The Castle in the City Center

Most cities keep their castles on a distant hill, but not Cardiff. As soon as I stepped out of the train station, I was greeted by the surreal sight of Cardiff Castle sitting right in the middle of the high street. It’s a perfect metaphor for this Welsh capital: history and modern life living side-by-side.

While the castle tour is worth the ticket price, budget travelers should definitely check out the Animal Wall on the castle's perimeter. It’s a quirky, free photo op featuring stone sculptures of bears, lions, and hyenas that look like they are trying to escape over the wall!

The City of Arcades

If you love vintage shopping and indie cafes, you will fall in love with Cardiff. It is known as the "City of Arcades" for a reason. I spent hours getting lost in the Victorian and Edwardian indoor shopping arcades that weave through the city center.

My personal favorite was the Morgan Arcade, home to Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world. Buying a vinyl record there felt like taking a piece of music history home. Grab a coffee at one of the independent roasters here; the vibe is cozy, artistic, and miles away from generic chain stores.

Down to the Bay (and Dr. Who!)

A short train ride (or a nice long walk) took me to Cardiff Bay. Once a busy coal port, it’s now a stunning waterfront area. For sci-fi fans like me, standing in Roald Dahl Plass was a geek-out moment—it’s the filming location for the secret entrance to Torchwood (a Dr. Who spin-off). Even if you aren't a fan, the views of the Wales Millennium Centre are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

A Student City with a Soul

One thing I noticed is how youthful the city feels. With major universities nearby, the streets are always buzzing with students from all over the world. It gives the ancient city a very modern, energetic pulse.

It’s easy to see why people choose to study here—it’s compact, friendly, and cheaper than London. For international students planning to move here, the housing options are surprisingly stylish. Finding modern student accommodation in Cardiff often means you can live just minutes away from these historic arcades, blending academic life with the city's unique culture.

Final Thoughts

Cardiff is compact enough to see in a weekend but has enough character to keep you interested for much longer. Whether you are there for the rugby, the history, or just the welsh cakes (you must try them!), "Croeso" (Welcome) is more than just a word here—it’s a feeling.

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