Cardiff

The young capital city steeped in history

Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, fascinatingly combines history, culture and modern joie de vivre. From the majestic castle in the heart of the city to the exciting museums and the lively Cardiff Bay harbour district – countless highlights await you here. The city also offers a varied nightlife, culinary discoveries and close proximity to the impressive Welsh coast. You can also reach Cardiff by train from Switzerland and enjoy the anticipation of your city break while you travel.

Book now

Highlights

Located right in the centre, Cardiff Castle impresses with a mixture of Roman walls, Norman towers and Victorian splendour. A tour takes you through magnificent rooms, mysterious corridors and up to the imposing fortress walls with views over the city.
The revitalised harbour district is now a vibrant meeting place with restaurants, bars, cultural institutions and waterfront promenades. Here you can visit the Wales Millennium Centre concert hall or take a boat tour.
The National Museum impresses with its extensive collection of Welsh and international art as well as exciting natural history exhibitions – admission is free.
Right next to Cardiff Castle lies one of the most beautiful city parks in Great Britain. Perfect for relaxing walks, picnics or a bike ride along the River Taff.
From Switzerland, take the TGV Lyria to Paris, then the Eurostar to London in 2.5 hours and finally the express train directly to Cardiff in just two hours. The journey is comfortable, offers several opportunities for stopovers – for example, for a short walk through Paris or London – and is a relaxed alternative to flying.

Insider Tips

Welsh rarebit – a classic treat

Anyone visiting Cardiff should definitely try the national dish Welsh rarebit: toasted bread topped with a rich, creamy cheese, beer and mustard sauce – often refined with Worcestershire sauce, fried egg or bacon. Whether in traditional pubs or cosy cafés, this hearty dish is a real piece of Welsh food culture and the perfect culinary stopover on your city break to Cardiff by train.

Cardiff Bay Wetlands

The Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve is an idyllic natural paradise just a stone's throw from the lively harbour district. Here you can take a stroll along wooden walkways, observe rare water birds, wander through reed beds and enjoy the peace and quiet – an ideal contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. It is particularly worth visiting at the weekend, when the nearby Riverside Market attracts visitors with regional street food, Welsh cheese, baked goods and handicrafts – perfect for an enjoyable break during your city break in Cardiff.

The Bone Yard

A real highlight for fans of design, street food and urban flair: The Bone Yard in Cardiff is a creative hotspot made from converted shipping containers. Here you will find local studios, small workshops, vintage stalls and handmade products – perfect for an original souvenir. Especially at the weekend, the varied street food on offer provides culinary diversity. An inspiring stop on your city break to Cardiff – off the beaten tourist track.