The Traveling Taylors

When we visited Cardiff, we expected a castle, a stadium, and maybe some Doctor Who trivia—but what we found surprised us in the best way. This capital city has a quirky, creative soul and plenty of under-the-radar experiences that make it so much more than a quick stop on a UK itinerary.

Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, here are 10 unexpected things to do in Cardiff that’ll help you see the city like a local (and not just another tourist with a castle selfie).

1. Sip Cocktails in a Secret Speakeasy

📍 The Dead Canary hides behind an unmarked door in Cardiff’s city center, but inside you’ll find a moody, Prohibition-style bar with creative, theatrical cocktails. Pro tip: book in advance—it’s popular with locals in the know.

If you’re exploring crowded attractions, some travelers like carrying a hidden money belt like this one to keep their passport and cash secure.

2. Hunt for Street Art in the City Centre

Cardiff’s back alleys and side streets are bursting with bold murals and quirky characters. The artwork is constantly changing, so every walk feels like a new discovery. Start your hunt near Quay Street and Womanby Street. For travelers who want high-quality photos and videos during their trip, a lightweight mirrorless camera like this one is a popular choice among content creators and travel photographers.

3. Get Creeped Out at the Cardiff Castle Animal Wall

Most people walk by without noticing, but the Animal Wall—just outside Cardiff Castle—features 15+ creepy, Victorian-era animal sculptures perched above the stone. Think stone monkeys, bears, and lions peeking down at you.

4. Explore the Victorian Arcades

The arcades are covered shopping passages filled with independent boutiques, cafes, and record shops. Duck into Castle Arcade or Morgan Arcade and lose yourself in Cardiff’s indie charm.

5. Visit the Tiny Museum of Cardiff

Housed inside the Old Library, this small museum (formerly the Cardiff Story Museum) offers fascinating exhibits on the city’s transformation from coal port to capital. It’s bite-sized and budget-friendly—perfect for a rainy day.

6. Try Welsh Cakes Fresh Off the Griddle

You must stop by The Welsh Cake Shop in the Castle Arcade for warm, made-to-order Welsh cakes. These sweet little discs are like a pancake-cookie hybrid, and they taste like home. After enjoying local cuisine or street food, many travelers like using a travel-size mouthwash like this one to keep their breath fresh throughout the day.

7. Catch a Sunset at Cardiff Bay Barrage

Walk or cycle along the Barrage path at golden hour for sweeping views over the Bristol Channel. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a side of Cardiff most tourists never see.

Many travelers love bringing an instant camera like this one to capture fun memories of the beautiful sunset and print photos on the spot.

8. Get Spooked at Llandaff Ghost Walk

Step into the haunted past with a walking tour through Llandaff, one of Cardiff’s oldest (and eeriest) neighborhoods. The tours are storytelling-heavy and spine-tingling without being cheesy. You can also browse Cardiff walking and ghost tours on Viator to find one that fits your dates.

9. Find the TARDIS in the Wild

Cardiff is the spiritual home of Doctor Who, and while the official experience has closed, fans can still spot locations used in filming around the city. Bonus points if you find the bright blue TARDIS near the Central Station. To go deeper, you can join a guided Doctor Who walking tour of Cardiff that visits filming locations around the city.

10. Take a Boat Taxi to the Bay

Skip the bus and hop on the Aquabus—a small boat taxi that glides between Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay. It’s a fun, scenic ride and only costs a few pounds. If you’re exploring areas near water or planning boat tours, a waterproof phone pouch like this one helps protect your phone while still allowing you to take photos.

Why These Unexpected Things to Do in Cardiff Matter

Sure, Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium are iconic—but the real magic lies in the in-between. These unexpected things to do in Cardiff show off the city’s humor, history, and heart in ways guidebooks often skip. If you’re looking to experience Cardiff beyond the basics, we highly recommend weaving a few of these into your itinerary.