The 10 Best Attractions in Cardiff Bay

Today Cardiff Bay is the most dynamic family-friendly leisure hub in Wales. From its inception as early 19th-century docks, fast-forward to 1913 and the port – then known locally as 'Tiger Bay' – was the epicentre of Cardiff’s ever-expanding role as the biggest industrial port in the world, exporting coal and iron to power an empire. And that was just over 100 years ago – since then industry has declined and Tiger Bay has been transformed. Billions of pounds were invested in Europe’s largest waterfront redevelopment, and Cardiff Bay has morphed chrysalis-like from its cocoon into the liveliest destination in the Welsh capital. 

The weather in South Wales is on its best behaviour between May and August, but Cardiff Bay is a year-round destination as there are plenty of indoor diversions to keep everyone entertained if the rains descend. Simply reroute yourselves to interactive experiments at Techniquest or IMAX films and bowling at the Red Dragon Centre.

For panoramas across the bay, The Giant Wheel opens up in mid-March (and closes early October), and when you’re visiting in early July, be sure to graze the street-food stalls at Cardiff Food and Drink Festival in Roald Dahl Plass. Boating aficionados can catch the Cardiff Harbour Festival, with anything from powerboat racing to dinghy sailing in the bay during late August.

If you’re staying at Novotel Cardiff Centre, there is paid parking at the hotel. Otherwise, there are several pay-and-display car parks dotted around the bay; the most handy is Q-Park Cardiff Bay, close to all the major attractions.

Depending on your personal preferences, there are several tours to choose from. Starting from the majestic Pierhead Building, guided walking tours of Cardiff Bay take in the area’s major attractions, or you can download a self-guided walk around all the landmarks. If you’d like to see more of the city, a hop-on, hop-off bus stops at several points along the bay before heading back into the city centre. Care for a different perspective on the bay? Hop aboard the steam launch Daffodil at Cardiff Waterfront for a leisurely cruise along the coastline – there’s no need to book.

Clad in white timber and topped with a black spiky spire, this unique former church dates back to Cardiff’s 19th-century heyday as a global industrial power. It originally served Norwegian sailors working in the port, but was dismantled and transported to its present position in 1992. Today it’s a cosy venue for shows and gigs, renowned for its acoustics and the artisan food and drink served in Norsk Café.

Harbour Drive, CF10 4PT. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Free admission; show ticket prices vary.

A one-stop indoor entertainment centre, Red Dragon incorporates an international food court (think everything from sushi to spicy Indian curries), casino, bowling alley and 4D cinema under one roof. It’s also got an ice-cream parlour, a health club and amusement arcades; brimming year-round with families, the complex can keep you cheerfully busy from early morning until night.

Atlantic Wharf, CF10 4JY. Open daily 7:30am-11pm. Individual restaurant and cinema times and prices vary, so be sure to check the website.

The meeting place of the Welsh National Assembly was designed by starchitect Lord Richard Rogers using Welsh slate, glass and steel, with an undulating roof that gleams in the sunshine. It’s open for guided tours of the outstanding architectural features, and you can also sometimes watch the Members of the Senedd in action from the public viewing gallery. 

Pierhead Street, CF99 1SN. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat 10:30am-4:30pm. Admission free.

A honeypot for families, this science theatre-meets-planetarium offers up scores of interactive exhibits and experiments. Kids can try their hand at virtual heart surgery, learn about the planets through 4D films, play with machines, feel the force of a mock hurricane and even launch a rocket. With a focus on sustainability, the centre aims to educate through entertainment; it’s a great backup for rainy days too!  

Stuart Street, CF10 5BW. Opening times vary but roughly daily 9am-6pm during school holidays. Tickets start at £10; please book in advance online. 

Almost (but not quite) eclipsed by its avant-garde design inspired by the natural beauty and industrial past of Wales, the Millennium Centre is the home of Cardiff’s performing arts. Its mixed bag of showstopper musicals, world-class opera and ballet performances combine with subversive comedy gigs to ensure that you’ll always find something to enjoy.

Bute Place, CF10 5AL. Open Mon 9am-6pm, Tue-Wed 9am-9pm, Thur-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Ticket price varies according to show or event.

Cardiff Bay’s tourist attractions also include lots of sporty pastimes – from cycling to jogging and SUP. And although there’s not a sandy beach in the bay, you can have some serious family fun on the massive inflatable Aqua Park set up every summer just offshore.

Zoom down the River Severn on an exhilarating rib ride, and bob gently over to Flat Holm Island in the Bristol Channel to check out the grey seal colony. Treat the kids to afternoon tea as you cruise past Cardiff Bay landmarks, or get a gaggle of friends together to party hard on Saturday night. Your choice!

Most boat trips leave from Cardiff Bay Marina. Prices, dates and times vary according to company, cruise and season.

Forming part of the long-distance Wales Coast Path, the Cardiff Bay Barrage walk is 0.6 miles (1.1 km) long and runs across the bay to the seaside town of Penarth. Cyclists, joggers and hikers enjoy stunning views in all directions. On dry land, distinctive edifices like the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, red-brick Pierhead House and the glittering Senedd come thick and fast, while if you look out to sea over the Bristol Channel, you can glimpse the humpy islets of Flat Holm and Steep Holm.

Cargo Road, CF10 4LY. Open 24/7. Free to access. 

Fancy catching a simulated wave or two? Keen to get out on some white water? You can do both at Cardiff International White Water, the only such facility in South Wales. And if getting wet doesn’t appeal, you can test your dexterity on high-rope courses suspended above the rafting course instead.

Watkiss Way, CF11 0SY. Opening hours vary seasonally. Prices vary according to activity. Tickets to all activities must be booked online in advance. 

Whether you’re a rowing ace or a complete novice, there’s an experience to suit at Cardiff Rowing Centre, edging the tranquil waters of the River Taff. And if you’re really water-averse, why not try your hand at archery?

Channel View, Jim Driscoll Way, Grangetown, CF11 7HB. Open daily 9am-4:30pm. Prices vary according to activity. 

Set on the northern shores of Cardiff Bay, the wetlands are a biodiversity success story; what was once an industrial wasteland is now home to myriad wading birds including ducks, warblers, grebes, coots and swans. Gravel walkways offer fantastic views over the reserve’s reed beds, and there’s also an over-water viewing area for birdwatching.

Windsor Esplanade, CF10 5BZ. Open 24/7. Free to access. 

In need of refuelling? Mermaid Quay is your best bet – a lively hotspot jumping with pubs, organic cafés and restaurants. When you feel a snack attack coming on, treat yourself to the buttery, fruity local version of biscuity bread at Fabulous Welshcakes or grab a gourmet burger in Hub Box. For the very best Welsh lamb and seafood, make a beeline for The Old Custom House on the south side of Cardiff Bay Barrage at Penarth.

When you’re staying over in Cardiff Bay hotels, it’s good to know that life goes on after dark. Grab a Welsh craft beer in a Mermaid Quay bar, or go upmarket and bag tickets for classical concerts by the prestigious BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Big-name gigs are held at Utilita Arena Cardiff, and night owls can head for stand-up comedy routines at the Glee Club.

Whether you’re travelling with the family, as a couple or solo, there’s always something kicking off at Cardiff Bay… Now it’s your turn to join in the fun!