Get to know Cardiff: the heart of the capital in 1 day

​Start with the iconic and easily accessible landmarks if it's your first visit to Cardiff.  This one-day route plan will save your time on researching and planning. The walk is split into four parts - you can follow any order changing the sequence of places.

Get the map of the walk

Part I: Cathays Park and Alexandra Gardens

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

​Read the full Cathays Park and Alexandra Gardens guide

Part II: Cardiff Castle

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 

​Read the full Cardiff Castle guide

Part III: Principality Stadium via Millenium Walk 

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

​Read the full Principality Stadium guide

Part IV: Cardiff Story Museum via Morgan Arcade

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

​Read the full Cardiff Story Museum via Morgan Arcade guide