Cardiff Bay is my favourite part of Cardiff. it has a charming mix of historical landmarks, great places to dine, and stunning waterfront views.
Once a bustling port, the area underwent a hugely successful regeneration project and is now one of the more popular leisure areas.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite things to do in Cardiff Bay.
1. Learn about Welsh democracy at The Senedd
The Senedd
Debating chamber inside The Senedd
Viewing gallery inside The Senedd
The Senedd (shown above) and connected buildings are home to the elected Welsh Government which makes the laws that govern Wales. Part of what makes it unique is that The Senedd is a completely open building that anyone can enter.
Inside, you can explore the public gallery where you can watch exactly what's happening in the debating chamber. They also have exhibitions, a timeline of Wales' devolution history, and a mini cafe where you can enjoy a coffee.
Although there are no guided tours available (unless you have a large group), I recommend taking one of the self-guided audio tours which will teach you about everything from democracy in Wales to all the sustainable features of the building.
Speak to reception when you arrive and they can provide you with equipment to listen to the tours or you can listen using your own device, the tours are on Soundcloud here.
2. Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay
Get a unique view of Cardiff Bay by joining a sightseeing boat trip. You can either hire a private boat (as I did with a few friends pictured above) or join the public boat with Cardiff Cruises.
The public boat departs every hour, on the hour, between 11am and 3pm each day. The trip lasts around an hour and will take you from the bay to Penarth and back again.
You'll enjoy most of Cardiff Bay's top landmarks and an onboard commentary will give you some fun facts and information.
Book Now: Cardiff Bay Sightseeing Cruise
3. Take a self-guided tour of the top landmarks
If the idea of having a guided tour sounds good, but you'd rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, you can take my self-guided walking tour of Cardiff Bay.
The tour begins at the Norweigan Church Arts Centre and will last about 1-hour as I take you around the famous landmarks, including the Senedd, the Pierhead Building, the Millennium Centre, and more.
I'll also tell you about the history of the Bay and how it changed from a busy dockland into the leisure area you see today.
4. Eat, drink, and relax at Mermaid Quay
Mermaid Quay is a waterfront leisure complex at Cardiff Bay, home to many restaurants, bars, and cafes. It's a great spot to head out for a drink, an evening meal, or even to one of the stylish cinema screens at the Everyman Cinema.
I find that the restaurants at Mermaid Quay seem to change quite regularly, but some of the staples that have always been there include Bills, Las Iguanas, Nandos, and Signor Valentino (a great independent Italian restaurant with a superb view).
5. Visit the Pierhead Building
The Pierhead Building is an iconic red sandstone building that sits at the heart of Cardiff Bay. It's an important landmark as it served as the headquarters for the Bute Dock Company who managed the bustling bay in its heyday.
The building is now part of The Senedd estate and is used by the Welsh Government.
It's also open to the public where you can admire the building's architecture and learn more about its history via the small exhibits inside. The exhibition covers topics such as the shipping industry, the growth of Cardiff as a port, and the impact of the Welsh coal trade.
Upstairs, there's a large room where you can watch a short video about the building's significance during the era of the Bute Dock Company.
It's completely free to visit and should take just 20-30 minutes.
If you're interested in learning more about the old docks, the Cardiff Story Museum in the city centre goes into greater detail and has a giant model showing what they would have looked like.
6. Walk through Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve
Another great free activity in Cardiff is the Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve, just a short walk from Mermaid Quay.
The wetlands is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many different types of birds including common perching birds, ducks, and swans. You'll also enjoy some beautiful views across the reserve, especially from the main boardwalk.
There's no charge to visit, simply head to St David’s Hotel (the one with the roof that looks like a seabird swopping down) and then look for the large bronze rope knot sculpture which marks the start of the wetlands trail.
Follow the path around and you’ll eventually end up at the main boardwalk which is the most scenic spot and the best place to spot wildlife. It won’t take longer than 20 minutes to visit the reserve as it’s relatively small.
7. Make science fun at Techniquest
Techniquest is a nonprofit organization with a huge visitor centre in Cardiff Bay dedicated to making science accessible to everyone.
It has over 120 interactive exhibits that cover a range of scientific topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and space exploration. You can learn about the human body, control a robotic arm, or experience a simulated earthquake, among many other exhibits.
In addition to the exhibits, Techniquest also offers science shows and workshops, where you can learn about specific scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way. There are shows on topics like chemistry, electricity, and light, as well as workshops on robotics and coding.
Techniquest is a great place for families to spend the day, but it's also popular with school groups and science enthusiasts.
8. Go rafting at Cardiff International White Water
Across the far side of Cardiff Bay is the International Sports Village where you'll find Cardiff International White Water (CIWW).
This is an Olympic-standard man-made water rafting facility where you can try kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, and even surfing at their indoor surf centre.
The centre provides all the necessary equipment and safety gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your sense of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, I can recommend CIWW for every ability.
As most of these activities are outside, this is a seasonal activity which is no surprise given how cold it can get in Wales during winter. I recommend that you book ahead of your visit.
Book Now: White Water Rafting at CIWW
9. Eat street food at Tiger Yard
Tiger Yard is a brand new food court at Cardiff Bay (where the Dr Who Experience used to be).
