Things To Do In Cardiff On Your Trip

The UK is full of really intriguing cities, full of history, culture and wonder.

When it comes to travelling through the UK, you might be wondering which of these amazing cities you should visit – and the Welsh Capital of Cardiff might be something you consider. 

Cardiff has a lot to offer any traveller. From historical places to visit, sports arenas, culture and art events – there’s really an endless amount of possibilities.

Of course though, if you’ve never been, you’ll be wondering what you can do in Cardiff on your trip! 

So we’ve written this handy guide which shows you plenty of things you can do during your trip in Cardiff. Get your dragons and leeks at the ready and let’s dive in. 

[1] National Museum 

If you’re someone that adores history, then the National Museum in Cardiff is the place you should visit (if you’re interested in the history of aviation, check out our guide to aviation museums).

From dinosaurs to geological history, this museum covers a whole range of events in our planet’s history, and it’s fun for all the family! 

The museum tends to offer a special exhibit from time to time, and while entry to the museum is free, you will have to pay if you want to see the special exhibit – but of course, this is entirely up to you. 

From the everyday side of things, the museum has so much here. Impressionist paintings, archeological artefacts, ancient marine life and plenty more, everybody is happy.

Each item in the museum comes with an accompanying write up which explains its origins and history. 

However, don’t worry about the kids getting bored.

There’s interactive exhibits like the “space room”, which allows guests to sit and listen to the talk whilst being within a dark room showing you the stars and planets via screens and speakers. 

If you get hungry, there’s a cafe/restaurant downstairs and it’s reasonably priced too. Once you’ve had your fill for the day, why not visit the gift shop and buy yourself a keepsake to remind you of the special day! 

Don’t panic about getting there either, it’s easy to get to with a visitor car park right behind the museum (Museum Avenue) but you need to remember to pick up an exit token from the museum.

You can also easily get here by train or bus, and their terminus is not too far away, roughly a five to ten minute walk. 

[2] Techniquest 

Techniquest is one of the most unique places to visit, and in fact it is now the only one left of its kind.

It’s situated in Cardiff Bay, which is a beautiful place to visit on its own – but previously there were smaller, sister Techniquests located around North and West Wales.

This place is one of the most fun places to go when you’re in Cardiff, for adults and kids alike – but kids will absolutely go crazy for the place, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a Welsh child that has anything bad to say about it!

There are two floors in Techniquest and both of them are packed with plenty of scientific interactive experiences.

Indeed, there are over 100 exhibits which are in the fields of space, natural environment, biomedicine, the wider world and chemistry! 

Kids and adults will both enjoy the fun of the place whilst also learning a lot more about science.

It really is so fun and you can take this fun home with you by using an X-TAG, which tracks everything you have discovered, and gives you extra things to see and learn!

Before you head home though, make sure you visit the cafe which has some excellent quality snacks and coffee or tea, and pick up a little keepsake from the gift shop. 

[3] Welsh National Opera 

The Welsh National Opera has a huge history, dating back to 1943 and was set up by a collection of Welsh miners, doctors and teachers.

The performances have come a long way in this time though, from the original taking place on top of a garage! 

Nowadays, the Welsh National Opera is located at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and every single performance is full of passion, life and love from the performers – and every single audience member will feel it. 

The building is open weekdays between 9:30am and 5:30pm – so it’s worth heading down there.

You may be able to get involved in a tour of the glorious building, but if you’re not lucky that day, you can still take in the general atmosphere and snap a couple of pictures.

[4] Cardiff Boat Tours 

Something that almost everyone likes to do is go on a boat tour.

While Cardiff is unlikely to give you the same boat experience as a Spanish holiday, the boat tours are really calming and a lot of fun – but they’re at their best during the summer months! 

The Princess Katharine, which is the name of this water-taxi, is located at either Cardiff Bay or Bute Park and it allows any passengers to see and learn about the history and awesome sights that the city has to offer. 

These tours are run by two very experienced and knowledgeable boat masters who are ready to answer as many questions as you can think of. 

What’s more, if you are celebrating an event, you can even book the boat tour privately! So, if your trip has a birthday for example, it’s worth calling ahead to see if you can make the day extra special.

Just be aware that bad weather can lead to cancellation!

[5] St Fagans 

St Fagans is another museum situated just on the outskirts of Cardiff, but it’s packed full of fun and adventure.

This museum is unique from other museums as its focus is on the way people lived and everything about them – rather than simply objects and dates.

Entry is free but if you want to take part in the zip-wire activity, there’s a small fee for that – but everything else will just need you! This includes crafts, blacksmithing and other interesting activities! 

[6] Boulder Indoor Climbing 

We now move onto something a little more active with a really fun place to go.

Situated in the Boulder Indoor Climbing Centre about five minutes from the city centre, you and your kids can get involved with climbing rock walls from four metres to 12 metres tall! 

People of all skill sets can get involved and you can even book special events like a birthday party, stag or hen do and kids holiday party.

There’s a soft play area too for kids who might get a little restless if they’re not into rock climbing as much.

Oh and don’t worry about equipment or know-how, the staff will provide all of this to you. Just bring yourself and a happy attitude! 

There’s free Wi-Fi, some amazing food and an on-site gift shop if you’re hoping to buy a keepsake. Luckily, it’s not expensive for the day either, so don’t worry about the budget! 

[7] Cardiff Devils (Ice Hockey) 

Within the International Sports Arena, you’ll find the Viola Arena and this is the home of the Cardiff Devils. They are a national ice hockey team and they have recently won the playoffs. 

Of course, you’ll need to go when there’s a match on, but if you head online or even down the arena, you’ll quickly find out when the next game is on.

Pick up some tickets and let you and your family experience the majesty of ice hockey! 

It’s a great night out and something you would not likely associate with Wales. Lots of opportunities for photographs too! 

[8] Principality Stadium Tour 

The home of Welsh rugby and a place that echoes the roars of the Welsh crowd when the team is playing (especially against England!).

The Principality Stadium, renamed from the Millenium Stadium, is an icon of Cardiff. 

Inside this massive 74,000 capacity stadium – you will feel the chills and passion of the nation, even when there’s not many people around during a tour.

It just has that eerie, spine-tingling edge to it. 

Tours run all week and take you through everywhere, including the home and away changing rooms, the outside of the pitch in a “lap of honour” and lots more.

You will need to check for their opening times though as they are subject to events.

Speaking of which, sometimes the pitch is covered with something else – because acts like U2, Madonna and Tom Jones have been known to play sets there! 

If you’re heading down to the Welsh Capital, you cannot leave without doing this tour. Perfect for everybody and iconic to Welsh culture. 

Final Thoughts 

Cardiff has so many things to do, but for you – it’s gonna come down to your own preferences! You won’t have trouble finding something you love though.