There are so many things to do in Cardiff but if you’re a local in Cardiff or have visited a few times before, here are some great hidden gems in Cardiff to check out too!
I used to live in Cardiff and I love showing people what to do in Cardiff whether you’re a local too or visiting Cardiff as a tourist.
There are many top places to visit in Cardiff like Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay, plus many beaches near Cardiff but in this Cardiff travel blog, I want to give you some independent shops and markets to visit which will help you see another side of the bustling city of Cardiff.
Cardiff Hidden Gems
CARDIFF TRAVEL TIPS
🏘️Book your accommodation
Booking.comand Hostelworld will help you to book accommodation and check availability in advance
🚘To get your car rental in advance
and to make your trip more convenient, you can use Rentalcars.com and find the most suitable option for you
🧾Get your tickets and guided tours
with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey
Before we get into these hidden gems in Cardiff, here are my top Cardiff travel blogs to help plan your visit further:
- TOP 20 Things To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!
- 6 Places For The Best Welsh Cakes in Cardiff!
- 16 Beaches Near Cardiff To Visit. All 1 Hour From Cardiff!
- How To Do A Cardiff Day Trip from London With Things To Do in Cardiff!
- How To Spend One Day in Cardiff! A Lush Cardiff Itinerary!
- 16 GREAT Day Trips From Cardiff In Wales & England!
Hidden Gems in Cardiff
To help you see a different side of Cardiff and see more of Cardiff, here are some great hidden places in Cardiff and hidden places near Cardiff to visit!
1. St Fagans National Museum Of History
If you’re looking to learn more about Wales, St Fagans, one of these hidden gems in Cardiff, is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Welsh history and culture.
Based on the outskirts of the city of Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History is home to 40 original buildings from different historical periods that have been re-erected and allow you to feel like you’ve stepped through time.
Additionally, St Fagans Castle and Gardens are a sight to behold and are a wonderful place to explore and spend an afternoon. Although it’s a little further out of the city centre (just over 4 miles), the views and the educational aspects of St Fagans are more than worth it.
Open from 10 am to 5 pm and open on bank holidays, St Fagans is a great day out in South Wales for the whole family.
2. Bubblebase
Bubblebase is one of those cool places to go in Cardiff if you’re a fan of the delicious taste of bubble tea. Based in the St David’s Shopping Centre, Bubblebase is Wales’ first bubble tea shop and should be a right of passage for any visitor.
From classic tiger milk bubble tea to fruity bubble teas such as mango and dragon fruit, with an array of toppings like custard jelly, fruit jelly, and basil seeds, Bubblebase is the perfect pitstop when you’re in the centre of Cardiff whether you’re sightseeing or shopping in Cardiff.
What’s great about Bubblebase is how diverse the menu is, offering a range of beverages and snacks you might not expect from a traditional bubble tea shop. Alongside their bubble teas, they serve coffee, smoothies, gelato, ice cream mochi, and even frozen yoghurt, meaning there’s something for everyone at Bubblebase.
3. Royal Arcade
Cardiff is known as the ‘city of arcades‘ with 4 notable arcades in the city centre, however, these are very easy to miss as you walk down the busy main streets and some of the entrances don’t seem that appealing but once you walk inside you’ll be totally impressed by the stunning walkway in front of you!
Royal Arcade in Cardiff is my favourite so I had to put it on this list of hidden gems in Cardiff and it is literally, pretty hidden!
Best accessed from St Mary Street, I suggest pinning Royal Arcade on your map so you don’t miss it on your Cardiff itinerary.
Other arcades in Cardiff you should check out are:
- Castle Quarter Arcades
- High Street Arcade
- Morgan Arcade
4. Alexandra Gardens
If you’re looking for somewhere to have a break from the city centre, Alexandra Gardens is one of the best places to go in Cardiff.
Known for its stunning blossom trees and pruned flowerbeds, it’s the ideal place to read a book or enjoy a picnic on a warm, sunny day and it doesn’t get as busy as other popular parks like Bute Park, hence it’s one of the hidden gems in Cardiff.
If you’re into history, the gardens are also home to the Welsh National War Memorial and are only a 5-minute walk away from National Museum Cardiff.
5. Riverside Market
Renowned for being one of the best food markets in the city, Riverside Market is ideal for any foodies visiting Cardiff and certainly qualifies as one of the hidden gems in Cardiff.
The market takes place every week on a Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and is situated a stone’s throw from the iconic Principality Stadium. From freshly baked bread to pastries to cheeses to jams, the market is perfect for browsing a range of delicious treats that will tempt your tastebuds.
What better way to finish off a weekend in Cardiff than to spend a relaxing morning pottering around the Riverside Market?
6. Hobo’s Vintage Clothing
If you’re a fan of vintage shopping, then Hobo’s Vintage Clothing shop will be right up your street. Nestled in the High Street Arcade, Hobo’s is one of the hidden gems in Cardiff that is great for anyone looking to update their wardrobe with unique vintage pieces.
Home to an eclectic mix of vintage clothes, from vintage sports sweatshirts to flannel shirts, the shop is spread over two floors and is thrifting heaven. Depending on how much time you have, you could truly spend hours getting lost in the sea of wonderfully coloured clothing.
7. Nighthawks Wine Bar
If you’re looking for a delicious wine list paired with a bite to eat, Nighthawks Wine Bar is a relatively new addition to Castle Arcade, which is among Cardiff’s hidden gems.
Serving a range of wines, cocktails and charcuterie boards, the wine bar offers the perfect ambience for both couples and groups that want to enjoy a relaxing evening.
That said, as Nighthawks is quickly becoming more well-known and it doesn’t take reservations, you’ll want to time your visit well to ensure you don’t miss out.
Exploring these Cardiff hidden gems during your trip will offer a unique experience and perspective of the city that you may not get by visiting only the usual tourist attractions.
Remember to explore these hidden places in Cardiff and discover some cool places to go in Cardiff that might have been missed otherwise.
More of my Cardiff Posts:
- TOP 20 Things To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!
- 6 Places For The Best Welsh Cakes In Cardiff!
- 16 Beaches Near Cardiff To Visit. All 1 Hour From Cardiff!
- 10 Direct City Breaks From Cardiff For An Easy Holiday From Cardiff!
- How To Spend One Day In Cardiff! A Lush Cardiff Itinerary!
- How To Do Caerphilly Mountain Walk! Easy Walk Near Cardiff!
- How To Visit Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve! Location, Parking & More!
- How To Do A Cardiff Day Trip from London With Things To Do in Cardiff!