Exploring Cardiff: A 4-Day Itinerary of Must-See Attractions

Our Four Day Cardiff Itinerary

Welcome to Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales! This charming city is a perfect destination for a four-day getaway. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere, Cardiff never has a dull moment. From exploring medieval castles to indulging in traditional Welsh cuisine, this itinerary has something for everyone. 

In this blog post, we will take you through an exciting itinerary that covers all the must-see spots and hidden gems of this beautiful city. Let’s dive right in! 

Introducing Cardiff Wales

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is a bustling hub for culture and nightlife. Located just two hours from London by train, it’s easy to get to and worth the visit. From Cardiff Castle to the Welsh National Stadium, you can find plenty of things to do, all within one square mile around Cardiff Central Station. Shopping centers, museums, theatres, and outdoor green spaces are just some of the attractions that Cardiff offers for a fun-filled weekend.

Getting to Cardiff

Getting to Cardiff is easy! Whether visiting for a short break from London or traveling further afield, getting there is simple.

Taking the train is probably the most convenient way, with around 60 direct trains daily from Paddington station that take about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can fly into Rhoose Cardiff International Airport and catch the shuttle bus, which costs just £1 per person. There are direct flights to Cardiff from many UK destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast, as well as European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Dublin.

Getting around Cardiff

Cardiff’s major attractions and sights are all conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to get around on foot. You can reach Cardiff Bay by either train or bus, while St Fagans and Castell Coch are also within easy reach if you’re willing to go further. The city has plenty of public transportation options to get around quickly. With everything being so close together, you can get to many places in about a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk.

DAY ONE: Explore the Heart of Cardiff

• Spend a half-day exploring Cardiff City Centre for a unique urban experience. This will help you get your bearings in the heart of Cardiff. 
• Begin your journey at Cardiff Market—the largest indoor market in Wales, selling fresh produce and artisan goods with plenty of dining options to choose from. Stop into Spillers Records, recognized as the oldest record shop in the world.

• Then stroll down Queen Street, where you can find some great shopping or explore the quaint arcades filled with independent shops. Browse the unique shops within the Victorian Arcades.
• For modern shopping, you can explore the St David’s Dewi Sant shopping center.  
• If you enjoy visiting church buildings, St. David’s Metropolitan Cathedral is a beautifully ornate church with beautiful ecclesiastical architecture, art, and stained glass windows. The City Parish of St. John the Baptist is another church right in the heart of the city with plenty of history.

• In the afternoon, visit the National Museum Cardiff or stroll Cardiff via the Centenary Walk which runs 2.3 miles within Cardiff’s city center.  This path passes through many of Cardiff’s landmarks and historic buildings.

DAY TWO: Two Castles and The Museum of Cardiff

• Morning: Visit Cardiff Castle.  This is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. Located in the heart of the capital, Cardiff Castle’s walls and fairytale towers conceal 2,000 years of history.  Arrive early and plan on visiting for at least 2 hours.
• Late morning, head over to The Museum of Cardiff. The Museum of Cardiff showcases the history of the Welsh capital, from its humble beginnings as a small market town in the 1300s to becoming one of the largest ports in the world at the turn of the 20th century. Tour this beautiful historic building and explore how Cardiff has evolved into the cool, cosmopolitan capital we know today. Explore the vast collections at your leisure or attend special guided tours to learn more about this fascinating city. Admission is free.
• Afternoon: A visit to Castle Coch, also known as the ‘fairy-tale’ castle, is a must for any visitor to South Wales. William Burges built this Victorian fantasy on the foundations of a medieval fortress, and its unique 19th-century architecture and design make it truly remarkable. It is conveniently located just outside Cardiff City Center and can be easily accessed by bus or train. A visit to Castle Coch promises visitors an experience of opulent decor, rich history, and a true ‘fairy-tale’ atmosphere.

