A Complete Guide to the 16 Best Free Things to do in Cardiff
Wales’ vibrant capital offers so much for those on a budget. There are many exciting free things to do in Cardiff that you will be spoilt for choice. The city houses world-class free museums, galleries, beautiful parks, castles and a waterfront that is a pleasure to stroll down.
Cardiff is Wales’s largest city, Europe’s youngest capital, the ‘city of arcades’, and a fantastic ‘port city. It is not as expensive as other British capitals such as Edinburgh or London, but there are many incredible things to do in Cardiff for free that will allow you to adventure more and spend less. This is a guide of what we got up to on our last visit.
If you are spending a weekend in the city, then please read 2 days in Cardiff for inspiration.
16 Best Free Things to do in Cardiff
Pierhead Building
It is not just an iconic and beautiful building; the Pierhead Building has interactive displays that everyone can enjoy. Inside the 1897 building, you can learn why Cardiff Bay is so important. People call it the ‘Big Ben of Wales’, what do you think? It’s a big thumbs up from us, especially how the red glows on a sunny day.
St Fagans National Museum of History
A truly spectacular museum to visit is St Fagans. It is a 100-acre open-air museum to discover what Wales was like in the Celtic era to today. There are 40 old buildings from schools, bakeries and shops, and people educating about traditional Welsh skills.
It once bagged the status of the best visitor destination in Wales and the UK. It is hard to believe it’s one of Cardiff’s free things to do. There are animals, too, if you still need to be convinced.
Good to know: there is a charge for the car park
Wales Millennium Centre
Ok, so the Wales Millenium Arts Centre is fascinating to admire. We loved taking pictures of it, that’s for sure. It was built in 2004 and is made out of Welsh materials such as steel, glass and slate and is an essential building. Luckily, you can walk in for free and see what’s going on on the Glanfa Stage in the lobby. The central performances are paid events, though, including music, arts, opera and ballet!
Fforest Fawr Sculpture trail
Although the trail is not in the city centre, the 1.5-mile-long circular walk through the forest is one of the best free things to do in Cardiff. The sculptures were created by Simon O’ Rouke and included a Welsh Dragon and animals that would have been in a Welsh forest centuries ago. There are educational boards to read as you go. Therefore it’s a favourite with kids – and adults too.
Cardiff Bay
It is worth going for a walk along Cardiff Bay. So many restaurants and bars, but we loved soaking up the lively atmosphere. We listened to buskers and enjoyed the last of the summer sun. There is something beautiful about being by the water and with the array of beautiful buildings to admire – there’s nothing better.
There is a Cardiff Bay trail, which is 10km long if you’re looking for a longer walk.
Norwegian Church Arts Centre
The former white church does stand out as you walk by the water. Luckily, it is another building where you can go inside for free. It is an art gallery with changing displays and is free to enter. It has a room named after Roald Dahl, a highly famous children’s author who was baptised in the church. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Cardiff for free.
The history behind it is fascinating too, and it was built in 1868 for the Norwegian Fleet who had a centre here due to Cardiff’s important port.
National Museum of Cardiff
We were utterly blown away by the Museum of Cardiff established in 1912. It was a pleasure to wander and learn about the history of Wales (that started 4.6 billion years ago) and the world. It is home to fantastic art, geology and history collections and should be high on your list of the best free things to do in Cardiff. The interactive exhibitions are so much fun, especially for kids. Remember to check out the exhibition on the Evolution of Wales and the dinosaur skeletons.
Cardiff Castle Grounds
If you live in Cardiff, you can visit Cardiff Castle at no charge. However, if you are not, you can still go inside the castle walls and admire it from the outside. It is impressive, and it is right in the city’s centre. You can see the mix of modern and old right next to each other. Wales has over 400 castles, and it is worth visiting the capital’s as it is a unique experience.
Senedd
The Senedd is the National Assembly of Wales and is an impressive building of wood and glass. You can go inside the debating chamber for free. Here, you can listen to the debates and discussions, which is unique. If not, head to Oriel Cafe for a coffee, which has fantastic views over the bay. Then, you’ll catch us in the debate room!
Good to know: book ahead if you want to go in the chamber to avoid disappointment.
Llandaff Cathedral
Llandaff Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral on the outskirts of Cardiff that was built in the 12th-century. The surrounding area is also spectacular, but of course, the show’s star is the cathedral itself with its beautiful stained glass windows. In addition, you can admire beautiful chapels such as Lady Chapel and the Welsh Regiment Chapel and feel at peace wandering around the cemetery.
Unlike many cathedrals in the UK, it does not cost to enter, so it is easy to understand why it is one of the best things to do in Cardiff for free.
Good to know: If you do not have a car, you can get from Cardiff Central Train Station to Waun-Gron Park Station.
Bute Park
We loved wandering around Bute Park and believe it is one of the best free things to do in Cardiff. It is a 130-acre green haven that is easily walkable from the city centre and Cardiff Castle. There are three cafes in Bute Park, so why don’t you enjoy a coffee and a stroll?
We visited on a warm summer’s day and were jealous of all the picnic goers soaking up the outdoors close to the urban city. So it is no wonder it’s known as Cardiff’s most loved and best park. We recommend finding a spot near the River Taff.
Spillers Records
Located in the Morgan Arcade, you will find Spillers Records. The OLDEST record shop in the world. It opened in 1894 and visiting inspired us to buy our record player. Vinyl is still sold, and you can browse in the shop at no cost. Therefore, it is one of the best free things to do in Cardiff if you’re on a budget.
Fogo’s Free Walking Tour
If you want to learn about the history of Cardiff, then you should book the only free walking tour in the city. It will take you on a two and a half hour tour to some of Cardiff’s most famous attractions starting from the John Batchelor Statue in central Cardiff.
Good to know: you will have to book on their website, and they are only on Wednesday and Saturdays at 11 am.
Cardiff Indoor Market
Is there anything better than wandering around a bustling market? Throw in its history and original independent stores, and you’re onto a winner. It was probably one of our favourite indoor markets in the UK to date. It was established in 1891, and you can walk up to the second floor to watch people from above. The market is free to enter, and we found that the food here was reasonably priced with significant portions (we went for Thai, and it was lovely).
Cardiff Arcades
Wandering through Cardiff’s wonderful Arcades is a joy. The Victorian architecture is beautiful to admire from below and above. You can window shop in an array of fabulous shops. There are seven beautiful arcades in total, all different and worth visiting, in our opinion. Our favourites were High Street Arcade and the Castle Quarter Arcade. But, of course, you’ll have to make up your mind.
Hike Outside the City
Luckily Cardiff is not too far away from some magnificent hiking and adventure experiences. These include the Four Waterfalls Walk, Sugarloaf Mountain and the exciting Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. They are all free to climb and experience. The only thing you’ll have to consider is how to get there and back and how to recover the next day!
There you have it, an exciting list of free things to do in Cardiff (or very close). It’s guaranteed that you can have a fantastic time in Cardiff on a budget. We had a very cheap trip to the city and loved every second of exploring, and we hope this list helps you plan your budget trip to Cardiff to maximise your fun!
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
