Cardiff Bay

Wales Millennium Centre showing modern architecture, a city and a square or plaza
Mermaid Quay which includes modern architecture, a square or plaza and a coastal town
Wales Millennium Centre which includes modern architecture, street scenes and signage
Wales Millennium Centre which includes modern architecture and signage
Mermaid Quay featuring a bridge as well as a small group of people


Reviews of Cardiff Bay

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
109
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
66
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Use train from queens street station ideal and convenient

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Take the ferry to the barrage and stroll back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Use the river taxi to town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

On a nice day it’s a great place to visit and walk round a bit exposed though if the weather isn’t too good

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Prices for drinks are higher in the Bay bars. AND they vary by up to £5 for the same 2 drinks!

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

voco St David's Cardiff by IHG

voco St David's Cardiff by IHG

5 out of 5
Havannah Street, Cardiff, Wales
voco St David's Cardiff by IHG
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Angel Hotel
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

4 out of 5
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Wales
Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff

3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Parkgate Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
Meridian Gate, Bute Terrace, Cardiff, Wales
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff
Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
St Mary Street, Cardiff, Wales
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay boasts a variety of activities and attractions, including relaxing spa experiences, scenic walking paths, and vibrant theatre performances. Visitors can explore air museums, enjoy captivating art exhibitions, and take scenic boat tours around the bay. With an array of entertainment options available, Cardiff Bay promises a delightful blend of culture and leisure for all who visit.

Shopping

In Cardiff Bay, visit St. David's, a vibrant shopping centre just 3.2km away, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Cardiff Market, also 3.2km away, is perfect for local produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co., located 33.8km away, is a must-visit for cheese lovers.

Recreation

Principality Stadium, located 3.2km from Cardiff Bay, immerses you in an energetic sports atmosphere. Just 805m away, Cardiff International Sports Village offers a tranquil space for wellness and relaxation. For an entertaining evening, St. David's Hall, also 3.2km away, presents an array of captivating performances.

Adventure

At TeamSport Cardiff, experience thrilling karting just 1.6km from Cardiff Bay, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For a scenic adventure, embark on the Lower Blaen y Glyn hiking trail, located three miles away, offering stunning outdoor vistas. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Spot Climbing Centre, ten miles away, for an exhilarating climbing experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cardiff Bay with a thrilling ride on the Cardiff Bay Carousel, just 1.1km away. For a romantic evening, catch a film at Cineworld Cardiff, located 3.2km away, where entertainment and charm effortlessly blend.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay offers a delightful mix of attractions for every traveller, including urban parks, historic castles, and scenic beaches. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or outdoor adventures, the Bay provides a variety of points of interest that cater to your needs. Explore the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the stunning surroundings that make Cardiff Bay a must-visit destination.

  • Cardiff Castle: Nestled within beautiful parkland, Cardiff Castle boasts over 2,000 years of history. Explore its stunning architecture, from the Norman keep to the ornate Victorian interiors, and soak in the romantic atmosphere that surrounds this cultural gem.
  • Wales Millennium Centre: A striking architectural masterpiece, the Wales Millennium Centre is a hub of artistic expression. Located only 1.4km from Cardiff Bay, it hosts world-class performances, making it a vibrant spot for culture and entertainment, perfect for a romantic evening out.
  • Cardiff University: As a historic institution, Cardiff University showcases impressive Gothic architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Situated 4.8km from Cardiff Bay, it offers a picturesque campus that is ideal for leisurely strolls and appreciating the academic atmosphere.

Best time to go to Cardiff Bay

The best time to visit Cardiff Bay is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cardiff Bay

To save money during your visit to Cardiff Bay, consider travelling in the cheaper months of October or December to January, and aim to book your stay on a Monday, which is the least expensive day. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotel options and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. For getting around, utilise Cardiff's efficient public transport system or enjoy walking, as the area is pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, look for free activities such as visiting the waterfront and parks to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cardiff Bay are October and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cardiff Bay is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cardiff Bay is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Cardiff Bay hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.