Cardiff

The capital of Wales since just 1955, Cardiff has embraced the role with vigour, emerging in the new millennium as one of Britain’s leading urban centres. Spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, compact Cardiff seems to have surprised even itself with how interesting it has become.

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Wales, United Kingdom, Europe

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Latest Stories
Book
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Cardiff? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Wales trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Wales

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

start planning learn more

Top places to visit in Cardiff

Discover the best attractions in Cardiff from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Cardiff travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Experience the best of the Welsh capital with this guide to the top things to do in Cardiff.

Read full article

Day Trips

From golden sands to rugged peaks, these destinations offer some of the best day trips from Cardiff.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Cardiff