As mentioned earlier, St Mary Street is the heart of the nightlife. I won’t give special tips regarding clubs – the choice is huge and depends upon taste. Here is a recommendation for live music fans though. Pay attention to Jazz Cafe by address 21 St Mary Street. It's a cozy place with a pleasant bar menu. They play various styles -  blues, jazz, soul, swing. Just make sure you check the events calendar in advance. And note that performances are normally held early in the evening followed by a disco later when the venue gets crowded. 

Apart from the entertainment, St Mary Street has an interesting background. It served as a civic centre and hosted the Town Hall before Cathays Park was built. Today it's a kaleidoscope of architectural styles: Gothic, Classical, Georgian Revival, Dutch school. “Victorian arcades”, a series of vintage shopping galleries, is the highlight of the area. Check the list here to explore all of them.  In case there's not enough time, I suggest taking a stroll along the Morgan Quarter that connects St Mary and Hayes streets, exploring the adjacent Royal Arcade as you go. 

The Morgan Quarter splits as you approach the eastern entrance. At this point take right to visit the Spillers Records store, “the oldest recording shop in the word”. It was opened in 1894 and initially sold phonograph cylinders, the predecessors of gramophone records. The shop was originally located at Queen’s Arcade but didn't move far since that time. You'll find a sophisticated selection of music and great advice from friendly and knowledgeable staff. Consider bringing a gift from this unique place if some of your friends are passionate music lovers.

Congratulations! The first acquaintance with Cardiff is done. Now it's time to relax in one of the cozy restaurants or pubs nearby or continue the evening with some special entertainment program. 

Principality Stadium is the next destination after the Cardiff Castle proposed in the "Get to know Cardiff" walk. There are tours around the stadium running almost every day for those interested in exploring this landmark. See the booking details to make an online reservation. 

For the best impressions, however, you need to see an actual game. I was advised to visit a rugby match since my arrival to Cardiff on few occasions. Funny enough, I'm neither rugby nor a soccer fan, but loved the experience. I'd say, few things made it so special: 

→ The rugby match is a big thing. It brings together supporters from all over the country. Cardiff is normally full of fans on the day of the game - everyone is singing, chanting and buzzing with excitement.

→ The opening of the game is spectacular. It's an impressive and visually beautiful ceremony.

→ ​​It's unique. I come from the culture dominated by soccer, so rugby is definitely something new.

→ ​​Great spirit from fans. Perhaps, it was the best part to me, as the atmosphere is warm & cheerful during the game. Or maybe I was just so lucky. 

Welsh are great supporters indeed. It's considered that the tradition of singing anthems was invented in Wales, on the same place, where the Principality Stadium stands today. It happened in 1905 during the match between New Zeland and Wales. New Zealanders traditionally perform a national warrior dance Haka before each game. On the 16th of November, the Welsh team spontaneously responded by singing the national anthem “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, and it was immediately picked up by the crowd. 

So if you happen to be in Cardiff during the rugby match and don’t mind attending crowded events – give it a try. This experience will add some unique memories and impressions to your stay in the Welsh Capital. 

The Fort was built around 55 AD and became a part of the greater Roman outposts system. It had strategic location, which was crucial in dealing with local warlike tribes. It was further rebuilt to resist the Irish pirates but abandoned after the Romans left Britain in the early 5th century.
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The site stayed neglected before it was taken by Normans in 1091. As the army progressed through the Welsh territories, the administrative center was established in Cardiff. An old fort served as a basis for the modifications, such as a fortified keep. Later it belonged to different noble families but was left in obscurity after the Civil War in the 16th century.

The revival started in the late 18th century, thanks to the Bute family. Butes descended from Robert II, the King of Scotland, and made a great contribution towards the prosperity of Cardiff. The Castle was rebuilt in Romano-Gothic fashion combining an eclectic mix of decorative styles. It was presented to the city and the people of  Cardiff in 1947.

