Top 15 things for couples to do in Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a great destination for a weekend trip. There are loads of fun things to do, and it makes a great destination for couples looking for a weekend break in the UK. Here are my top things 15 for couples to do in Cardiff, Wales .

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1. Visit Cardiff Castle

The first of my top 15 things for couples to do in Cardiff, Wales is to visit Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Castle is one of the top attractions in the city. It’s right in the centre of the city, so it’s close to many of Cardiff’s other great attractions. You can go into the outside area of the castle for free and get some nice views of the historic buildings.

However, I’d definitely recommend paying the small entry cost to be able to go inside and see some of the state rooms. I found the rooms really impressive. I love seeing how people throughout history used to live. There are several parts of the castle that you can go in, each with their own character. Check out the prices and opening times of the castle here.

2. Have dinner looking out over Cardiff Bay

Spending an evening at Cardiff Bay is so romantic. A sunny evening is just perfect. You can sit outside at one of the many restaurants that line the bay, and look out across the water as you have your drink. Even if the weather isn’t nice enough to sit outside (and it often rains in Wales!) you can still enjoy the views from many of the restaurants. I went to Pizza Express in Cardiff, for delicious pizza and lovely cold beer, looking out across the bay.

3. Go shopping

Cardiff has a huge selection of shops, so it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy. The streets are pretty as well, with Welsh flags hanging down, reminding you that you’re in the capital city of Wales.

4. Go to an event at the Principality Stadium

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is one of the best large-event stadiums in the UK. If you can, try timing your visit to Cardiff with a trip to the stadium to see one of the events there. One of the top things to see is Rugby, especially if Wales are playing. But there are other things on at the stadium as well, including concerts and other sports matches.

I visited when there was the ‘Clash at the Castle’ wrestling match on, and it was great. It’s such an impressive venue, it’s just a great experience to be inside. Everything was well organised, and nothing can beat the sound of the crowd all cheering together at the exciting parts of the match. It’s definitely a great experience in Cardiff for couples.

5. Eat brunch in the arcades

After a late night at an event in Cardiff, start the next day with brunch in Cardiff’s arcades. There are several arcades across the city, with cute shops and cafes lining the long, narrow passageways. Stop at one for brunch with your partner before continuing exploring.

6. Visit the Welsh Parliament

For anyone who’s interested in politics, the Welsh Parliament is a must-visit for your weekend in Cardiff. As one of the devolved nations in the UK, Wales has autonomy over certain political decisions. The Welsh Parliament is where the Welsh Assembly sits and debates important matters. You can go inside as a tourist, after a brief security check. You’re allowed to go into the main room of the parliament, and the friendly staff will happily answer any questions you’ve got about devolution and Welsh politics.

7. Buy local delicacies at Cardiff Market

Cardiff market is another great place to go shopping with your partner, and definitely another of my top 15 things for couples to do in Cardiff, Wales. The market has a variety of different stalls, including fish, fruit/veg, books, crafts and more. You can buy food here, or just browse and see what interests you.

8. Visit the Norwegian Church

Back on Cardiff Bay, the Norwegian Church is a lovely little attraction. Only a few minutes’ walk from the main restaurants and attractions of the bay, it’s definitely worth walking around to the Church. It’s a cafe as well, so you can stop here for a drink as you look out across the views of the Bay.

9. Stand at the Scott Antarctic Memorial

Also at the end of Cardiff Bay is the Scott Antarctic Memorial. This memorial is to Captain Scott, and the other members of his team, who all died in Antarctica after attempting to be the first people to reach the South Pole. It’s a really sad story, but it’s nice to see a memorial so these men are still remembered.

10. Go on fairground rides at Cardiff Bay

For a fun evening as a couple in Cardiff, you can go on some fairground rides at Cardiff Bay. The big wheel is an obvious choice. Sit in a private car as the wheel takes you high above the city. Enjoy the views together as you go round on the wheel, enjoying your private moment of solitude high above the world.

11. Explore Cardiff’s museums

Cardiff has some great museums to explore as well. My favourite was Techniquest, Cardiff’s science museum. It’s on Cardiff Bay so it’s easy to get to. I loved the interactive science displays, and it’s a fun place to visit with your partner.

12. Take a trip out to Castell Coch

Just 20 minutes outside the centre of Cardiff is the beautiful Castell Coch. This Victorian castle has impressive turrets, just like a fairytale Disney castle. It’s a really romantic place to visit.

You can go inside some of the impressive state rooms as well as explore the outside of the castle. Expect to spend at least an hour at Castell Coch, to give yourself time to fully appreciate all the rooms.

13. See a performance at the Wales Millennium Centre

The Wales Millennium Centre, down on Cardiff Bay, is a great place to visit if you like theatre performances. It’s an impressive space, with a cafe in the entrance foyer and some art exhibitions as well. Check out their website to see what’s on when you’re visiting. Even if you don’t get to see a performance inside, the outside of the building is beautiful as well, especially when it’s lit up at night.

14. Look out over Cardiff from Cardiff Castle

As well as exploring the state rooms and the history of Cardiff Castle, it’s also a great place to visit for views over the city. Climb up a (slightly scary!) spiral staircase at the top of the castle to reach the top. From here, you can see out across the city. It’s definitely worth the climb.

15. Take a day trip to Barry Island

The last of my top 15 things for couples to do in Cardiff, Wales is to take a day trip to Barry Island. It’s only 30-40 minutes outside of Cardiff. And it’s a great seaside resort for all ages. Eat fish and chips on the beach, then play some arcade games together. There are loads of arcades to choose from! You can also take a relaxing walk along to beach, to the colourful beach huts on one side, to Friars Point on the headland on the other side of the beach. Read more here about the top things to do in Barry Island. It’s a great place to finish your weekend in Cardiff as a couple.

Enjoy the top 15 things for couples to do in Cardiff, Wales! There are plenty more great parts of Wales to explore to continue your trip. Try visiting Barry Island, The Mumbles, the beautiful Gower Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline. Or head into the nearby city of Bristol in England for more fun in a small city, including day trips to Weston-Super-Mare and Cheddar Gorge.