A guide to Cardiff

Whether you're here for a jam-packed adventure or a slow-paced city break, you’ll find plenty to see and do on your visit. Browse the shops in the elegant Victorian and Edwardian arcades, sample local cuisine at Cardiff Market, or see a world-class show at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre. 

If you’re looking for inspiration for your Cardiff trip, read on for our handpicked guide to the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore in this dynamic city. 

The food

Cardiff’s food scene is something to be admired, with cafés, pubs, restaurants and eateries for all cuisines and tastes. Whether you’re after a special Michelin star dinner or some hearty comfort food, here are some of our favourites. 

Best for brunch

In the leafy suburbs of Cardiff’s cool Pontcanna neighbourhood you’ll find Milkwood, an independent modern bistro popular with locals and visitors. The seasonally changing breakfast and brunch menu is the star of the show here, with classic options like waffles with berries and yogurt or avocado on toast, as well as quirkier dishes like the breakfast bhaji bun or bacon, cockles and laverbread on toast. Grab a table inside or, if the weather allows, you can sit out on the street and watch the world go by as you tuck in. 

Best for Michelin star dining

Also in Pontcanna, Gorse is a contemporary Michelin star restaurant with chef, Tom Waters, at the helm. The restaurant received its Michelin star accolade (the first in Cardiff) just months after opening in May 2024, and it’s easy to see why. The creative tasting menus champion the very best flavours and produce in Wales, from game and fish to seaweed and organic vegetables. Choose from the four-course, seven-course or ten-course selection – and be sure to book as far in advance as possible.

Best for gourmet pub grub

The Corner House offers a country pub setting in the middle of the city, with a relaxed dinner and Sunday lunch menu perfect for a post-shopping pitstop – though this isn’t your average pub fare. Here, each dish has a gourmet touch to it. Think 28-day-aged fillet steak with thick cut chips, chicken and leek pie with Davidstow cheddar, and Gamberetti pizza with king prawns, chorizo, sweet red drop peppers, mozzarella and rocket. There’s an extensive dessert menu too, if you’ve got the room. 

Best for sushi

Sushi-fans should head straight for Sushi Life. It’s easy to bypass this small eatery amongst the many restaurants, delis and cocktail bars in the Globe Centre on Wellfield Road. But despite its unassuming exterior and size, this place is renowned for its authentic menu of fresh and handmade sushi, maki rolls, ramen, tempura, curry and rice dishes, all served in a cosy setting. Bookings operate on time slots and it’s a popular spot, so you’ll need to plan ahead. 

Best for sampling local cuisine 

If you’re looking for locally-grown fruit and vegetables, butchers’ cuts of quality meat, homecooked Welsh cakes, artisan coffee or mouth-watering street food, head to Cardiff Market. Set in an iconic Grade II listed Victorian building  in the heart of the city, this well-loved market has been trading since the 1700s and still maintains much of its traditional charm. Whether you’re browsing for produce to prepare yourself or seeking a spot for a hearty lunch, you’re sure to find something that tempts your taste buds as you wander the two floors of stalls. 

The drink

From health-boosting juices to kick off your day, to craft breweries for a refreshing afternoon pint, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a tasty drink in Cardiff. 

Best for juice and smoothies

If you’re keen to start your day with a vitamin hit, head to Mother Nature Juice Bar. This health-orientated spot has a colourful menu of smoothies, juices, and wellness shots. Go green with the Emerald City juice blending celery, mint, lime, apple and spinach. Or how about blue, with the Ultra Instinct smoothie made with mango, papaya, pineapple, banana and blue spirulina powder? They also serve wholesome lunches like acai bowls, salads and sandwiches, if you’re after something to eat. 

Best for good coffee

Coffee aficionados will have plenty of choice for a specialty caffeine fix in Cardiff – and one of our favourites is Hard Lines. Their independent roastery is in Gwaelod y Garth in a village on the outskirts of the city,  but you can visit their café in Central Market to sample the goods. It’s more of a takeaway spot than a sit-down coffee shop, although you’re always welcome to prop up the bar to chat to the knowledgeable team. They have a great selection of cakes to choose from too.

Best for wine

Nighthawks is a small-but-brilliant independent wine bar, located in the Castle Arcade opposite Cardiff Castle. They offer a frequently changing list of carefully selected contemporary wines – all interesting, affordable, and served by the glass. Choose something to sip alongside a selection of olives and perfectly seasoned crisps or a cheese and charcuterie board. There are often wine tasting evenings and other events happening here too, so check out their events page to find out what’s on during your visit. 

Best for craft beer

Cardiff has no shortage of breweries and taprooms for craft beer lovers. Tiny Rebel is a great all-rounder for a contemporary beer selection, set in a grand old building on Westgate Street. Here you’ll find regular mini beer festivals, tap takeovers, a local homebrew club and more. Or, if you’re after something smaller and craftier, try Pipes in Pontcanna. Their small-batch beers are brewed with no filtration, pumps or pasteurisation, for a natural result with distinctive flavour.

