How to spend a day trip to Cardiff

Planning a visit to Wales? Then you should take day trip to the capital. Cardiff is a fun city that has plenty to offer, from heritage and history to delicious food and independent shopping. Plus, it’s easy to get to!

In this article, we’ll explain how to spend one day in Cardiff.

Getting to Cardiff

There are a few options when it comes to getting to Cardiff.

You can always drive. Cardiff isn’t a difficult city to drive through and there are good options for parking like St. David’s Shopping Car Park or the John Lewis Car Park

If you want to save yourself the hassle of driving, then why not get the train in? Cardiff Central Train Station is right in the city centre, so it’s easy and simple to get train tickets from Swansea to Cardiff or from locations even further afield.

Cardiff is also well connected by bus, making it easy to travel into the city centre from towns and villages nearby.

Things to do in Cardiff

There are so many fun activities you can enjoy during your day trip to Cardiff. Consider the options below to experience the best of what the city has to offer.

  • Cardiff market

This redeveloped Victorian market in the heart of the city is home to countless independent Welsh businesses, offering street food, artisan coffee and various goods – not to mention plenty of local charm.

  • Cardiff Castle

This leading Welsh heritage attraction is more than 2000 years old, having been built by the Normans on top of the original fort from when the Romans ruled Britannia. Needless to say, there’s plenty of history to discover here. But you’ll also beautiful parklands that provide the perfect contrast with the hustle and bustle of Cardiff city close by.

  • Mermaid Quay

This waterfront shopping and leisure district is home to more than 30 restaurants, bars and cafes, offering not just Welsh cuisine but from around the world. There’s a great selection of shopping in this area, as well as a waterbus service you can use to take a trip around the bay or even further beyond.

  • Penarth Beach

This popular pebble beach in the pretty pier town of Penarth offers plenty of picturesque views. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to get to from Cardiff. In fact, you can get there in just a few minutes. Once there you can get take a walk along the esplanade, explore Penarth Pier Pavilion or enjoy some fish and chips.

Getting excited for your visit to Wales? Which attractions in Cardiff will you be visiting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

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