Locals or those looking to travel to the Welsh capital will want to take some quality snaps. Then, get your post shared on Instagram. There are so many Instagrammable locations in Cardiff. I’ve put together a list of some of the best places to take photos in Cardiff.
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Cardiff Bay
Covering almost all of the former dockyards, Cardiff Bay has various buildings, backdrops and even a wetlands preserve. Here, you can find some industrial settings alongside modern and contemporary bars and restaurants. Stroll along the water and catch the golden hour or the sunset. It’s one of the nice places in Cardiff to take a profile pic or two.
Food and drink in Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is a top spot for food and drink. The majority of the restaurants look over the water and have outdoor seating. With a Tastecard, you can get 2-for-1 on meals or 50% off food. Get a free 2-month trial here:
The Coal Exchange
Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay
Now a hotel, The Coal Exchange is a historic building in Cardiff Bay. The main room in the building was initially used as a market trading floor. But now it is used for weddings and events. One of the facts about Cardiff is that the first million-pound deal in the world was done here. The building’s French Renaissance style with Jacobethan dark wood and plaster moulds inside will give you striking and elegant pictures here.
Wales Millennium Centre
Bute Place, Cardiff
The iconic building was designed to reflect the natural and industrial landscape of Wales, taking inspiration from the sea and steel of South Wales and the steel of North Wales. The inscription reads Creu Gwir Gwydr o Ffwrnais Awen on the left, and the English translation, In These Horizons Sing, on the right. You can also pose indoors in the large foyers, staircases or inside the letters on the upper floors (when they are open, usually on performance days).
Pierhead Building
Pierhead Street, Cardiff Bay
One of the landmarks in Cardiff is the Pierhead Building. The Grade I listed building was used as the Bute Dock Company’s headquarters. It was built in 1897. The clock is unofficially known as Baby Big Ben or the Big Ben of Wales, as it has the same features and mechanism as the one in London. The striking red colour will look fantastic as the feature or backdrop to your photograph.
The Senedd – National Assembly
Pierhead Street, Cardiff Bay
The Welsh Parliament building, The Senedd, is where the laws in Wales are made and upheld. The building faces the water in Cardiff Bay and has a glass façade around the entire building. Inside, it has three floors (the first and second are accessible to the public) and a sloping wood ceiling. Even The Queen had her picture taken on the iconic steps when she officially opened the building on 1st March 2006.
Norwegian Church
Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay
Once an important landmark and meeting place for Norwegian seamen during the Industrial Revolution, it’s now an Instagrammable location in Cardiff. It was even the church Roald Dahl was baptised in. The striking white building has dark spires, window frames and features. Every year on 17th May (my birthday), the Welsh Norwegian Society celebrate Norwegian Day with a colourful parade and flag-raising ceremony.
Cardiff Bay Barrage
Cargo Road, Cardiff Bay
A walk across the Barrage gives you a great perspective of the whole Bay. It’s one of the best photography spots in Cardiff, with plenty of fascinating landmarks along the way. Even a peek at the picturesque seaside town of Penarth.
Penarth Pier
The Esplanade, Penarth
Technically, Penarth Pier isn’t in Cardiff, but it’s so close I had to include it. You can see parts of Cardiff Bay, and the view is wonderful. You can see the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm and even Weston-Super-Mare on a clear day. It’s only 200 metres long and is decorated in cast iron and wooden decking.
Castell Coch
Castell Coch View, Tongwynlais
The fairy tale castle of Castell Coch, the Red Castle, was crafted in the 19th Century as the perfect castle by the Marquis of Bute. The Gothic revival castle has attractive turrets and walls and looks like it’s out of a fairy tale. The detailed architecture is impressive, both inside and out. It is surrounded by ancient woods called Fforest Fawr, where you can also explore and photograph. It is regularly voted by the public as their favourite building in Wales.
The Garth Mountain
Gwaelod-y-Garth
On a clear day, you can see all the way to Cardiff Bay and Weston-Super-Mare across the Bristol Channel. Garth Hill, usually called The Garth or Garth Mountain, gives you incredible views of Cardiff from the summit. It has several tumuli (burial mounds) on its top, dating back to the Bronze Age. Stop to refuel and rehydrate at the Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn.
Llandaff Cathedral
Cathedral Close, Llandaff
Llandaff is a pretty suburb of Cardiff with the historic cathedral at its heart. It was founded way back in 1107 and has had many substantial alterations. It was even severely bombed during the Second World War. The interior is naturally spectacular, with an interesting mix of historical and modern architecture.
Insole Court
Fairwater Road, Llandaff
Historically, it was home to the Insole family. Insole Court was built in the Gothic revival manor with ornamental gardens. The location is often described as one of the cutest places in Cardiff. Many Cardiff shooters and IGers find themselves at the Grade II listed mansion for photoshoots.
Cardiff Castle
Castle Street, City Centre
At the heart of the city centre is Cardiff Castle. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wales and is constructed on top of a 2000-year-old Roman fortification. There is a medieval castle and motte and bailey. Plus, a Victorian Gothic revival mansion, where each room is full of colourful, exciting displays.