DAY THREE: Day trip to Raglan Castle

After breakfast in Cardiff City Center, hop on a train to Newport. Then, travel by train from Cardiff Central to Newport, where you’ll catch a bus at the Newport Bus Station-Friars Walks (be careful to depart from the correct bus station). There, you can find a bus to travel to Raglan Castle.

Step back in time and explore the ruins of a once majestic castle. The castle is in ruins today and has been featured in the films “The Song Remains the Same,” featuring Led Zeppelin and “Time Bandits.” After a morning exploring the castle, have lunch in the town of Raglan at The Ship Inn before traveling back to Cardiff.  You might wait up to an hour for the bus ride back to the city.  If time permits, hop off the bus on the way back to Cardiff to explore the ancient Roman village of Caerloen. 

DAY FOUR: Immerse Yourself in Welsh History

St. Fagans National History Museum: If you want to experience authentic Welsh history, culture, and nature, then St. Fagans National History Museum in Cardiff is the place for you! Located just five miles outside the city center, this open-air museum offers a unique glimpse into Wales’ past with over forty historic buildings to explore and discover. There are examples of traditional Welsh farming techniques and craftsmanship, as well as interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. The museum also features beautiful parkland, wildlife gardens, and woodland walks for visitors to explore. This is an absolute gem of a museum that significantly exceeded our expectations when we visited. Arrive early and plan to spend five to six hours here.

You can read our post from our memorable visit to the St. Fagan National Museum here.

And if you are looking for a place to stay near this museum, check out our post – Hotels Near St Fagans National History Museum – Your Guide to the Closest Accommodations.

If you have more time, consider these places:

• Agincourt Wales Trail: Links eight historic sites that played a role in the famous battle. Consider this as an extension of a visit to Raglan Castle.
• Cardiff Bay and Boat tour: Explore the architecture and have a dockside meal
• Caerphilly Castle: Wales’ largest and Britain’s second-largest castle behind Windsor
• Town exploration: If you have time for another day trip or partial day-trip excursion from Cardiff City Center, consider hopping on a train to arrive at Barry Island, Llantwit Major, or Penarth.

Food Recommendations

• Pieminister for savory pies
• Barker Tea House: Breakfast, Brunch & Luncheon. Fabulously Indulgent Afternoon Tea.
• Picnic in Bute Park with food acquired at Cardiff Market (weather cooperating)
• Coffee: Bigmoose Coffee

Cardiff Lodging

Cardiff lodging options come in a range to fit all needs and budgets, most of which are in the heart of the city and conveniently located near Cardiff Central Station. Whether you’re looking for an affordable stay or something more luxurious, Cardiff has a lodging option perfect for you!

If you plan on visiting Cardiff for a game or concert at Principality Stadium, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. These events may cause rooms close to the city center to sell out quickly.

Our Top 3 Picks: Recommended Lodging in Cardiff

Luxury

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Parkgate Hotel
✔️ Luxurious amenities
✔️ Uniquely decorated rooms
✔️ Near Principality Stadium

↳ Book it

Mid-Range

Hotel Indigo Cardiff
✔️ Themed rooms
✔️ Rainfall showwers
✔️ Fitness suite

↳ Book it

Budget

Royal Hotel Cardiff
✔️ By Cardiff Central Station
✔️ 4-star hotel
✔️ In Cardiff City Center

↳ Book it

Luxury

Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff is the perfect mix of modern convenience and classic beauty. With its proximity to the Principality Stadium, it is the ideal place to stay for a sporting event or an evening on the town. Every room is uniquely decorated with touches of historic architecture, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests can also indulge in various dining experiences, from afternoon tea to dinner, each an elegant and savory experience. With its luxurious amenities and warm atmosphere, the Parkgate Hotel will surely make any visit to Cardiff one to remember.

