Cheap 5-Day Wales Road Trip from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Wales starts when you reach the incredible region of Cardiff, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cardiff and begin your adventure in Wales.

Cardiff is a popular cheap holiday destination in Wales with something to offer every traveler. More than a region in Wales, Cardiff is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Wales, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Cardiff that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Cardiff is Cafe Citta. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 504 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Cardiff, Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,663 diners.

The Dead Canary is an excellent example of a great bar in Cardiff offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 700 customers.

You can also hang out at Old Arcade, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cardiff. Old Arcade is among the best region bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,079 customers having rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pasture Restaurant Cardiff is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Cardiff. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 697 bar-goers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Wales!

Day 2 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Wales. Prepare to be blown away by the neighborhood of St Fagans!

Your discovery of St Fagans does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about St Fagans on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Wales.

A cheap, budget vacation in Cardiff should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Cardiff, try some of our top recommendations.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 759 customers.

Another dining option is Bar 44 Cardiff. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Bar 44 Cardiff has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 733 reviews.

Make sure to stop by The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 774 customers have rated the irresistible The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Kongs Cardiff. This bar is considered one of the best in Cardiff and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 915 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Elevens Bar And Grill, rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 787 customers. Alternatively, go to Lab 22. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Cardiff and boasts an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 493 reviews.

A road trip vacation in St Fagans can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Wales!

Day 3 of your road trip across Wales is another proof that cheap holidays in Wales can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 6 wonderful destinations — Cardiff, Tintern, Chepstow, Raglan, Caldicot, and Merthyr Tydfil.

Journey into the unknown at Cardiff Castle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,028 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Caldicot. This drive usually takes around 44 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Caldicot and set your GPS to Chepstow. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 15 min. Upon reaching Chepstow, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tintern, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Chepstow to Tintern may take around 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Merthyr Tydfil. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Merthyr Tydfil, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the region's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Merthyr Tydfil offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Wales.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Wales. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Wales!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Wales will take you to the region of Cardiff, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Cardiff, you'll explore 6 popular cheap holiday destinations in Wales, including Caerphilly, St. Nicholas, Barry, and Cardiff.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Merthyr Tydfil and set your GPS to Caerphilly. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 30 min. Upon reaching Caerphilly, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set your GPS to St. Nicholas and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. St. Nicholas beckons with new experiences!

Set your GPS to Barry and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Barry beckons with new experiences!

While exploring Wales is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Cardiff has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Cardiff on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the region.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Cardiff, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the region's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Mowgli Street Food, one of the top-rated restaurants in the region. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 573 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Park Plaza Cardiff, so you'll want to drop by this place. Park Plaza Cardiff serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,689 customers.

Another must-try in the region of Cardiff is The Potted Pig. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 492 customers.

One of the best bars in Cardiff you could visit tonight after your dinner is The Borough Arms. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 802 customers.

Another popular bar in the region is Laguna Kitchen & Bar Cardiff. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 348 customers.

Locals also enjoy Pennyroyal. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Wales! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the region of Cardiff!

Your budget road trip vacation in Wales is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cardiff.

Make the most of your final day in Wales by visiting Cardiff’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the region’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Wales.

Before you conclude your road trip in Wales, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cardiff.

For example, Servini's at The Summerhouse has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 403 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 6,543 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Cardiff. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Wales!