The Welsh city of Cardiff is the youngest capital city in Europe, only recognized as such in 1955. In its past, it was also one of the world’s largest ports, exporting more coal than anywhere else across the globe.
But its industrial past has largely given way to culture and tourism, and visitors now come to enjoy its history and entertainment.
Here you can see everything from ancient castles to cutting-edge architecture. You can also enjoy the thriving food scene – its focus heavily on seasonal local produce – and sample the local beers and ciders.
Compact and easy to explore on foot, Cardiff is a great place to spend a short break. If you’re visiting for the very first time, then you might be wondering which of the attractions a weekend in Cardiff should include.
So we’ve put together this handy guide to make things easier!
Read on to discover the best way to spend 2 days in Cardiff, with suggestions for what to do each morning, afternoon, and evening of your stay.
We’ve also recommended some great places to try out the local food and drink, plus included a few great accommodation options to suit any budget.
Day 1
On the first of your two days in Cardiff, you’ll be soaking up the history at the city’s iconic castle, exploring its labyrinth of shops, and learning more about the area’s past in two fascinating museums.
Morning
Cardiff Castle may be one of the city’s biggest heritage attractions so it makes a great place to kick off your 2-day visit. It is located right in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to reach on foot if you are staying in the capital.
The Castle’s history spans over 2000 years, and it has seen many changes within that time. In the 1st century AD the very first fort was built on the site by the Romans and in the 11th Century the Normans constructed the Keep, which you can still see today.
Four centuries later the Welsh Lords of Glamorgan reconstructed the building, then in the 19th century, it was acquired by the Brute family. At that point, the building underwent huge renovations and became the Victorian Gothic structure that we see now.
The Castle is of great importance to the inhabitants of the city, having been used as an air raid shelter for thousands of people during the second world war.
Visitors are welcome to visit the Castle 7 days per week. The outer green (also known as the Public Square) is free to explore, but you need a ticket to visit the rest.
You can buy them at the entrance, although we recommend booking in advance during peak times.
The beautiful rooms and towers are interesting to view, particularly the opulent ‘Arab Room’ with its intricate carvings and impressive gilded ceiling.
To be sure you don’t miss anything important, we recommend booking a guided tour. These are available at the Castle for an additional fee, with separate tours for the House and Clock Tower.
Once you’ve finished exploring the Castle, head over to the ‘City of Arcades’ – seven winding walkways lined with more than 100 independent shops.
These were built in the Victorian era and are not easy to navigate, so the best thing is to allow yourself to get lost and see what you discover!
Highlights of the arcades include Spillers Records – the oldest record shop in the world – and Madame Fromage, a great place to stop for lunch!
Here you can try the traditional dish ‘cawl’, a lamb and vegetable soup. You can also sample some of the local cheeses – there are 150 varieties available!
Afternoon
After lunch, a short stroll will take you to the National Museum of Cardiff.
Free to enter – although donations are welcome – it is like two museums rolled into one.
On the ground floor, you’ll find a natural exhibition charting the evolution of Wales from the time of the Big Bang to the end of the last Ice Age. It even includes a skeleton of a woolly mammoth!
Head upstairs, and you’ll discover an art gallery filled with works from Welsh and international artists.
To complete your afternoon, walk to Cardiff Bridge KQ (just over 10 minutes away) and take a bus to St Fagans National Museum of History.
This is a ‘People’s museum’ located on the grounds of a manor house a few miles outside the city center. It helps you learn about the everyday lives of Welsh citizens throughout the ages and is lots of fun to explore.
During your visit, you can take a walk through over 40 beautifully restored buildings from different eras in history and meet different breeds of livestock.
You can also watch craftsmen practice their traditional skills, or join a workshop and try your hand at local trades.
This museum really brings the past to life and is a great experience for the whole family.
Evening
As the day draws to a close, head to The Wales Millenium Centre. This is the city’s cultural hub and a great place to catch a show or performance. If you don’t want to do that, then opt instead for dinner at Ffresh, located inside the Centre.
Here you can enjoy delicious Welsh delicacies made with fresh ingredients. Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to enjoy a musical or comedy event as you dine!
