Is Cardiff, Wales as Worthwhile to Visit as Bath or Bristol?

Cardiff, Bristol and Bath are distinctly different southwest United Kingdom cities. While each destination is worth visiting for a variety of reasons, you will likely have a favorite based on personal preferences. And if your time is limited, you may want to remove one of these cities from your southwest UK itinerary. I recently traveled to these cities in September, allowing me the opportunity to experience their differences firsthand.

Bristol is a university city, with a compelling maritime history that spawned a recent rejuvenation of its docklands. Cardiff has undergone a similar rejuvenation, with an impressive entertainment district in Cardiff Bay, following the closure of much of its shipping trade.

Bath is the elegant lady among the three cities. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was a favorite stomping ground of Jane Austen, one of England’s most famous writers. A stroll through Bath feels like a journey back in time, as it is common to see some people strolling along the cobblestone streets in Victorian attire. That is a site rarely seen in other British locations. Bath also has a focus on wellness, being one of the great spa towns of Europe with Roman baths that date to the 1st century A.D.

In comparison, the capital of Wales is the rough and tumble school child who has grown up to be polished around the edges. So, is Cardiff as worthwhile to visit as Bath and Bristol?

Highlights of Visiting Cardiff

One of the main reasons I chose to visit was to spend some time in Wales. It is only a 1 hour and 50 minute train ride on the Great Western Railway from London Paddington to Cardiff. I’ve visited the UK many times over the years, including Northern Ireland and Scotland, but I had not spent much time in Wales outside a brief visit to Wrexham while working remotely in nearby Chester, England a couple summers ago.

City Center

Cardiff’s center is packed with trendy restaurants, historic pubs, hip cafes, artisan shops and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a swanky upscale meal, or a casual beer in a centuries old pub, Cardiff has you covered.

Wally’s Kafeehaus is a traditional Viennese style cafe, where you can feel like Sigmund Freud sipping a latte in Vienna prior to World War II. I even enjoyed an excellent Vietnamese coffee and vegan carrot cake at Hanoi 1991 (the coffee foam is made from sweetened and whipped egg whites instead of a milk).

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a historic highlight dating to the 11th century. Wales is reknown for castles, and it is free to explore the grounds of well preserved Cardiff Castle. The Victorian Gothic revival mansion located inside the high castle walls, is also worth visiting.

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is as polished of a rejuvenated docklands as you will find anywhere. As vibrant as Liverpool’s revitalized docklands is, Cardiff Bay may be even more impressive. Just know that many of the restaurants, shops and bars in Cardiff Bay tend to be chains (some are lesser known outside the UK), so check google reviews carefully or plan to eat and drink in Cardiff’s historic center if you want to avoid that.

Cardiff Market

Wales has a distinct culinary scene that slightly differs from England. Pop into the Cardiff Market for lunch involving a throwback experience of Welsh goodies. Highlights include freshly made Welsh cakes, including a non-dairy variety. Faggots and peas are also a staple Welsh dish- which is like a gamier meatloaf as it contains liver. Asides from the market, it is common to see the dish on pub menus across Cardiff.

Cardiff’s Nightlife is Messy

Cardiff gets messy at night, particularly on weekends. There are hordes of very drunk, mostly younger people in the streets, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekend nights resemble a sloshed university town in the USA after a major college football game, except this is the capital of Wales. The Welsh party!

Cardiff is a good time, but the weekend party scene is not for everyone. I swung into a Taco Bell for a quick bite before going back to my hotel, after a few pints. While the establishment allowed customers to go inside and order, all tables were closed to sit and restrooms were closed to use also. It was basically order, wait for your food and take your to go bag on the streets or anywhere else. Get the heck out drunk people.

In comparison, Bristol is a university town, where its student population definitely consumes its fair share of alcohol. But Bristol’s nightlife feels more orderly compared to Wales’ capital. Cardiff on weekend nights is a spectacle, and I did get a kick out of being amongst it for a bit – minus the overcrowded bars.

Many older travelers will probably enjoy dinner and drinks on weekday nights in Cardiff over weekend nights – especially as it gets later. With that said, have a walk around on weekends and you can find some quieter establishments that are not packed like sardine cans with young party goers. While there, you can enjoy play some online games which you can learn more about by clicking here.

What Types of Traveler is the Welsh Capital for?

A variety of travelers can enjoy the Welsh capital. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate exploring a town that offers unique history and dishes that differentiate the place from England. The Museum of Cardiff is great for learning about the history of Wales, a bonus is free donation based admission.

Cardiff is a laid back town, which draws tourists, but is not overly touristic. So for those that enjoy avoiding hordes of tourists, you may enjoy your time in Cardiff more than Bath, which is quite touristy and popular with American travelers. But Cardiff is not as elegant, well preserved or beautiful as Bath.

What Type of Traveler Will not Enjoy Cardiff?

Cardiff is not a not a pretentious city, which is refreshing compared to many other destinations. Like many destinations, there are Instagrammable spots – particularly Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay and some swanky restaurants and chic bars. But the town is not overflowing with influencers making Tik Toks and organizing fashion shoots. If that’s your jam, you will certainly vibe better in a destination like Bath.

Cardiff has some swanky hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and arcades, so luxury travelers can also enjoy their visit. But luxury travelers will almost certainly prefer Bath over the capital of Wales.

Cardiff is also not the best destination for a romantic weekend getaway, given how raucous weekend nights are. Bath is again the better choice for a romantic or a wellness getaway, given the town’s spa culture.

Conclusion

I enjoyed visiting Cardiff, Wales for a variety of reasons. I would be happy to return someday if the opportunity arises. While it is not as picturesque as Edinburgh, Scotland and many other places in the UK, it is well worth visiting to experience Wales on a city break. Cardiff is not nearly as popular with American travelers as Bath, making it more of a realistic destination than a picture perfect postcard. In an era with some destinations struggling with over-tourism, I found the Welsh capital refreshing because it feels like a real city built for its actual residents, more than tourist dollars.