iBestTravel Local Amy Pay has been living in Cardiff for seven years. The high concentration of cultural venues and the close proximity to epic beaches and vast green countryside drew her to the capital of Wales. While she never takes those aspects for granted, the ever-increasing array of quality independent cafes, unique boutiques, and affordable living have since led to her loving the inner city, too.
When I have friends in town…
We walk to Roath Park. It features a huge lake suitable for rowing, ample grassy picnic spots, and an arboretum filled with exotic plants, ducks, and terrapins. Cardiff Castle always impresses visitors with its incredibly ornate Gothic interior. Additionally, I enjoy taking people to Rules of Play, a board game shop bursting with unusual yet accessible games, where we often buy something to bring to Tiny Rebel, a local brewery bar, to play.
The live music scene
is thriving in Cardiff, providing a venue for every musical taste. I tend to frequent Womanby Street, known for its alternative venues. The Moon Club is fantastic for local bands, while Clwb Ifor Bach and The Globe in Roath attract bigger names from the rock, indie, and alt scenes. Nearby, the Motorpoint Arena hosts chart-topping bands and household names.
A typical weekend in Cardiff
involves plenty of relaxation, thanks to the many outdoor spaces and friendly eateries. A walk in Bute Park is unbeatable. Spanning over 50 hectares, the park features numerous routes through lush grass, around 3000 tree varieties, and a vibrant array of flowers and wildlife. Being surrounded by nature while in the city center is a special experience that never gets old.
On Sundays, I love visiting Riverside Market, located on a street parallel to the River Taff and across from the Principality Stadium. Locals and visitors alike come every week to explore stalls filled with local produce, indulge in fresh pastries, and soak up the community atmosphere.
For cheap eats…
it’s beneficial to venture beyond the pedestrianized center, which is dominated by chain restaurants. City Road features some affordable, authentic international dining options. For example, Mezza Luna offers Lebanese food with fragrant tagines and occasional belly dancing entertainment. My personal favorite is the Vegetarian Food Studio in Grangetown, known for its quality Indian cuisine and unbeatable prices. The delicious three-course thali or set meal is just over £5.
If you want an unforgettable date…
consider taking the boat from Cardiff Bay to Penarth and enjoying a six-course tasting menu at Restaurant James Sommerin, which has earned a Michelin star for its locally sourced, flavorful, and elegant approach to fine dining. Alternatively, gauge your date’s adventurous side by attending a Cardiff Devils ice hockey game, where you can enjoy a few exhilarating hours of high-paced action before hitting the rink for some post-match skating.
One thing I don’t like so much about living in Cardiff is…
how bustling it gets during rugby match days. However, I am among the few who don’t share the same passion for the sport. The Welsh population embraces any opportunity to showcase their patriotism while enjoying a pint of Brains’ SA from Cardiff’s oldest brewery. Moreover, the fact that the massive sports venue, Principality Stadium, is less than 400 meters from the main train station draws visiting fans from near and far.
Visitors should try Welsh produce…
beginning with a visit to Cardiff Market. I believe Bakestones’ Welsh cakes are the finest in the city, served hot off the griddle, complemented by a flat white from Hard Lines’ coffee kiosk nearby. Moreover, Ashton’s Fishmongers is a go-to spot for traditional Welsh delicacies like cockles and fresh laverbread (raw, hand-gathered seaweed). In Castle Arcade, Madame Fromage serves an incredible Welsh Rarebit — a delicious mix of Welsh cheddar, ale, mustard, and béchamel sauce grilled atop doorstep toast.
When I want to treat myself…
I head to Cathays and Roath for a mix of bargain and splurge shopping. It’s easy to lose track of spending in Home by Kirsty, a captivating independent homeware, stationery, and jewelry shop featuring handmade crafts, trinkets, and niche magazines. It’s challenging to leave without at least picking up a pin badge. Conversely, Albany Road is nearby and filled with well-stocked charity shops that offer a treasure hunt for shoppers.
When I want to escape the city…
I stroll over to Canton, the closest suburb west of the city center. It’s home to Chapter Arts Centre and fantastic eateries, with Brød – The Danish Bakery being my favorite. I can’t resist an æble snegl, a soft dough swirl filled with apple, cinnamon sugar, and icing. While there’s usually a queue for a table in this cozy spot, the wait is invariably worthwhile.
What I miss most when I’m away from Cardiff…
is the warmth of the city’s community. Despite being the capital, Cardiff has the ambiance of a smaller town, where it’s common to bump into acquaintances, and local café, bar, and restaurant owners know their regulars by name. Newcomers are welcomed with smiles and a cwtch (a traditional Welsh hug). Although we endure our share of rain, the friendliness of this city surpasses any sunny destination I have encountered.
