When you’re not busy enjoying the films and events of the Iris Prize Film Festival, why not take the time to investigate what else Cardiff has to offer. There’s always something new to discover in the city, so make the most of your visit – go forth and explore. Here are some recommendations to get you started.
Cardiff Castle
Castle Street
Located within beautiful parklands at the heart of the capital. Cardiff Castle’s walls and fairy tale towers conceal 2,000 years of history, including a Roman Fort, Norman Keep and the home of the Bute family, who owned the Castle from 1766 until they gifted the Castle and much of its parkland to the city of Cardiff in 1947.
City of Arcades
City Centre
Cardiff’s seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades house some of the most eclectic independent shops and cafes in the city, all in beautiful (and under cover!) surroundings. This is the place to buy everything from cheese to board games to vintage clothes. Visit independent barbers and eateries, and explore the iconic Spillers Records, Cardiff’s local record store since 1894.
NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF
Cathays Park
Two wealthy Welsh sisters bequeathed their large art collection to the National Museum Cardiff in the mid 20th century, resulting in Cardiff owning one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris, with works by Renoir, Monet and Cezanne. It’s also a great place to learn some of Cardiff’s interesting and varied natural history and explore one of its grandest buildings. Free entry.
MUSEUM OF CARDIFF
The Hayes
Housed in Cardiff’s beautiful Old Library, Cardiff Museum tells the story of how Cardiff came to be the city we know today. Free entry.
BUTE PARK
Castle Street/North Street
Once the ‘back garden’ of Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is a huge area of mature parkland in the centre of the city. Perfect for a relaxing walk, run or to enjoy the sunshine, and if you pass by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the grounds you might be lucky enough to hear some live music being rehearsed.
THEATRES AND CINEMAS
ST DAVID’S HALL
The Hayes
St David’s Hall is is best known as the venue for the annual Welsh Proms and as a host to some of the world’s top orchestras. The 2000-seat hall also features international singers, comedians, musicals and plays.
CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE
Market Road, Canton
Chapter has earned a reputation as one of the most diverse arts centres in Europe, combining theatre, art, film, music and literature into one venue. Regular festivals, themed events, workshops and lectures ensure that there’s always something of interest taking place. And the excellent bar and café means it’s a great place to hang out between shows. By specialising in real ales and European beers, an evening at Chapter means your tastebuds can get some culture too.
NEW THEATRE
Park Place
Since opening in 1906, this recently-restored Edwardian Playhouse has played host to such legends of the stage as Laurel and Hardy. Today the New Theatre is a popular venue for touring musicals and plays.
SHERMAN THEATRE
Senghenydd Road
The Sherman Theatre has commissioned more new plays for young people than any other theatre in Britain. Many of which are dedicated to nurturing tomorrow’s talents through a programme of youth projects. Its diverse programme also features plenty of work in the Welsh language.
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Bute Place
Wales Millennium Centre presents international opera, ballet, modern dance, theatre and musicals. Shows take place in a variety of spaces, including the world-class Donald Gordon Theatre and The Void – which lets you explore the roof space for unique and unforgettable performances. Situated in Cardiff Bay, the landmark building also offers group tours every day so you can uncover some of its backstage secrets.
ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
North Road
Wales’ National Conservatoire,RWCMD. It hosts over 300 public performances every year including orchestral concerts, drama, opera and musical theatre. It’s also home to the most popular jazz night in Cardiff – a free event that takes place on Friday evenings in the foyer, featuring the up and coming talent of the college’s jazz students.
MUSIC VENUES
CLWB IFOR BACH
11 Womanby Street
Often referred to as ‘The Welsh Club‘. This place has three floors and caters for a wide range of musical tastes, with each floor often offering a different scene. It stages regular club nights with DJs, and gigs, and is also the place to contact if you have the desire to learn Welsh.
ART GALLERIES
G39
Oxford St, Cardiff
G39 is renowned internationally as one of Cardiff’s leading contemporary art spaces. The work on display is a mix of Welsh and from further afield. Often exhibiting recent art graduates alongside established international artists, with a focus on showcasing the best experimental new work.
FFOTOGALLERY
The Old Sunday School, Fanny Street
Ffotogallery is Wales’ premier gallery devoted to photography featuring touring exhibitions from Welsh and international photographer. The centre also runs regular photography projects, provides drop-in facilities and runs photography courses.
GAY VENUES
GOLDEN CROSS
283 Hayes Bridge Rd
Live Music, Karaoke, award winning DJ’s & the best Drag entertainment the country has to offer.
MARY’S
89 St Mary’s Street
Mary’s is famous for its friendly atmosphere, fabulous cocktails, extensive range of premium gins and outrageous live cabaret.
THE CORNER HOUSE
25 Caroline Street
Nestled amongst the busy shopping district of Cardiff City Centre, this unique pub is hard to miss. The Corner House is the perfect place to rest those weary feet after a busy day or to grab a quick lunch whilst on the move.
PULSE
3 Churchill Way
Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ Nightclub offering fantastic cabaret and drinks to party the night away.
