How to Spend THREE DAYS in Cardiff, Wales: 3-Day Itinerary

Traveling to Cardiff, Wales, and not sure how to spend your days? You’ve come to the right place!

Cardiff was a pleasant surprise! It’s home to lots of historic landmarks, and even the world’s oldest record shop (because we love a good fun fact). Jokes aside, it’s hard not to notice how much history is packed into this city. One minute you’re walking past a medieval castle, the next you’re wandering through Victorian shopping arcades.

Even with only three days here, you can see most of Cardiff’s highlights and still have time to head out into South Wales to explore more castles, valleys, and some really impressive waterfalls. This itinerary covers everything from great food to scenic day trips and a few fun evenings out. Let’s get right into it!

Itinerary Overview

Cardiff is a compact, walkable capital that’s easy to explore on foot. While most places in central Cardiff are within walking distance, Cardiff Bay is easily reached by Aquabus, Baycar bus, train, or taxi. Over three days, this itinerary combines the city’s medieval landmarks, Welsh culture, lively food scene, and Cardiff Bay with two full-day trips to the castles, abbeys, valleys, and waterfalls of South Wales.

Both day trips include round-trip transportation from the city center, though it’s worth checking your booking in advance to confirm the meeting point or whether hotel pickup is included.

The city is made up of lots of different areas, but we recommend staying in the city center so everything is within easy reach. Booking tours and popular restaurants in advance is also a good idea, especially during the summer or when major events are taking place. Since you’ll be spending plenty of time outdoors, pack waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as the weather can change quickly. 

This is what your 3-day Cardiff itinerary looks like: 

🏰 Day 1: Cardiff Castle & Cardiff Bay
Start your trip with breakfast before joining a private two-hour walking tour around Cardiff. Grab lunch at Cardiff Market, explore Cardiff Castle, then take the Aquabus to Cardiff Bay for dinner and an evening walk along the waterfront. 

💦 Day 2: South Wales Waterfalls & Adventures
Escape Cardiff for a full-day adventure through the wild landscapes of South Wales, with waterfalls, historic sites, peaceful canals, and mountain scenery. Return to Cardiff for dinner, then finish the evening with a fun game of social darts.

🏞️ Day 3: Castles & Valleys of South Wales
Fuel up with breakfast before traveling through the castles and valleys of South Wales on a full-day tour. Return to Cardiff for a final dinner, then round off the evening with live music in the city center. 

Day 1

Breakfast – The Ivy Cardiff  

Today doesn’t start super early, so there’s no need to rush out the door. Head to The Ivy Cardiff around 9 am, giving yourself about an hour to enjoy breakfast before the day gets going. It’s right next to St David’s Shopping Centre, making it a really convenient place to start the morning. 

We had a hard time deciding what to order because everything looked so good. The full English breakfast and eggs Benedict are great if you’re feeling hungry, while the buttermilk pancakes with berries or the smoked salmon with potato rösti are lighter options. A vegetarian breakfast is available too. The breakfast special is another good choice; it includes selected dishes with tea or coffee and saves you a few pounds. 

Plan to leave around 10 am and enjoy a relaxed 10-minute walk through the city center toward Cardiff Castle. There’s enough time to wander through the nearby arcades or around the Castle Quarter before arriving at the main entrance by 10:50 am, ready for your 11 am walking tour.

Morning – Discover Cardiff through the eyes of a local

If you’re short on time but still want to see the best of Cardiff, this private two-hour walking tour is a great introduction to the city. We took it ourselves and thought it was the perfect way to start the trip. By the end, we already had a much better feel for the city and knew exactly where we wanted to come back to later.

The tour starts at 11 am, but you’ll meet your guide outside the main entrance of Cardiff Castle at 10:50 am. Look out for the green umbrella or green name badge. Our guide, Eugene, was super friendly, knowledgeable, and full of interesting stories. He also pointed out places we’d probably have walked straight past on our own. 

