Cardiff Hotels

Best areas to stay in Cardiff

Cardiff, the lively capital of Wales, offers a range of neighbourhoods to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re interested in being close to historic landmarks, enjoying vibrant nightlife, or relaxing by the waterfront, there’s an area in Cardiff that’s perfect for you. Here’s a guide to the best areas to stay in Cardiff:

Cardiff City Centre: Close to attractions and nightlife

Stay in Cardiff City Centre to be at the heart of the action. This area is ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of major attractions such as Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, and the National Museum Cardiff. The city centre is also known for its bustling nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Choose from a wide selection of hotels in Cardiff City Centre, ranging from luxury stays to budget-friendly options, all offering easy access to the city’s top sights and activities.

Cardiff Bay: Scenic and modern

For a more scenic stay, consider Cardiff Bay, known for its stunning waterfront views and modern attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd (Welsh Parliament building). This area is perfect for visitors who enjoy walking along the waterfront, dining at diverse restaurants, and experiencing a mix of cultural and leisure activities. Explore a range of hotels in Cardiff Bay, from stylish boutique hotels to contemporary apartments, providing a comfortable and convenient base for your visit.

Pontcanna: Charming and quiet

Pontcanna is a charming neighbourhood just west of the city centre, known for its leafy streets, Victorian houses, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter stay while still being close to the city’s main attractions. The area is home to a variety of independent shops, cafes, and parks, offering a more local feel. Check out hotels in Pontcanna for a peaceful retreat that’s still within easy reach of Cardiff’s highlights.

Riverside: Affordable and convenient

Stay in Riverside for an affordable and convenient base close to Cardiff’s city centre. This area offers a mix of budget accommodations and cosy guesthouses, making it a great option for travellers looking to explore Cardiff on a budget. Riverside is just a short walk from major attractions like Cardiff Castle and the city’s bustling shopping areas. Look for cheap hotels in Riverside to find great value without sacrificing location.

These neighbourhoods provide a variety of experiences, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay during your visit to Cardiff.

Best places to stay in Cardiff to be near the popular attractions

The city centre/St David’s Centre is the main town centre for shopping, eating and drinking, and that’s where you’ll find most of the hotels in every budget too. It’s sandwiched between Cardiff Central Station, Queen Street Station, the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle, so you have many of the attractions at your fingertips, including the two major museums and the university.

Alternatively, you’ll find an abundance of accommodation strung along Cathedral Road, heading towards the cricket grounds, in an area called Riverside. It’s a quieter suburb that’s definitely up-and-coming, with artisan bakeries and coffee shops popping up, as well as the cool Chapter Arts Centre. It’s delightfully close to the River Taff for walks and equally as convenient as the centre for the castle, stadium, museums and parks.

You can also stay around Atlantic Wharf and the pretty Mermaid Quay area to have sea views, seaside vibes and great access to the Senedd building, Roald Dahl Plaza and the science museum. Here, you’ll be right by Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve and the interesting Norwegian Church Arts Centre, as well as the boarding points for most water-based activities. You can take the train right down to Cardiff Bay for easy access to this area.

Where to stay with your family in Cardiff

Families visiting Cardiff for the first time can’t go wrong in the city centre, with its museums, the castle, an abundance of places to eat and beautiful Bute Park for walks.

Those seeking the science centre and an almost-European vibe in the evenings for dinners out should head down to the Cardiff Bay/wharf area. It’s perfect for mixing culture with exciting excursions on the water – you can even take a trip to the nature reserve Flat Holm Island. The Cardiff Bay Trail Walk is popular for walking or cycling and has a children’s play area, and you can get all the way to quaint Penarth.

Where to find cheap hotels in Cardiff

You can find cheap Cardiff hotels in almost every area of town. In the Cardiff Bay area, you’ll find all the classic chain hotels you know and love, like the Holiday Inn Express and the Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre.

In the city centre, the Premier Inn on Queen Street is perfect for all the main shopping and attractions, as well as easy access from the station, and is usually less than £80/night.

The easyHotel in the centre, behind the station, is the ultimate budget option, with basic rooms often less than £50/night.

For an independent look and feel, with a dash of luxury but still on a budget, make a beeline for No.73 by Coffi in Pontcanna/Riverside. Rooms in the quirky BnB are usually under £90/night, and the interior is thoughtfully decorated, with period features meeting modern comforts.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers should choose their Cardiff base to be an easy walk from whichever is their favourite attraction. Cardiff Bay has seaside vibes and plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and running.

Joylon’s Boutique Hotel, right next to Roald Dahl Plass, is a quirky and colourful dream in a former townhouse. Each room is uniquely decorated, with grand furnishings and spacious bathrooms, and the whole space is very secluded.

The city centre has an in-town feel with its shopping centres, bars, and museums, and it is handy if you want to take the train or drive into the countryside towards Caerphilly and Bannau Brycheiniog/The Brecon Beacons. For a cool, alternative atmosphere and cheaper accommodation, head towards Cathedral Road and Riverside.

The 10 must-sees and must-dos of Cardiff

Explore the best of Cardiff, a city blending historical charm with modern vibrancy, through these ten essential experiences:

• Cardiff Castle & Castle Apartments: A historical fortress and Victorian Gothic revival mansion offering a glimpse into Cardiff's past.

• The Senedd & Pierhead Building: Visit the heart of Welsh democracy and the iconic red brick Pierhead Building.

• Catch a show at Wales Millennium Centre: Experience world-class performances in this stunning arts venue.

• Take a tour of the bay: Discover the beauty and history of Cardiff Bay with a guided tour.

