Are you trying to find out Where to stay in Cardiff for an upcoming visit to the Welsh Capital?
Cardiff is a beautiful city located in the southwest of Wales.
It has an abundance of history and culture, as well as some incredible natural attractions.
There is also so much to do here that you will definitely need somewhere to stay overnight to make the most of this City.
I lived near Cardiff for most of my life so have stayed hundreds of times in hotels across Cardiff.
In this guide, we’ll give you a breakdown of the best places to stay in Cardiff based on what type of trip you are planning.
We’ll also answer some of the most FAQs about Cardiff and recommend some great activities to do around the city.
So let’s take a look at the ultimate places to stay in Cardiff-I’m sure there is somewhere on this list that is perfect for you!
Want to skip to the highlights?– I’ve got you!
The best place to stay in Cardiff for location is Hotel Indigo Cardiff in the heart of Cardiff
⭐️Rating: 8.9 (over 5,000 reviews)
➡️Check Out Reviews & Book Your Stay At Hotel Indigo Here
Where to Stay in Cardiff 2022: Best Areas
Thinking of visiting and staying in Cardiff? Good choice!
There are many reasons why you should visit or stay in Cardiff. To start, it is a great place for foodies because there are many restaurants that serve different types of food from all over the world.
You can also find some hidden gems in this city like museums and art galleries that will give you an insight into Welsh culture and history.
Even though this City isn’t the biggest in the world, its friendly locals and Celtic traditions make it a must-visit destination in the UK.
It can be hard to decide where to stay in Cardiff as there are so many options. No matter which part of the City you decide to stay in, I’m sure your trip will be amazing.
To help you decide, we’ve handpicked 5 of the best areas in Cardiff to help you get the most out of your holiday.
📸 Cardiff City Center: Where To Stay In Cardiff For First-Time Visitors
Cardiff City Center is a great place to stay in Cardiff for all types of travellers but is even better for first-time visitors to Cardiff.
No matter if you are touring Wales from London or have flown internationally, you will find plenty to do!
The city centre is the heart of Cardiff and it has a lot to offer visitors. It is also a very safe place to visit and stay in.
The city centre is where most of the attractions can be found, from museums, galleries, art exhibitions, theatres and cinemas.
Visitors can spend hours walking around the shops or take in the views from one of the many vantage points.
We all know that navigating a new city can be hard so this is why staying in Cardiff City Center is a great option for all!
Tip: If you have arrived in Wales from overseas, you may need to give your hotel a copy of your passport so keep it handy!
Where To Stay In Cardiff City Center:
If you’re wondering where to stay in Cardiff City Center, these are the most recommended options:
This hotel is located in the heart of Cardiff. It’s very close to the city centre and links with Cardiff airport, so it’s a great place to stay when visiting Wales.
The staff are friendly and helpful, rooms were spacious and clean, I would highly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for somewhere comfortable in a convenient location
The great thing about Hotel Indigo is that it offers everything you could want from a City break.
A stay at this hotel offers an onsite restaurant and bar which is great if you are tired and don’t have the energy to fully explore the City.
The 24-hour check-in availability is great if you have awkward travel times or just need some assistance during your stay.
Cardiff does offer a few budget-friendly places to stay. These are perfect for those only visiting Cardiff for the night or who will be rarely in their rooms.
For those looking for an affordable, clean room that is within Cardiff Centre, Sleeperz is a fantastic option for you.
Situated right beside St David’s Dewi Sant Shopping Centre and the train station, its location is perfect for those wanting to explore the City.
The staff here are really helpful and check-in is really easy. The room itself isn’t huge but it is really clean, the bed is comfortable, has good storage, a tv, and coffee and tea-making facilities.
This isn’t the most glamorous Hotel to stay in Cardiff but for location and value for money, it is a fantastic option!
Best Things To Do In Cardiff City Center
Whether you are visiting Cardiff for the first or hundredth time, there are so many amazing things to do and see here.
For the best visit and stay in Cardiff City Centre, here are the best things to do:
📍 There are some amazing places to eat and shop around Cardiff.
The best way to see all of this is by visiting the St Davids Shopping Centre and the arcades full of local shops. If you love food, visiting Wally‘s will not disappoint.
📍 For those wanting to see all of Cardiff, you can see all the best sites using the Hop On Bus service.
There are so many sites to see and lots you won’t want to miss, so having a local guide help you is a must! (This is a really popular way to see the City so it’s recommended to book in advance).
👪 Newtown: Where To Stay In Cardiff With Family
Staying in Newtown in Cardiff offers amazing access to all that the city has to offer, especially the Atlantic Wharf Area.
