Ultimate Guide to Weekend Break in Cardiff, Wales

Last updated: 3 September 2023

A mix of modern architecture and ancient buildings, a central city stadium for sports entertainment, and a thriving independent food scene makes a weekend break in Cardiff perfect for all to enjoy. 

Providing visitors seeking a city break Cardiff is home to beautiful Victorian arcades and quirky weekend markets, cultural sites including Cardiff Castle and the National Museum, the seaside of the updated Cardiff Bay, I ventured into the Welsh capital to discover this dynamic and fun-loving city. From Welsh cakes to culture, historic castles, where to eat, what to see and do, and where to stay, here’s our guide to a weekend break in Cardiff. 

The first thing I established from my weekend break in Cardiff was how staunchly proud the Welsh are of their identity and heritage.  The Welsh flag is depicted as a red passant dragon on a green and white background and you can expect to see it everywhere in Cardiff. This symbol of pride of their history and culture makes a frequent appearance in many aspects of the city including a dedicated Welsh menu in the local Wetherspoons serving up Welsh Dragon Sausages, Welsh beef pie, Celtic pride beef!

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• Things to do in Cardiff– Red pins
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• Where to drink in Cardiff – Blue pins
• Where to stay in Cardiff– Orange pins

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Collection of the Best Things to Do in Cardiff

Cardiff Castle 

Cardiff Castle is easily one of Wales’ most prominent and visited heritage attractions. Dating back 2000 years, it was once a Roman fort, a Norman stronghold, and Victorian Gothic masterpiece.

With the exposed Roman Wall to view, the medieval Keep to climb, and the atmospheric Wartime Shelters to explore, make sure you allow plenty of time for your visit.

Animal Wall

Situated alongside the South wall of Cardiff Castle, on Castle Street, is the much beloved Animal Wall. Life-size sandstone carvings from an age when the animals featured on the wall were still regarded as exotic and remote. 

The original group consisted of nine sculptures including a bear, two lions wielding shields, a lynx and a hyena. Six were later added by Scottish sculptor Alexander Carrick, including interesting choices of a pelican and an anteater. 

I’ll admit they’re a little creepy with their glass eyes, the sculptures are made to look as if they are attempting to climb up the wall and get to the other side. Today, the Animal Wall forms a part of the Grade I listed structures of the city.

Watch the Rugby

For a population of just over three million, the Welsh are world-class rugby players.  

The home of Rugby in Wales is the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. If you can, get tickets to see one of the 4-5 international rugby matches annually held here and watch some of top teams in Europe: Wales, England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy battle it out in the Six Nations. Antipodeans might be better to wait for Autumn Internationals when Wales plays the Southern Hemisphere big guns of the Wallabies, the Springboks, or the All Blacks. 

If it’s not Rugby season, you can arrange a tour of this sporting amphitheatre.

Window Shopping

If the weather is rubbish, which lets face it, that’s quite likely for Cardiff, the most interesting shopping in Cardiff is to be found in the covered Victorian arcades. 

There are seven historic arcades in the city; Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, Dominions Arcade, Morgan Arcade, Royal Arcade, and Wyndham Arcade. Keep reading to find the best places to eat in Cardiff, many of which are located within these stunning galleries. 

Private Walking Tour

If you’re looking to get to know the highlights of Cardiff but in more detail then perhaps a private walking tour with a qualified Green Badge Guide might be something you’re interested in. This is a perfect option visitors on a city breaks seeking to learn as much as possible about Cardiff during their short break.

National Museum Cardiff

The stunning neo-classical building houses Wales’ National Museum Cardiff. Underneath the Edwardian dome, visitors can explore everything from a 3.3 billion years old Moon rock, to dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, to works by some of Europe’s finest artists including Turner, Monet, Rodin, Van Gogh. As you would expect, there is also work by leading Welsh artists such as Richard Wilson, Thomas Jones and more. 

The National Museum Cardiff also played host to Dippy, the beloved Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton who once took a break from calling Hinze Hall of London’s Natural History Museum home and took a tour around the UK.

Bute Park

Ideal for a stroll during a weekend break in Cardiff, 130 acres of mature parkland, flanked by the River Taff, Sophia Gardens, it once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle and is named after the 3rd Marquess of Bute, whose family once owned the castle.

