Rugby fans heading to Cardiff for the Autumn Internationals can find a range of places to stay, eat and drink, from central hotels to suburban restaurants and lively bars.
For those visiting the Welsh capital for the first time, the city offers a mix of traditional Welsh culture, historic buildings and a contemporary food scene. Attractions include Cardiff Castle, Victorian shopping arcades and the Civic Centre, while Cardiff Bay provides waterfront dining and entertainment.
Where to Stay in Cardiff
Accommodation options range from four-star hotels to budget B&Bs. The Leonardo Hotel Cardiff has rooms from £71, Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG offers boutique stays from £150, and the Pontcanna Inn also has rooms from £150.
For a more luxurious option, The Parkgate Hotel on Westgate Street is close to the Principality Stadium and features a restaurant and spa. Its restaurant, The Sorting Room, holds two AA Rosettes and is listed in the Michelin Guide.
Dining Options Across the City
Restaurants in the city centre include Giovannis, an Italian family-run venue on the Hayes, and Asador 44, a Spanish grill and wine house with a Welsh twist. The Cardiff Arms offers pub classics for under £10.
In the suburbs, Matsudai Ramen in Grangetown serves ramen bowls, while Roath has Scaramantica Pizzeria, Sushi Life and Bacchus. Canton, voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, features independent cafes and restaurants such as Hardlines Coffee, Burger Boyz and Calabrisella.
For fine dining, Heaney's on Romilly Crescent won Best Restaurant in Wales at the British Restaurant Awards, and Thomas, The Brasserie in Pontcanna offers a brasserie-style menu with an upstairs tasting menu option at Lofft.
Bars and Nightlife
For cocktails, Lab 22 is a small, award-winning lounge above a Greggs on "Chippy Lane," while Nighthawks, across from Cardiff Castle, is a spot for wine by the glass. The City Arms offers real cask ales and live sports.
Live music can be found at Clwb Ifor Bach on Womanby Street, established in 1983, and Fuel, a dedicated rock and metal venue. Brewhouse and Live Lounge host sing-along events.
Game Day and Sunday Activities
On game day, visitors can explore the Cardiff Arcades, which house independent shops and cafes, or visit Cardiff Central Market, opened in 1891, for Welsh cakes and dumplings. Tiny Rebel brewery, across from the Principality Stadium, serves local ales.
On Sunday, Bute Park offers 130 acres of landscaped gardens, and the Taff Trail runs 55 miles to Brecon. Cardiff Castle, given to the people of Cardiff in 1947, is open to ticket holders. Cardiff Bay can be explored by bike or boat, with Mermaid Quay and the Platform container village offering street food.