Click to check rates and availability at Parkgate Hotel

Mid-Range

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo Cardiff is situated at the top of Queen Street. The modern hotel includes stylishly decorated rooms with nods to Welsh culture and heritage, including themes like ‘Made in Wales,’ ‘Welsh Industry,’ and ‘Music.’ Guests can enjoy views of the Cardiff skyline from many rooms, free Wi-Fi, and invigorating rainfall showers. There is a fully equipped fitness suite onsite. When hunger calls, the rooftop Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant provides a classic British menu and private dining options.

Check rates and availability at Hotel Indigo Cardiff

Budget

Royal Hotel Cardiff

The Royal Hotel Cardiff is the perfect destination for your stay in Wales’ capital. Located a mere 250 meters from Cardiff Central station, this 4-star hotel is renowned for its great value; it has made TripAdvisors past lists in the top 10 best value hotels in the UK. The Royal Hotel offers unbeatable convenience, located in the heart of Cardiff City Center, with easy access to cultural highlights such as St. David’s Hall and Wales Millennium Centre.

Check rates and availability at Royal Hotel Cardiff

Find more lodging options in Cardiff

Four day Cardiff itinerary

Explore Cardiff via a tour

Check out our post on the best tours in Cardiff to plan a guided adventure when you visit the Welsh capital.

The Best Tours in Cardiff

Four day Cardiff itinerary

Cardiff: Plan Your Areas of Interest

Sports

Sports fans should check for events at these places

• Cardiff City Stadium: Home of Cardiff City football team and Wales football team
• Principality Stadium: Behind-the-scenes tours also available at this site
• Sophia Gardens: Home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club

Architecture

Architecture Buffs should reference the Listed Buildings in Cardiff and choose among over 1,000 listed buildings in Cardiff to explore 

Read – Watch – Listen

Soak up the vibe of Cardiff with these selections before your trip

• Authors: Roald Dahl, Ken Follett
• Watch: Torchwood, Gavin and Stacey, Doctor Who, Sherlock
• Listen: Shirley Bassey, Ivor Novello, Charlotte Church, Super Furry Animals

Product Image	Product Name / Primary Rating / Price	Primary Button
	Cardiff in 50 Buildings Primary Rating: 4.0 $16.50	Buy Now
	The Little Book of Cardiff Primary Rating: 4.0 $12.77	Buy Now
	Cardiff : legendary city: map guide of what to see and how to get there 2019 (Capital City Quickmaps) Primary Rating: 4.1 $5.59	Buy Now

Cardiff in 50 Buildings

Primary Rating:

4.0

$16.50

Buy Now

The Little Book of Cardiff

Primary Rating:

4.0

$12.77

Buy Now

Cardiff : legendary city: map guide of what to see and how to get there 2019 (Capital City Quickmaps)

Primary Rating:

4.1

$5.59

Buy Now

Cardiff, Wales: Know before you go

✈️ Airport: Cardiff Airport (code: CWL)

⏰ Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (November-March)
British Summer Time (GMT+1) (March-October)

💰 Currency: Pound Sterling (£GBP) 

🗣 Language: English

🔌 Electricity Socket: For the United Kingdom, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The United Kingdom operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Use this universal travel adaptor.

Plan Your Personal Itinerary

• Selected attractions: Check attraction websites for your selections for open days, times, prices, and ticket information. 
• Lodging: We recommend lodging that is walkable to Cardiff Central Railway Station or otherwise within walking distance of the city center
• Transportation: Especially if you rely on public transit, plan how you will get to and from places on your personalized itinerary.  
• Google Maps: We recommend downloading an offline version of Google Maps to help you with navigation.  Note that the offline version of Google Maps provides driving routes versus walking routes. 

Podcasts About Visiting Cardiff

Visit our Podcast Archives for several episodes on visiting Cardiff, Wales.

Episodes include:

From Castles to Culture: Discovering the Rich History of Cardiff – Part 1
Exploring the Charming City of Cardiff Wales – Part 2
A Step Back in Time at St Fagans National Museum in Cardiff
Uncovering the Rich History of Cardiff Castle – Adventures in Wales