• Llandaff Cathedral: A striking medieval cathedral with rich architectural and historical significance.

• Bute Park, Gorsedd Stone Circle & River Cruises: Enjoy the lush greenery, ancient stone circle, and relaxing river cruises.

• Cardiff Bay Trail Walk: A scenic walk around Cardiff Bay, perfect for sightseeing and relaxation.

• Castell Coch: Visit this enchanting 19th-century Gothic revival castle nestled in the woodlands.

• Boat trip to Flat Holm Island: A unique island adventure with rich wildlife and history.

• Day trip to the Brecon Beacons: Escape to the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons for a day of exploration.

In November/December, you should also visit Cardiff Winter Wonderland amusements for a night of festive fun.

Museums and cultural heritage

Discover Cardiff's rich history and vibrant culture through these must-visit museums and heritage sites.

• St. Fagans National Museum of History: An open-air museum showcasing the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people.

• National Museum Cardiff: Home to Wales' national art, natural history, and geology collections.

• Norwegian Church Arts Centre & Britannia Park: A historic church turned arts centre offering a serene park setting.

• Museum of Cardiff: Dive into the city's history, from its origins to the present day.

• Techniquest Science Museum: A hands-on science and discovery centre, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

• The Royal Mint Experience: Explore the journey of coin making and discover the history of the Royal Mint.

Going shopping in Cardiff

Experience the best of Cardiff's shopping scene, from bustling high-street fashion to charming independent boutiques.

• Capitol Cardiff: A modern mall offering a range of high-street fashion brands.

• Queens Arcade: An indoor shopping centre featuring a mix of high-street and independent shops.

• Morgan Quarter: A Victorian shopping arcade home to a variety of independent brands.

• Castle Quarter Arcades: An Edwardian shopping arcade with unique architecture, hosting numerous independent brands and boutiques.

Markets in Cardiff

Explore Cardiff's vibrant market scene, offering everything from fresh local produce to unique collectibles and street food.

• Cardiff Market: A Victorian indoor market hall selling a vast array of items, including fresh fish, meat, vegetables, bakes, books, clothes, and flowers.

• Cardiff Indoor Flea Market: A treasure trove of collectibles, vintage items, antiques, and second-hand gems.

• Pontcanna Market: A market hosting local vendors offering produce, bakes, and crafts.

• Riverside Market: An outdoor food market known for its fresh and local offerings.

• Charles Street Market: A small, local market operating on Saturdays.

• Insole Court Farmers Market: A local produce market held on the last Sunday of each month.

• Tiger Yard: A unique outdoor venue, not quite a market, but renowned for its street food.

Where to buy holiday souvenirs

The Castle Quarter Arcades or Mermaid Quay are the perfect spot to pick up a holiday souvenir from Cardiff. The museums, galleries and the castle also sell fun souvenirs, or you could pick up something truly unique at the Cardiff Indoor Flea Market.

Hotels with rooftop bars in Cardiff

Hotel Indigo Cardiff couldn’t be more central, on a pedestrianised shopping street just steps from the castle and the Museum of Cardiff – and a ten-minute walk from Principality Stadium. It’s one of IHG’s colourful, cool and contemporary hotels with a focus on celebrating local style. The crowning jewel is Marco Pierre White’s restaurant and bar on the 6th floor. For sizzling steak with a fabulous city view, you can’t beat it.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Cheating a little since it’s around an hour from Cardiff, but Llanerch Vineyard Hotel deserves a mention for its exceptional food and – of course – wine. In the picturesque Welsh countryside and surrounded by verdant vineyards but close to the city, the hotel boasts modern, country elegance.

You’ll stay in large, bright rooms with indulgent bathrooms and high-tech features. A vineyard tour and tasting is an unmissable part of the experience, as is a meal (or three) in the exquisite restaurant. Expect a refined culinary experience at the AA Rosette restaurant serving succulent meats, the freshest fish and the most vibrant fruits and vegetables for its lunch, dinner and Sunday menus, or a delectable afternoon tea.

Spa hotels in Cardiff

In a grand former Post Office building, the Parkgate Hotel cuts an elegant figure, and it couldn’t be closer to the Principality Stadium and town-centre attractions. The style is contemporary luxury, with an understated approach to decor and an air of serenity throughout the space. The suites here are particularly impressive. Possibly the best thing about the hotel is the Elemis Spa, with its thermal lounge, sauna and pool, as well as indulgent relaxation spaces and a full massage and treatment menu.

Exceptional hotels

The Coal Exchange unites old with new – a comfortable and modern hotel in a stately 19th-century Coal Exchange building. The rooms have grand, golden-era proportions and elegant furnishings to match, with triple, quadruple and sextuple rooms catering to groups and lavish suites for special occasions.

Culley’s Kitchen and Bar is no less grand but has a warm and friendly atmosphere, whipping up hearty and dainty fayre, depending on your mood, and presenting it beautifully in this elegant setting.

Luxury Hotels in Cardiff

For all-out luxury and all-pervasive tranquillity, you can’t beat voco St. David’s, facing out to the bay and abutting the peaceful wetlands nature reserve. It’s a stunning design with a glass-fronted façade, and the rooms are bright and spacious, with a coastal focus, floor-to-ceiling windows, and some with private balconies.

Enjoy the spa, with its large indoor pool, thermal pool and treatment rooms, as well as the comprehensive fitness centre, if you’re not sojourning the green space surrounding the hotel. The restaurant Tir a Môr serves modern takes on traditional Welsh cuisine, with specialities from the countryside and the coast.