Serviced Apartments in Cardiff

Stay in a Cardiff serviced apartment for more space, privacy and value than a traditional hotel! Cardiff city centre has a good range of serviced accommodation options - explore the options available on this page.

10 Reasons To Visit Cardiff

1. Uncover 2,000 years of history

Dominating the city centre, imposing Cardiff Castle has an incredible 2,000-year-long history - from its roots as a Roman Fort to its re-purposing as a Norman Keep and its subsequent transformation under the Bute family. Take a 50-minute House Tour led by an expert guide; visit the complex and sometimes kitsch Castle Apartments; discover real wartime air raid shelters hidden away within the castle walls; and explore Wales's finest Norman Keep. While you're there, you can also see the replica of a 13th century Trebuchet - one of the deadliest military machines of its time - and visit the on-site cafe and gift shop.

2. Explore the sparkling waterfront

Cardiff Bay, Europe's largest waterfront development, has been transformed by Cardiff Barrage to create a massive, 500-acre freshwater lake with eight miles of waterfront. Mermaid Quay is a hub of activity, home to many of the waterfront's key historic landmarks and attractions plus contemporary caf?s, bars and restaurants. Browse or buy locally-made crafts at Craft in the Bay; learn about the area at Butetown History and Arts Centre; and look out for landmark buildings such as the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, The Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, and the huge Wales Millennium Centre, which has a busy calendar of cultural events all year round. Watch a film or go bowling at the Red Dragon Centre, or enjoy a boat tour to learn about the area's history and fauna.

3. Enjoy hands-on science fun

While you're in Cardiff Bay, check out the ground-breaking Techniquest Science Discovery Centre. Engaging visitors young and old, and all ages in between, the centre features regularly changing exhibits, from an iconic giant pneumatic dragon to chunky puzzles, all of which are waiting to be played with. Visitors can explore a whole array of science -related topics - from fossils to forensics - and it's an ideal rainy day destination. More than 160 exhibits jostle for your attention in the discovery centre, and there's a digital planetarium and a science theatre, which hosts a programme of exciting shows for families at weekends and during holidays.

4. Taste some Celtic cuisine

You can't visit Cardiff without tucking into some Welsh cuisine. Many leading establishments design menus that are inspired by local, seasonal produce ? some of which are traditional, and others with a contemporary twist. At Pitch, winner of Traditional Welsh Restaurant 2016 at Food Awards Wales, the chefs serve up fresh, simple Welsh food using the finest ingredients from local farmers and makers ? including traditional options such as lamb Cawl and modern dishes like Chicken Gorwydd Bleu. The Potted Pig is known for its hearty, modern Welsh and British pork dishes, while Barley and Rye is a relative newcomer to Cardiff's restaurant scene, marrying modern Welsh food with fine beers and whiskeys. And at The Dusty Knuckle Pizza Company ? listed in the Sunday Times Top 25 Pizzerias in the UK ? the signature Blas Y Mor pizza is topped with Penclawdd cockles and Laverbread.

5. Time travel from Celtic times to present day

St Fagans National History Museum is one of Europe's leading open air museums, offering visitors a fantastic insight into the rich heritage and culture of Wales. This living museum, which is completely free, is home to more than 40 original buildings spanning many historical periods - each painstakingly removed, brick by brick, and re-erected in the 100-acre parkland surrounding the 16th century St Fagans Castle and gardens. Among them you will discover a farm, houses, a chapel, a school, and a Workmen's Institute. Travel through time by moving through the six Rhyd-y-Car Ironworkers' Houses, observing their contents and gardens as they progress from 1805 through to 1985. Then watch traditional crafts in action, meet native breeds of livestock, and watch traditional farming demonstrations.

6. Watch world-class sport

When it comes to sport, rugby rules in Cardiff - and the atmosphere is always electric on game days. Many locals love nothing more than watching the rugby - whether it's from inside the enormous Millennium Stadium itself, or with a pint (or few) at one of the many sports bars. Cricket is also popular, with the chance to watch matches at Sophia Gardens (the Swalec Stadium), and Welsh football is also enjoying a revival.

7. Shop in the City of Arcades

Famous for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian arcades, which have now been joined by gleaming contemporary shopping malls, Cardiff is the ideal rainy-day shopping destination. You can cross much of the centre under cover, staying dry by dashing the short distance from one arcade to the next. Opposite the castle, Victorian Castle Arcade is a good place to start - lined with charming independent shops selling all sorts, from second hand books through to garish fancy dress - and home to gourmet delicatessen Madame Fromage. Neighbouring Duke Street Arcade is great for Welsh souvenir and gifts, and High Street Arcade is home to the oldest surf and skateboarding shop in Wales and some great vintage clothes shops. Beautifully-preserved Morgan Arcade offers yet more independents, and Royal Arcade is the oldest in the city. Big name high street retailers can be found in the city's modern malls, including St David's Centre I and II, Queens Arcade, and Capitol Centre.

8. Escape the crowds

Cardiff may be 'the UK's wettest city', but this also means its green, open spaces are all the more lush. In the summer you can go rowing on Roath Park's lake. Later in the year, the 130-acre Bute Park, which you can enter right next to Cardiff Castle, offers a stunning display of autumn colours along its tree-lined river walk. If you have your own transport, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is only about seven miles from Cardiff, situated between Penarth and Sully. Home to a diverse range of habitats, the Park is easily accessible, and covers 100 hectares - with some areas designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Attracting large flocks of waterfowl, and featuring a reconstructed 14th century medieval village, there's plenty to see when you get there.

9. Experience the Welsh music scene

Cardiff is a hotbed of musical talent - spawning legends such as the Super Furry Animals and Catatonia - and it's a great city in which to catch a live gig. Smaller venues such as Clwb Ifor Bach focus on homegrown acts, and others in specific genres of music. Catch some live jazz and blues most nights at Caf? Jazz; reggae and hip hop acts at The Full Moon; acoustic folk and Americana, amongst other genres, at Gwdihw Caf? Bar; or rock and folk at Dempseys. Just outside the city centre, The Globe takes over a former cinema to host well-known rock bands. Then larger venues offer bigger concerts - including Cardiff University's Student Union, Motorpoint Arena, St David's Hall and The Millennium Stadium.

10. Bask on the beach

Walk in the footsteps of TV's Gavin & Stacey by taking a quick train ride from the city centre to Barry Island, where you can bask on the Blue Flag beach at Whitmore Bay, or hop aboard some rickety rides at the town's famous fairground. If you have your own transport, the scenic Heritage Coast a little further afield at Ogmore-by-Sea and Southerndown is well worth the few extra miles to be rewarded by dramatic cliffs and great