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Cardiff

Sightseeing in Cardiff - what to see. Complete travel guide

Cardiff is the youngest European capital. This is a city that perfectly combines best traditions of antiquity and modern trends. Today this is a modern university town, a large port and industrial center. In order to diversify the atmosphere of the city and make it more attractive for travellers, the port zone is home to numerous shops and restaurants.

Your active city break in Cardiff. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Cardiff will please its guests with a wide range of attractions, beautiful parks, modern cinemas and nightclubs. Fans of walking will like relaxing in Cardiff Bay district. This quarter is …

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Today port is the most popular place of walks, where you can enjoy the look of moored yachts, try the masterpieces cooked by local chiefs, or select memorable souvenirs in shopping outlets. Art Centre is one of the modern facilities of the city. It can hold up to 1900 people. In the auditoriums of the center are usually conducted various cultural events and exhibitions. There is also a wonderful restaurant in the center that allows visitors having some rest with even more comfort. Millennium Stadium will attract people who are keen on sports. Opened in 1999, this stadium is a great example of modern architecture. The stadium has 72 thousands of seats and is the place of conducting of international competitions and matches.

Among the historical sights of Cardiff we should definitely mention the Church of John the Baptist, near which is located Llandaff Cathedral. The church was built during Orman times. This building was destroyed several times and each one it was rebuilt almost from ashes. One more famous sight is Cardiff Castle, the rooms of which are easily distinguished by their luxurious and elegant décor. Castell Coch located in the northern part of the city is no less interesting. The castle looks like a fairytale fort – colored walls and circle-shaped towers remind of medieval traditions. Tourists are also offered to make an excursion to Cathey Park that also contains several historical places of interest. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Cardiff

1. Bus remains the most common form of public transport. Travelers are recommended to buy a map of the city in any newsstand. Maps usually indicate public transport routes, and this will …

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One of the most visited cultural institutions of the city is the National Museum. Its construction began in 1912. However, the opening of the museum was prevented by the First World War that began. Completion of the museum was only possible by 1927. Originally, a very diverse collection was collected in the museum. Today it contains archaeological, geological and zoological exhibits, and one of the largest collections of works of art in Europe. The museum has many unique exhibits. Here you can see the weapons of the Bronze Age, and rare paintings by Vincent van Gogh.

Among the outstanding architectural monuments is a university building. Its opening took place in 1883. From the moment of construction, the fine building has stayed practically unchanged. It is decorated with high windows, many beautiful sculptures and towers. In the warm season, the university is surrounded by a well-groomed landscaped garden with interesting compositions.

Shopping in Cardiff - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques

St David's Dewi Sant is one of the largest and most crowded shopping centers in Cardiff. There are interesting shops for all categories of visitors. St David's Dewi Sant offers shops with …

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The real historical attraction of Cardiff is the Roth Park, which was founded in 1894. On the territory of this scenic park, there is a large lake of the same name, which is very popular among local fishermen. The park is very large. There are dedicated picnic areas on its territory, and in summer tourists are offered to ride on the lake by boat. In the territory of the extensive park, there is a botanical garden, in which interesting exhibitions and other thematic events are often held.

While walking through the city, you can see a lot of interesting historical buildings. Not far from the waterfront is a beautiful building Pierhead, built of red brick. This building was built in 1897. Originally it housed the headquarters of the company Bute Dock. The main feature of this building is a small turret with a clock. Locals often call the historic house Baby Big Ben. In 2010, the Museum of History Wales was opened in the restored building.

Top touristic routes around Cardiff: architectural sightseeing and landmarks

Discovering the architecture of Cardiff from bird's eye view! Pierhead Building, Llandaff Cathedral, Castell Coch , Wales Millennium Centre, all those monuments are defining the image of Cardiff …

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With children it will be interesting to look into the scientific museum Techniquest, which was opened in 1986. Presently in the walls of this center, there are many interactive exhibits, as well as technical devices and the real laboratories. There are excursions for children of different ages. However, some excursion programs will be of interest to adults.

This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Cardiff is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Cardiff - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

City tours, excursions and tickets in Cardiff and surroundings

Reference information

Map of all shopping areas

Shopping streets in Cardiff
♥ Shopping area ' The Hayes' Cardiff, 0.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Shopping area ' Queen Street' Cardiff, 0.3 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all castles

Survived castles around Cardiff
♥ Castle 'Quart Castle' Quart, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Cardiff Castle Wales' Cardiff, 0.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Aberdyfi Castle' , 1.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Kenfig Castle' , 3.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'St Fagans Castle' , 6.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all parks

National and city parks around Cardiff
♥ Park 'Prickly Pear' , 82.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all art museums

Art galleries in Cardiff and around
♥ Art museum 'National Museum' Cardiff, 0.7 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Sights around Cardiff from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Swansea Biopharm Leech Farm

From the series “Top 10 Extraordinary Farms”

Check on the map: Swansea Biopharm Leech Farm on map

Distance from Cardiff center - 66.2 km.

For the first time medical leeches began to be used for medicinal purposes in the 17th century. Since then, this method has not only lost its relevance, but has also been confirmed in several scientific studies. Although there are more than 400 species of leeches in the world, only one of them is used in medicine. Each leech is used for the procedure only once and is then killed. Tourists visiting the unique biofarm in Swansea will learn a lot more unique facts about these insects and hirudotherapy in general. … Read further

Woodchester Mansion

From the series “The Most Mysterious Buildings (Houses, Palaces, Castles) in the World”

Check on the map: Woodchester Mansion on map

Distance from Cardiff center - 65.9 km.

From 1873 to the beginning of the Second World War, the mansion resided in ruins, and then was used by U.S. troops, mainly as a morgue. The mysterious mansion surrounded by fabulously beautiful scenery never ceases to attract tourists and researchers of paranormal phenomena. Latter have managed to collect lots of incredible facts. For example, at nightfall, visitors can often hear the music of 40s of the last century in the building. There are ghosts of militaries here, among which a pilot killed in these places during the war was identified. Researchers found the ghost monk at the chapel on the territory of the mansion. Those are just a few of Woodchester Mansion surprising mysteries. … Read further

Bath Abbey

From the series “Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments”

Check on the map: Bath Abbey on map

Distance from Cardiff center - 57.5 km.

Huge windows are the main architectural feature of the monument. There are 52 of them on the facade. They occupy about 80% of the area of the walls of the church. The walls that face east are among the most beautiful. Scenes from the life of Jesus are captured on them. Visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate the luxurious interior of the church during a tour of it. The ancient organ is one of the main decorations. It was installed more than 300 years ago. Visitors to the Abbey will also have the opportunity to climb its bell tower. A wonderful panoramic view of the city opens from there. You need to overcome a narrow staircase of 212 steps to do this. A small museum is located in the basement of the church. It is dedicated to its rich history. … Read further

Sightseeing in Cardiff - what to see. Complete travel guide

City tours, excursions and tickets in Cardiff and surroundings

Sights around Cardiff from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Swansea Biopharm Leech Farm

Woodchester Mansion

Bath Abbey

Search touristic sites on the map of Cardiff

Sightseeing in regions nearby Cardiff