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Student city guide to Cardiff: top 10 things to do

So, you’ve decided to spend your student years in Cardiff. First of all, good choice. The Welsh capital is not only a lively and exciting place to live, but also plays host to the following, equally awesome things (which we believe no good capital city should be without): a castle, a music festival, loads of nightclubs and bars, a film festival, tonnes of shops and restaurants, and a cheese festival (that’s right, cheese).

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
08 Nov 2023

And that’s not all. Have a browse through the following and see what catches your eye…

1) Swn Festival


Good for: Music lovers (or anyone even slightly interested in music).

What it is: A yearly festival that brings a whole host of Welsh bands and music to the capital.

Why you should go: The sheer variety of music on offer means that there really will be something for everyone, and the festival also makes for a great way to explore the city (as there are bands that pop up in venues all across Cardiff).

2) The Great British Cheese Festival


cardiff great britishcheese festival cheshire cheese

Image via wikipedia.org

Good for: Cheese, cheese and more cheese. And alcohol.

What it is: A two-day festival at Cardiff Castle, showcasing a variety of local cheeses, ciders, beers, wines, ales and spirits (complete with plenty of free samples).

Why you should go: Well that’s obvious really, isn’t it? There will be cheese and alcohol there, and lots of it. We would recommend working up an appetite before hand and going with a fully stocked wallet, in case any local products take your fancy (and trust us, they will).

3) Metros


Good for: Pounding rock music and dancing like a maniac.

What it is: An underground nightclub in the city centre, specialising in music of the loud and heavy variety.

Why you should go: Although it may have been dubbed ‘Sweatros’ by some students (and it can get a little warm down there), this is the perfect club to go to if you fancy something a bit different. It’s a popular Wednesday night choice for anyone tired of the many mainstream alternatives, and it comes complete with a cheap (but very tasty) cocktail menu.

4) Cardiff Castle


cardiff castle

Image via flickr.com

Good for: Family visits.

What it is: Funnily enough, it’s a big castle.

Why you should go: A visit to the castle is the perfect family day out, as well as the perfect way to prove to your parents you’ve been soaking up some local culture (and not just soaking up cheap beer). You can even opt to have a “Welsh Banquet” in the castle grounds, which comes complete with four courses and some traditional Welsh entertainment.

5) Cardiff Hub Festival


Good for: Anyone who loves music.

What it is: An annual festival that brings together acts of every conceivable genre, from jazz to hip hop, to provide three glorious days of live music.

Why you should go: Cardiff Hub Festival is held across eight venues all on one street – never before has it been so easy to stumble drunkenly from one gig to another.  Over 150 acts graced the stages of the inaugural festival in 2013.

6) Techniquest


Techniquest Cardiff

Image via wikipedia.org

Good for: A slightly different day out.

What it is: An interactive science museum (bear with us on this one).

Why you should go: Okay, so we’re aware the phrase “interactive science museum” might have made some people think strongly about leaving the site, but at least hear us out. It’s FUN. Trust us, they have weird mirrors and everything. In fact, if you’re not giggling and running around like a ten-year old within the first five minutes of arriving, then we will personally refund your entrance fee (we won’t).

7) Chapter Arts Centre


Good for: Those who fancy a bit of culture.

What it is: Art house cinema, theatre and gallery all rolled in to one.

Why you should go: If you’re stuck for something to do in the evening, then Chapter Arts Centre is always worth a visit. As well as screening a wide variety of world cinema and art house films (the kind you’d be less likely to find in mainstream cinemas), they also host plays, exhibitions and a huge number of quirky and interesting events.

8) Welsh Club (Clwb Ifor Bach)


Good for: Bands, music and Wednesday nights out.

What it is: An alternative nightclub and gig venue opposite Cardiff Castle.

Why you should go: If you’re fed up with the mainstream clubs (and aren’t in the mood for the head-banging antics of Metros), then you might want to check out Welsh Club. The club has three floors (with different music on each), a variety of DJs and regular gigs, all of which make it a must for music fans.

9) Principality Stadium


Wales Cardiff Millennium Stadium

Image via flickr.com

Good for: Rugby fans.

What it is: A pretty epic sporting venue.

#Why you should go: If you’re even slightly interested in sports (and especially if you’re a rugby fan), then make sure you go and see at least one game at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. It’s worth it for the atmosphere alone. The stadium has hosted a variety of big events, including Rugby World Cup and Six Nations games, FA Cup Finals and a wide range of other sporting events.

10) Cardiff Bay


Cardiff Bay Night

Image via flickr.com

Good for: A romantic evening out.

What it is: Cardiff’s hotspot for restaurants.

Why you should go: If you’re planning a first date or a bit of Valentine’s Day dining, you could do a lot worse than Cardiff Bay. The Bay area has a huge range of restaurants to choose from, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Oh, and the Bay is also the home of Techniquest (although we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for first dates).

Key info about Cardiff


The capital of Wales and also its largest city, Cardiff is a hive of activity.  Thanks to years of investment in regeneration, Cardiff has become a centre of entertainment and culture, and is home to the famous Millennium Stadium, the Cardiff International Sports Village and its own BBC drama village.  The National Assembly for Wales, the Welsh government, can be found in Cardiff, alongside thriving nightlife and shopping districts.  Featuring a historic waterfront and beautiful countryside as well as the urban city centre, Cardiff is a popular tourist destination, with over 13 million visitors a year.  It is well connected by rail to London, Bristol and other major cities in the south of England.

Search for courses in Cardiff now.

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