Along the way, you’ll learn how Cardiff grew from a relatively small town into the capital of Wales, with stories covering its Roman origins, Tudor history, the coal trade, and the city’s modern identity. You’ll stop at Cardiff Castle, St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff Market, Principality Stadium and other landmarks, usually spending around 10 to 20 minutes at each.  We also came away with a much better understanding of why rugby means so much to Cardiff, so will you!

Because it’s a private tour, there’s no need to rush. Feel free to ask questions along the way and explore at a comfortable pace. Snacks and gratuities are included, although admission to paid attractions isn’t. The route is mostly wheelchair and stroller-accessible and covers around 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), finishing back outside Cardiff Castle at around 1 pm.

Lunch – Sample Cardiff Market’s independent food stalls

By the time your tour finishes at Cardiff Castle, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. Cardiff Market is only about a 5-minute walk away, and you’ll likely recognize a few of the stalls from the tour, only now there’s time to slow down and have a proper look around. 

Inside, you’ll find a mix of traditional produce stalls, bakeries, cafés, and independent food vendors. We went straight to Ffwrnes Pizza for a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza! But if pizza isn’t what you’re craving, you’ll find lots of other food stalls around the market serving tacos, noodles, curries, sandwiches, and freshly made pasta or gnocchi. 

Before you leave, stop by Cardiff Bakestones for a traditional Welsh cake cooked fresh on the griddle. The classic currant version is always a good choice, but you’ll also find jam-filled and chocolate chip too, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. 

Try to keep lunch to around an hour so you’ve got enough time to explore Cardiff Castle afterward. Cardiff Market is closed on Sundays, so if you’re visiting then, one of the nearby arcade restaurants is a good alternative.

Afternoon – Step inside 2,000 years of history at Cardiff Castle 

After lunch, head back to Cardiff Castle and take your time exploring inside. The walking tour only spends about 15 minutes outside, so it won’t feel like you’re seeing the same thing twice.

Start with the Roman walls and the Norman Keep, where you’ll get some of the best views over Cardiff. Then make your way through the Castle Apartments, redesigned during the Victorian period by architect William Burges for the Marquess of Bute (look up every now and then, as the ceilings are incredible!)

Don’t miss the Arab Room, the Banqueting Hall, the stained-glass windows, painted ceilings, carved animals, and the enormous fireplaces. Before you leave, walk through the wartime shelters built into the castle walls, where Cardiff residents took cover during the Second World War.

Plan to spend around 2 to 2.5 hours exploring the castle. The climb up to the Norman Keep is fairly steep, so feel free to skip it if it’s not for you. By the time you’ve finished exploring, it’ll be around 4:30 pm, making it the perfect time to walk through the castle grounds to the Aquabus departure point in Bute Park. 

Keep in mind that standard admission includes the main castle attractions, although some guided house tours require an additional ticket. 

Late afternoon – Travel from the castle by boat to explore Cardiff Bay 

From the castle grounds, take the Aquabus waterbus to Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. It’s a much nicer way to get to Cardiff Bay than jumping on a bus, and the ride along the River Taff gives you a completely different view of the city. Try to arrive at the dock about 10 minutes early, and book ahead if you’re visiting on a weekend or during the busy summer months.

The journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes, with services from the castle currently leaving on the hour and the last departure at 5 pm. Since the service depends on the weather, it’s always worth checking the timetable before you set off. If the Aquabus isn’t running (check the current Aquabus information here), catch the number 6 Baycar or a taxi instead. A one-way ticket currently costs £9 per person.

Once you arrive at Mermaid Quay, spend the next hour or so exploring the waterfront on foot. Start at Mermaid Quay before crossing Roald Dahl Plass to the Wales Millennium Centre. One of the first things you’ll notice is its copper-colored exterior and the enormous bilingual inscription across the front.

From there, make your way to the red-brick Pierhead Building and the glass-fronted Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament. They’ll usually be closed by this time, but they’re still worth seeing from the outside. Continue to the Norwegian Church for views across the bay before heading to dinner around 7 pm.

Dinner – The Dock  

After exploring the waterfront, walk back to The Dock at Mermaid Quay for dinner. We recommend booking a table for around 7 pm, which should have you finishing around 8:30 pm. If you’re not ready to call it a night just yet, feel free to stay a little longer. 

