What is Cardiff Famous For? Discover the Welsh Capital

Making the move to new city as a student always begs the question of what makes this place stand out? If you’re a student settling into your new life in Cardiff, you’ll quickly discover that the capital of Wales is more than just life on campus. Cardiff is a hub of history, sport, culture, and nightlife that appeals to everything students in the city like to enjoy.

Cardiff and Its Castles: A Walk Through History

Like much of Wales, Cardiff is well known for its castles. The most iconic being the aptly named Cardiff Castle. Found in the heart of the city, this castle has roots dating back to the Roman period, with the site standing as both a fortress and a modern fairy tale venue.

Students in Cardiff will likely find themselves attending a concert, open air festival, or cinema night at some point during their degree. Bute Park next door also provides a nearby green space for a relaxed afternoon walk.

The castle is the prime place to learn about Cardiff’s place in Roman Wales, as well as how it contributed to the development of the empire beyond the UK. Climbing from the keep and peering over the skyline, you’ll enjoy an endlessly fascinating story and some great views of your new home.

Tip: Entry to the castle is free for Cardiff residents with a Cardiff Card, so it’s worth registering if you haven’t already.

A Sporting Capital with Global Stars

If you ask many of the locals “what is Cardiff famous for?”, there’s a very good chance that sport will be near the top of the list. Of course, the famous Principality Stadium (previously known as the Millennium Stadium) plays hosts to international Rugby fixtures on a regular basis. Game day is huge in Cardiff, and is hard to miss when the red jerseys flood onto the streets and bars pre-match.

While rugby is the biggest sport in the city, there’s still a strong football culture that runs in Welsh blood too. Cardiff City FC play their games at the Cardiff City Stadium, and tickets are affordable and easy to buy ahead of kick off. We also have to mention the Welsh legend that is Gareth Bale. Though retired, Bale now owns a bar in the city centre named Elevens. It features many artefacts from throughout his career, and serves a great burger.

Cycling is also a popular pastime in Cardiff. The city regularly hosts stages of the Tour of Britain thanks to the influence of hometown hero Geraint Thomas who famously won the Tour de France in 2018.

To learn more about the UK’s premier bike race, read our blog post discussing the subject.

A City of Music, Food, and Nightlife

Cardiff is also renowned for its excellent music and nightlife scene. From the Motorpoint Arena that hosts global artists to cosier venues such as Clwb Ifor Bach that promotes rising indie bands, the vibe is diverse and lively every weekend.

For foodies, St. Mary Street and Mill Lane offer a wide range of options for food and drinks. Cardiff Market is a favourite among locals for a quick snack during a long day of shopping.

There are also some legendary bars dotted around the city centre. Spots such as The Philharmonic. An institution among Cardiff’s students, this four floor masterpiece brings together the very best of clubbing, chilled pints, and socialising in one place. It can be the only stop on your night out if you don’t want to venture any further!

Waterfront Life at Cardiff Bay

Once best known for being the filming location of the BBC’s Doctor Who series, Cardiff Bay is a stylish waterfront area with restaurants and bars. Found under the shadow of the famous Welsh Assembly building, the Bay was once the busiest coal port in the world.

Students can enjoy a walk along the coast, enjoy a boat trip out to nearby docklands, or just admire the views from the shoreline. There aren’t many UK cities with a more picturesque waterfront than Cardiff.

Everyday Life in Cardiff

What makes Cardiff extra special for students is its size. It is compact enough to get around easily, but big enough to feel exciting. You can cycle, walk, or take a short bus ride almost anywhere. Plus, it is one of the UK’s most affordable capitals, which matters when you are balancing rent, study, and social life.

If you want to plan outings or explore events, check out the official guide at Visit Cardiff. For more details tailored to student living, you can discover everything Cardiff has to offer students.

It’s time to become a Welsh legend yourself. Make Cardiff your home from home today, and see what life in the Welsh capital can look like.