Making the most of Cardiff
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The new and developing port is only minutes away from the city center by car, coach or water taxi.
Nearest airport: Cardiff International Airport - 16 kilometers Nearest train station: Cardiff Central - 1.5 kilometers Distance to Cardiff City center - 1.5 kilometers
As the youngest and fastest growing Capital City in Europe, there are few places as vibrant and lively as Cardiff. Sightseeing in this remarkable city is a hugely enjoyable experience - home to many leading famous attractions such as Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle, The National Museum of Wales and the beautiful tranquil Alexandra Gardens.
Getting around
Hop on Off Open Top Bus Tour of City center and Bay
Cardiff, especially the central area, is pretty compact with the main attractions being quite close to each other making getting around on foot quite easy.
For a different experience, the River Taff Waterbus runs regularly during the summer season between the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Bay and Penarth. Tickets cost around £4
Food and shopping
Cardiff’s reputation as one of the top shopping destinations in the UK is fully deserved. Much of the shopping center is under cover, and almost all of it is pedestrianized. But the thing visitors tell us they enjoy most is that the center is so compact, yet it’s packed with stylish department stores, designer shops, historic arcades.
Money
The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.
Staying connected
English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!
Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.
The local emergency telephone number is 999, however, the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are in general:
Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hypermarts often 24/7