The floor-to-ceiling windows look straight across the bay, and there’s a lovely outdoor terrace for warmer evenings. The menu offers lots of Welsh favorites, so it’s a great place to try a few local dishes without it being too fancy. 

Definitely start with the traditional Welsh cawl, made with lamb, potatoes, leeks, carrots, and swede. If you’re after something a little more filling, the locally made Cardiff Victoria Park pie, classic fish and chips, Welsh sirloin steak, and Welsh lamb burger are all great choices. And whatever you do, leave room for the sticky toffee pudding. Trust us, it’s worth it!

The kitchen currently serves food until 9 pm daily, although it’s worth booking ahead on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you’ve still got some energy left, take one last walk along the waterfront before heading back to your hotel. 

Evening – See Cardiff Bay lit up 

We know you’ve done plenty of walking today, but this short stroll after dinner is definitely worth it. Follow the promenade past Roald Dahl Plass for nighttime views of the Wales Millennium Centre and the Pierhead Building. They look completely different once the lights come on, and it’s worth staying a little longer to see them. 

If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, check whether The Dock has any live acoustic music that evening and stay for another drink. If there’s nothing on, save it for another evening instead.  The lineup changes regularly, so it’s a good idea to check before your trip. Another option is to catch a performance at the Wales Millennium Centre, although you’ll need to plan dinner around the showtime.

When you’re ready to head back to central Cardiff, catch the number 6 Baycar or hop in a taxi. You can also take the train, though it usually requires a change at Cardiff Queen Street.

Day 2 

Morning/Afternoon – Escape Cardiff for the wild landscapes of South Wales 

Today, you’re leaving Cardiff behind for this full-day adventure through the wild landscapes and historic towns of South Wales. We love how much variety this trip packs into eight hours, as you’ll see a castle, centuries-old churches, peaceful canals, a beautiful waterfall, and the rolling mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The tour currently runs on limited dates, normally either Monday or Tuesday, as well as Friday, so definitely check the booking calendar before deciding where it fits into your Cardiff itinerary. It departs promptly at 9 am from City United Reformed Church, near The Bike Lock Coffee Shop, and we recommend arriving by 8:45 am.

With all transportation included, you can relax and enjoy the changing scenery rather than worrying about navigating rural Welsh roads. The first stops include impressive Llandaff Cathedral and Cyfarthfa Castle, where a quick exterior visit offers a glimpse into South Wales’ fascinating industrial past.

Henrhyd Falls brings the day’s biggest adventure. Reaching the waterfall involves walking for approximately 20 minutes each way through the surrounding woodland, and the path can be steep, uneven, and muddy. Sturdy shoes are really important, and we would also bring waterproof clothing, water, and an extra layer. Welsh weather has a habit of changing quickly! Moderate fitness is required, and the trail is not wheelchair accessible.

The rest of the route introduces several quieter places that many Cardiff visitors would struggle to reach independently. You’ll see St Cynog’s Church and its ancient yew tree, stroll beside the tranquil Brecon Basin canals, and pause to admire the sweeping green landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog. The precise order can change with the weather and local conditions, but that mix of history, scenery, and short walks makes the day feel far more varied than a standard sightseeing trip.

Lunch is not included, so pack something substantial along with a few snacks. This allows you to eat whenever the schedule permits rather than relying on a specific café stop.

The tour returns to City United Reformed Church at approximately 5 pm, although traffic can affect the exact arrival time. From there, head back to your hotel for a quick freshen-up before dinner, you’ll have covered an impressive amount of South Wales in a single day!

Dinner – The Potted Pig 

After a day out exploring South Wales, you’ll definitely be ready for dinner. Head to The Potted Pig on High Street, one of Cardiff’s most distinctive restaurants. It’s set inside a restored underground bank vault dating back to 1855, complete with exposed brick arches and the original safes. How often do you get to say you’ve dined inside an old bank?

The menu changes throughout the year and focuses on modern British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. We recommend starting with the restaurant’s signature potted pig, made with pulled pork shoulder, spices, house pickles, and toasted sourdough. Another dish worth trying is the Welsh rarebit with cheddar, ale, and sautéed leeks. Vegetarian options are available too, although they change with the seasons. 

