I always say that 24 hours in Cardiff can be nothing short of unforgettable with the right plan. That’s why I’ve put together a set of hand curated itineraries designed for whoever you’re exploring the city with. Maybe you’re treating your partner to a relaxed day of good food and hidden corners, planning something thoughtful for your special someone, gathering the family for a full day out or bringing your friends for some retail therapy. Whoever you’re here with, I’ll help you discover the perfect way to spend a day in the city.
Cardiff In 24 Hours: Explore Like A Local
For the thrill seeker
Start with an easy morning and breakfast at The Parkgate Hotel before heading out for a tour of the Principality Stadium or, if the timing’s right, watching Cardiff City FC play at home.
From there, wander into the city for a stop at Spillers, the oldest record shop in the world, before heading into the arcades for lunch and a look around the independents. Later, make your way to NQ64 for retro gaming and drinks. Finish the evening with dinner at Maison de Boeuf where there’s only one thing on the menu, steak and frites, which feels like every persons dream. End the night with the perfect nightcap at The Sorting Room ideally situated just below your room.
The next morning, on your way out of the city, stop off at Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre for an adrenaline hit to round off the getaway. Alternatively head to Celtic Manor Resort for their exhilarating high ropes. It’s the perfect final surprise and a guaranteed way to end the trip on a high.
Need a Drink?
Best Bars In Cardiff City Centre
For the relaxation lover
Start with a slow morning and breakfast at The Parkgate Hotel before heading to Pontcanna for boutique browsing in one of Cardiff’s prettiest neighbourhoods. Kings Road Yard Market is perfect for a trinket lover, full of handmade jewellery and one‑off pieces, and Betti Biggs is ideal for unique gifts and vintage‑inspired treasures. Stay nearby for brunch at Milkwood, a cosy favourite that always feels special.
In the afternoon, return back to The Parkgate Hotel for the ultimate treat at the luxury spa. This is my shameless plug, but can you blame me? The spa didn’t earn a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for nothing. Once your floating in the thermal suite or unwinding in the rooftop hydrotherapy pool overlooking the city, you’ll understand exactly why I can’t stop bragging about it.
Later, enjoy cocktails in The Sorting Room before heading to Curado for Spanish sharing plates and great wine. Finish the evening with a dreamy sleep in The Parkgate’s luscious beds.
Need your caffeine fix?
Best Cafes In Cardiff City Centre
Family things to do in Cardiff
Start your family getaway with a relaxed morning and breakfast at The Parkgate Hotel before heading out to explore the best of Cardiff together. Begin at Techniquest or Cardiff Castle depending on your family’s energy, then wander into Bute Park to run off steam and riverside views everyone can enjoy.
For lunch, stop at The Stable for crowd pleasing pizzas or pick up something tasty from Cardiff Market’s street food stalls. In the afternoon, make your way to Cardiff Bay for boat rides and ice creams- what more could you want!
Later, head to Hub Box in Cardiff Bay for dinner, where they regularly run kids eat free promotions during the week and school holidays – ideal for families looking to keep things budget friendly. Afterwards, return to The Sorting Room for luscious hot chocolates as a naughty but nice nightcap.
Need a budget friendly option?
Things to do in Cardiff for free
Here are some great free things to do in Cardiff – just as fun and perfect for exploring the city without spending a thing.
Luckily, most shops in Cardiff city centre close between 7pm and 8pm on weekdays, depending on the location.
The main shopping hub, St David’s Dewi Sant, follows these core hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 8pm
- Saturday: 9.30am to 7pm
- Sunday: 11am to 5pm
If you’re visiting specific brands, closing times can differ slightly, so it’s always best to check the store’s own page before you head out.
For late night shoppers or after work visitors, Cardiff is the perfect place to shop until you drop!
If you’re staying at The Parkgate Hotel and planning your next escape, Cardiff Airport makes it easy. You can fly direct to over 30 destinations, from favourites like Spain’s Canary Islands and Portugal’s Algarve to Greece, Turkey, Tunisia and Cyprus. You can even head further afield with Barbados and Toronto on the schedule.
For 2026, new routes to Faro and Hurghada mean even more sunshine breaks just a short drive from the hotel.
Cardiff is always buzzing, If you’re staying with us at The Parkgate Hotel, you can see what’s happening right now by heading to our What’s On page, where we’ve rounded up the best things we have comping up for your stay.
If you’re staying at The Parkgate Hotel, Barry Island is an easy seaside escape. It’s only around 9–11 miles away, which usually takes 25–36 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Prefer not to drive? There’s a direct train from Cardiff Central that gets you there in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick trip for beach walks, ice cream runs and coastal views.
Cardiff itself doesn’t have a traditional sandy beach, even though it’s a coastal city with Cardiff Bay. But the good news is you’re only a short trip from some of South Wales’ best coastline.
The nearest true sandy beach is Barry Island’s Whitmore Bay, around 9 miles from the city and easy to reach by car or direct train.
Other great options like Penarth Beach and Porthcawl’s Rest Bay are also within easy reach, making Cardiff a brilliant base for beach days.
Staying at The Parkgate Hotel puts you close to some of South Wales’ best days out. Popular options include the Brecon Beacons for waterfalls and walks, Barry Island for a classic seaside escape, and Caerphilly Castle, Wales’ largest fortress, all within roughly 30–60 minutes of the city.
Because this is Cardiff at its best. The Parkgate Hotel mixes historic charm with stylish luxury, right next to Principality Stadium, so you’re never far from the action, the culture, the food or the fun. Big nights out, chilled mornings, spa time, city exploring – it’s all here, wrapped up in one very good‑looking hotel.
And if this little intro isn’t enough to tempt you, we’ve got you. Dive into our Ultimate Cardiff Checklist – the cheat sheet of the best things to do in and around the city.
"Cardiff! I’ll never forget it, I've got to go back.”
Taylor Swift
Speaking about her Eras Tour show in Cardiff
Plan Your Trip Today
Cardiff is a city that offers something for everyone. At The Parkgate Hotel, you can stay right in the heart of a vibrant, culturally rich city while still indulging in all the luxuries of a boutique hotel. There’s no better place to spend 24 hours.