Updated on:October 26, 2025
by
Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
With its rugged landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant cities, Wales offers visitors diverse experiences. From Cardiff’s bustling capital to its national parks’ scenic beauty, there’s something for everyone. This article explores the top things to do in Wales, focusing on Cardiff City, Swansea, Newport, and some of the most popular attractions, including Caernarfon Castle, Cardiff Castle, and Conwy Castle.
Table of Contents
1- Cardiff City: A Vibrant Capital
One of the most exciting things to do in Wales is to visit Cardiff City. Wales’s largest city and capital, Cardiff, is a good tourism hotspot. Summer is the best time to visit this city and attend the many exciting festivals that are held there. In the last few years, the city has developed into one of the top ten shopping destinations in the United Kingdom. There are many places to see and things to do during your visit to Cardiff, like:
The Millennium Stadium
This stadium opened in 1999 for the Rugby World Cup and now hosts the Wales national rugby and football teams. It is considered one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Many people, especially football fans, enjoy visiting the stadium to learn about its remarkable history.
The Wales Millennium Centre
The Wales Millennium Centre is a modern architectural building opened by the queen. It has become a great place that hosts opera and dance performances throughout the year. Anyone who likes the theatre should visit this place for an enjoyable night out.
The Norwegian Church
It was established in Cardiff Bay to serve the large community of Norwegian sailors working at the docks, but it has now been transformed into a café and an art gallery.
Cardiff Bay
Once a thriving dockland, Cardiff Bay has been transformed into a vibrant waterfront area. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, dine at one of the many restaurants, or take a boat trip around the bay. The area is also home to the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament building, and the Doctor Who Experience.
Beaupre Castle
Old Beaupre Castle, built in the 13th Century, is a few miles from Cardiff. It is a fine example of a medieval manor house, with its impressive carved Renaissance porch. The property is free of charge all year round.
2- Swansea: Coastal Charm and Cultural Highlights
A visit to the coastal city of Swansea is one of the best things to do in Wales. It’s the second-largest city after Cardiff. The city began to gain fame after its football team started playing in the English league. Swansea is considered an important trading centre and industrial base.
It is a big tourist attraction with outdoor attractions like The Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay and Clyne Gardens.
Swansea Bay
Swansea Bay is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque coastal scenery. The bay stretches from Mumbles to Port Talbot and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and more.
The Gower Peninsula
The Gower Peninsula, located just west of Swansea, was the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including Rhossili Bay, which is often cited as one of the best beaches in the world. The area is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.
National Waterfront Museum
The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea explores Wales’s industrial and maritime history. The museum’s interactive exhibits and displays cover various topics, from coal mining and iron production to shipbuilding and seafaring.
Dylan Thomas Centre
The Dylan Thomas Centre is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. The centre features an extensive exhibition on Thomas’s life and a collection of his manuscripts and personal items. Literary enthusiasts will appreciate the insights into the poet’s life and creative process.
3- Newport: History and Innovation
Newport is the third-largest city after Cardiff and Swansea, 12 miles east of Cardiff. The city is located on the coast, and because of that, its port was a significant cause of the city’s growth. There are many places and things to do in Wales. If you go there, you will love it; here are some places to go and things to do there:
Snowdonia National Park
I’m sure you will like this place, because of its incredible natural landscapes and beautiful mountains. Hiking and climbing are the most popular things to do in Snowdonia.
The Village of Portmeirion
Located on the coast of Snowdonia National Park, it was designed to resemble Italian villages. The gates are closed at night, and visitors can explore its gardens, churches, and coastal paths. Many films and TV shows were filmed in this village. It makes you feel that you are in Italy, which is fantastic, and it’s quite a beautiful village.
Rugby
Rugby is the most popular and the number one sport in Wales, unlike other countries worldwide, where football is the most famous sport. If you are visiting Wales, watching a game at the rugby stadium in Cardiff would be nice. I’m sure you will be amazed by that sport if you haven’t seen it before.
Brecon Beacons National Park
One of the most beautiful places in Wales, it contains many mountains and is considered an excellent place for tourists to explore with its cave and waterfalls.
Devil’s Bridge
There is no need to fear the name because it is unrelated to devils. It’s a village located in West Wales. The most famous things in it are the waterfalls, and you will love the beautiful natural environment and the places surrounding it.
Popular Attractions and Things to do in Wales:
1- Caernarfon Castle:
Caernarfon Castle, located in North Wales, is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the country. Built by Edward I in the late 13th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its grand design and strategic location on the banks of the River Seiont make it a must-visit attraction. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers and walls, and the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum housed on its grounds.
2- Cardiff Castle:
The castle, built in the 11th century, is in the middle of Cardiff. Its interior design and rooms will impress you. It was the house of the Bute family, who transformed Cardiff into a big industrial city.
3- Conwy Castle:
Conwy Castle is another masterpiece of medieval military architecture built by Edward I. Situated on the North Wales coast, it offers stunning views of Conwy and the surrounding countryside. The well-preserved walls and towers provide a glimpse into the castle’s past. The town of Conwy, with its medieval walls, charming streets, and historic buildings, is worth exploring.
4- Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales offers stunning scenery and many outdoor activities. The park is characterised by its rolling hills, waterfalls, and ancient woodlands. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, horse riding, and stargazing. The park is also home to the Brecon Mountain Railway and the National Showcaves Centre for Wales.
5- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, located in West Wales, boasts some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK. The park’s rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque villages make it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers over 186 miles of stunning coastal walks.
6- Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion Village, located in North Wales, is a unique and colourful village designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The village’s Italianate architecture and beautiful gardens make it a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the village’s quirky buildings, relax in the gardens, or take a guided tour to learn about its history and design.
Conclusion
Wales is a country of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re exploring Cardiff’s bustling streets, Swansea’s coastal charm, or Newport’s historic sites, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Beyond the cities, the country’s castles, national parks, and unique attractions offer endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. From the medieval grandeur of Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle to the natural beauty of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire, Wales has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this fascinating and beautiful country.
There are many things to do in Wales. If you’re ever in Wales, check out the cities on our list and their most popular attractions for a great trip with your family or friends or even to explore the Welsh countryside alone.
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