The restaurant is popular, so we’d recommend booking a table for around 7 pm, while leaving a little flexibility in case your waterfalls tour runs late. Dinner is served until 9 pm from Monday to Thursday and until 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. On Sundays, The Potted Pig only serves lunch until 6 pm, so if Day 2 falls on a Sunday, you’ll need to choose another restaurant or eat a little earlier. 

It’s worth booking ahead on weekends or whenever Cardiff is hosting a rugby match, concert, or another big event. 

Evening – Play darts at Flight Club

If you’re still up for doing something after dinner, Flight Club Cardiff is only a couple of minutes away. We’d never played social darts before, but we had way more fun than we expected. The cameras keep score for you, so all you have to do is throw your darts and enjoy the game. 

You can choose from several different games, so it never feels like a traditional game of darts. A one-hour session is usually enough to fit in a few games without making it a late night before tomorrow’s early start. Since it’s a popular spot, we’d recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends or whenever Cardiff is hosting a major event. 

If the waterfall tour has worn you out, feel free to skip this one and head back to your hotel instead. But if you’ve still got some energy left, it’s a great way to finish the day. 

Day 3 

Breakfast – Nata & Co Bakery

You’ve got an earlier start today, so there isn’t much time for a long breakfast. If your hotel includes breakfast, that’s probably your best bet. Otherwise, stop by Nata & Co Bakery, just a five-minute walk from the Hilton and the tour meeting point. 

This little Portuguese café is perfect for grabbing something on the go, whether it’s fresh pastries, cake or coffee. We couldn’t resist the pastel de nata, and we’d happily order one again. If you don’t fancy a pastry first thing, there are smoothies and milkshakes too. 

The bakery opens at 7 am (8 pm on Sundays), giving you plenty of time to eat before making your way to the meeting point at the Hilton.

Morning/Afternoon – Travel through the castles and valleys of South Wales

Today starts a little earlier, with an 8 am departure from outside Hilton Cardiff, so it’s worth grabbing breakfast beforehand. When booking this full-day tour, make sure you choose the Valleys tour, as the same listing also offers a Swansea Bay itinerary that visits completely different places.

You’ll spend the day exploring some of South Wales’ most impressive historic sites with a small group of no more than eight people. Your guide is a local historian and native Welsh speaker, so you’ll hear plenty of stories about Welsh rulers, Norman invasions, medieval life, and the Welsh language throughout the day. 

The tour usually begins at Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, before continuing through the Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey, where the roofless Gothic ruins sit beside the River Wye. The final stop is Chepstow Castle, perched high above the river with some pretty impressive views. Keep in mind that the order of the stops can change depending on traffic or opening hours.

Entrance fees aren’t included, so it’s worth looking into a Cadw Explorer Pass, which usually works out cheaper than buying individual tickets. Lunch isn’t included either, so we recommend bringing something with you or grabbing a quick takeaway along the way to make the most of your time.

You’ll be walking over uneven stone paths and climbing plenty of stairs, so comfortable shoes with good grip are a good idea. Also, pack a waterproof jacket, just in case. The tour returns to Hilton Cardiff at around 4:30 pm, leaving enough time to head back to your hotel and relax before dinner. With HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews, it’s one of the highest-rated day trips from Cardiff. 

Dinner – Asador 44  

For your last dinner in Cardiff, head to Asador 44 on Quay Street. After two days of Welsh and British food, this felt like a nice change. The restaurant takes inspiration from the traditional grill houses of northern Spain, with food cooked over charcoal and wood in the open kitchen. You’ll smell it before your food even arrives.

Start with the charred sourdough and sobrasada butter or the prawn croquetas with charcoal mayonnaise. For the main course, the slow-cooked Welsh lamb shoulder is a great option for sharing, and if you’d rather have fish, the hake is well worth trying.

Don’t skip the sides either! We ordered the olive-oil fries for the table, but one bowl just wasn’t enough. They were super tasty! 

