Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Picturesque wharf lined with shops, boutiques and cafes.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Cardiff Bay
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,058 within 3 miles
Attractions
213 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- lomaroCopenhagen, Denmark581 contributionsWorth a visitGreat view and a must see for Torchwood fans. We went on a rainy day so I imagine there is much more buss in good weather. But the view of the bay is nice, there som restaurants and several interesting buildings to both look at and visit. And fun to see the out side of the Torchwood headquarterVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- David DDevon, United Kingdom26,753 contributionsHistoric and Modern waterfront, so much to see abd experienceWe spent two days, 19th and 20th October, in the rather spectacular Cardiff Bay, filled with historic and modern landmarks. On both days we walked around various sections of the waterfront. The weather was not always our friend but we made the most of it. There are some stunning and immediately eye catching buildings, old and new side by side, including The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, Millennium Centre and the historic Red brick Pierhead Building. Another feature that cannot be overlooked is the seventy foot high metal water tower, located in Roald Dahl Plass. Also there are the tall pillars, think there are seventeen, they are more attractive when illuminated at night. However walking around there is so much more to been discovered including the Statue of Ivor Novello, one of Cardiff's famous sons. There is also the Seafarers Memorial, in front of the Senedd. There are four old cannons, in front of the Pierhead Building, facing out across the Bay. Famous Welsh rugby players are celebrated with the Rugby Players Statue. On the ground, near the waterfront the Cargoes Poem plaque can be found. Also nearby is the large Celtic Ring. Nearby is the Flourish Fountain and statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The Norwegian Chapel and Art Centre is located located in the Bay. By the waterfront there are a number of kiosks selling boat tours, which depart from the nearby jetties. On the Friday morning we had intended to take the water taxi from the Bay into the City, this was cancelled due to the weather, so we took the train. Also in the Bay is Mermaid Quay which is filled with bars, restaurants and shops.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 November 2023
- tinkle_24Northampton, United Kingdom1,781 contributionsGreat for walks and exploring the bay…Lovely area to wander and walk to Penarth Marina excellent. Visit Pierhead or the Assembly. Of course Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl was christened and the barrage. Plenty of cafes n restaurants if feeling peckish.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 November 2023
- BraindamagedbaronNewark-on-Trent, United Kingdom1,428 contributionsCardiff Baying for moreWandered through this area of Cardiff on a day out. A undoubtedly beautiful region developed to bring more commercial premises into the city while capturing the original essence of the bay. And it was a success. Shopping and cafe culture is the same wherever you go but enjoying the experience in pleasing surroundings is always a bonus. Cardiff bay manages just that.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 April 2024
- John Stonier3 contributionsEnjoy CardiffEasy to get to the Bay area by river, bus or train or simply walk from city centre. Beautiful area with lots od places to visit and many reataurants and bars. Also there are opportunities to tour the bay and beyond by various boats and RIBS.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 June 2024
- permia64,714 contributionsGreat sweep of waterwayA seminal construction was that of the Barrage in 1999 that effectively created a 2 sq km freshwater lake known as Cardiff Bay. Flood defences for the area were inherent in the undertaking. What followed was a mammoth redevelopment of the Docks district. It was most enjoyable strolling by the water, visiting and admiring fabulous buildings, both modern and historic. Two of the former are the magnificent Millennium Centre and The Senedd. Amongst the treasured historic builds are the gorgeous Pierhead Building and Norwegian Church, now an arts centre.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 July 2024
- joannappleLydford, United Kingdom14 contributionsWell worth a visitVisited during a city break for a wander, breakfast and to see the sea. We popped into the Norwegian church. Shame the spectacular Roal Dahl plas was full of a tacky fairground so you didn’t get the full feels but other than it was lovely. Well worth a visit.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 August 2024
- JessWales, United Kingdom317 contributionsLovely areaCardiff Bay is really worth visiting, especially for food, drinks and a walk around. There is an extensive choice of restaurants and bars. It's a relaxing area with plenty to do, but not as busy as the city centre which makes it a pleasant experience.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
6,227 reviews
Excellent
3,656
Very good
1,968
Average
463
Poor
99
Terrible
41
Tom R
Cardiff, UK79 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Since moving to Cardiff for work last year I try to visit the Bay at least once or twice a week. Throughout the year there’s various events and activities happening here and even outside of these it’s always refreshing to walk around it from Mermaid Q through Penarth and over the bridge back to the Bay again. When friends or family visit I like to take them there via the river taxi from Bute Park, which double as a mini history tour on the way the passes various landmarks of Cardiff. The Bay has something for everyone and there no shortage of entertainment spots and has a great selection of bars and restaurants to suit everyone’s taste. Getting back to Cardiff I like the train from the Bay to Cardiff Queen St, probably the shortest train journey anyone will ever take, the last time I took a train journey this short was in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin_Brighton
Brighton, UK129 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Visited during Covid-19, the place was quiet but really picturesque and lovely. Gorgeous views on the bay and sea, highly recommend a boat trip around the bay. And a night walk with a romantic dinner in one of restaurants with a bay view.