→ Combine your visit with a special event.​ There's a good chance some fun activity might be happening – especially on weekends. For example, knights tournaments are run during summertime and it's something not to miss. So check the Castle calendar and arrive at the right time; ​

→ Outline the route using this interactive map. I'd definitely suggest visiting Castle apartments and climbing the Norman Keep all the way up to enjoy the view. The rest depends upon available time;​
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→ ​Learn the Castle stories from an expert guide. There are tours running daily - see details here;

→ ​​Explore the Clock Tower. This tour is normally available on limited days throughout spring-autumn. Visit this page to confirm the dates.

→ Visit the Firing Line Museum. For those interested in military arts, it's worth visiting an exhibition that depicts a history of special royal regiments in Wales. It’s located in the main entrance building, below the shop & café area. See more information here;

→ Watch a movie. If you're not going to take a guided tour around the Castle, you can still enjoy a movie about its history. The film show is run at the Interpretation Centre located in the main entrance building – use the stairs behind the ticket office desk; 

→ ​Take a stroll along the Rooftop Terrace, Battlement Walk & explore the Norman Keep. Walk up the stairs passing the Interpretation Centre to get to the Rooftop Terrace, which is connected to the Keep via the Battlement Walk. A medieval landscape of the inner yard was not fully preserved due to grand modifications run by Bute family. But the panoramic view of the castle territory and the adjacent city centre area is great.

→ Discover Second World War Shelters. There’s a network of tunnels located beneath the Battlement Walk. ​They served as air-raid shelters during the World War II. Lord Bute, the owner of the castle at that time, allowed to redesign this area to host as many civilians as possible. ​

→ ​Explore the Castle Apartments. It’s the highlight of the visit. Creative experiments throughout the 19th century resulted in flamboyant and fancy interior designs. They are full of symbols, historical themes, and fantastic creatures. If you're exploring this part of the castle on your own – I recommend paying a special attention to the Library, Great Hall, and Arab Room. 

The Great or the Banqueting Hall really stands out. The sculptural roof incorporates angels figures reminding of a church architecture. ​Murals on the walls illustrate the life and adventures of the Robert the Consul.  He was the lord of the castle in the 12th century and initiated the construction of the Norman Keep to improve the defense.  

Chimneypiece depicts Robert riding into a battle and his wife waving from the ramparts of the castle. A prisoner shown in the left bottom corner is a real hero as well. Robert Duke of Normandy, son of William the Conqueror, was imprisoned in the keep for over 20 years. 

Another stunning place deserving your attention is the Arab Room, located in the Herbert Tower. William Burges, an architect, wanted to create a romantic space reminding of Arabic designs and harems. It was built in the 1880s as a drawing room for women. The ceiling covered with a pure gold-leaf is the most luxurious and complex element. It was so massive that the upper two floors were removed to accommodate it. 

The Library is one of the most well-preserved rooms in the Castle. It’s pleasant and full of amusing elements of décor. For example, the fireplace portrays Moses surrounded by ancient languages - Greek, Assyrian, Egyptian, and Celtic. So-called “Darwinian Monkeys” settled around the doorway. One of them is stealing an apple from the Knowledge Tree, while others are looking into the Book Of Truth. 

The tour is not over as you leave the Castle. Make sure you explore the famous Animal Wall located on the left side of the Castle entrance depicting playful figures of various animals. Nine of them were designed at the end of 19th century by William Burges. They became so popular that 6 more were carved by the Scottish sculptor Alexander Carrick later. All are performed in the same fashion, but you can easily distinguish the originals having glass eyes in comparison to later versions.

Directions:
​Start at the Main Building entering via Park Place street. Enjoy the gallery and pay attention to the statue of the first Principal of the University. 

The story of the University began at the end of the 19th century. Two cities competed to host it - Swansea, and Cardiff. The latter won in particular due to generous private donations. The University College was opened in 1883 and imposed progressive rules. For example, allowed acceptance of women and eliminated religion-based entry exams. The original building was located on Newport Road but eventually became insufficient. The new block was completed by 1909. As the University expanded, it became known as the Main Building.

Directions:
Leave the building via the opposite exit leading to Museum Avenue, enter Alexandra Gardens. Key landmarks: Wales National War Memorial, Spanish, and Falkland Islands War Memorials, a statue of the first President of the University -  Henry Austin Bruce.  

