Where Are the Best Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs in Cardiff for Students?
For Cardiff students, nightlife is more than just entertainment – it’s a chance to meet new people, make memories, and experience everything the city has to offer outside of university. Knowing the best places to go (and the best student-friendly deals) can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best pubs, bars, and nightclubs in Cardiff, and the benefits of Cardiff student accommodation near nightlife hotspots.
Does Cardiff Have Good Nightlife for Students?
As the Welsh capital city, Cardiff is known for its vibrant and social nightlife, particularly for students. Throughout the Cathays area, there are numerous student-friendly pubs offering deals to suit a variety of tastes.
The city centre is the pulsating heart of the action, populated with a high concentration of lively bars, restaurants, and late-night clubs. Areas such as St Mary’s Street, Mill Lane and the Cardiff Bay area offer extremely popular nightlife spots - perfect for students to relax and socialise outside of university throughout the week.
The student population brings a youthful energy that fuels the city’s nightlife, ensuring there are always affordable options and exciting events happening.
What is the Best Nightlife in Cardiff Every Student Should Visit?
Find some of the best clubs and bars in Wales right in Cardiff city centre for an unforgettable night. For Cardiff students, there's something on every day of the week, offering everything from multi-room dance floors to intimate live music settings. The best bars are scattered throughout the city, each providing a unique atmosphere.
Whether you're looking for iconic venues or trendy new spots, the city’s nightlife has a place for you. Here are some of the top picks for nightlife in Cardiff as a student:
1. Clwb Ifor Bach – Iconic Indie and Club Nights
Clwb Ifor Bach (or "the Welsh Club") is a legendary venue on Womanby Street that has been a cornerstone of Cardiff's music scene for decades. An absolute must for music lovers and to discover new and local bands, the venue is spread across multiple floors to cater to a variety of tastes.
What makes this venue so special is its brilliant mix of students and locals, all united by a passion for enjoying music. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the raw, authentic energy is infectious. For any student in Cardiff, a night at Clwb Ifor Bach is a rite of passage.
2. Ten Mill Lane – Late-Night Cocktails and Dance
Nestled on the bustling Mill Lane in the city centre, Ten Mill Lane is a chic and sophisticated spot perfect for a late-night cocktail. Renowned for expertly crafted drinks, they offer 2-for-1 cocktail deals on certain nights, combining premium drinks without the hefty price tag.
3. The Live Lounge – Music, Drinks, and Student Deals
Situated right in the heart of the action on St Mary Street, The Live Lounge is a vibrant hub for students seeking great live music, cheap drinks, and a non-stop party atmosphere. This venue is famous for its back-to-back performances from talented musicians, with a dance floor that’s always packed.
Given its prime location in the city centre, it's easily accessible and always buzzing with activity.
4. Coyote Ugly – Wild Western-Themed Party Spot
Inspired by the famous movie, Coyote Ugly on St Mary Street brings a slice of American party culture to the city centre. It's loud, wild, and guarantees a night you won't forget.
Beyond the entertainment, the venue also serves surprisingly good food, which is perfect for lining your stomach before a long night of dancing. With reasonable drink prices and a unique party concept, Coyote Ugly offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Cardiff.
5. Tiger Tiger – Multi-Room Clubbing Experience
Tiger Tiger on Greyfriars Road is one of the best clubs in Cardiff for students who love variety. This massive venue boasts multiple rooms, each with its own distinct theme and musical genre. Whether it's relaxing in the lounge area or exploring the many levels to find the perfect vibe, there are many high-energy dance floors all under one roof with a variety of music types.
Known for being student-friendly, Tiger Tiger offers decent drink prices, especially during happy hours. It’s the perfect place for a big group of friends with diverse music tastes, ensuring there’s something to keep everyone entertained until the early hours.
6. The Taf – Cardiff University Student Union Bar
Located within the Cardiff University Student Union, The Taf is the quintessential student pub. It serves as the social heart of the campus, offering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can unwind after a long day of lectures. As you'd expect from a student union bar, the prices are incredibly budget-friendly, making it the perfect place to grab an affordable pint.
While it's not a late-night club, it's an essential part of the student experience in Cardiff. It provides a safe, comfortable, and affordable starting point for a bigger night out or a destination in its own right for a low-key evening.
Choosing Student Accommodation Near Cardiff Nightlife
The location of your Cardiff student accommodation[1] is detrimental to your entire university experience. It impacts not just your studies but your overall social life.
Cardiff is home to many nightlife hotspots, such as the busy streets of St. Mary Street and Greyfriars Road, as well as areas including Castle Quarter, Mill Lane, and the student-focused Cathays.
There are many benefits, and potential drawbacks, of living near nightlife in Cardiff:
| Pros of living near Cardiff nightlife as a student: | Cons of living near Cardiff nightlife as a student: |
|---|---|
| Extremely convenient – easy access to bars, pubs, and student events. | May get noisy at night – which can make it difficult to study or sleep. |
| Vibrant atmosphere – great for meeting new friends. | Too distracting from studies – it may increase the temptation to focus on a social life compared to university work. |
| Good access to amenities – including Cardiff city centre, shops and things to do. | May lead to frequent spending – consider sticking to a budget. |
| Saves money – no need to pay hefty commuting fees or long taxi rides. |
At Mansion Student, we acquire, refurbish, and manage modern student accommodation across the UK, in popular cities such as Leeds, Manchester, and Cardiff.
Based near the popular student area of Cathays, our student accommodation, City Heights, is surrounded by a variety of nightlife in Cardiff. Close by, St Mary Street is a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away to explore the best nightlife Cardiff has to offer.
Interested? Arrange a viewing with Mansion Student today to see City Heights for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nightlife in Cardiff Safe for Students?
While Cardiff is generally deemed a safe city, it’s always best to prioritise your safety and wellbeing on nights out.
Make sure to stay with your friends and stay in contact if you get separated – never leave anyone behind. Consider booking taxis through official apps, and avoid walking back to student accommodation alone. Also, never leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from someone you’ve just met.
If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with someone, most Cardiff pubs and bars operate an “Ask for Angela” service to help you out.