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JB E
London, UK292 contributions
Dec 2022
We came here to visit friends last week and had a really nice time. Took a walk around the Mermaid Quay area and went inside the Millennium Entertainment complex. Lots of lovely bars, cafe's, and restaurants. We went inside the old Parliament building and a very informed lady explained a lot about the building. Would like to return and go to a concert here.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pauline c
Pontypool, UK113 contributions
Jul 2020
Came to Cardiff Bay for a visit and a walk around,have been here many times before and always used the toilets in the Millenium centre, as it was closed due to lockdown thought there is bound to be some more public toilets but not one to be found. As it was a sunny Saturday afternoon and the bars were open for drinking outside only, there were a lot of people making use of this. But as they are not allowed inside where are the toilet facilites could not see any all. Went down a quiet street only to see a few men peeing up against a building how disgusting . I think public toilets must have been forgotton when Cardiff Bay was built. As I am disabled need a toilet around, wont be goi8ng back there for a long time.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimeyWimey
Whitstable, UK895 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
This is not a picturesque wharf at all. There are few cafes or restaurants youd have time for. There is a sainsburys local offering affordable food and drink. The rest of the place is a mish mash of rarely open ' attractions' or over priced fairground rides. A few wiestionable food tents occasionally appear seasonally, again costing a fortune, as does a lone ice cream van. The surroundings off the cucle paths are over grown with scattered dereliction. The souless new buildings are miscellaneous in their purpose. There are things worth doing such as the white water course and other water activities, but looking at rhe scum and litter collected in the corners of the bay is the main activity for sightseers here. On warmer evenings you'll see feral persons on electric scooter and the whiff of suspicious substances. Cyclists and joggers like to cross the barrage and claim ownership of all pavements. There is a desperation to draw tourists in their cars to park in over priced parking areas to make a bit back from the investment in this failure. If you do go be sure to visit the big Morrison's supermarket. It's so empty and too big so there are so many yellow tags on fresh meat and fish. Bet they wish they'd just opened a smaller shop like sainsburys. It's a two hour visit at most, with half of that navigating the many derelict roundabouts and finding parking. When trying to get to the bay from anywhere in the cardiff area count the traffic lights. Its very waring, like the speed limits and speed bumps that frustrate locals. So, in summary nothing to do, expensive to eat, lacking charm and character, unpleasant in the evening, neglected and Go anywhere else when visiting Cardiff. Just forget the Bay.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BellaLasagne47
67 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We love the Bay and have been many times before, but living an hour away needed the call of nature on arrival. Normally the Millenium Centre is open, it’s nice to have a browse inside and use the loo but of course it’s closed. OK, so off to Weatherspoons for a quick drink and the loo, but surprisingly that was shut also. Ok, so one of the coffee shops? No, you have to register on an app then wait. Ok so walk round to the only public loos (I know of) halfway round the Bay. Guess what? Shut.
It’s the quickest we’ve (legally) driven home for some time!
It’s the quickest we’ve (legally) driven home for some time!
