Sightseeing In Cardiff For 24 Hours 

Famous for having more castles than any other city in the world and often referred to as the ‘City of Arcades’, Cardiff is a laid-back and quaint capital city situated on the southern coast of Wales that boasts a wide range of impressive sites and activities, while being perfect for 24 hours of sightseeing.

The moment I got off the train at Cardiff Central, I was shocked by how quiet the city is. Having been around London and Edinburgh, I assumed I would be met with busy streets and a fast-paced lifestyle, only to find the opposite. Now I did carry out a poll on my Instagram to see if this was a one-off experience because of the winter but quickly learnt that so many travellers experienced Cardiff in its most peaceful state, no matter the weather. 

In fact, according to locals, the only time to truly witness Cardiff, or Caerdydd as the city is known in Welsh, in all its lively and chaotic beauty is on Rugby game days and at Rugby-related events. 

However, in saying this, my peaceful 24 hours in Cardiff was one of the best times I have had travelling, and what made it even more special was that this was the first time I travelled solo. If you are searching for a safe but exciting destination for your first solo adventure, Cardiff is the place to be!

In this post, I’ll share the most memorable attractions for sightseeing in Cardiff for 24 hours, including cultural landmarks, hidden gems, and exciting outdoor activities. 

Travel and Accommodation 

Being the Welsh capital, Cardiff is the easiest city to get to in the country, whether you are flying or catching the train. 

Those of you travelling from outside Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) will most likely fly into Cardiff Airport which is a 30-minute car ride from the city centre. If you plan to arrive by train from within Britain, then your two best options are to get off at either Cardiff Bay Station or Cardiff Central Station. 

In terms of accommodation, Cardiff hosts a range of chain and independent hotels that can be incredibly affordable, but prices depend on the time of year you travel. I stayed at the Ibis Budget Hotel for £40 a night in early December. By 15^th December, the cost had gone up to £115 a night.

Other options include:

• Hotel Indigo – Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
• The Parkgate Hotel
• Holiday Inn Cardiff City, an IHG Hotel

Figuring Out Your Itinerary For Sightseeing In Cardiff For 24 Hours

DAY ONE

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a lovely area of the city only a 20-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station. It is mostly residential, but as you make your way to the waterfront, you come across a mix of interesting historic architecture and leisure activities. 

From the towering Pierhead and grand Millennium Centre (where you can immerse in national artistry) to the Mermaid Quay which hosts a wide selection of cuisine from around the world, there is quite a lot to see and do. The summer months naturally witness a lively atmosphere (+ wonderful cycling routes), but the serenity of the winter is also something to be enjoyed. I actually loved walking along the water without any crowds. 

The Arcades

The arcades of Cardiff are one of the city’s best attractions, and there is quite a variety of Victorian and Edwardian ones to wander through. In fact, the city is so popular for these majestic sites that it is often nicknamed the ‘City of Arcades’. Most are filled with posh barber shops and hair salons alongside boutique shops and sophisticated cafes. 

Best of all, Spillers Records, the world’s oldest record store, can be found in the Morgan Arcade, and it is one place you must visit even if you don’t care much for music in its physical form.

Cardiff Winter Wonderland

Cardiff hosts a mini version of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland every winter opposite the National Museum. Unlike the Christmas markets of London, its small size makes it feel cosy and homey, making the city exude a small-town feel.

Watch A Rugby Game At Principality Stadium

I have been informed by the locals that for such a peaceful city, Cardiff truly comes alive on game days. So, if you want to witness the destination in all its lively glory, plan a trip for when a big rugby event is taking place – such as on International Rugby Day, when the city triples in energy and dons a carnival-like atmosphere. 

Most rugby fans across the globe agree that Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is the best rugby stadium in the world.

Have A Drink At A Bar

If you are unable to experience the Rugby mayhem, you can still find a party atmosphere at the many bars in the city centre. I was so lucky to watch the Brazil vs South Korea World Cup game at a bar in Cardiff, and it was one the best experiences I’ve had. The locals create the perfect mix of a relaxed but spirited environment – and even though everyone is drunk, you don’t feel unsafe because everyone is so friendly. Truthfully, sightseeing in Cardiff is not complete without spending a few hours at a local pub.

DAY TWO

National Museum

I tend to avoid recommending museums unless there is particularly exciting to look at. Apart from a few Monet and Picasso artworks, the National Museum of Cardiff is no exception in that it hardly has anything super unique for its various exhibits in zoology, geology, and human history (at least for when I was there). However, I fell in love with the museum because of its structural beauty. There is something about the architecture of the building that is so captivating, and even if you only go inside for five minutes (entrance in free) to marvel at the ceilings, it will be worth it. 

Keep in mind that the museum is closed on Monday.

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Cardiff Castle 

Cardiff Castle is a time capsule protecting nearly 2000 years of Welsh history as it dominates the city centre. Built by Norman invaders on the foundations of a third-century Roman fort, the 11^th-century castle is where you can spend a few hours geeking over the incredible architecture and gothic-style interiors. 

The castle grounds are also lovely for wistful wandering. However as I learnt during my trip to Rochester, most castle grounds across the UK are filled with Christmas Market stalls during the winter, so keep that in mind for your visit. I do think that regardless of what season you make the trip, you will enjoy the grounds for what they are offering at the time.

The castle at its grounds opens every day at 10am, and tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £12 for students with a valid ID.

Bute Park

This botanical paradise consists of 130 acres of landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown and borders Cardiff Castle, so it’s a nice space for a stroll before or after you explore the castle. In the winter, the park is foggy and quiet, apart from the occasional morning walker or runner, so if you want to experience the full scale of its colourful beauty and vibrant setting, head over during the spring/summer months. It is also a whole lot more fun to admire the many fascinating sculptures in the park when your fingers and toes aren’t frozen. 

Boat Tour between Bute Park and Cardiff Bay

Although Cardiff is an incredibly walkable city, another great way to tour the city is from the water to discover new perspectives. In many ways, this Waterbus service, can be linked to those in Venice and Copenhagen. One of the more popular Cardiff boat tours is aboard Princess Katharine, a heated 90-seat waterbus that travels from Cardiff Bay to Bute Park and back. It is the perfect summer activity but can also be enjoyed in the winter – however, only on the weekends.

IF YOU HAVE TIME

Castell Coch (The Red Castle) 

Castle Coch is a 19^th-century gothic-style castle that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. Unfortunately, because it lies outside the city where public transport links aren’t great (and lack of time) I did not make the visit. However, if you are in Cardiff for longer than 24 hours or have access to a car, the 15-minute drive from the city to the historic site is worth it.  

Llandaff Cathedral 

Llandaff Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain and Cardiff’s most impactful church. People have been praying here since the 6^th century, but what stands before you today is a place of worship rebuilt in the 12^thcentury. Truthfully, it’s one of those attractions that are worth it if you are trying to kill time, but not necessary for sightseeing if you are only in Cardiff for 24 hours. 

Average Cost For Sightseeing In Cardiff Per Person

Transport (train from London + local travel): £45

Accommodation: £40

Attractions: £20 (excludes rugby match tickets)

Food and amenities: £50

Practical Information About Cardiff

Location: Wales, United Kingdom

National Languages: Welsh and English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, England, Northern Ireland