Today, it’s public parkland and maintained by Cardiff Council and well worth a stroll should your weekend break in Cardiff coincide with nice weather.  

It is also possible to travel from Bute Park down to Cardiff Bay by boat with the water taxi service running between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff City Centre along the River Taff taking 25 mins.  There’s an onboard commentary throughout the trip with information on the area and sights you will see along the river including Wales Millennium Centre, the Pierhead Building, St David’s Hotel, and the Norwegian Church Arts Centre.

Cardiff Cathedral

Situated in the heart of Cardiff, the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St. David is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff. The current building was constructed 1884-87, suffered heavy bomb damage during World War II and was restored in the 1950s in a simple and functional state. 

Cardiff Bay & Mermaid Quay 

This area of Cardiff is the former destitute docklands which was once the largest coal-exporting port in the world. Today, a part of the revitalization project of Cardiff Bay, Mermaid Quay retained some of her maritime heritage with charming bridges, terraces, decking and towers. 

You can easily stroll the Quay and appreciate the surroundings, or head into one of the many restaurants which seemingly cater for every taste and budget. There’s also a comedy club, and one of the largest Everyman boutique cinemas in the UK boasting five-screens. There really is so much choice on things you can do during a weekend break in Cardiff.

Europe’s largest waterfront development turns 21 this year (2020), and is undergoing a comprehensive multi-million pound strategic refurbishment with new paving, lighting, landscaping, signage, street furniture and more. 

Roald Dahl 

A name synonymous with our younger selves, children’s author Roald Dahl is one of Cardiff’s most famous sons, born in the city in 1916. 

The white clad Norwegian church in Cardiff Bay is the oldest surviving church in Britain founded by the Norwegian Seamens’ mission.  It is also the place where Dahl and his siblings were christened.

Formally known as the Oval Basin, it was renamed the Roald Dahl Plass in 2002 in honour of the city’s much beloved son.  With capacity to hold 10,000 people in the outdoor public entertainment arena, the plaza in the Bay is home to huge events throughout the year.

On quieter days the Plass is the entrance to two iconic city buildings, the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff’s unique and lively performing arts centre where you can see appreciate performances from the Welsh National Opera, and very affordable tickets to blockbuster West End musicals, comedy and ballet. 

Senedd

The Senedd is Cardiff’s National Assembly, the home of Welsh politics. 

Shaped like a tree, the design of the Senedd is the work of esteemed award winning architect, Richard Rogers who is perhaps best known for his work on the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and two of London’s landmarks, the Lloyd’s building and the Millennium Dome (aka, The O2).

Built in the former Cardiff Docks, once the largest coal-exporting port in the world, the area and industry declined in the 1980s. A decade later a transformation began with the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage and the area was renamed Cardiff Bay.

As a public building, free tours are available several times throughout the day but it’s worth visiting the website to check availability given that tours will fill up.

White Water Rafting

For the adrenaline junkies, Cardiff is home to the Cardiff International White Water where you can embark on the Olympic-standard waters by canoe, paddleboard or raft. 

The Museum of Cardiff

If you’re interested in the history of Cardiff then this small museum is for you.  The museum covers the growth and trajectory from small market town to one of the world’s largest ports in the 1900s.  

Where to Eat in Cardiff

Heading out for dinner in Cardiff you just might be surprised by the diversity of offerings. Of course Cardiff has the usual high-street chains that we all know, but I really want to showcase a more independent food & drink scene in these weekend guides. Like it? Hate the idea? Let us know! 

Cardiff serves up everything from from tapas to Turkish, vegan to burgers to brunch. With a strong student vibe it’s not surprising to note that many options are very affordable and there’s the odd quirky location from a lively student district, to a bank vault, to a prison!

Brunch & Lunch

Bakestones

This little stall in Cardiff Market sells bakery items including the piece de la resistance, freshly made Welsh cakes right before your eyes! You are spoilt for choice with flavours of chocolate chip, sugar, and fruit and more.

I had a such a great experience here, the service was old-school friendly with a small town feel. I bought one Welsh cake, devoured it, and went back for more.

The very friendly team will happily chat to you, about their products or the available flavours of Welsh cakes, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly team to disclose their favourites.

Hint: it’s fruit!

