Cardiff Attractions: The Top 4 Tourist Activities in Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff, Wales is becoming a very popular destination for tourists. In fact, Cardiff was one of the top ten cities that United Kingdom residents said they would like to visit before they died, in a survey conducted by Travelodge Hotels. And it is little wonder, considering the beautiful scenery and the many exciting Cardiff attractions.

As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is considered by many to be a central destination, from which tourists can explore other nearby towns as well. Cardiff, Wales is also a great shopping center and has much to offer for fine dining as well. Besides the multitude of year-round Cardiff attractions, there are also many annual and semi-annual Cardiff events for tourists to visit such as the Cardiff Design Festival in October.

So, with so many options among the Cardiff attractions, what is one to do? It is highly suggested that you narrow down the long list of possibilities before you arrive in Cardiff, Wales, or you will waste a lot of time trying to decide what to do and how to fit in visits to the Cardiff attractions in such a short time allotment. To help you, I have listed and described my four favorite Cardiff attractions.

1. Cardiff Castle

If you do nothing else during your trip to Cardiff, Wales, you should at least spend a day at the Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Castle is one of the most popular Cardiff attractions because it is rich in history and a grand and beautiful work of architecture. Cardiff Castle was built over 2000 years ago by the Romans. Cardiff Castle underwent many renovations, the most significant being its transformation into a huge gothic castle by the famously oddball architect Burges during the mid 1800s. During this time, huge turrets were constructed, and Cardiff Castle was lavishly adorned with massive murals, stained glass windows, and marble. The best part about Cardiff Castle is that each room is decorated with a specific and unique theme in mind including everything from Arabian decorations to Mediterranean gardens. Cardiff Castle can be toured by audio guide or regularly scheduled guided tours. Or if you prefer, you may leisurely explore Cardiff Castle at your own pace.

2. Doctor Who Exhibition

Whether you are a Doctor Who fan or not, the Doctor Who Exhibition is one of the Cardiff attractions that should not be missed! Most of the Doctor Who series was filmed in Cardiff, which is why the residents elected to establish the Doctor Who Exhibition in the Red Dragon Centre of Cardiff, Wales. While visiting the Doctor Who Exhibition, visitors can view the actual props used in episodes of the original series of Doctor Who and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop. Those who prefer the more recent Doctor Who series will love seeing costumes and props from recent episodes on display at the Doctor Who Exhibition. Visitors can also see several monsters, a dalek and a cyberman at the Doctor Who Exhibition.

3. Norwegian Church Arts Centre

There are many Cardiff attractions that are artistic in nature, but the Norwegian Church Arts Centre is notable for combining a beautiful view of Cardiff Bay with great architecture and fascinating history. The church is probably most famous as the location in which author Roald Dahl was christened. Of the Cardiff attractions, this is the most popular with Norwegian tourists in Cardiff, Wales, who enjoy learning of the many historical links between Norway and Wales.

4. Cardiff Bay and the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre

Do not leave Cardiff, Wales until you have at least caught a glimpse of the famous Cardiff Bay. Better yet, check out the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, one of the more popular Cardiff attractions, which locals refer to as simply "the Tube." The name stems from the elliptical shape of Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, which was created with the hope that visitors would feel as if they were inside a telescope. The Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre offers by far the most impressive view of Cardiff Bay, as well as several interesting exhibits such as one about the recycling and other environmental efforts in Cardiff, Wales. Visitors can also watch a short film about the rich history of Cardiff Wales and learn of the future plans for new developments.

There is one thing certain about planning a trip to Cardiff, Wales: there are so many Cardiff attractions that it is impossible to see them all, and difficult to decide which ones to skip! Hopefully you will decide that the four Cardiff attractions described above are worthwhile tourist destinations in Cardiff, Wales.

Source: www.visitcardiff.com