Food and drink in Cardiff City Centre
Rest your feet between Instagrammable locations and fuel up. With a Tastecard, you can get 2-for-1 on meals or 50% off food. Get a free 2-month trial here:
Womanby Street
Near Cardiff Castle, City Centre
Womanby Street is one of the oldest streets in Cardiff. It traces its name back to its origins in the Norse language. Now, it is home to several pubs, bars and The Welsh Club – Clwb Ifor Bach. It’s an urban part of the city with interesting street art. The cobbled walkways are pedestrianised, so you don’t need to worry about oncoming traffic when taking photographs.
St Mary Street
High Street leading on to St Mary Street, City Centre
One of the major commercial streets in the city centre, many of the locals call it St Mary’s Street. It is pedestrianised, and it is wide enough that during COVID-19, a walking system was set up to keep everyone moving safely. With attractive architecture on shopfronts, restaurants and colourful flags, it is one of the top Instagrammable locations in Cardiff.
Principality Stadium
Westgate Street, City Centre
Hey, if you’re a local like me, you probably still call it the Millennium Stadium. Some incredible sporting stories and magical music moments have happened under its infamous roof. The corner points of the stadium can be spotted in the skyline from various places in Cardiff. It sits alongside the River Taff, so whether outside or inside, you’re going to get an iconic Instagram picture.
National Museum Cardiff
Gorsedd Gardens Road, off Park Place, City Centre
The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff is in front of elegantly landscaped gardens where you can find the Gorsedd Garden and statue of David Lloyd George. The grand foyer and staircases are often used as top Instagrammable locations in Cardiff. Photography is allowed in all of the galleries, just not in loan collections.
Cardiff City Hall
Next to the National Museum Cardiff
The magnificent Edwardian City Hall has been acclaimed as one of the finest civic centres in Europe. With detailed French and English-inspired architecture, City Hall is dominated by a 194-foot-high clock tower. The dome has a Welsh dragon on top of it, too. In front of the building is a rectangular pool with fountains and memorials to the Second World War. Inside, the marble hall is furnished with famous figures from Welsh history. The Assembly Room is decorated with gold leaf, mermaids and other sea creatures and large bronze chandeliers.
Bute Park
North Road, City Centre
There are 130 acres of majestic green space to explore, so you’re bound to find a perfect place for some photography. It starts at the back of Cardiff Castle. You’ll also find a wealth of horticulture and wildlife, an animal wall, Gorsedd stones (which you get when you host a National Eisteddfod), a sculpture trail, the remains of Blackfriars Friary and the arboretum.
Alexandra Gardens
King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays
Close to Bute Park and the Civic Centre is Alexandra Gardens. Also known as Cathays Park. It is a rectangular space with formal lawns, flower beds, and the Welsh National War Memorial. The circular stone structure commemorates the servicemen who died during the First and Second World Wars.
The Arcades
Various locations, City Centre
Cardiff is known as the City of Arcades because it has the biggest concentration of Victorian, Edwardian and modern-day indoor shopping centres in the world. They are full of local, independent businesses and eateries. It’s one of Cardiff’s Iger’s favourite photo spots. Head to the balcony in the Castle Arcade for a unique vantage point, or look up in Morgan Arcade to capture the ceiling.
Cardiff Central Train Station
Central Square, City Centre
Cardiff Central Railway Station is still emblazoned with Great Western Railway in its stone. It is the largest business station in Wales. The Art Deco design at the entrance is topped by a domed clock. Inside, the tiled walls and signage are from the 1930s and look spectacular.
Jacobs Antiques
West Canal Wharf (near Cardiff Central Railway Station)
The independent market is across three floors. Here is a collection of antiques, vintage, retro and collectable items. With decorative art and furniture, clothes and military memorabilia, plus artisan coffee and light bites on the rooftop bar. You’ll find many hidden nooks and crannies and, in some areas, some fantastic lighting.
The Content Hub
St David’s Shopping Centre, City Centre – NOW CLOSED
The Content Hub is a place to create gorgeous content or practise your photography. There are multiple Instagrammable spots and setups where you can take selfies or grid pics. There’s a ball pit, bathtub, phone booth, swing, disco balls and a flower wall. What’s not to love?
Taff Trail
The Taff Trail starts in Cardiff Bay and covers 55 miles to Brecon. In Cardiff, it takes you through the suburbs of Grangetown, Riverside, Pontcanna, Gabalfa, Llandaff North, Whitchurch, Radyr, Tongwynlais and Taffs Well. There are some great places to admire the views and visit heritage sites and other points of interest. Including Blackweir Bridge, Llandaff Weir and the Melingriffth Water Wheel. Keep an eye out for the Taff Snail too!
St Fagans National Museum
Off Michaelson Road and Castle Hill, St Fagans
One of Wales’ most popular heritage attractions, St Fagans National Museum of History, has something for everyone. With scenic walks, a 16th-century manor house and buildings from all over Wales that have been rebuilt. St Fagans Castle is one of the finest Elizabethan manors in Wales. The beautiful gardens have fish ponds, fountains, a vinery and a peaceful rose garden with a depth of colour.
