If you are thinking of traveling to Cardiff, Wales, you are in the right place. Although historically referred to as the center of the coal trade and economy, Cardiff, the capital of Wales, has long been prominent for its tourism. With its immaculate streets, architectural structures belonging to different periods, beaches by the sea and festivals that continue all year, it is the center of attention of the city residents.
Cardiff has always been an important city in its more than 2000 years of history, from the Romans to the Normans. The geographical features of Cardiff, which has been known as an industrial city throughout history, made it an important coal center. Cardiff, also known as the coal bay in certain periods, has always had a strong economy thanks to being the capital of the country. Thanks to the tourism sector that has developed in recent years, its economy has strengthened not only with industry but also with tourism.
In addition to this strong economy, the best time to visit Cardiff, which draws attention with its activities that continue all year, architectural structures from different periods of history, clean beaches and sea in its gulf, is June and July, when the festivals are the majority and the weather is nice.
Where Is Cardiff?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Cardiff. The city of Cardiff, located in the south of Wales, has a flat geographical structure, but is surrounded by mountains to the east, west and north. It is a gulf city with a coast to the sea.
When To Go To Cardiff?
Summer months are hot and dry in Cardiff, where the maritime climate is dominant. Temperatures during this period are between 19-22 degrees. Winter months are rainy, but the air temperature does not fall below 0 degrees. The coldest weather is seen in January and February. June and July are suitable for going to Cardiff. Especially since the festivals start in July, this period is also preferred by tourists.
Best Places To Visit in Cardiff
Although it is known as the center of the coal trade and economy in the historical period, Cardiff, the capital of Wales, has long been prominent with its tourism. It is the center of attention of tourists with its immaculate streets, architectural structure of different periods, beaches and festivals that continue all year.
Cardiff Castle
The history of the castle, which is located in the center of the city and has a great architectural structure, dates back to the Roman period. The castle, which came under the rule of the state in 1947, draws attention with its 13th century black tower. For those who are curious about the castle, which has a very green area unlike other Welsh castles, 50-minute guided tours are organized inside the castle.
National Museum
Located in Gorsedd Gardens and having a neoclassical architectural structure, the national museum has a collection that sheds light on the history of not only Cardiff, but all of Wales. It takes an average of three hours to visit the museum, which is shown as one of the best British museums.
Millennium Stadium
Millennium Stadium, located on the banks of the Taff River, almost like a spaceship, attracts the attention of tourists especially with its architectural structure. Guided tours are available at the stadium, which hosts rugby and football matches with a capacity of 74,200 people.
Bute Park
Surrounded by Cardiff Castle and the River Taff, Bute Park was built in 1947. It is possible to see street sculptures and different animal species in the park, which covers a large part of the city.
Doctor Who Experience
Special tours are organized for the enthusiasts in Cardiff, where many episodes of the famous British TV series Doctor Who were shot.
Transportation In Cardiff
When you travel to Cardiff, you should also know how to get there. In Cardiff, which is a developed city, urban transportation is possible by bicycle, bus, boat, train, automobile and taxi. Since there is a good bus line, buses are shown as the easiest way of transportation. You can buy your ticket from the bus driver, but you have to pay in full since the drivers cannot give change. Boats running between Bute Park and Mermaid Quay on the Taff River depart every half hour.
Cardiff Cuisine
Your trip to Cardiff continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Cardiff. In Cardiff, which is a developed city, it is possible to find dishes from the cuisine of every country you are looking for and fast-food restaurants. But if you prefer classic Welsh cuisine, you can try cawl, a type of soup, welsh rabbit, laverbread made from sea bream, special cakes, bara brith, a fruit bread type, or Welsh sausage.
Popular restaurants
The Potted Pig: It is possible to find classic British dishes in the restaurant, which is preferred by both locals and tourists.
Fish at 85: You take the fresh fish from the counter and give it to the cook and he cooks it for you. Ideal for fish lovers.
Other restaurants
- Fresh
- Park House
- E Ashton’s
- Coffee Barker
- Purple Poppadom
- Cafe Citta
- Goat Major
- Zerodegrees
- Brava
- Milgi
- Conway.
Tip: At some Cardiff restaurants, 12-15 percent of the bill can be added to the bill. If it is not added, you can tip 10-15 percent according to your own desire.
Shopping In Cardiff
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your Cardiff trip with shopping? In Cardiff, which is ambitious about shopping, there are also shops where you can find products specific to the region, as well as designer boutiques or world-famous chain stores. In Cardiff, which has recently been shown as the sixth best shopping district in the United Kingdom, you can take a stroll in the stores that stand out with its architecture from both the King Edward and Queen Victoria periods, or if you wish, you can take a stroll in the modern shopping centers.
You can start your shopping at St David AVM, which is also worth seeing as a region. In addition, Queens Arcade, Royal, Castle, High Street and Morgan are also ideal places for shopping.
Cardiff Nightlife
It is possible to find events, restaurants, bars or clubs for every taste in Cardiff nightlife. Those who want to listen to live music prefer Live Lounge, Gwdihw Cafe Bar or Porter’s Cardiff, while those who want to listen to good music while drinking local cocktails prefer Ten Mill Lane. However, when you go to this place, it is worth remembering that there may be a queue at the door to enter. st. Mary Street, Greyfairs Road and Mermaid Quay are the addresses where you can find these places and more. When you travel to Cardiff, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
Cardiff Festivals
Everyman Festival (June-July): In this open-air theater festival held in Sophia Gardens, different theater and dance groups across the country take the stage.
Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival (July): There are national and international producers at the festival where you can taste homemade street food and drinks. Moreover, meals are free at most counters.
Welsh Proms (July): St. Many local and foreign orchestras and soloists take the stage at this classical music festival held at David’s Hall.
Cardiff Festival (July): Held on Cardiff’s waterfront, the festival is ideal for those seeking entertainment and events of all kinds.
Cardiff Public Holidays
- New Year (January 1)
- Good Friday
- Labor Day (May 1)
- Spring break
- Summer Holiday
- Christmas (25-26 December)
Useful Information For Cardiff
- Emergency assistance: 999
- Fire: 999
- Police: 101
