.jpeg)
Whether you’re visiting Cardiff or live nearby, there are plenty of things to do, even when you’re on a budget. Here’s a list of 25 fun things to do in Cardiff for families, couples, friend groups and if you’re visiting by yourself! There will be a mix of paid and free activities, so you can plan the best day out for you.
If you’re looking for a good museum, Cardiff is the place to go! To explore the history of Wales, you could explore the National Museum Cardiff, which even has free entry. There are also plenty of other smaller galleries to peruse. The Albany Gallery and the Castle Fine Art are both great choices for this.
One of the best and most relaxing free things to do in Cardiff is to visit one of the beautiful parks. Bute Park is a great place for a walk along one of the trails or a cozy picnic. There’s also a lot of history to explore here, including Cardiff Castle which is right by the park. Roath Park is also a great day out, with its distinct classic Victorian atmosphere. You can swim in the lake and enjoy its stunning wild and botanic gardens.
Cardiff Bay is a great place for a romantic stroll on a warm evening, or anytime you’d like to enjoy the seaside atmosphere. There is lots to do here, with a lively nightlife scene and lots of cute cafes and restaurants. Anytime you go, it’s a lovely place to just be.
Also, if you’re a fan of Doctor Who and the spin-off series Torchwood, you’ll recognize some of the filming locations here!
There are plenty of indoor kids activities for rainy days in Cardiff. You could take your kids or teens to a free museum or gallery like the National Museum Cardiff, or you could spend the day at a soft play to amuse your little ones. You could also check different activity centres, which are great for rainy days with the kids.
If the weather is nice, taking your kids out to a park is a great way to spend your family day out. You can bring a picnic, and explore the different trails with your kids. If you go to Bute Park, you can also take a walk around Cardiff Castle and its surroundings, which your kids will love.
It doesn’t need to be hard to find things to do in Cardiff with kids without breaking your bank. Check local listings for events, sign up to discount websites and plan ahead to make sure you get the best possible deals. Just exploring the city could be enough to keep your children and you happy, while enjoying some quality family time.
Cardiff is a great place to just go exploring. With all the beautiful green spaces and seaside views, you can’t really go wrong anywhere. Pontcanna is a nice neighbourhood to explore, known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It has a lot of independent shops and eateries to try out. Cathays is very nice too, close to Cardiff University and bustling with artists, students and young professionals. It’s vibrant and dynamic, with a lot of cafés to sit and chat.
If you’re looking for a livelier date, there are plenty of things to do in Cardiff in the evenings. You could watch a film at the cinema, see a concert, or go to the theatre. Even if you’re on a budget, live experiences can be affordable if you book early, check local listings and sign up to discount websites.
In case you’re looking for something a bit more ‘out there’, there are plenty of special activities in Cardiff for couples and friends. You could do pottery painting, attend a cooking class or even go for a game of laser tag. It is very possible to go to experiences like this for a reasonable price by checking venue websites for discounts and planning ahead.
If you’re looking for fun things to do, Cardiff Castle is another great option. Located in the city centre, it is a striking mix of Roman ruins, Norman keep and Victorian Gothic apartments that tells the story of Cardiff across two thousand years. You have to pay to enter, but Bute Park wraps around the castle grounds and offers a free way to explore it. Nearby, Castell Coch is worth the short trip out of the city centre for its fairytale turrets and woodland setting.
As mentioned, Cardiff Bay is a beautiful place for visitors to explore. With the waterfront being lined with restaurants and bars, it is great for a lively afternoon or evening. The Wales Millennium Centre is also right there, a striking landmark that hosts theatre, opera and live events year-round, and it’s worth checking out even if you're just passing through.
Cardiff's Victorian arcades are genuinely special, covered passages tucked between the main streets, filled with independent shops, cafes and the kind of places you only find if you know to look. The Royal Arcade, Morgan Arcade and Castle Arcade are the best ones to explore. Roath and Pontcanna are worth visiting if you want a quieter, more local feel with good coffee and independent bookshops.
Another great way to get free and discounted tickets to live events in Cardiff is to sign up with Tickets For Good. Tickets For Good offers free* and discounted tickets to NHS staff, teachers and charity workers to live events like music, sports, theatre, comedy and more. This could help you enjoy a day exploring the city and rounding it off with going to see a show, concert or a sports game without paying a fortune.
It’s free and simple to sign up, and well worth doing. As soon as we’ve verified you, you can browse our range of events in Cardiff and across the UK.
If you’re planning a day out in Cardiff anytime soon, sign up, see what’s on and plan your day from there.
*(+ mandatory booking fee)