Whether visiting for the first time or looking for new ways to experience the city, there is always something new in Cardiff, South Wales. A visit to the waterside area, known as The Docks or The Bay by locals, is a must. With attractions, activities, food and drink, there are plenty of things to do in Cardiff Bay.
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In Cardiff city centre, you can learn more about its ancient history at Cardiff Story Museum or Cardiff Castle. There’s always live music in Cardiff, and concerts at Cardiff International Arena or St David’s Hall. Shop in the City of Arcades or watch live sport in the Principality Stadium. However, The Bay is one of Cardiff’s best things to see.
Things to do at Cardiff Bay
Still trying to figure out what to do in Cardiff Bay? Bay Cardiff is a diverse waterfront built around a 200-hectare freshwater lake. Find a great mix of Cardiff attractions, entertainment and events, vibrant bars and shops that create a truly unique atmosphere worthy of any capital city!
Free Things to do in Cardiff Bay
Pierhead
It’s hard to miss the red brick building, which used to be the headquarters of the Bute Dock Company. The Pierhead Building is one of the unique things to do in Cardiff Bay as a visitor and heritage centre. It’s also the home to the Welsh Big Ben.
The Senedd
Y Senedd is home to the National Assembly of Wales. You can explore the debating chamber, committee rooms or even take a free guided tour. The café is a brilliant spot to stop, take in the views, and check out the local crafts in the gift shop.
Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve
The Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve is between St David’s Hotel and the River Taff. Easily accessible via a gravel walkway and boardwalk, the reserve supports a rich diversity of plants and animals, including invertebrates, fish and other wildlife. A viewing area extends out over the water, providing the perfect bird-watching location.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Cardiff Bay Barrage
Perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride, the Barrage offers a spectacular view over Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary. Thanks to its flat gradient and lack of steps, it’s accessible to all visitors. The Cardiff Bay Circular Trail runs around The Bay across to the seaside town of Penarth.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Norwegian Church
The Norwegian Church Arts Centre, formally the Church for Norwegian Sailors, is one of the city’s landmarks. It dates back to 1868 when ships from around the world used to dock in Cardiff Bay before transporting coal. There could be up to 90 Norwegian vessels berthed in the docks at any time. It’s also connected to legendary author Roald Dahl. His family worshipped at the church, and he was even baptised there. Today, it’s free to visit and take in the current exhibition.
Craft In The Bay
Craft In The Bay displays and sells high-quality craft and art by members of the Makers Guild in Wales. There are also regular workshops and art parties.
Things to do in Cardiff Bay at Night
Red Dragon Centre
Open seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day, the Red Dragon Centre is the ultimate entertainment destination with a cinema, 26-lane bowling, cool bars, restaurants, cafes, and arcade games. Found in Atlantic Wharf in Cardiff Bay, opposite Future Inns and Cardiff County Hall. It’s one of the top places to visit in Cardiff.
Odeon Cinema
There’s always something to watch with 18 screens, including RealD 3D and an immersive IMAX screen at the Odean Cinema. Treat yourself to a luxury Gallery VIP area with loads of extras and Premier seats or a Costa or Ben & Jerry’s.
Hollywood Bowl
Ten-pin bowling at Hollywood Bowl is great fun with family, friends or work colleagues. Everyone will be entertained with state-of-the-art bowling alleys and awesome arcades.
Grosvenor Casino
The lively casino in the heart of Cardiff Bay has hosted beauty pageants and fashion shows. Grosvenor Casino also has numerous Roulette, Blackjack and Poker tables with popular slot games like Cleopatra and Lucky Lady’s Charm to make your gaming experience the best in town. It’s also your spot to watch live sports, including late-night boxing.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Wales Millennium Centre
You can see touring theatre shows, West End productions, musicals, ballet, stand-up comedy or even the Welsh National Opera. The world-class performances are on Europe’s largest theatre stage. There are also art exhibitions, kids’ craft sessions, backstage tours and occasionally free performances in the large foyer at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Cabaret in Cardiff
Cabaret in Cardiff has a brand new venue at the Wales Millennium Centre. Here you can see the very best in drag, comedy, burlesque, live music and cabaret shows. From £10 per performance.
Mermaid Quay
In Mermaid Quay, you’ll find restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. You’re sure to find plenty to entertain you, too – whether you’re looking for lively nightlife or family fun, it’s all within easy reach. As it’s where the action is, make sure you head to this place to visit in Cardiff. The main car park is also here.
The Glee Club
You’re having a laugh! The Glee Club has comedy shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. It hosts some of the best touring comedians and, over the years, including Alan Carr, Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Ross Noble, Rhod Gilbert and many more on the stage.
Everyman Cinema
At Everyman Cinema, freshly prepared food and drink are served straight to your super comfy seat. There are five screens with mainstream, independent and classic films, special events, launches and live satellite broadcasts.
Cardiff Bay Activities
Techniquest
The science centre, Techniquest, engages people of all ages, but it is particularly popular with families. There are over 120 exhibits and a planetarium where you can sit amongst the stars and enjoy tales about the constellations.
Pedal Power
The local charity, Pedal Power, has a wide variety of bikes for hire. The most brilliant thing about Pedal Power is that there are various inclusive adult and child bikes, child seats, tagalongs and buggies. Perfect for accessing the Cardiff Bay Barrage 10km cycling route or onto the Taff Trail.
