Cardiff
Cardiff is a capital city of short distances and surprising diversity. At its very heart stands the fairy‑tale‑like Cardiff Castle, surrounded by parks, cafés and small independent shops – just a few steps away from the impressive Principality Stadium, which uniquely combines sport and city life. A particular highlight are the many historic arcades: covered passageways with charming boutiques, specialist shops and traditional crafts, inviting visitors to browse and linger. Modern architecture in Cardiff Bay, engaging museums, the market hall and a vibrant music scene further enrich the city’s urban appeal. Cardiff is also easily and comfortably accessible by train from Switzerland.
Highlights
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Located right in the city centre, Cardiff Castle brings together Roman walls, a Norman fortress and a magnificent Victorian fairy‑tale palace. On a guided or self‑guided tour, visitors can explore the richly decorated interiors, while the climb up the keep is rewarded with impressive views across the city. The exhibition set within the historic defensive walls is also well worth seeing.
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The National Museum Cardiff impresses with its grand domed building and an outstanding collection of Impressionist art, as well as works spanning more than 500 years of art history, natural history exhibits and changing temporary exhibitions. Tip: admission is free, making a visit to the museum a must on any city break.
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The former harbour area of Cardiff was an important centre for the export of coal from the South Wales valleys around 1900. Today, Cardiff Bay presents itself as a modern district with a high leisure appeal, set around a large freshwater lake. It is home to the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, the Pierhead Building and the Norwegian Church, as well as numerous cafés, bars and restaurants lining the waterfront promenade.
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Right next to Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is one of the most beautiful city parks in Great Britain – ideal for walks, picnics or cycling along the River Taff. From the park, a water taxi runs all the way to Cardiff Bay. Cardiff is regarded as a particularly green city, with numerous publicly accessible parks and natural spaces such as Roath Park, Victoria Park and the Cardiff Bay Wetlands.
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Those seeking a special cultural evening will find a rich and varied programme of concerts, operas and performances in Cardiff. The Wales Millennium Centre at Cardiff Bay is the city’s main opera and concert venue, delighting audiences with productions ranging from West End favourites to performances in the Welsh language. The programme is complemented by the historic New Theatre, opened in 1906, which hosts theatre, ballet, musicals and traditional pantomime.
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Eurostar is the ideal choice for a sustainable city break by train from Switzerland. Enjoy the comfort of rail travel from the very start of your journey. Via Paris, London is easily reached with just one change from Basel or Zurich in eight hours. From London, there is an hourly direct connection to Cardiff. The journey takes two and a half hours.
Insider Tips
Impressions
