Cardiff, Wales: where it is, when to go and what to see

Cardiff is a port city in south Wales, proclaimed the nation's capital in 1955. Situated where the River Tiff meets the Severn Estuary, this city is famous for the Wales Millennium Centre, home to the National Opera Company, Orchestra and Theatre Companies of Wales. Not only that, the capital is known for its various fairytale castles, gardens and ancient buildings.

Here's a guide to Cardiff, Wales: what to know about planning a weekend trip, where it is, when to go and what to see!

Travel information: useful info

• Inhabitants: 361,468

• Language: English

• Local currency: pound sterling (£) / exchange rate: €1.00 = £0.92

• Climate: temperate-oceanic, cool, wet and rainy for most of the year. Winters with temperatures between 2/8° and cloudy skies, summers warmer than other parts of Wales due to the presence of the sea, temperatures between 11/22°

• Time zone: GMT 0 (-1h compared to Italy)

• Entry requirements: valid identity card for expatriation or valid passport, no entry visa. From 2021 it is recommended to have a passport

• Closest airports: Cardiff Airport, in the village of Rhoose, 19 km west of Cardiff city centre; Bristol Airport, 78 km from Cardiff, connected by direct bus service

Where it is located

Cardiff is located in the south of Wales, a country in the United Kingdom. It borders England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south.

How to get there

• FromMilan or Rome: there are no direct flights from Italy. KLM operates connections from Milan and Rome with a stopover in Amsterdam (5 hrs). Alternatively, you can land at Bristol Airport (bus 1 h 20 min, from €9.50). For Bristol direct flights from Milan Malpensa and Rome flights with EasyJet, from Milan Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio with Ryanair (3 h) - Compare flights

• Frommajor European capitals: direct flights to Cardiff with KLM from Amsterdam (1 h 20 min). To Bristol, direct flights with EasyJet from Paris and Madrid (2 hrs)

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: temperate-oceanic, cool, humid and rainy for most of the year. Rainy winters with temperatures of 2/8°, warmer summers, temperatures between 11/22°. Rainiest period from December to March, but showers and drizzle are not uncommon in summer either. Sea temperature also cool in summer (16°, in the other months 10/11°)

• Best period: in the months between spring and summer, because the climate is milder and more suitable for sightseeing

• Period to avoid: January and February, months when the harsh climate and heavy rainfall do not make visiting Cardiff easy

• Tips: pack warm clothes in winter, jumpers, coat, mackintosh, gloves, cap, scarf. In summer mid-season clothes, jacket and sweatshirt, mackintosh or umbrella

10 things to see in and around Cardiff

National Museum of Wales, exterior

The Kiss by August Rodin, National Museum of Wales

Castell Coch, famous as Red Castle

Wales Millennium Centre, known in Cardiff as the Armadillo

Bute Park: huge park stretching from the Castle northwards

Royal Arcade: Cardiff's oldest and most luxurious arcade

Castle Quarter: the main shopping area

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1. Cardiff Castle: in the heart of the city, it was built in 1081 on a Roman fortress and then refurbished in the Victorian period, it has interiors with sumptuous and charming rooms that have hosted many nobles and knights

2. National Museum of Wales: an art gallery with free admission that houses collections of archaeology, geology, zoology as well as important works such as 'The Kiss' by Auguste Rodin

3. Castell Coch: surrounded by greenery, this is another very famous castle in the vicinity of Bristol. Known as'Red Castle' for its shapes and colours, it is medieval in origin but was transformed into a fairytale fortress by William Burges in the 19th century

4. Llandaff Cathedral: dates back to the 12th century when it was built on a pre-existing church from 560.
   The most important Anglican place of worship in the capital has a Gothic profile and is the seat of the Diocese of South Wales

5. Wales Millennium Centre: known in Cardiff as the'Armadillo', it is one of the city's iconic buildings and has been open since 2004. Overlooking the bay it hosts exhibitions, displays, shows and concerts

6. Bute Park: huge park stretching from the Castle northwards, ideal for walking on sunny days. It runs alongside the River Taff and is the most attractive part of the Taff Trail, the cycle route that starts at Cardiff Bay

7. CityHall: houses the City Hall and is surrounded by beautiful parkland. Designed by Vincent Harris, clad in wide, thin bricks it has a pavilion roof and the ceremonial entrance overlooks the moat leading to the reception hall

8. Millennium Stadium: a very impressive steel structure built in 1999 as a rugby and football stadium, but also hosts many events and concerts. It can accommodate up to 74,500 people and the football pitch can be completely covered

9. Royal Arcade: Cardiff's oldest and most luxurious arcade housing shops and boutiques where you can find original gifts, homewares and souvenirs

10. Castle Quarter: the main shopping area with galleries of Victorian-era shops, bars and clubs. Also within walking distance are High Street Arcade, Castle Arcade and Duke Street Arcade with several boutiques. The whole area is the hub of nightlife.

What to do in Cardiff: excursions and tours

How much does it cost to visit Cardiff? Prices, offers and tips

Cardiff is a city where the cost of living is very similar to ours, in some cases, however, you can spend high although the service is not up to par. The high season corresponds to the classic summer periods and the Christmas and Easter holidays.

When planning a trip to Cardiff, don't miss out on the fantastic hotel deals that Wales has to offer. Whether you're looking for luxurious accommodations or budget-friendly options, there's something for everyone. From charming boutique hotels tucked away in historic neighborhoods to modern establishments with stunning city views, the variety of hotel deals in Wales ensures you'll find the perfect place to stay while exploring the vibrant city of Cardiff. Take advantage of special promotions, discounted rates, and inclusive packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. With these enticing hotel deals, you can make the most of your visit to Cardiff without compromising on comfort and quality.

As far as accommodation is concerned, one finds hostels (price per person from £14.00/€16.00), small hotels (from £35.00/€40.00), luxurious hotels (from £100.00/€108.00), but also holiday homes, which are often a good solution for those who want to save money since they also have a kitchen (from £60.00/€65.00 flat for 2 or 3 persons, ideal if travelling as a family).

As for getting around, we suggest walking or using the excellent underground or bus network (tickets cost £1.70/€1.85). For a first approach to the city, we recommend a walking tour of the city centre with a local guide! If, on the other hand, you have little time to dedicate to the city, we recommend thetourist bus, which will allow you to easily reach all the main attractions!

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see offers of hotels in United Kingdom at tophotels.com

  If you're seeking comfortable and affordable accommodation for your trip to Cardiff, consider staying at the Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre. Situated conveniently in the heart of the city, this hotel offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing convenience or quality. The Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre provides modern and well-appointed rooms, ensuring a restful stay after a day of exploring Cardiff's attractions. With its central location, you'll be within easy reach of popular landmarks, cultural sites, and dining options. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, the Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre is an excellent choice for those looking for a cozy and cost-effective base to discover all that Cardiff has to offer.

  Alternatively, for a more luxurious experience, the Cyfarthfa House Hotel may be the ideal destination. This stunning hotel is recognized for its elegant facilities, world-class service, and excellent dining options. It serves as a perfect destination for those seeking a more indulgent stay in the heart of Cardiff. Offering an ample selection of well-appointed rooms and a sprawling urban view, Cyfarthfa House Hotel is an absolute haven nestled in the vibrant city.

• Cheap flights: to Bristol (70 km) from €74.00