Made from shipping containers, it's home to several independent street food vendors offering different types of food including tacos, burgers, and fried chicken.
It centres around large communal tables for eating, perfect if you all want to sample foods from different stalls. The venue is decorated with cute fairy lights that transform the container venue into a cozy and enchanting dining space. They even host live music on Saturday evenings.
Being new, there's only a limited number of vendors here and it's only open on weekends from midday until 6pm. Hopefully, it will only grow as it becomes more popular.
It's brand new so I've still not got around to trying it out for myself, but I hear from friends that it's a great addition to Cardiff Bay.
10. Ride the Giant Wheel
Located near the waterfront, Cardiff Bay's Giant Wheel is hard to miss. The wheel is a huge 33m As you ride up to the top, you'll be able to take in breathtaking views of the bay and the city skyline.
Whether you're looking to capture some Instagram-worthy photos or just want to take in the sights from a unique vantage point, the Giant Wheel is an experience not to be missed. When I last visited, the cost was £5 per adult and £4 per child, although this may be subject to change.
The Giant Wheel runs from 11am - 11pm so you can enjoy it day or night. I personally recommend going during the day when you can see for miles across the bay, but it's also great at night when the city lights up.
11. Grab a coffee in Roald Dahl’s church
The Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay has a rich history dating back to 1868 when it was established as a church for Norwegian sailors at a time when the Norweigan Merchant Fleet had a large presence at the docks.
One of the most well-known attendees of the church was Roald Dahl, who was born in Cardiff to Norwegian parents.
The church was not always at this location. It was previously where the Wales Millennium Centre now stands but was moved here as part of the bay regeneration project.
The building retains its original stained glass windows and wood panelling, although it's no longer a functional church. Instead, it's home to a cute tearoom serving up hot drinks and baked goods.
12. Take the high ropes course at Air Trail
If you're looking for a fun and challenging adventure, Air Trail is a high ropes course that towers above the rafting track at Cardiff International White Water.
If you can brave the height and tackle the obstacles, you can enjoy stunning views over the bay area.
Obstacles include the Burma Bridge, the Monkey Swing and the zip wire at the end as a thrilling way to finish off the course.
No prior experience or equipment is required to tackle Air Trail, making it a perfect activity for families or groups of friends looking for a fun day out.
Each session includes one full circuit of the course and costs just £12 per person, making it an affordable activity for all. Keep in mind that this is also a seasonal activity.
13. Pay respects at Ianto's Shrine
Many hit BBC dramas have been made in Cardiff, including Dr Who and it's successful spin-off, Torchwood.
Torchwood was set at Cardiff Bay, with the 'Torchwood Hub' apparently located below Roald Dahl Plass.
When one of the show's most loveable characters, Ianto Jones, was killed off in the show's third season (back in 2009), fans created a memorial near the filming location to pay their respects.
Ianto's Shrine houses messages, poems, pictures, and many more tributes from fans that have visited. More than a decade after the show finished airing, the shrine is still going strong.
While most people might find a shrine to a fictional character a little odd, die-hard Torchwood fans (myself included) will love this unique attraction.
14. Watch a show at the Wales Millenium Centre
The Millenium Center is Wales' main venue for opera, ballet, contemporary dance and musicals. It's home to the best shows in the country and has hosted several famous plays, including Wicked, Le Mis, Footloose, and Cats.
Besides these famed shows, the Millenium Centre is also home to Welsh companies like the Hijinx Theatre, the National Dance Company of Wales, and the BBC National Orchestra, making it an important cultural institution in Wales.
The foyer of the building is free to enter where you can enjoy a drink in the cafe or head up to the first floor to look out through the large letters which are actually windows. For their full show listings, check out their website here.
15. Laugh your socks off at the Glee Club
Glee Club is the perfect venue for laughs in Cardiff Bay. It is home to many tours and big-name comedians, who come there to test new material, as well as those earlier in their journey.
The venue is one of the top things to do in Cardiff at night and has hosted the likes of Peter Kay, Michael Mcintyre, Katherine Ryan, Jo Brand, and Josh Widdecombe, all of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the industry.
So get yourself down to Gleen Club and you might catch the next big comedian before they make it. Plus, it doesn't cost much to enjoy a good time at just £10.50 per ticket (or £6.50 for students). Find their latest listings here.
16. Walk or cycle the Cardiff Bay Trail
One of my favourite ways of exploring the beautiful views of Cardiff Bay is by taking the bay's 10km trail. Many people do not realise that Cardiff Bay is actually a lake thanks to the Cardiff Bay Barrage which acts like a large dam to retain water in the bay.
There is a path across the barrage so you can complete the circular route, known as the Cardiff Bay Trail, on foot or by bicycle (my preferred option). The path takes you on a journey through the heart of the bay, past some of its most iconic landmarks, statues, and stunning waterfront views.
If you don't have your own bicycle, you can hire one for the day from Pedal Power, although keep in mind their Cardiff Bay branch is seasonal.
Depending upon your fitness level, the bay trail will take around 2 hours to walk or 30 minutes to cycle. You can find a full route map along with points of interest along the way here.
Published: 22 July 2022 · Last updated: 6 March 2024