It is situated just a few miles from the famous Millennium Stadium, and there are numerous attractions nearby to keep you entertained. One of the best things to do in this area is to spend your time at the Red Dragon Centre.
This massive complex has restaurants, an I-Max cinema, an arcade and bowling. It offers something for everyone and is a great place to stay in Cardiff with the Family.
The community of Newtown is warm and friendly, which makes it perfect for families who are looking for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are also plenty of activities available for children – whether they’re interested in playing outdoor games or exploring local museums – so everyone can have fun.
Where To Stay In Newtown:
➡️ Novotel
This is a great place to stay to have good access to both Cardiff City Centre and Newtown.
Less than 1 km from the Cardiff International Arena, you will find an indoor swimming pool, a gym and a restaurant at this hotel.
This is a fantastic place to stay in Cardiff with kids as up to 2 children (that are under 16 years) can stay free when sharing a room with adults.
Your stay also includes a good-quality breakfast and is great value for those visiting Cardiff!
Best Things To Do In Newtown
Thanks to the great location of Newtown, you will never struggle to find things to do.
The ultimate way to spend a few hours in this area is at the Red Dragon Centre.
📍 No matter if you are travelling alone or with the family, the red dragon centre has so much to do!
Here you will find a great cinema, bowling alley and plenty of restaurants. This is a really popular area to go to with friends too as there are plenty of options here.
📍The Wales Millennium Centre is pretty close to Newtown too so it is totally worth visiting here and trying to see a show.
It’s such a great venue and does accommodate all of its visitors. Some shows sell out quickly so if there is something you really want to see, book in advance to avoid any disappointment.
📍And for any Doctor Who Fans, this is a great place to see a lot of the set.
To see the TV locations across Cardiff, It’s recommended to book a tour so the experts can show you all the locations.
💲 Roath: Where To Stay In Cardiff On A Budget
Cardiff city centre is a vibrant urban centre with a lot to offer. But like many Cities, it can get expensive if you don’t budget.
If you want to explore the 10th largest city in the UK on a budget, you may want to consider staying in Roath.
There are many reasons why you should stay in Roath in Cardiff. It is cheaper than other areas of the city and is a good place to explore the city on a budget.
Roath has some great cafes and restaurants which are not too expensive. There are also many pubs in the area where you can enjoy a drink after a long day of exploring.
Where To Stay In Roath:
➡️ Judy’s B&B
This is one of the most popular places to stay in Roath but is not always the most budget-friendly, but you are in for one luxurious stay!
This hotel boasts a warm and friendly welcome and the most amazing breakfast. Combining this with the amazing facilities and charming setting and you are in for a wonderful stay.
If you are looking for a stay like no other and a comfortable night’s sleep, this spot is hugely recommended for all.
➡️ EasyHotel
For a stay that isn’t too expensive and in a great location, the EasyHotel is one of the best places to stay in Cardiff!
Clean, pet-friendly, and 24-hour check-in. This hotel offers so much to its visitors considering its low cost. Every room has Wifi, a TV, a private bathroom and a really comfortable bed as well as other facilities.
As this Hotel is such amazing value for money, it’s a very popular place to stay, so for the best deals, book in advance!
Best Things To Do In Roath
Roath isn’t the most popular place to visit in Cardiff but it has some amazing things to do.
To avoid the main tourist crowds and see ‘real Cardiff’, here are some of the best things to do in Roath:
📍 Explore Victorian Roath Park.
You could easily spend a day wandering around the Green Heart of Cardiff and learning more about this Grade 1 listed historic park. This is the perfect place to bring the family or just escape the busy streets of Cardiff.
📍For those wanting to do one of the most fun things in Cardiff, look no further than Roath.
Here you will find TeamSport indoor go Karting. This is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and test your skills behind the wheel!
🪩 Cardiff Bay: Where to stay in Cardiff For Couples
The Cardiff Bay area is home to many attractions such as the Wales Millennium Centre, the National Museum of Art and Design, IMAX Cinema and many more.
There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to explore!
However, it’s the views you can see in Cardiff Bay that make this such a romantic place to stay in Cardiff. For the best stay in Cardiff Bay, here are some options you should consider:
This is a great place to stay when exploring Cardiff Bay and is amazing value for money.
All rooms here are clean and have all the facilities you need for a good night’s sleep. The staff here are also super helpful and will assist with anything you may need from recommendations to booking Taxis.
If you love a good breakfast to start your day, then you will be really happy with the breakfast here!
Cardiff Bay has so much to offer but if you wanted to go into Cardiff City Centre, it is only a 20-minute walk (and it’s completely flat) or a 5/10 minute drive.