For Our Next Visit to Cardiff 

I was devastated to discover these guys were closed during our trip to Cardiff. Caffe Citta is a little Italian hideaway, a stones throw from St John’s in the city’s Castle Quarter. Offering a great range of antipasti, primo and secondi options of pasta and pizza, this small and nondescript place should be on your list. A return visit is high on our list of short breaks!

Undergoing a renovation at the time of our visit to Cardiff is the New York Deli. If there was ever a time to wear your stretchy yoga pants, it’s when you’re visiting this belly-busting sandwich shop – it’s OK, you’re on holidays! Rumour has it, they’re some of the greatest subs ever! If you visit during your weekend break in Cardiff then let us know how it was in the comments below!

Dinner

Tiny Rebel 

The former fire station on the corner of Westgate and Quay is now Tiny Rebel, run by award winning Welsh craft brewing crew based in Newport, South Wales. The youngest and only Welsh brewery to win Champion beer of Britain

Tiny Rebel was established by two guys in a garage seeking an alternative to big brewers. The branding style is quirky and a bit rough around the edges which no doubt speaks to the millennial.

This dog friendly establishment offers, as you would expect, quite a number of their own beers on tap and a kitchen to compliment them. Allegedly the best burgers in the city, we cannot confirm nor deny, yet! 

Dusty’s Pizza

The Dusty Knuckle team are passionate advocates of the ‘Slow Food’ movement; these guys specialise in Neapolitan-style pizzas from a wood-fire oven. They have several locations across Wales including Cardiff.

Milkwood

One of a few establishments on this list that’s outside the city centre but Milkwood is worth the trek for a special occasion. The dynamic menu is small, offering between 4 to 6 options per course, and is constantly changing menu with a firm eye on securing local seasonal Welsh produce. The small-plates dining is only available on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Ivy Cardiff

The world famous restaurant group opened in Cardiff in late 2019 at the former Jamie’s Italian site on The Hayes. With a name like The Ivy, people expect fine-dining standard of service and food.

The massive restaurant features an impressively stocked bar, while the styling is very “Ivy” with oversized plants and vibrant patterned wallpaper. The only thing that distinguishes this from the other Ivy establishments is the enormous dragon sitting atop of the bar. 

Kimchi

You’re either in or not in the mood to cook your own meal. If it’s the former, then Kimchi potentially an option for you.  This Korean BBQ joint has table top grills, where you can be chef and sear an array of meat and veg. 

Tapas

If tapas is your thing, you’re spoilt for choice in Cardiff with the casual dining style influenced by Northern Spain well and truly alive in the Welsh capital. Here’s three of our favourites: 

• Asador 44 hits the mark with quality food, good service and the ambience are all just spot on.
• A husband and wife team are the brains behind Curado, a popular pinxtos bar opposite the Stadium, which also includes a snug little bar called Vermut which is ideal for a quick drink before heading out on your night.
• Bar 44 is open later than the others, and also serves up a specialist Sunday-only menu. The croquettes are on point, as is the meat selection and pan con tomate.

 

 

The Potted Pig

Situated inside a former bank vault, with exposed brickwork, leftover steel bar gates and low lighting, one restaurant you should check out is The Potted Pig. 

Serving up modern British food through ever-changing, seasonal menus and the odd whole suckling pig. They source meats such as duck and steak from local farms, the restaurant has a well stocked bar with wonderful gins that can accommodate small groups for drinks outside peak dining times. 

In my opinion, prices are a little high, undoubtedly reflecting their status as a popular upmarket dining establishment in Cardiff. Their lunchtime set menu is good value at two courses for £15, and three courses for £20. 

Snacks

Brød

Another plus for the Pontcanna area, just northwest of the city centre is the Danish bakery, Brød.  Expect beautifully flaky Danish pastries and rye and spelt loaves, pure Hygge. 

Wally’s Delicatessen

Wally’s is a longstanding delicatessen and coffee house operating since 1981 in Cardiff’s Royal Arcade. This quirky deli has an old-school service feel. Come here for Charcuterie and cheese plus Mediterranean foods to make your own picnic or head upstairs where there is a Viennese style coffee house serving up sandwiches and cake and strudels. 

Where to Drink in Cardiff

Coffee Barker

Hipster cafe by day, hipster rum and fizz haunt by night.  Situated in one of Cardiff’s beautiful Victorian-era shopping arcades, there are plenty of tables and power sockets for the latte-sipping Macbook-wielding nomads.  