Day 2
On the second of your 2 days in Cardiff, you’ll be visiting the city’s stunning park, exploring the bay, then take a tour of the iconic Principality Stadium.
Morning
You’ll be spending the first part of your morning in Bute Park – 13 acres of green space close to the scenic River Taff. Although it is close to the city, it feels a world apart, crisscrossed with natural trails and dotted with beautiful sculptures.
Watch the butterflies flitting over the wildflower meadows and see the beehives, which produce the ‘Nature’s Little Helpers’ honey that you can buy in the park’s shop.
And don’t miss the Animal Wall, which was built in 1890 and contains fantastic carvings of animals.
After touring the park, take the aqua bus across the water to visit Cardiff Bay.
This is the largest waterfront development in Europe, offering unique views of Cardiff City in one direction and looking across to the north coast of Devon in the other.
If you are visiting in the summer you can soak up some rays on the man-made beach and you’ll probably be able to catch a market or a festival.
If sunbathing isn’t your thing (or if the weather prevents it!) then take a stroll to see the sights instead.
Points of interest include the Senned (the center of the Welsh Parliament) and the old Pierhead building. Constructed in 1897, it is famous for its clock tower and is known locally as the Big Ben of Wales.
Check out, too, the eye-catching black and white Norwegian church. This was once central to Cardiff’s Norwegian community, which had a very famous member – Roald Dahl.
Afternoon
You’ll be hungry by now, so we recommend heading to Cardiff Market for lunch.
Housed in a Grade II listed Victorian building, it has been operating for more than 100 years and is a fun place to visit.
The atmosphere is vibrant and the range of different foods on offer is incredible, from Thai specialties to delicious local fare.
Not to be missed are the delicious hotdogs from Frank’s, which are smothered in a variety of toppings before being dipped in cheese.
Make sure you visit the top floor, where you can get a great view of the market building and its enormous glass roof.
After that, make your way to Principality Stadium, one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.
This UEFA 5-Star venue has hosted matches from two Rugby World Cups including the Final in 1999.
Rugby is a huge part of Welsh culture, so it would be unthinkable to see Cardiff in 2 days without visiting the venue where all the action takes place!
You can book a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which includes the chance to visit the home changing room and walk through the players’ tunnel.
You also get to learn about the many other events that have been held here, including concerts by the likes of Jay-Z and U2.
Evening
A very cool way to round off your two days in Cardiff is with dinner at a rather unique venue – a prison! The Clink in HMP Cardiff is run by rehabilitating prisoners, an initiative started to reduce reoffending.
Dishes are created using fresh, seasonal produce, much of which is grown on the prison farm.
Be sure to book ahead – the food is so good that this restaurant is often voted one of the best in Cardiff!
Are 2 Days In Cardiff Enough?
A weekend in Cardiff is the ideal amount of time to spend in the city.
Most attractions are close together so you don’t need to spend too much time traveling. This means you can see the sights at a relaxed pace.
Just remember that you will need two full days for this itinerary.
If you arrive late on your first day or have an early departure time, consider adding an extra night to your stay.
Where To Stay In Cardiff
Here are some of our favorite places to stay for a weekend in Cardiff.
Best Budget Accommodation
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff has a super location right in the center of the city, close to the railway station.
Offering a selection of twin, double, and family rooms, it has a cocktail lounge and restaurant. A cooked breakfast is served daily, during which you can enjoy great views across the city.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation
Future Inn Cardiff Bay is a lovely, modern hotel just 450 yards from the Wales Millennium Centre and 1.5 miles from the city center.
It has its own restaurant serving meals made with locally sourced ingredients, and the pubs and nightlife of St. Mary’s Street are a short taxi ride away.
Best Luxury Accommodation
For a touch of luxury during your weekend in Cardiff, check into the voco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel.
It offers sweeping views across Cardiff Bay and boasts a spa, fitness studio, swimming pool, and two hydrotherapy pools.
Final Thoughts On Two Days In Cardiff
If you have been wondering what to do in Cardiff in 2 days, we hope this has helped you plan your visit.
Cardiff is an exciting city with a fascinating past, and we hope you enjoy experiencing its attractions, culture, and food.
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