Aqua Park
Each summer Aqua Park, an inflatable water obstacle course, sets up home on the water. Measuring over 100m by 80m, it has climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, slides, blast bags and monkey bars, making it the ultimate day out for groups, families, adults, children (aged eight plus) and adrenaline junkies!
International Sports Village
Bordering the freshwater lake created by Cardiff Bay Barrage is the International Sports Village. You’ll find Cardiff International Pool with a 50m Olympic swimming pool. There’s also a leisure pool with flumes, a lazy river, Space Bowl, slides and a toddler area. If swimming isn’t for you, there is a state-of-the-art gym, leisure centre and group fitness classes. Plus, a health suite with a sauna, steam room and spa.
You can ice skate in Cardiff Ice Rink. As well as booking lessons, you can book a public session. Take to the ice and glide around. Children can even hire a penguin skating aid if they need more confidence on the ice. The Cardiff Devils, an Elite League Ice Hockey team and the only one from Wales, also play here.
Cardiff International White Water
Cardiff International White Water, also at the International Sports Village, provides whatever watersport you want; they’re bound to have it covered! With an indoor wave, a simulated surf machine offers the thrill of bodyboarding. Get harnessed up, cross the high ropes timber structure towering above the white water course, and try the challenging Burma Bridge, Monkey Swing, Barrel Crawl and Zip Wire. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hot dogging and more.
Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre
Whether you’re a seasoned watersports enthusiast or looking to try something completely new, the Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre (CBWAC) offers a vast range of action-packed activities and courses. Participants of all ages and abilities can enjoy various sports, such as rowing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, powerboating, fishing and archery, in a safe and exciting environment. CBWAC operates from two fantastic locations – Channel View Leisure Centre in Cardiff and Cardiff Sailing Centre in Cardiff Bay.
Cardiff Boat Tours
One of the best things to do in Cardiff Bay is taking a boat ride on Princess Katharine. The waterbus travels along The Taff to centre Cardiff. It stops in Bute Park near Cardiff Castle. It departs on the hour and takes about 25 minutes.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Flat Holm Island
Flat Holm Island, or Ynys Echni (its Welsh name), is just 4 miles off the coast of Cardiff. It is one of the places to see in Cardiff. It is rich in wildlife and has masses of history dating back to the 6th Century. From Viking raiders, a Victorian fortification to becoming the first line of defence to protecting Cardiff, Penarth, Barry and Newport during the Second World War. With a re-organised boat trip with Bay Island Voyages, you can stay for up to 3 hours, depending on the tide times, or overnight.
What’s On in Cardiff Bay | Things to do Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay Beach
Each summer, Cardiff Bay Beach takes over Roald Dahl Plass. The beach features a giant child-friendly sandy beach, a shallow water play area, various rides and games, a big wheel with views across the bay, free live entertainment, great food and drink, and traditional deck chairs for visitors to chill out in the summer sun.
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival is one of the most popular events in the city’s summer calendar. With a spectacular range of local produce and delicacies from around the world. There’s also a complete programme of live music throughout each of the three days of the festival.
Cardiff Bay 10k
The popular spring-time 10km race takes in all of Cardiff Bay’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a perfect challenge for elite and club athletes who want to keep fit or raise money for charity. A fun 2km race gives runners and families of all ages a chance to participate.
Cardiff Triathlon
The annual event is a fantastic experience in every single way. The first wave starts with a swim in the beautiful Cardiff Bay, then moves on to a completely closed road cycle through the city centre and a run across the Cardiff Bay Barrage.
Live Music
Alexandra Head in Cardiff Bay is an open-air venue. It is opposite Cardiff White Water. Large concerts and live music events are held here, usually in the summer. Previous acts have included Liam Gallagher, Lewis Capaldi N Dubz and the Chemical Brothers.
Places to Eat in Cardiff Bay
From breakfast to brunch, quick bites at lunch and casual dining to fancy dinners, there are some fantastic restaurants in Cardiff Bay. Cosy Club, Las Iguanas, and the Coal Exchange are some of the best places for bottomless brunch. How about an afternoon tea or a really great burger at Hubbox?
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, at both the casual and cheap eats, Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the most exciting places to eat in the UK.
- Afternoon tea in Cardiff
- Bottomless brunch in Cardiff
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- Burger restaurants in Cardiff
- Street food in Cardiff
- Welsh food in Cardiff
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
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Hotels in Cardiff Bay
Want to see more of Cardiff? If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station. Significantly, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? So, the dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Specifically, it is ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. Presently, you can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
The Hilton Cardiff
For a luxurious stay, The Hilton Cardiff, in the heart of the city centre, has beautiful amenities, including a pool and health club. With Hilton Honors, you get exclusive perks when you stay at more than 6,700 hotels around the world. Members receive Points on every stay, which can be turned into free nights.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
The surrounding areas
Also, don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. Furthermore, with all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Free things to do in Cardiff
There are so many things to do in Cardiff for free. Sometimes we need some inspiration or reminders of what is on our doorstep. There are over 50 ideas on this list! If you’re looking for things to do in Cardiff today, things to do in Cardiff this weekend, or something to do in January – look no further.
Museums you can visit in Cardiff for free
We’re so lucky that the museums in Cardiff are some of the best in the United Kingdom. You’ll be spoilt for choice whether you are looking for exhibitions, galleries or events.
Things to do in Cardiff when it’s raining
The Welsh weather is not often on our side, but don’t let the wet weather dampen your day. Luckily, there are plenty of different things to do in Cardiff on a rainy day.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
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