It’s not just Cardiff’s capital city status that makes it so special. Cardiff has a rich history and culture that spans back thousands of years. Over the centuries, Cardiff has transformed from a small, humble settlement into a vibrant and modern city.
As a self-storage unit in Cardiff, you don’t have to ask us twice to list all the reasons Cardiff is a great place to live or visit. As Wales’ capital city, it has a population of 488,000 and in 2019 (pre pandemic life) it was visited by 382,000 people. In my experience, it’s one of the best places to live and work.
But it’s not just Cardiff’s capital city status that makes it so special. Cardiff has a rich history and culture that spans back thousands of years. Over the centuries, Cardiff has transformed from a small, humble settlement into a vibrant and modern city. It's home to an array of famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural institutions. Can you tell we love it?
If you’re thinking of visiting yourself, or maybe even moving here, you might want to know a little more about the area. Here are the top things Cardiff is famous for.
Not many things scream Wales more than our castles! One of Cardiff's most iconic landmarks, Cardiff Castle, is located in the heart of the city center. The castle has a long and varied history that spans over 2,000 years, from being a Roman fort to a Norman stronghold, and later a lavish Victorian mansion. Some of the highlights of Cardiff Castle include the Roman Wall, the Norman Keep, the Arab Room, and the clock tower. Or, in more recent years, you might have enjoyed watching your favourite musician perform there. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle, attend events in the grounds, and explore the castle's museum. On a sunny day, you can enter the main grounds for free and chill out with friends and family eating your lunch under a blue sky.
The Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, is one of the most famous sports venues in the world. It's the national stadium of Wales and has hosted many high-profile sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup, the UEFA Champions League Final, the Speedway Grand Prix and the global WWE Clash at The Castle. The stadium is also a popular music venue, with artists like U2, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran having performed there.
For those who don’t know, Doctor Who is a British science fiction TV series that has a devoted fan base around the world. The series is filmed primarily in Cardiff, with many of the city's landmarks featuring prominently in the show. Whilst the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay has closed, there are still Doctor Who-themed tours available that take visitors to filming locations around the city.
Cardiff Bay, or Tiger Bay as it was known prior, is a vibrant waterfront area that's home to many restaurants, bars, and shops. It's also home to several cultural institutions, including the Wales Millennium Centre (more on this below), which is a performing arts center that hosts many high-profile shows and events. Other highlights of Cardiff Bay include the Norwegian Church, the Roald Dahl Plas, and the Senedd, which is the home of the Welsh Assembly.
The Wales Millennium Centre is a world-class arts and cultural venue located in Cardiff Bay, which is just a short walk from the city centre. It's one of the most iconic buildings in Wales and has become a symbol of the country's cultural renaissance.
The building was designed by Jonathan Adams and features a striking facade made of Welsh slate and glass (featuring inscriptions in Welsh and English by poet Gwyneth Lewis). It's home to several performance spaces, including the Donald Gordon Theatre, which seats over 1,800 people and hosts a range of theatrical productions throughout the year.
The centre also hosts a range of other events, including musical concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. It's also home to several arts organisations, including the Welsh National Opera and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
As well as performances and events, the Wales Millennium Centre has several cafes and bars, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal before or after a show. The Centre also offers tours, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the building's design and history.
The Wales Millennium Centre is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the arts and culture. It's a hub of creativity and innovation, and the performances and events are always spectacular. Why not book a ticket to a show or take a tour of the building and discover the magic of this incredible venue for yourself?
You don’t need us to tell you that rugby is the national sport of Wales. And Cardiff has a strong rugby heritage. The city is home to the Cardiff Blues, a successful and much-loved rugby union team. The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, Cardiff Arms Park has been the venue for many historic matches, including the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup.
St Fagans National Museum of History is a unique open-air museum that showcases the history and culture of Wales. The museum is located in the grounds of St Fagans Castle and features over forty original buildings from different periods in Welsh history, including a Victorian schoolhouse, a medieval church, and a 1940s prefabricated house! There’s something quite surreal, actually, about stepping into the house your grandparents would have grown up in. Visitors can explore the buildings and learn about Welsh life throughout the ages. Trust us when we say it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from small children to older adults, and is a great day out with friends or family.
Cardiff Market is a bustling indoor market that's been trading for over 100 years. The market is home to a variety of independent traders, selling everything from fresh produce and meats to vintage clothing and handmade crafts. Visitors can sample traditional Welsh delicacies such as Welsh cakes, bara brith, and laverbread. And although the market is still home to stalls that have been trading there for decades, there’s recently been a surge of new street food stalls — bringing a new energy to the market. The mixture of old and new has created a buzz that’s not to be missed.
Chapter Arts Centre is a cultural institution located in the Canton area of Cardiff. Loved by locals, it hosts a variety of events, including music performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions. It also has a popular cafe-bar and a cinema that shows independent and foreign films. Not only this, but it’s often frequented by those wanting to work from a cafe, instead of home, and is a haven for families during the school holidays.
The National Museum Cardiff is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in art, natural history, and archaeology. The museum's art collection includes works by many famous artists, such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The natural history and archaeology sections feature fascinating exhibits on Welsh geology, fossils, and ancient civilizations. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year and is simply a stunning place to be, whether you’re looking at it from the inside or out.
Wales is a bilingual country, with Welsh and English being the official languages. Welsh language and culture are an important part of Cardiff's heritage, and visitors can experience it in many ways. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year. It has hosted the National Eisteddfod, which celebrates Welsh language and culture through music, literature, and poetry, and is home to festivals such as Tafwyl and Swn Fest that celebrate Welsh language music. There are actually three Welsh-medium high schools in Cardiff alone — and you’ll notice Cymraeg in almost every corner.
If you’ve researched Cardiff before, you’ll know it is the City of Arcades. Cardiff is famous for its charming arcades — a network of covered shopping streets that date back to the Victorian era. The arcades are a hidden gem in the city center and offer a unique shopping experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
There are tons of arcades to explore, including the Royal Arcade, Castle Arcade, and Morgan Arcade. Each arcade has its own distinct character and features a range of independent shops, cafes, and bars. (A visit during Christmas time is especially magical).
The Royal Arcade is the oldest arcade in Cardiff and features beautiful Victorian architecture. It's home to several vintage clothing stores, record shops, and a delicatessen. The Castle Arcade is located next to Cardiff Castle and features a range of artisanal shops and cafes. The Morgan Arcade is known for its striking stained-glass windows and is home to quirky salons, vintage stores, cafes, and creative workspaces.
The arcades are a great place to browse for unique gifts and souvenirs, and you're sure to find something that you won't find anywhere else. The arcades also host regular events, such as vintage fairs and craft markets, which add to their charm and character.
They are a must-visit that offer a glimpse into the city's rich history. What are you waiting for? Stroll through the arcades, soak up the atmosphere, and discover what treasures await you inside…!
And there we have it. From ancient castles to modern sports stadiums, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in art, history, sports, or culture, Cardiff has it all.
If you’re moving to Cardiff, we can help you out with self-storage solutions. Get in touch today to discuss your needs — our friendly team are always on hand to help.
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