Coffee at Coffee Barker is decent, the service is friendly without being bothersome or worse, haughty. If coffee is important to you then heading to the Coffee Barker is a great way to start the morning during a weekend break in Cardiff.

The Bootlegger

This speakeasy style cocktail bar in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, The Bootlegger has a huge cocktail menu offering more than 60 options.  

Run by two Welsh lads, it’s a cocktail bar without a power hungry clipboard-welder door staff. Except traditional casual Welsh service, killer cocktails and decent tunes.  Their happy hour alone of 2 for £14 available every day during select hour makes the Bootlegger a great option.

Where to Stay in Cardiff

Simple (£)

The renovated 83-bed Citrus Hotel Cardiff (formerly The Big Sleep Hotel Cardiff) is situated within Cardiff City, opposite the new St. David’s arcade and is within walking distance of the Cafe Quarter and local attractions. 

The property has a striking retro style and panoramic city views, Citrus makes an affordable booking option for a weekend break in Cardiff.  

Simple (£)

If you’re seeking more space or staying more nights, perhaps on business, then an inner city apartment might be more suitable accommodation.

Offering free WiFi and city views, this 1 bedroom apartment is situated right in the heart of Cardiff, and equipped with a TV, kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. There’s also a terrace for guests to use.

Solid (££)

Situated in the city-centre, the Park Plaza is well within walking distance to the majority of Cardiff’s main attractions such as the New Theatre, Cardiff Castle and Bute Park. Ok, so whilst the Park Plaza may not the same as one of those holiday cottages in North Wales, it is in a terrific location for exploring Cardiff.

The lobby is light and airy with sculptured birds accentuated by oversized drop lights. In winter months a number of wing-back chairs face the contemporary and roaring fireplaces where you can easily lose hours curled up with a good book during a weekend break in Cardiff.

The 20m pool and spa is a major drawcard for guests.  There are facilities for beauty treatments including massages, scrubs and facials. 

There’s no onsite parking but the NCP carpark across the street is convenient for road trip fans. Guests receive a 25% discount on their parking rates if your ticket is validated at hotel reception. Otherwise the Jury’s Inn might be a good alternative.

Read Our Full Review of the Park Plaza, Cardiff

Swanky (£££)

The five star St David’s Hotel Cardiff makes a bold statement, situated on Cardiff Bay. With its glass-fronted façade, all rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views as well as well appointed bathrooms stocked with Aveda toiletries, and fluffy bathrobes.

A part of the IHG group, Voco, meaning ‘to invite’ or to ‘come together’ in Latin, combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. 

The vibe of rooms are inspired by the hotel’s bayside location and the region’s nautical heritage. Luxurious beds, balconies with water views across the bay, fridge, WiFi, USB sockets and a vibrant and sociable bar and lounge spaces that work for different moments of the day. Everything the modern and millennial traveller could possibly want. Given how popular this hotel is with those seeking a Cardiff city break we wouldn’t suggest leaving it to the last minute to make a booking.

How to Get to Cardiff

Drive

If you have your own vehicle, or prefer to hire a car for independent travel, the city can be accessed via the toll free M4 motorway and the journey takes roughly three hours from London. The Prince of Wales Bridge (formerly the Severn Bridge) which joins Wales & England is now toll free in both directions. 

Train

London to Cardiff by train is available via the Great Western Railway on a direct service. The journey takes just under two hours from London Paddington.  Book your train tickets early to get the best price. 

Coach

National Express Service (509) runs a non-stop service from London Victoria Coach Station direct to Cardiff Coach Station. A popular favourite for those travelling on short weekend breaks but just keep in mind the travel time.

This is by far the most affordable option with tickets as low as £7.90 one way, the direct journey takes just under four hours. 

Air

19km outside the city centre, easily accessible both by car and public transport for a weekend break in Cardiff. The airport, Cardiff Airport (IATA: CWL), is the largest airport in Wales and serves direct flights to the rest of the United Kingdom, and European destinations including Spain, France, Italy. The international airport also has flights to far flung destinations such as Australia with Qatar Airways and Cape Town via KLM and Qatar Airways.  

Want more things to do in  Cardiff? Check out these options