This spot is perfect for anyone wanting to see both Cardiff City Centre and Cardiff Bay on the same day.
If you are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway and place to relax in Cardiff, look no further than voco St. David’s Cardiff.
This is a much loved and popular place to stay, and with good reason.
Here you will find a luxury spa, boutique bedrooms and a restaurant with a view over the water. The staff here are so friendly and will do anything they can to make your stay unforgettable!
There are multiple room options here depending on what you want out of your stay. But no matter what option you decide on, you will have the most amazing stay.
Best Things To Do Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is one of Wales’ most loved spots any time of year. It is also a really great place to eat and drink in the Welsh Capital.
Cardiff Bay is not only a great place for couples to visit because of its beautiful scenery and plenty of things to do, but a perfect destination for all
Here are some of the best attractions in Cardiff Bay:
📍The Wales Millennium Centre is a world-class arts venue with fantastic views over the bay. It has an indoor theatre and an outdoor amphitheatre.
📍The Senedd building is the home of the Welsh Assembly Government and National Assembly for Wales.
📍Mermaid Quay is an exciting new development with shops, bars, restaurants and cafes – perfect for exploring on foot or by bike hire.
Cardiff Bay is an amazing place to visit but the Welsh weather isn’t the most reliable so make sure you are dressed well for your visit.
🥂 Where To Stay In Cardiff For Nightlife and Sporting Events
Cardiff has an excellent range of restaurants, bars and pubs that offer everything from traditional Welsh fare to international cuisine.
The bars have a lively atmosphere with live music on offer most evenings while the restaurants offer more intimate surroundings where you can enjoy fine dining experiences or just relax with friends over coffee or cocktails.
Another great thing about Cardiff is that it has a lot of sporting events for you to watch.
From Rugby to Cricket, you will find a lot of options if you are a sports fan wanting to watch some live sports or just experience watching it in a local pub.
For the best places to stay in Cardiff for nightlife and sporting events, here is the best option for you:
This is one of the best hotels in Cardiff for location.
It is near nightclubs, bars, restaurants and sporting venues like Saphire Gardens and the Principality Stadium. This hotel is not only perfect for all types of travellers but it is also across the road from Cardiff Castle and super close to the centre of the City.
If you are planning to travel by bus to other places in the UK or the airport, there is a popular bus stop outside the hotel which most of the buses leave from.
As this Hotel is a Hilton, you can expect amazing facilities. Here you will find a swimming pool, luggage storage and 24-hour support. And considering it is a Hilton Hotel, it is amazing value for money for those wanting to stay in Cardiff for events!
FAQs about Where to stay in Cardiff & your visit
I’m sure you have a few more questions about visiting the Welsh Capital. To help you prepare for your trip, we have rounded up the most asked questions in one place.
Here are the most popular questions about Where to stay in Cardiff & visiting there:
Is Cardiff good for tourists?
Cardiff is a great and welcoming place for tourists and all visitors. The various restaurants, shops for all budgets and things to do make this a popular and much-loved City to visit.
But if you are still undecided about visiting, here are some reasons why you should visit Cardiff:
1) The architecture – From neoclassical buildings to modernist landmarks, Cardiff’s architecture is among the most varied and impressive in Europe.
2) The food – Whether you’re a fan of Welsh cuisine or not, there’s no doubt that it will be delicious in Cardiff. Try everything from fish and chip shops to Michelin-starred restaurants!
3) The nightlife – With hundreds of venues to choose from, there’s always something exciting going on in Cardiff at night. From live music events to clubbing scenes galore, there’s something for everyone here!
4) The beaches – If sand isn’t your thing but water is (or if you just want to relax), head over to one of Cardiff’s many beautiful beach locations. You’ll never regret spending a day by the sea!
5) History fans will love learning about all the fascinating historical figures who have lived or visited Cardiff. There’s plenty here for anyone interested in history including the Castle that towers over the City Centre.
Is Cardiff a lively city?
Cardiff is a vibrant and active City with lots of things to do. No matter what day of the week you go, you will always see something exciting.
However, some days can be more lively than others in the City. One prime example of this is Game Day. If Wales or Cardiff are playing rugby or football, expect trains to be full, parking to be nearly impossible and the city to come fully alive!
Where to stay in Cardiff final thoughts:
Cardiff is a vibrant City that is worth visiting when exploring the UK.
No matter if you stay here for one night or one week, it promises a true taste of Wales and the kindness of its people.
Use this guide to find the ultimate stay in Cardiff for your next trip and let us know how it is!
I hope you have found this article useful! To help you have the best time in Cardiff, here are some more articles that you may find helpful:
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Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
