Cardiff — the capital of Wales, a coastal city that condenses two thousand years of history within walking distance. From the Roman walls of Cardiff Castle to the glittering waterfront of Cardiff Bay, from the roar of rugby at Principality Stadium to the aroma of coffee in Victorian arcades — this city, in its "small but beautiful" way, lets every traveller find their own Welsh rhythm between castle and bay.
A thousand-year castle in the city centre, with Roman foundations layered with Victorian Gothic luxury interiors
Former coal port transformed into a waterfront cultural quarter, with the Senedd and Millennium Centre shining together
Wales' rugby cathedral, a European top-tier sports venue with a retractable roof
Free admission, home to Monet's Water Lilies and Van Gogh originals, with awe-inspiring dinosaur fossils
World-class open-air museum, 40+ relocated Welsh historic buildings for an immersive experience
A 130-acre urban green lung beside the castle, with gardens and woodland along the River Taff
A copper-curved cultural landmark, the Welsh home of opera, ballet and music
A Victorian double-decker indoor market built in 1891, pilgrimage site for Welsh cakes
A modern democratic temple designed by Richard Rogers, with a wave-shaped cedar roof and full-glass curtain wall
A terracotta brick Victorian Gothic clock tower, the last witness to the coal empire era
Spiritual home of Scandinavian sailors, baptism site of Roald Dahl
A Victorian lakeside garden, a local hidden gem with Scott Lighthouse and rose gardens intertwined
An interactive science playground by Cardiff Bay, with a 360-degree planetarium that wows the whole family
One of Wales' oldest cathedrals, with Jacob Epstein's striking modern sculpture inside
Britain's second-largest castle, with a Pisa-like leaning tower and criss-crossing moat waterways
From the Roman echoes of a thousand-year castle to the glittering waterfront of Cardiff Bay — immerse yourself in the historical depth and modern vitality of the Welsh capital
Start from Cardiff Castle in the city centre, traversing Roman walls and Norman fortifications, marvelling at the Victorian Gothic luxury interiors. In the afternoon, dive into the Victorian arcades to hunt for vintage records and sip hand-poured coffee, then visit Cardiff Market for freshly baked Welsh cakes. In the evening, head to the National Museum Cardiff to admire Monet's Water Lilies and dinosaur fossils for free.
Morning at Cardiff Bay, strolling the waterfront promenade to admire the Norwegian Church and the red-brick clock tower of the Pierhead Building. Visit the Senedd designed by Richard Rogers and watch assembly debates. Afternoon at the Millennium Centre for a show or architecture tour. Evening seafood dinner at Mermaid Quay, watching the most beautiful sunset over the Severn Estuary.
Morning at St Fagans National Museum of History, travelling through a thousand years of Welsh rural life across 100 acres of woodland — from Iron Age roundhouses to 1950s shops. Afternoon back in the city, strolling Bute Park, cycling or picnicking along the River Taff. Late afternoon tour of Principality Stadium, entering the players' changing rooms and VIP boxes to feel the power of rugby's spiritual home.
Freshly baked at Bakestones in Cardiff Market, this national snack is crisp outside and soft within, dusted with icing sugar, filled with raisins and nutmeg aroma — the most irresistible sweet temptation on the streets.
Rich melted Cheddar blended with beer and mustard sauce, poured sizzling over toast. The Goat Major pub serves what is widely considered the best version in the city.
Wales' national dish — lamb and root vegetables slow-simmered for hours into a hearty broth, served with fresh bread. Perfect comfort food on a chilly day.
Seafood restaurants at Mermaid Quay use fresh catch from the Bristol Channel — crispy batter encasing tender fillets, served with hand-cut chips and mushy peas.