Directions:
​Leave Alexandra Gardens via the opposite exit leading to King Edward VII Avenue and its attractions -  the Temple of Peace, the Bute and Glamorgan Buildings, the University of Wales. The access is limited, but they are worth a moment to be explored from the outside.

Edward VII is known as the "Uncle of Europe". He was related to many European royal families and strengthened external ties of Great Britain. At the same time, he didn't find an agreement with his nephew, German emperor, foreseeing a potential war. Thus, he supported military and navy reforms that eventually prepared the country for World War I. The period of his reign is known as Edwardian. It's associated with the rapid advancement in technologies and economic growth.

A civil public building opened in 1938. It's a symbol of peace and a tribute to soldiers. The project came into life thanks to Lord Davies, its main ideologist, and sponsor. The Crypt below the main hall contains the Book of Remembrance listing 35,000 names of Welsh men and women who gave their lives during the first World War. At different times the building hosted the Association established to fight tuberculosis in Wales, Welsh League of Nations and Welsh Centre for International Affairs. In addition, several Dr. Who episodes were filmed here throughout 2005-2008.

Is located next to the Temple of Peace. Built as a Technical Insitute in 1916, now it belongs to Cardiff University and hosts  School of Architecture and the School of Journalism. A very curious detail is the 8 meters SkyDome, the largest in the UK, which is located in the basement. This artificial sky is used to model natural lighting conditions, such as changes of weather and seasons. The research helps in designing energy-sustainable buildings: they use less electric lighting due to a more balanced distribution of a daylight. 

It was designed as a county hall of Glamorgan and opened in 1912.  Glamorgan was a former administrative unit of Wales that originated from a medieval kingdom conquered by Normans in the 11th century. The building was acquired by Cardiff University in 90's and currently hosts the School of Social Sciences and the School of Planning and Geography. Pay attention to the statues symbolizing the key sources of wealth of Glamorgan. Minerva, goddess of wisdom and trade, represents mining, while Neptune represents navigation. 

Directions:
​Take the College Road, passing the Temple of Peace and Bute Building. Continue till you reach the North Road. Make a stop for a coffee at the College of Music and Drama. The terrace overlooking Bute Park is a pleasant bonus. 

Was opened in 2011. The project budget of £22.5 million was partially funded by Welsh Government and private donations. What appears to be a single structure, is, in fact, a complex assembly of several blocks united by a floating roof. The college houses the chamber recital hall, the Richard Burton theatre, rehearsal studios, and exhibition gallery - the ‘Linbury Gallery’.

Directions:
Return to King Edward VII Avenue, continue till you reach Gorsedd Gardens Road. Take some time to explore the highlight of the walk, the three magnificent buildings - Crown Court, City Hall, and National Museum. 

Was built in 1904 and is currently a part of the Wales Circuit of Her Majesty's Courts Service. The Crown Court and Town Hall were designed by the same architects, Stewart and Rickard. They were inspired by English and French Renaissance, but also influenced by Edwardian period, when Cardiff prospered from the coal industry. Allegorical sculptures created by Paul Montford are placed at the east and west sites of the building. They symbolize  Science and Education, and Commerce and Industry.

Was opened in 1906, a year after Cardiff got the city status. One of the most distinctive features is the clock tower and dome crowned with the dragon. Another interesting element is a group of statues called “Tritons and Rivers”. It represents the sea accepting the main rivers of the city – the Taff, the Rhymney and the Ely. The interior designs also host peculiar sites. For example, a staircase serving as a memorial to Captain Robert Scott and his crew, whose expedition to the North Pole started in Cardiff in 1910. 

The construction of National Museum started in 1910. Architects Smith and Brewer tried to preserve an overall impression of Edwardian style, but the final design is closer to  American Beaux-Arts. The project was slowed down by the First World War and was accomplished during 60's and 90's. The National Museum holds various collections and exhibitions. When visiting, don't miss the section of French art representing the works of Claude Monet, Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. 

