Cathays Travel Guide
Cardiff
Popular places to visit
Cardiff University
Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.
Principality Stadium
The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadiumin Cardiff is one of the most famous sporting arenas on the planet, envied the world over for its cauldron-like atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.
Cardiff Bay
Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this walkable area.
Barry Island Beach
If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.
Cardiff Castle
Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most important cultural attractions. A rich history spanning 2,000 years is contained within its walls and fairytale-style towers.
Utilita Arena Cardiff
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.
Top hotels in Cathays
The Parkgate Hotel
Cant fault the property at all just except for the beds was not very comfortable,but everything else was amazing.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Celtic Manor Resort
Great location to the conference I was attending
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
Park Plaza Cardiff
Excellent hotel. Good clean accommodation. Breakfast was good quality. Ideal central location.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
The Angel Hotel
Superb staff, a wonderful welcome. Room was spacious and bed super comfy. A historic building so decor and some of the fixtures in need of updating, but tbh that’s what gives The Angel its charm. I’d definitely stay again and highly recommend.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Rooms are a bit run down, location is great for being so close to Cardiff bay. Staff are lovely and friendly and the bar is cosy. Breakfast was decent.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
The Coal Exchange Hotel
Good for a reasonably priced stay if you go midweek. Bathroom in my room was a bit odd, had a massive jacuzzi bath with a rainfall shower head over it, no shower curtain or screen.The shower head needed a thorough clean so who knows what state the jacuzzi jets would’ve been in. Seems a very odd choice ...
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Cathays
Roath
Travellers like the theatres in Roath, and The Gate Arts and Community Centre is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Castle Quarter
Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Cardiff Market to St. David's – discover Castle Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Pontcanna
Bars, historical sites and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.
Cardiff City Centre
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from St. David's to Utilita Arena Cardiff – discover Cardiff City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Adamsdown
If you're spending time in Adamsdown, you might enjoy its spas and bars. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Utilita Arena Cardiff or New Theatre.
Penylan
Travellers like the restaurants in Penylan, and Teamsport Karting is a top attraction you might want to visit.