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea Peter
Torquay, UK238 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We were booked to see The Lion King in the evening during our stay so we originally planned to spend the afternoon before at Cardiff Bay. However, we were very tired so we left much later than planned, getting there an hour or so before our dinner reservation. We were quite underwhelmed though and glad we didn’t spend the day there. There was a small fair, and lots of restaurants to choose from; this was the main purpose of the place. Wouldn’t recommend spending more than an hour there outside of eating.
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glen L
Leicester, UK95 contributions
Oct 2022
Easily the most impressive building in Cardiff Bay is The Pierhead. A must see. Inside there is a brief film of the history of the area and the building itself. The dee-red brick and tiled walls speak of another era, when Cardiff Bay was busy with industry and shipping.
There was plenty more to do. The Parliament Building the Send is also worth a visit. Unimpressive from the outside, it is light and approachable inside. with interesting architecture.
We took a boat out to the Barrage. Then we walked back to town, about a mile-and-a half triune the Bay. A nice, easy walk which also took in the Crocodile Seat.
There was plenty more to do. The Parliament Building the Send is also worth a visit. Unimpressive from the outside, it is light and approachable inside. with interesting architecture.
We took a boat out to the Barrage. Then we walked back to town, about a mile-and-a half triune the Bay. A nice, easy walk which also took in the Crocodile Seat.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen W
Netley, UK239 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Even though I dragged my husband along and it was cold wet and very windy, we never would have missed going. In fact we'd walk down there every night.
There are some wonderful restaurants which cater for all price bands. Its vibrate and has a great vibe, and so much history.
So take a strool down there and take in the stunning views and have a meal, you won't be disappointed.
There are some wonderful restaurants which cater for all price bands. Its vibrate and has a great vibe, and so much history.
So take a strool down there and take in the stunning views and have a meal, you won't be disappointed.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK26,753 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We spent two days, 19th and 20th October, in the rather spectacular Cardiff Bay, filled with historic and modern landmarks.
On both days we walked around various sections of the waterfront. The weather was not always our friend but we made the most of it.
There are some stunning and immediately eye catching buildings, old and new side by side, including The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, Millennium Centre and the historic Red brick Pierhead Building.
Another feature that cannot be overlooked is the seventy foot high metal water tower, located in Roald Dahl Plass. Also there are the tall pillars, think there are seventeen, they are more attractive when illuminated at night.
However walking around there is so much more to been discovered including the Statue of Ivor Novello, one of Cardiff's famous sons. There is also the Seafarers Memorial, in front of the Senedd. There are four old cannons, in front of the Pierhead Building, facing out across the Bay.
Famous Welsh rugby players are celebrated with the Rugby Players Statue.
On the ground, near the waterfront the Cargoes Poem plaque can be found. Also nearby is the large Celtic Ring.
Nearby is the Flourish Fountain and statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Norwegian Chapel and Art Centre is located located in the Bay.
By the waterfront there are a number of kiosks selling boat tours, which depart from the nearby jetties.
On the Friday morning we had intended to take the water taxi from the Bay into the City, this was cancelled due to the weather, so we took the train.
Also in the Bay is Mermaid Quay which is filled with bars, restaurants and shops.
On both days we walked around various sections of the waterfront. The weather was not always our friend but we made the most of it.
There are some stunning and immediately eye catching buildings, old and new side by side, including The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, Millennium Centre and the historic Red brick Pierhead Building.
Another feature that cannot be overlooked is the seventy foot high metal water tower, located in Roald Dahl Plass. Also there are the tall pillars, think there are seventeen, they are more attractive when illuminated at night.
However walking around there is so much more to been discovered including the Statue of Ivor Novello, one of Cardiff's famous sons. There is also the Seafarers Memorial, in front of the Senedd. There are four old cannons, in front of the Pierhead Building, facing out across the Bay.
Famous Welsh rugby players are celebrated with the Rugby Players Statue.
On the ground, near the waterfront the Cargoes Poem plaque can be found. Also nearby is the large Celtic Ring.
Nearby is the Flourish Fountain and statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Norwegian Chapel and Art Centre is located located in the Bay.
By the waterfront there are a number of kiosks selling boat tours, which depart from the nearby jetties.