Gorsedd Gardens is a lovely park opposite the National Museum. The name Gorsedd is derived from welsh "throne" and refers to a community of bards. A stone circle at the center was dedicated to the Eisteddfod of Wales, a national festival, held in the city in 1899. Traditions of this event come from competitions of bards in the early 12th century. It is still being held every year at different locations in Wales.

Friary Gardens is situated in front of the Cardiff Crown Court. This beautiful corner has an interesting background. Initially called the Dutch Garden, it was renamed in 1923 to celebrate the history of a Franciscan Friary associated with this site. Franciscan Friars, also known as Grey Friars supposedly arrived in Cardiff in a late 13th century. The name “grey” originated from the color of the cloaks they wore. 

​The friary existed until the 16th century when King Henry VIII started religious reformations to free from the influence of the Pope and divorce  Katherine of Aragon. The Church of England was established, while old monasteries and Catholic institutions were demolished. The friary was closed in 1538. Its income and assets were appropriated in favor of the Сrown. In the late 19th century the Third Marquis of Bute financed excavation works, which reviled some old foundations and elements of the church. So it's not a coincidence his statue was placed here in 1929. 

Timing: 30 min walk + 1.5 hours in National Museum

I recommend starting the walk from Cathays Park. It's a beautiful civic centre sometimes compared to Washington DC for its triumphant neoclassical design. We'll start by visiting the Cardiff University main building to enjoy its magnificent hall and continue along the festive avenues of the Edwardian era. This walk is definitely for you if you're into history and architecture. However, it's easy to adjust the route if it's not your cup of tea or the time is limited. In this case, the minimum plan includes the City Hall and National Museum. The latter has a free admission and hosts a variety of collections – from natural history to fine arts. ​Check National Museum Opening Times.

What to see on the route:

1. Cardiff University Main Building
2. Alexandra Gardens 
3. Kind Edward VII Avenue
4. Glamorgan Building
5. Bute Building 
6. Temple of Peace 
7. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
8. Crown Court
9. City Hall
10. National Museum 
11. Gorsedd Gardens 
12. Friary Gardens

Timing: 1-2.5 hours

Cardiff Castle is the momentous landmark and a cultural hub of the city hosting various events throughout the year. Even if you're not into history, there's more to this place than you would imagine. Personally, I've been here 4 times and still discovered something new. Read the full article for a brief historic overview, tips on how to plan the visit and what's important not to miss. Check Cardiff Castle Opening Times.

What to see on the route:

1. Interpretation Centre
2. Firing Line Museum
3. Second World War Shelters
4. Castle Apartments
5. Norman Keep
6. Clock tower
7. Animal Wall 

Timing: 10 min

We will reach our next destination via the picturesque Millenium Walk quay. It's a nice stroll, especially if you happen to be in Cardiff on Sunday. If you do – pay attention to Fitzhamon Embankment street, located on the other side of the river Taff. It hosts Riverside Market every Sunday 10-2 pm offering fresh products and delicacies from local farmers. It's a good chance to try some authentic welsh food while enjoying the view and a cozy atmosphere of the place. Next, you can check out the Stadium from the outside or visit by booking one of its daily tours. 

What to see on the route:

1. Millenium Walk
2. Riverside Market
3. Principality Stadium

Timing: 20 min walk + 0.5-1 hour in Cardiff Story Museum

The walk will further take us through the busiest area of the city. Take the Wood street adjacent to Millenium Walk and follow till you reach St Mary Street. I recommend taking a quick walk around – it's one of the finest pedestrian streets full of restaurants, clubs, and bars. Turn to Morgan Arcade next and take a stroll along the winding shopping back street. This is one of my favorite corners, where a modern art-quarter lives next to the classical Victorian designs. If you fancy such combination – the next point of interest would the Cardiff Central Market. It offers fresh farmers products similarly to Riverside but runs daily. The final stop on the route is the Cardiff Story Museum. It has a free admission and is the best place to learn the history of the city in an interactive and fun way.  

What to see on the route:

1. St Mary Street
2. Morgan Arcade
3. Cardiff Central Market
4. Cardiff Story Museum