Over 40 re-erected buildings from various locations in Wales and different points in history are within the grounds. Instagrammable locations include a flour mill, working farm with livestock, St Teilo’s Church, farmhouses, tollhouse, Oakdale Workmen’s Institute, Newbridge War Memorial, post office, prefab bungalow, The Vulcan pub and hotel – to name a few. Plus, a row of terraced houses showing what they would have looked like throughout the decades. Perfect for vintage and retro photographs.
Cardiff City Football Club
Ninian Park, Leckwith Road, Leckwith
It might not be an obvious choice for an Instagram picture, but Cardiff City FC is the home of football in the city. Currently, they are in the Championship and are the only team from outside of England to win the FA Cup in 1927. They are nicknamed “The Bluebirds”. The stadium is a perfect backdrop or iconic image. Or, like me, take a behind-the-scenes tour…
Roath Park
Lake Road West, Roath
With a classically Victorian layout and atmosphere, Roath Park is one of the most famous landmarks in Cardiff. The lighthouse tribute to Captain Scott, who set off from Cardiff for the Antarctic in 1910, can be found on the lake. Watch out for the geese and swans, as they like to get close to you! There’s also the Wild Garden, Llandennis Oval, Botanic Garden, and the Roath Pleasure Gardens.
Street Art and Graffiti Walls
Northcote Street Lane, Roath
It’s one of the top Instagrammable places if you want an urban portrait shoot. The graffiti walls in Northcote Street Lanes are hard to spot if you don’t know they’re there. Just off City Road, the street art changes regularly, so it’s worth making it a regular spot to revisit.
Crwys Road Bridge, Roath
From an animal wall across Crwys Road Bridge, which follows the evolution of a cell into a fish, amphibians and mammals. Other graffiti tags include I Love You and Love Yourself.
City Road, Roath
Again, along City Road, you’ll find many pieces of street art that change throughout the year. The peacock, with its feathers in full bloom, is one of the popular Instagrammable locations in Cardiff.
Dyffryn Gardens
Dyffryn Close, St Nicholas
From the manor house, which used to belong to the Cory family at the beginning of the 20th Century. The rooms of Dyffryn Gardens are beautifully furnished and have lots of spots for a photo opportunity, including a grand piano and billiards room. The grounds, all 55 acres of it, have grand views, sweeping lawns, and water features. Discover the Pompeiian Garden, Paved Court, Reflecting Pool and Mediterranean Garden.
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Lavernock Road, Penarth
Cosmeston is found just outside Cardiff in the village of Lavernock. It has several environments and is a haven for local wildlife. As it is flat, grab an ice cream and take to the paths, which flow around two flooded quarries to create mini lakes. The woodland, meadows and wetland can all create compelling Instagram images.
An alternative Instagrammable locations in Cardiff is Cosmeston Medieval Village. Which is set in the year 1350. It was a turbulent period in history between the Welsh and the English. The reconstruction shows medieval village life where there was plague and conflict.
Map of the locations
Not sure where the locations are? They are all on this handy map. Zoom in or expand, and plan your route to visit these Instagrammable spots in Cardiff.
How are you getting to these locations?
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, and Cathays, the train stops at Queen Street and Cardiff Central in the city centre. You can also get to Cardiff Bay. Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And who doesn’t want to save money?
Instagrammable locations in Cardiff
Have I missed your favourite Instagrammable locations in Cardiff? Hopefully, the list has given you lots of ideas and spots to visit to get the best images, reels and videos for your social media feed.
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When I lived in the Rhondda many moons ago I used to visit Cardiff on a regular basis travelling bu train from Ystrad Station to Qeen station near to queen street or if I was going too London on to the Cardiff General Station to catch the Express train to Paddington station, before Diesel came along and later By Diesel to Paddington..
Cardiff is or was a lovely City I remember the Capitol Cinema in Cardiff a very smart cinema too inside. Had a theatre organ which played as it came up from below, a sight to see it was, as was the inside of the Capitol Cinema I believe that the mentioned cinema is no more?, Pity Queen Street is the Main shopping street is Cardiff Or Was? then there was many shops in the mentioned street and the covered market had lovely Faggots and Peas in a bowl piping hot too many timed and in Pontyprdd covered market or indoors market refers to the one in Cardiff too I.E. IN doors so to speak. to go in to the Market in Cardiff one walked over Graves in the ground. My father explained it to me as we walked over the graves to go inside the mentioned.. he pointed them out to me and my brother we were quite young then compared to now and no longer living in the Rhondda.
Queen Street is still one of the main shopping areas, along with the arcades and the new(ish) St David’s. Of course, you can still get faggots and peas in the market and visit the graves in St John’s. It is now a small public garden.
I never realised how interesting and how much there is to do in Cardiff I really enjoyed reading this, I’m definitely going to have to book and visit even the street art is beautiful thank you for this
Glad this has inspired you to visit Cardiff! Our street art is so creative and always changing. If you need any other tips on what to see and do, or where to eat and drink check out my other recommendations under the Discover the Real Cardiff tab. Have fun!