The shopping

When it comes to shopping, Cardiff is one of the best cities in the UK, with everything from bustling shopping centres to traditional markets to independent boutiques. We’re all about supporting independents – so here are a few of our favourites.

Best for an historic setting

Cardiff has six different Victorian and Edwardian arcades, offering great alternatives for a spot of retail therapy to the well-trodden paths on the main high street. The stunning Castle Quarter is made up of three of them: High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, and Castle Arcade, where you’ll find a gorgeous selection of more than 60 businesses, including vintage clothes stores, craft shops, delis, galleries and more, with plenty of cafés, bakeries and wine bars to pause for a refuel. The beautiful architecture and high glass ceilings make for a unique shopping experience.

Best for music

Cardiff is home to Spiller’s Records which has been trading since 1894 and proudly holds the title of the oldest record shop in the world. This gem is tucked away in another of Cardiff’s characterful shopping arcades, The Morgan Quarter.  Music-lovers should head here, not only to browse the eclectic array of vinyl, CDs and memorabilia, but to soak up the heritage of this Cardiff institution. The passionate staff are always on hand to help if you’re seeking something in particular to add to your collection, too.

Best for designer fashion

Suitably located in the stylish suburbs of Pontcanna, Kiti is a fashion boutique that describes itself as ‘fiercely independent’ and a ‘contemporary inviting space’. Owner Gwenno’s love for style inspired her to set up the boutique in 2015 as a carefully curated showcase of some of Europe’s most coveted labels in the heart of Wales. On the rails you’ll find the likes of Ganni, Rixo and Damson Madder – from everyday staples to special occasion pieces, you’re sure to find something beautiful to freshen up your wardrobe here. 

Best for secondhand books

Troutmark Books in Castle Arcade is a treasure trove for avid readers and book collectors. Spread across three floors, this much-loved secondhand bookshop is packed to the rafters with everything from well-thumbed paperbacks and classic hardbacks to rare finds. Whether you’re after an old favourite or you simply enjoy the hunt for something unique, Troutmark offers an environmentally-friendly way to indulge your love of reading, without losing the comforting feel of a real book in hand. 

The attractions

With fascinating historic buildings, iconic arenas, bustling waterfronts and more, Cardiff has ample sightseeing attractions to explore during your stay. 

Best for varied history

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’s leading heritage attractions, standing proud in the heart of the capital. The castle has a rich history spanning 2,000 years as a Roman fort, a Norman stronghold, and a romantic Victorian Gothic palace. In the 19th century, architect William Burges created a lavish medieval ‘fantasy’ for the 3rd Marquess of Brutes, one of the world’s richest men, and during your visit you can admire the opulent interiors, murals and stained glass. There are also Roman remains to discover, a Norman shell keep to climb, and battlement walks to take a scenic stroll. 

Best for theatre

When in Cardiff, seeing a show at the Wales Millenium Centre should be high on your list. It opened in 2004 and has already established itself as one of the world’s most iconic performing arts centres. The striking bronze exterior is something to marvel at and inside you’ll find a 1,900-seat theatre, a recital hall, a studio theatre, a cabaret venue, and other performance and recording spaces. Whether you love a West End musical, contemporary dance, or stand up comedy, there’s always something enticing for all tastes on the vibrant schedule.

Best for rugby fans 

The world-famous Principality Stadium on the edge of the River Taff is the home of Welsh rugby and is often described as the best rugby venue in the world. The 74,500-seated venue has a fully retractable roof that makes it one of the largest indoor arenas in the world too. If you can’t get a ticket to a game, it’s worth visiting to take a tour of  the home and away dressing rooms, the conference suite, the tunnel walk and, of course, the pitch, where you’ll get a sense of the enormous scale of this impressive stadium. 

Best for a unique view of the city

Make the most of the city’s waterfront location on a trip with Cardiff Boat Tours. All year round (weather permitting), the 90-seat waterbus Princess Katharine travels from Cardiff Bay to Bute Park, offering a different perspective of the city. Listen to the fascinating commentary about the sights, history, and culture of Cardiff as you relax on board during the 25 minute journey – or you can take a cruise from either boarding point, returning to your starting location in an hour. 

Best for Welsh heritage

For a wonderful insight into the history of Wales (and beyond), visit the National Museum in Cardiff’s elegant civic centre. Throughout the museum you’ll find exhibitions dedicated to world class art, geology collections, natural history and more, including enormous dinosaurs and a humpback whale skeleton! There are often special events or trails to keep children entertained. There’s an on-site restaurant and café should all that exploring have your tummies rumbling afterwards.

Staying near Cardiff

If you’re looking for a gorgeous place to stay nearby, take a look at The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cabin. This picture-perfect hideaway in Monmouthshire is just a short drive away from Cardiff – and with tonnes of character, stunning estuary views, a 200-year-old lighthouse neighbour, and a private hot tub, it’s sure to be an unforgettable stay. Alternatively, browse our full collection of handpicked hideaways in Wales.