How to spend 48 hours in Cardiff

Anna Walker

Your ultimate guide to spending 48 hours in the Welsh capital. From cakes and castles to meals and music, here's are some of the best ways to spend a weekend in Cardiff. 

Best place to stay: Park Plaza Cardiff

where to stay in Cardiff

It would be surprisingly easy to enjoy a weekend in the great city of Cardiff without ever leaving the confines of the Park Plaza Hotel.

With exceptional food and drink offerings and the on-site spa, there's everything you need for a luxury getaway housed within its four walls. Guests should expect spacious bedrooms with high ceilings and beds so wide and luxurious, even the most wriggly of sleepers couldn't fall out of them. 

stay in park plaza cardiff

The spa offers a sizable pool, steam sauna and hot tub all within the price of booking a room, and specialist treatments including massages and facials, are available for a small extra fee.

There's no better way to start a busy day in the city than with a few lengths in the pool, and a moment's peace in the jacuzzi—the spa is so surprisingly quiet first thing that you might just have the place to yourself. 

where to stay in cadiff spa

Breakfast each morning is generous, with a large array of food on offer, from a full English to greek yogurt and french pastries, and the staff couldn't be more welcoming and cheerful. Perfect for when you've spent a little too long enjoying drinks on the hotel's terrace the night before. 



Best place for lunch: Greazy Vegan

greazy vegan cardiff best places to eat

Spent your evening partying in true Cardiff style? There's no better cure for a splitting headache than the deliciously indulgent offering at the Greazy Vegan, where hungry punters can order anything from cheeseburgers and milkshakes to kebabs and loaded fries—with none of the meat or dairy

The crowd here is chatty and welcoming, and the staff are happy to talk you through any menu item with a smile. Even the packaging is carefully considered for its environmental impact—a win for green visitors to the city. 

And while you're in the Castle Quarter, it would be a crime to miss the Fabulous Welshcakes store, located directly opposite the Greazy Vegan.


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Served warm fresh off the griddle and in flavours ranging from double chocolate chip to lime and coconut, these tasty treats are an absolute must-try. And at just 50p per cake, you can afford to sample them all!



Best place for dinner: Bistrot Pierre 

cardiff where to eat

When we ducked into the cool interior of Bistrot Pierre the rain was pelting down outside, but it was easy to forget the clouds the minute we took our seats, taking in the stylish interior, extensive menu and welcoming hospitality. 

Classic French cuisine is perhaps not what you'd typically expect from a trip to Wales (perhaps you were anticipating portions of cawl with some hearty Glamorgan sausages) but the diversity of food on offer here is a testament to the cultural mashup that is the city of Cardiff. 

dining in bistrot pierre

Situated on the buzzing Caroline Street, a seat by the window will provide ample entertainment to accompany your meal, as each Friday and Saturday night a parade of locals and hen dos, dressed to the nines, march past en route to a killer night on the town. 

The food itself is delectable—fresh, flavourful and generous. We'd particularly recommend the Thai fishcakes, vegetarian burger, and the glorious chocolate brownie. Delicious!


Best thing to do: Cardiff Castle

cardiff castle

It goes without saying that no visit to Cardiff is complete without a trip to its iconic castle. Perched in the heart of the city, a day can easily be whiled away exploring the surrounding district before you've even step foot in the castle grounds. Once you do, it's quite the spectacle. 

Raised up on a hilltop overlooking the city it was built to protect, the castle has served as a bomb shelter, Roman fort, Norman castle, Victorian mansion and now, major tourist attraction.

We'd recommend paying the extra £3.50 to enjoy a guided tour of the castle apartments, which feature some extraordinarily sumptuous interiors. 


Best place to drink: The Moon


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You'll never be short of entertainment with an evening spent at The Moon, where live music and performance is the order of the day. You could find yourself immersed in anything from classic country, to LGBT showcases to live rap battles as you sip on your pint. 

Be sure to check their events calendar ahead of your visit, to find the live night to perfectly suit your tastes. 


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