We recommend booking a table for around 7 pm, especially on a Friday or Saturday. After dinner, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Porter’s for one last drink. Or, if you’ve had a full few days exploring Cardiff, head back to the hotel and enjoy a quiet final evening.

Evening – Catch live music at Porter’s  

After dinner, make your way to Porter’s, an independent venue on Barrack Lane. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Asador 44, so aim to get there around 9:15 pm to grab a good table before things get busy. Just note they’re closed on Mondays.

No two evenings are quite the same here. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might catch live music, comedy, theatre, open mics, or another creative event. It’s worth checking the calendar before your trip, as the lineup changes regularly and some performances require tickets.

If you’re ready to call it a night after a full day out, head back to your hotel instead. Otherwise, stay for a drink and enjoy the evening. When you’re ready to leave, it’s an easy walk back through the city center or a short taxi ride to your hotel. 

Where to Stay in Cardiff 

Now that you’ve planned your trip, it’s time to find somewhere to stay. If it’s your first time in Cardiff, we recommend booking a hotel in the city center. Most of the main attractions, restaurants, bars, and tour meeting points are within walking distance, making it the most convenient base for your stay.

We’ve picked three city-center hotels, with options ranging from budget-friendly stays to more luxurious ones.

Hilton Cardiff – $$$

If you’re happy to spend a little more, Hilton Cardiff is a great option. It’s right across the road from Cardiff Castle, so there’s a good chance you’ll have some pretty great views. We love it because you can walk almost everywhere from here, and that’s a huge bonus when you’re visiting a new city.

The rooms were renovated in 2024, so everything still feels fresh and modern. There’s also a large heated indoor pool and spa, which comes in handy after a full day of exploring. When you’re ready to head back out, the Victorian shopping arcades and St David’s Dewi Sant are only about a five-minute walk away, and there are tons of restaurants and cafés nearby too.

Prices start from around £80 per night, which we think is excellent value for such a central location. Check your dates and book your downtown luxury stay here!

The Parkgate Hotel – $$

For something with a bit more character, The Parkgate Hotel is well worth a look. Although it only opened in 2021, it sits inside two landmark buildings that are more than a century old, so you have a mix of old and new (our favorite!).

Dinner is served in an elegant restaurant, and the exclusive thermal spa makes it a popular choice for weekend getaways or anyone looking to treat themselves a little. It’s also in a brilliant location if you’re visiting Cardiff for a rugby match or concert, with Principality Stadium just a short walk away. There’s even a Gatsby-style cocktail bar that’s perfect for a nightcap or a drink before heading out.

Prices typically range between £80 and £250+ per night, depending on the room and your travel dates. For the location and facilities, we think it’s excellent value. If this sounds like your kind of stay, book your room here before your dates sell out!

Four Points Flex by Sheraton – $ 

Four Points Flex by Sheraton is a fairly new 3-star hotel that opened in 2024, right next door to Cardiff Central railway station. If you plan on using the train during your trip, it doesn’t get more convenient than this. You can walk from the platform to the hotel lobby in under a minute!

Because of its location, it feels a bit fast-paced, with weekend visitors and travelers passing through Cardiff. Downstairs, you’ll find a relaxed lounge with a fireplace, which makes a lovely spot to unwind with a drink or a book at the end of the day.

The rooms are fairly compact, but the layout is practical, so they’re ideal if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring. Rooms start from around £40 per night, making this one of the best-value budget stays in Cardiff city center. Check availability and book your stay here!

Want to browse through more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Cardiff here!

Thanks for reading!

Cardiff is such a fun city break, with the perfect mix of history, scenery, great food, and Welsh charm. From exploring ancient castles and Cardiff Bay to chasing waterfalls and discovering the beautiful valleys of South Wales, we hope this itinerary has shown you how much you can experience in a short time. It’s the kind of place where you can easily fill your days without ever feeling bored!

If you’re planning to explore more of Europe, check out all our UK travel blogs here. We’ve explored plenty of incredible cities and regions across the country, so you’ll find lots of ideas to help plan your next adventure. Or, browse some of our favorites below for even more travel inspiration!

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