Cardiff — Five-Day Local Itinerary

Cardiff's most beautiful Victorian arcade, home to independent shops since 1896.

💡 Start at the St Mary Street entrance.

The oldest record shop in the world, founded in 1894. A pilgrimage site for local music lovers.

💡 Look for the iconic T-shirts.

Where Cardiffians have bought their groceries and Welsh cakes since 1891.

💡 Try the Welsh cakes at the central stalls.

The heart of the city; the free outer grounds are a local lunch spot.

💡 Residents with a 'Castle Key' get in for free; tourists pay for the apartments.

The city's 'green lung', perfect for a Taff Trail walk.

💡 Enter via the West Lodge gate next to the castle.

Local brewery (Newport-based) that saved the Cardiff craft scene.

💡 Try the 'Cwtch' Red Ale.

The seat of Welsh democracy, open to all for free.

💡 Check for security screening at entrance.

The 'Armadillo' of the Bay, inscribed with Welsh and English poetry.

💡 Look at the giant letters on the facade.

Where Roald Dahl was baptized; a landmark for the city's seafaring history.

💡 Great outdoor seating area.

A popular weekend walk for locals connecting the Bay to Penarth.

💡 Watch out for cyclists; it's a shared path.

Public square named after the Cardiff-born author, a spot for festivals.

💡 Iconic 'Water Tower' sculpture is here.

The legendary chip strip of Cardiff. Mandatory post-pub stop.

💡 Try 'Dorothy's' or 'Tony's'.

Wales' most popular heritage attraction, set in a castle's grounds.

💡 Give yourself at least 3-4 hours here.

A 1920s-style cafe inside the museum serving traditional Welsh fare.

💡 Classic Welsh tearoom vibe.

The creative heart of Canton, where locals meet for coffee, cinema, and art.

💡 Great for a rainy afternoon.

An award-winning neighborhood pub in Canton known for its food.

💡 Try their 'Chicken Kiev' if it's on the menu.

A peaceful 6th-century site of worship in the historic Llandaff village.

💡 Look for Jacob Epstein's 'Majestas' inside.

A local Pontcanna staple for fresh bread and pastries.

💡 The cinnamon buns (Kanelsnegle) are incredible.

A Victorian mansion and gardens saved by the local community.

💡 The Potting Shed cafe here is excellent.

A hub for Welsh-language culture and the best pre-match pub (even when there's no match).

💡 Means 'The Black Pig' in Welsh.

A classic Victorian park where Cardiff families walk the lake every Sunday morning.

💡 The lighthouse is a memorial to Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition.

One of Cardiff's most vibrant independent shopping and dining streets.

💡 Great for local bakeries and coffee shops.

A restored 19th-century pier that is a focal point for the seaside town of Penarth.

💡 Check out the small gallery inside the pavilion.

Where Cardiffians escape the city for fish and chips and sea air.

💡 Perfect for sunset.