Gabalfa Travel Guide
Cardiff

Popular places to visit

Principality Stadium
Follow in the footsteps of sporting and musical greats when you tour this vast sporting arena. Walk on the pitch, see dressing rooms and lift a trophy.

Cardiff Bay
Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this walkable area.

Barry Island Beach
If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Cardiff Castle
A fortified tower from the 12th century, World War II tunnels and Welsh military history make a fascinating day out at this magnificent castle.

Cardiff University
Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.
Things to do

The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.

Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour

The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

Cardiff: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Top hotels in Gabalfa

The Parkgate Hotel
Excellent breakfast. Clean rooms. Friendly staff.
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026

Celtic Manor Resort
Great location to the conference I was attending
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026

Park Plaza Cardiff
We came away for a long week to Cardiff, and would not hesitate to stop at the same hotel again. Rooms were clean and spacious, beds were comfy, staff were really friendly and helpful. Breakfast was very nice, and the hotel was in a great location, just a 5 minute walk from the castle, and also Queens ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026

The Angel Hotel
Love this hotel, close to everything. Train station is close by, room is clean, the front desk staff very nice and helpful. Had a great time.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Although the early check in was appreciated, for some reason we were given an adapted room. As it was in a quiet area of the hotel we accepted it. I took a shower after checking in but the shower was blocked and flooded the whole bathroom. At 5pm I was told there were no maintenance staff on duty ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
We have had some lovely stays at this hotel, however, not so great on this occasion. The room was comfortable and the staff helpful. We had a problem with the air conditioning not working and the concierge did try to get it fixed but was unsuccessful so provided us with a floor standing fan which ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Gabalfa

Pontcanna
Bars, historical sites and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Llandaff
Visitors to Llandaff like its monuments and historical sites, and Insole Court is a sight worth a stop.

Cathays
Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to National Museum Cardiff or Caerphilly Mountain.

Whitchurch
Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Roath
Travellers like the theatres in Roath, and The Gate Arts and Community Centre is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Riverside
You might appreciate the river views and historical sites in Riverside, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Principality Stadium and Caerphilly Mountain are just a few notable stops.

