Top 3 Itineraries in Cardiff

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Cardiff.

If you only have a few days, Cardiff weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Cardiff offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Cardiff are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Cardiff’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Cardiff offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Wales's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Cardiff truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Cardiff belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Cardiff are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Cardiff and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Cardiff itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Cardiff for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Cardiff without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Cardiff!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Aberystwyth, Porthmadog, Harlech, Trawsfynydd, and Cardiff is one of the best ways to experience Wales. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Cardiff can easily be combined with other top destinations in Wales without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Aberystwyth, Porthmadog, Harlech, Trawsfynydd, and Cardiff by public transport, renting a car in Wales opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Cardiff

• Arrival city: Cyncoed
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cardiff, e.g., Hotel Indigo Cardiff
• Sightseeing: Roath Park

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Cardiff. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Cardiff, St. Fagans, and Butetown

• Destinations: Cardiff, St. Fagans, and Butetown
• Driving distance: 193.94 km, approx. 3 hours and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aberystwyth, e.g., Aberystwyth Park Lodge
• Sightseeing: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Castle, St. Fagans National Museum of History, and National Museum Cardiff

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Castle, St. Fagans National Museum of History, and National Museum Cardiff. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Cardiff, St. Fagans, and Butetown, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Aberystwyth.

Day 3: Discover Porthmadog, Harlech, Trawsfynydd, Portmeirion, and Ganllwyd

• Destinations: Porthmadog, Harlech, Trawsfynydd, Portmeirion, and Ganllwyd
• Driving distance: 203.76 km, approx. 3 hours and 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aberystwyth, e.g., Aberystwyth Park Lodge
• Sightseeing: Portmeirion North Wales, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Harlech Castle, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, and Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

Spend the day exploring Portmeirion North Wales, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Harlech Castle, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, and Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Aberystwyth, Pontarfynach, and Melindwr

• Destinations: Aberystwyth, Pontarfynach, and Melindwr
• Driving distance: 179.69 km, approx. 3 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cardiff, e.g., Hotel Indigo Cardiff
• Sightseeing: Devil's Bridge Waterfalls, Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Vale of Rheidol Railway, Castell Aberystwyth Castle, and Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
• Recommended tour: The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour

Continue your journey through Aberystwyth, Pontarfynach, and Melindwr, where you can explore Devil's Bridge Waterfalls, Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Vale of Rheidol Railway, Castell Aberystwyth Castle, and Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Cardiff.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Cardiff

• Departure city: Cardiff
• Driving distance: 1.44 km, approx. 19 minutes
• Sightseeing: Bute Park

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Cardiff. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 460 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Cardiff.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Cardiff for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Cardiff with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Cardiff without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Cardiff

Arrive in Cardiff and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Sophia Gardens.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Cardiff's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Cardiff by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Cardiff Castle, St. Fagans National Museum of History, Insole Court, and National Museum Cardiff.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Cardiff. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Cardiff in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Cardiff

Spend your last few hours in Cardiff soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Cardiff in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Cardiff, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Cardiff travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Cardiff offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Cardiff itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Cardiff weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Cardiff

Arrive in Cardiff around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Alexandra Gardens, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Cardiff’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Cardiff with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Roath Recreation Ground early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Roath Park, stopping by Roath Pleasure Gardens for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Cardiff and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Cardiff

No itinerary in Cardiff is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Techniquest.
• Afternoon: Explore Wales Millennium Centre and Roald Dahl Plass, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Cardiff and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Wales.

Day 5 - Depart from Cardiff

Make the most of your last few hours in Cardiff before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Cardiff. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Cardiff itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Cardiff, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Cardiff for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Cardiff in a way that feels truly unforgettable!