The Welsh capital offers a beguiling blend of the ancient and the modern, as medieval castles rub shoulders with recently regenerated former industrial areas. And with a Hertz rental car, you can get around the city with ease, as well as venturing further afield to take in some stunning natural scenery.
Get to grips with Cardiff’s regal history
Located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle demands attention. The eye-catching stronghold boasts more than 2,000 years of history.
Once a Roman fort, the keep was built during the Norman era and the castle was regularly added to over the centuries. Stroll around the grounds and admire the fascinating mixture of architectural styles.
If this has captured your imagination, take a drive to the northern edge of the city to Castell Coch, a smaller, but no less significant, castle. This 19th century fortress looks like something straight out of a fairytale, built in Gothic Revival fashion. Visit the lavish rooms, wander the courtyard’s covered walkway and read the exhibits depicting the castle’s history.
A dose of greenery
Take a walk through Bute Park, a sprawling pocket of parkland nestled next to Cardiff Castle. Historically part of the castle's grounds, it’s now a major public park with around 130 acres to explore.
An arboretum, a collection of trees, forms a large part of the space with more than 3,000 species to see. Wander among the woodland and you may came come across multiple sculptures as well as the foundations of Blackfriars Friary. Built in the 13th century and destroyed in 1404, it was later rebuilt before being finally vacated in the 17th century.
Modern movers
Experience a different side of the city in its cosmopolitan district. The former industrial area of Cardiff Bay has been radically transformed and at its heart is the Wales Millennium Centre.
Strikingly designed with different shades of Welsh slate and topped with a bronze steel shell, the performing arts center houses cultural organizations such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the National Dance Company and the Welsh National Opera. Take a look at what’s on during your visit and pick up tickets for a show – you’re in for an unforgettable evening.
Also built around the turn of the century was the Principality Stadium, formerly the Millennium Stadium. Located on the banks of the River Taff, it's an impressive venue to enjoy a game of rugby, Wales’ national sport. Book tickets in advance to see local teams, or even the national squad, in action.
Enjoy the great outdoors
No visit to Wales would be complete without sampling the nation's famous outdoor scenery. The Brecon Beacons, a spectacular mountain range and national park, is a natural starting point, just north of Cardiff.
Trek through the wild and secluded Black Mountains. Swathed in grass and heather, the peaks here are a peaceful place for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Continue your adventure in the Great Forest. Head out on an idyllic woodland walk and on your way round, spot beautiful waterfalls. Henrhyd Falls is one of the most spectacular, cascading 27 meters down a rock face.
For a blast of sea air, make your way to Pembrokeshire. Nestled on the coast, there are plenty of pristine beaches for a day building sandcastles or even a spot of surfing. Peppered among the landscape is a series of magnificent castles, the most impressive being 13th century Pembroke Castle.
Explore its warren of tunnels, climb the stairs to the battlements to enjoy sweeping river views and head beneath the ground to discover Wogan's Cavern, a secret subterranean cave.
Renting a car in Cardiff allows you to explore the best of the city, as well as venturing beyond to see more of Wales.