Cardiff is a city with a little bit of everything. A picturesque port, it has culture and history in abundance, with everything from excellent museums to extraordinary modern architecture. For outdoorsy types there are scenic walks around the bay and a teeming nature reserve, and for shoppers it’s a veritable heaven, with more Victorian and Edwardian arcades than any other UK city. Plus, of course, there’s its growing gastronomic scene, which puts it firmly on the MICHELIN Guide map. To help you discover Cardiff’s many charms, here’s our guide to the perfect two-day stay in this versatile city.
Where to Stay in Cardiff
Start your Cardiff escape in style with MICHELIN Guide hotels that blend luxury with a dash of local character.Perched on the waterfront, with sweeping views across Cardiff Bay, voco St. David’s is a striking modern landmark. Balconied rooms let you breathe the sea air, while the impressive spa invites you to relax and unwind. Within easy reach of the centre, it’s the ideal base for those who like their city breaks with the emphasis on ‘break’.
If you prefer to be right in the heart of the action, Hotel Indigo brings boutique charm to Cardiff’s vibrant city centre. Expect bold, Welsh-inspired interiors that nod to the capital’s industrial past, along with modern comforts and a warm welcome. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace – perfect for sunset cocktails and skyline views after a day of exploring.
Day 1
Morning
Following a restful night and a generous hotel breakfast, head for the city centre to explore some of Cardiff’s historic highlights. The splendid National Museum Cardiff is a great place to start. It features lively exhibits of dinosaurs and mummies, but the real draw is its world-class art gallery, boasting Old Masters, a version of Rodin’s The Kiss and one of Europe’s best collections of impressionist art, with works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Monet. While there, be sure to check out its display of notable Welsh artists like Augustus and Gwen John.
Next, take a 10-minute stroll to Cardiff Castle, because no trip is complete without a wander through the grounds of this handsome medieval construction. Built on Roman foundations, the site is a rich tapestry of history, boasting an 11th-century keep, a Victorian gothic mansion and a military museum. Roam at your own pace or join a guided tour of the opulent apartments designed for the 3rd Marquess of Bute – a riot of stained glass, gilded ceilings and architectural flair.
Lunch
It’s time to refuel and happily there are some excellent lunch options close by. Nestled within Duke Street Arcade, Cora offers an unpretentious setting and a tasting menu of dishes that put the emphasis on their quality ingredients. The relaxed vibe allows the food to do the talking, with passionate attention to detail from Chef-Owner Lee Skeet. Another great choice, with a sultry Spanish theme, is nearby Asador 44. Cooking over charcoal is the speciality here, with steaks, squid and celeriac all given the smoke-centric treatment. The midweek lunch menu offers the best value for money.Afternoon
After a satisfying lunch, walk or take a bus ride a short distance west of the city centre, stopping in at the stunning Llandaff Cathedral to enjoy a mix of historic and modern features, including the magnificent central arch with its contemporary sculpture of Christ by Sir Jacob Epstein. A triptych by fellow Pre-Raphaelite Dante Rossetti is also worth seeking out. If you’re particularly lucky, your visit may even coincide with choir practice.
A little further west is Wales’s most popular heritage attraction, St Fagans National Museum of History. Free to enter and a must for history buffs, the expansive site features over 40 historic buildings taken from other places around Wales, with everything from an Iron Age roundhouse to a working pub where you can stop for a pint. See demonstrations of traditional crafts and learn about the lives and culture of everyday Welsh people from informative on-site guides. A couple of hours here and you’ll certainly get your steps in – at which point you’ll be more than ready for dinner.
Dinner
Your route back to town takes you via two superb options for a special evening meal. Prime local produce is used to great effect by Welshman Tom Simmons at Thomas, including familiar dishes given a refined spin, like his take on fish & chips. A smartly decorated neighbourhood spot, it forms part of Cardiff’s slice of foodie heaven in the suburb of Pontcanna. Speaking of which, just around the corner is the MICHELIN-Starred Gorse, where the exquisite tasting menus are accompanied by enticing wine flights. The skill of Chef Tom Waters lies not just in what he does with his ingredients, but what he doesn’t do, showing intelligent restraint and balance in every dish.Day 2
Morning
Fill your second morning with a long walk exploring the many and varied delights of Cardiff Bay. This waterfront location with scenic views is peppered with historic landmarks and cultural sites. Start at the voco St. David’s hotel (especially handy if you’re staying there), which borders the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve, a free-to-visit space with 8 hectares of wildlife habitats. However, unless you’re a serious birder, don’t dally too long – instead, make your way around the bay and past the splendid red-brick edifice of the Pierhead Building, to the seat of Welsh government, The Senedd. Entry is free and tours are available, or you can simply admire the stunning Richard Rogers-designed building with its transparent walls and enormous, sail-inspired undulating canopy.
Further round the bay you’ll pass the iconic and very pretty Norwegian Church, built in the 1860s for Norwegian sailors who visited the docks. Its claim to fame is that children’s author Roald Dahl – of Norwegian heritage and born in Cardiff – was baptised here. Once you’ve snapped a few photos, continue along the Cardiff Bay Trail and across the harbour barrier, known as The Barrage, with amazing views of the bay, until you eventually arrive in Penarth.
Lunch
There are not one but two ideal spots to dine in Penarth. If you’re visiting on Friday or Saturday, then the MICHELIN-Starred Home is open for lunch, offering a surprise tasting menu with ever-changing dishes. As the name suggests, it's an intimate, family-run place, with Chef James Sommerin regularly taking time to chat with diners. Alternatively, the Bib Gourmand-awarded Touring Club serves up sensibly priced small plates in a chic, relaxed setting, inspired by its patrons’ travels in Patagonia.Afternoon
Catch a cab back into town for an afternoon of retail therapy. Cardiff boasts almost a kilometre of shopping arcades dating from Victorian or Edwardian times. Beautiful in their own right, the arcades are a haven for independent stores, and there’s everything from board games to second-hand books on offer.
In particular, we recommend heading to the Morgan Arcade and seeking out Spillers, the world’s oldest record shop. Meanwhile, in the Royal Arcade, Dino Fossils is not to be missed for palaeontology fans with its real fossils and selection of dinosaur-related homeware. And once you’re done with shopping, relax with an aperitif at Gin and Juice in the Castle Arcade.
Dinner
Add a dash of style to your final night in Cardiff with dinner at The Sorting Room. Located inside the elegant Parkgate Hotel, this brasserie-style restaurant boasts an extensive menu of mouthwateringly appealing dishes. As it’s your final night, it’s worth splashing out and the kitchen has several dishes suited to a special occasion, from chateaubriand for two and beef Wellington, to lobster thermidor and a ‘Celebration of Welsh Lamb’. There can be few more fitting ends to your wonderful two days in Cardiff.Hero Image: A beautiful shot of scenic Cardiff Bay, including the famous red-brick Pierhead Building. © murat4art/iStock
