We'll tell you what you need to know about Cardiff, from what to see to where to eat and how to get about
We'll tell you what you need to know about Cardiff, from what to see to where to eat and how to get about
The Welsh capital has loads to offer the adventurous traveller – museums, parks, historic castles and a beautiful waterfront.
Getting around
Cardiff has an extensive bus system – and if you're not driving, it's probably the best way to travel. There are two fare zones (Cardiff and Barry) and you can buy single journey or day tickets on the bus with cash. Your ibis hotel staff will be more than happy to point you in the right direction – of if you're out and about, you can use the Traveline Cymru journey planner.
For a weekly pass, you'll need to use either an Iff card or the Iff mobile app, which are also handy if you're out of loose change. With the app, you can pay for your ticket through your mobile device, and then simply show the driver the ticket on your screen every time you board.
If you're looking for taxis, there are several ranks around the city centre. Look for black or black-and-white cabs with signs on the roof. While these licensed cabs can be hailed on the street, it's not as easy as in cities like London. Instead, many people book private taxis – again, your ibis hotel staff will be delighted to help.
Seeing the sights
Cardiff is a port city, and there's plenty to see near the waterfront at the Bay. The huge Wales Millennium Centre is the main theatre for musicals, opera and ballet, and the Senedd is the home of the National Assembly for Wales. If you're not sure where to get started, there's a 50-minute ‘hop-on, hop-off’ City Sightseeing bus tour, which you can join or leave at any of the 11 stops.
On the north side of the city, just on the edge of scenic Bute Park, you'll find Cardiff Castle, as well as the iconic Millennium Stadium (soon to be renamed Principality Stadium). Just a few streets away is the National Museum, a grand display of Welsh art and history, as well as the City Hall and Crown Court.
Heading further out from the centre, you can take the 32A bus from Westgate Street (near the Millennium Centre) to St Fagans National History Museum, with its indoor galleries and open-air museum. Or you can take the 54 bus from Hayes Bridge Road (near the John Lewis store) up to Roath Park for its botanical garden, sports grounds and memorial lighthouse. You can also go boating on the large lake.
Eating out
If you’re not sure what you feel like, Mermaid Quay is a good first stop. This waterfront location overlooking the Bay is just 5 minutes from the city centre, and it's full of restaurants, cafés and bars, including Zizzi, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Côte Brasserie.
If you're looking for something a little more distinctive, try The Pot (near Roath Park) for French cuisine, or Shaam Nights (near the National Museum) for Middle Eastern. And if you're just out for a quick lunch, head to The New York Deli (near Cardiff Castle and the Hotel ibis Cardiff) for some impressive American-style subs.
If you’re here for the sports, there are a number of watering holes near the stadium popular with fans. Try The Goat Major opposite Cardiff Castle or the nearby Owain Glyndwr.
Whatever you do in the city, you’ll want to be in an easy location. Take a look at our comfortable hotels in Cardiff before you book your trip.
