The Castle Quarter is Cardiff’s most central neighbourhood where you’ll find the high street and shopping centre filled with well-known clothing brands and restaurant chains, as well as Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium. Although it’s busy all day, this quarter truly comes alive at night with parties from the city’s best bars and clubs.
If you want cool restaurants and bars but want to avoid the hoard of shoppers and party-goers, stay 3 km south in Cardiff Bay where the vibrancy of the capital is merged with the quietude of the harbour. Or stay in Llandaff, a medieval quarter known for its traditional historic pubs.
Heath, an affluent inner-city suburb, offers even more peace and quiet with a beautiful park and nearby bistros, which are ideal for families wanting a contrast from the city vibe. Alternatively, head 6.5 km south of the city to Penarth, a seaside village resort with its own marina bursting with an excellent assortment of bars, restaurants, and shops.
The coolest part of Cardiff to stay, however, is Pontcanna, a fashionable neighbourhood a few minutes north of the city centre by foot. This residential area has become populated with some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, as well as an artistic crowd.
Cardiff is a small city, so it’s easy enough to walk from one part of central Cardiff to another within 10 or 15 minutes. For those journeys that are a little too ambitious by foot, there is a quick and easy bus service that circulates the city.
