Principality Stadium — Wales' national stadium standing on the east bank of the River Taff in Cardiff, a "spaceship" forged from steel and glass. Built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup at a cost of £121 million, it seats 73,931 spectators and features Europe's first fully retractable roof supported by four 90.3-metre masts spanning 26,862 square metres. From Welsh rugby Six Nations matches to the Champions League Final, from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé, from pre-match team talks in the dressing room to goosebump-inducing moments in the player tunnel — this is the heart of Welsh national pride and one of the world's most electrifying sports and entertainment venues.
From pre-match tension in the players' dressing room to the spine-tingling player tunnel entrance, from the acoustic miracle of the retractable roof to the luxurious views from the VIP suites — step inside Wales' most passionate sporting cathedral
Just a 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station takes you to the stadium's main entrance. Collect your tour ticket at the WRU official store (professional guide-led, max 30 per group). First stop: the Wales national team's home dressing room — stand before the coach's tactics board feeling the pre-match tension, examine each player's personal locker. Then walk through the famous player tunnel — standing at the tunnel mouth looking out at the 73,931-seat giant bowl, even on an empty day you can imagine the roar of tens of thousands. Step onto the pitchside position, look up at the four 90.3-metre masts supporting the 26,862 sqm retractable roof, and learn the acoustic secrets of Europe's first retractable roof — when closed, it reflects crowd noise back into the arena, creating a record-breaking 92-decibel "world's loudest stadium." In the afternoon, ascend to the VIP suite level, overlooking the entire stadium from one of 124 luxury hospitality suites, then enter the Ray Gravell Press Conference Room to sit in the journalists' seats and "simulate" a post-match interview. Finally, pick up an official Wales jersey from the WRU store as a souvenir. On match days, the Match Day Tour (£45) lets you experience the real match-day atmosphere in the dressing rooms before kick-off.
A Spanish tapas institution diagonally opposite the stadium, housed in a former canal warehouse with four arched brick-vaulted underground cellars creating a rich Iberian atmosphere. Signature Iberico pork loin, Rioja-braised beef cheek and caramelised Murcian peppers are unforgettable, perfectly paired with Spanish craft beer or sherry. Just a 1-minute walk from the stadium — the ideal spot for pre-match drinks or post-match celebrations. Budget: £15-30 per person.
A red-brick craft beer bar directly opposite the stadium, the flagship location of award-winning Welsh brewery Tiny Rebel. 25 taps serve their own brews and global craft beer selections, paired with Jerk Chicken Fries, IPA Fish & Chips, vegan curry and other pub favourites. The match-day atmosphere is electric — fans in red dragon jerseys raising pints is the most authentic rugby culture experience in Cardiff. Budget: £12-25 per person.
Located inside the converted old Post Office building — Park Gate Hotel, this modern British restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide recommendation. Brecon lamb, Beef Wellington, oak-smoked octopus with Taffy apple tart — each dish is a refined interpretation of Welsh local ingredients. A 3-minute walk from the stadium, it's the premium choice for rewarding your palate before a match. Budget: £30-55 per person.
Two popular小店 on Quay Street — Donald's Pies is famous for handmade pies with fillings ranging from classic steak & kidney to creative chicken curry, with golden flaky pastry; next door, La Pantera specialises in creative Mexican tacos, with the signature "Big Mac tribute taco" bringing a smile. Both are a 5-minute walk from the stadium — excellent value for a quick bite. Budget: £6-15 per person.