and sports. South Wales is a land rich in nature, and offers a variety of activities. Use Cardiff as your base of operations and visit the tourist spots in South Wales.