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Cardiff

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales in the United Kingdom, ripples with charming clusters of iconic historical signage, cultural landmarks, and vibrant energy. Nestled on the south coast of the country where the River Taff meets the Severn Estuary, Cardiff is renowned for its imposing Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress with an elaborate Victorian Gothic-revival mansion. The city brims with heritage from the age-old St Fagans National Museum of History, which showcases Welsh historical lifestyle, and the National Museum Cardiff, which displays art, geology, and natural history. Cardiff Bay, a revived dockland filled with eateries and shops, offers a serene waterfront experience, while a stroll in the mesmerizing Bute Park provides a calm, natural respite from the hustle of the city. The city's heart thumps in rhythm with rugby, its national sport, in the iconic Principality Stadium, making Cardiff a thriving hub of history, culture, and iconic sports.

3.9 /5

Based on 3 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

3.9 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

Cardiff, being the capital city of Wales, is generally safe for solo female travelers. It has a low crime rate compared to other major cities in the UK. During the day, all areas are safe to explore. However, like any big city, it's always important to stay vigilant, especially at night, and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Public transportation is reliable and safe to use, and locals are often friendly and willing to help you if needed.

Transport:Easy

Cardiff is reasonably comfortable to navigate for solo female travelers. The city is compact and very walkable with a user-friendly layout. You also have the option of using a multitude of public transportation systems, which are generally reliable, and taxis are readily available too. Although it's easy to travel here after dark, like always, it's imperative to remain cautious while traveling alone at night.

Things to do:Interesting

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is pleasantly surprising with a rich array of activities. From its stunning historical sites like Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History that provide a deep delve into Welsh history, to buzzing modern attractions like the waterfront at Cardiff Bay, there's plenty to do. Furthermore, it offers a plethora of shopping experiences at St David's Dewi Sant and Victorian Arcades, plus it's a paradise for foodies with diverse range of restaurants and cafes. Art enthusiasts can visit the Wales Millennium Centre or explore local art at the Chapter Arts Centre. Nature lovers aren't left out as you can explore the beautiful Bute Park or take a boat out to Flat Holm Island. However, the city may not be as hectic as other major tourist spots.

Food:Above average

Cardiff offers a delightful culinary experience with a wide spectrum of global cuisines including Welsh, Indian, Italian, and many more. The central food market is a place where you can explore its traditional Welsh cuisine. You can also encounter a plentiful selection of seafood, organic vegetables, and world-class cheeses. The street food scene, as well as a thriving scene of pubs and bars, adds to its vibrant food culture. Though the food is exceptional, the diversity might not compete with food capitals like London or New York.

Budget:Moderate

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is a moderately budget-friendly destination. It's definitely cheaper than many other UK cities like London or Edinburgh. From affordable accommodations, free attractions like the Cardiff Castle, to inexpensive local cuisine, you can enjoy Cardiff on a budget. However, some attractions and dining experiences can be higher in price, especially in peak tourist seasons, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Solo travel experience

I visited Wales for the first time this year. I only managed to see Cardiff, but I liked this city much more than I expected. I was also shocked at how affordable prices were there compared to many other places, especially considering that I came from London.

Posted: June 8, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Moli

United Kingdom

Cardiff is a pretty safe city to go to. It has many of the attractions of a larger city as it is the capital of Wales, but it isn't big, so has a smaller city's feel. There is a big castle right in the centre, and plenty of other historical attractions including the Museum of Welsh Heritage. There are a few other castles worth visiting that are an easy distance. There are some excellent live music venues and plenty of great places to eat. There is a big range of cuisines that can be found, including Greek, Italian, Turkish, Mexican, West African, Jamaican, and then classic pub food as well. There are loads of excellent non chain places to get breakfast and coffee as well, and plenty of vegan and veggie options. Public transport is pretty good, and the train services allow you to get to Cardiff Bay from the centre conveniently, which is another nice place to visit.

Posted: March 1, 2024

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Meet local women in Cardiff who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Sammie

About Me

I am going solo for the first time as I really want to explore parts of Spain. I love outdoor activities including paddle boarding, snorkelling, etc

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Emily

About Me

Hi I’m Emily! I have recently begun my journey as a solo traveller, I’m friendly and open-minded, looking forward to meet people around the world and experience different cultures. I would love to meet up for a coffee sometime or explore places together!

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Stay with local women in Cardiff who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Sarah

Cardiff

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, My name is Sarah and I'm interested in animals, cinema, culture, digital nomad, events & social, food & cuisine, health, hiking, nature, shoestring, sightseeing, solo travel and sunbathing

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Kit

Cardiff

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Kit, I’m in my late twenties, and I’m a curator of visual art and performance. I live in Cardiff and have lived in London for the past ten years.