On the Friday morning we had intended to take the water taxi from the Bay into the City, this was cancelled due to the weather, so we took the train.
Also in the Bay is Mermaid Quay which is filled with bars, restaurants and shops.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I’m going to see Liam Gallagher in September at Alexandra Park, Cardiff Bay. Has anyone been to a gig at this venue and if so, do you know what the score is with parking? Thanks.
Written 10 July 2022
lbardsley164
Shropshire, United Kingdom
Hi, I'm looking for recommendations for vegetarian friendly breakfasts (and places to eat out in general) in the Cardiff bay area?
Thanks!
Written 7 October 2019
Wetherspoons is good for vegetarian breakfast, would recommend Nando’s and the Welsh cake shop as well!
Written 7 December 2019
Rosalee P
Las Vegas, Nevada
Visiting Cardiff mid-October and wondering what to expect weather wise?
Written 14 August 2019
This is like all of Uk. It is changeable. I have had some lovely warm sunny days in Cardiff in October but also some really stormy weather. Temperature is normally ok and the kids half term is usually ok with some sun
Written 16 March 2020
Hi hope someone can help 5 of us are coming to the bay in September for a small hen do, anyone recommend a bar/club we can go to for a dance, and also a nice place to have lunch, thanks
Written 28 May 2018
Plenty of bars in the bay but try the Jazz Cafe in city centre near Castle entrance. Great food and great atmosphere with live music.
Written 12 June 2018
Hello I'm coming to Cardiff this Saturday, I have 5 hours to spend in the city. Don't want to just shop all day. I like Art and History Any suggestions?
Written 28 November 2017
Cardiff castle is nice, if you have a car no where beats St Fagans just on the outskirts.
Written 30 November 2017
Hi, I'm coming to Cardiff for a couple of days with 5 friends. We're looking for recommendations of a nice, reasonably priced restaurant. Also is there anywhere nearby that would have live music? We're in our 30s. Thanks in advance.
Written 31 July 2017
Hi, we went to Cardiff Bay for the Food and Drink Festival last month That is when to go for food, music and atmosphere....fantastic for families. I think we've got the last booking for accommodation for next, though we did this as soon as we came back. Regardless there are so many great restaurants for multi cuisines all over Mermaid Quay that you can just pop in. Most days there are live buskers playing. Our favourites are Zizzi and Bellinins , which are on the upper terraces ...but there are too many to mention. A boat ride round the harbour and up the Taff is well worth doing....There are all day oriental buffets in the Red Dragon Centre , which are well worth the money....Enjoy.
Written 1 August 2017
aparsons1984
Gloucester, United Kingdom
Me and my husband will be staying in Whitchurch for two nights any idea what we can do after 530pm once we finish our coursem
Written 3 April 2017
Lots of great pubs in the waterfront area👍
Written 18 July 2017
hi me and my husband are coming to cardiff for 2 nights in April the first night we have plans the second night I am looking for ideas we are in our late 30
Written 13 February 2017
have a tour of the principality stadium it's very reasonably priced nut must be booked in advance. also visit Cardiff Castle and grounds. there is a hop on hop off tourist bus stop directly outside the castle for an option. or visit the museum which is central too. if the weather is good Bute park is a lovely place for a walk and Pettigrews tea rooms are a must visit if you can get a table? some options there you can consider hope it helps.
Written 30 March 2017
We will be visiting in mid February. What are some good family friendly seafood places to eat at the bay or city center? Thank you!
Written 29 January 2017
sorry just saw Seafood! not sure on that one but you def wont go hungry! sorry reading too fast before the school run!
Written 1 February 2017
We will spend two nights in bath and have three or four more days before we return to London. Is there enough to do in cardiffe? Should we visit Bristol as well? Any suggestions on tours or trip,planning for bath/Cardiffe would be appreciated. Also, getting confllicting views on wether the Citswold are worth seeing. Any opinions? Will be traveling by train.
Written 26 June 2016
Lincoln House Hotel on Cathedral road is a 15min walk through the lovely Bute park along the river to Cardiff city centre. x
Written 26 June 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 13
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing