What Are the Best Things to do in Cardiff as a Student?

With an extensive and rich history, Cardiff has a copious number of worthwhile landmarks scattered throughout the Welsh city. Packed with rich culture, Cardiff offers many points of interest that represent the Welsh spirit and should be visited to truly appreciate what the city has to offer.

Here are some of the best landmarks in Cardiff to explore as a student:

Cardiff Castle

Mixed with Roman, Norman, and Victorian Gothic architectural styles, the eponymous castle is a short walk from the University of Cardiff's main campus. Cardiff Castle is a central attraction for inhabitants and visitors alike.

Cardiff students living in the city can apply for a Castle Key, which grants free admission year-round, perfect for study breaks, learning local history, and exploring.

Principality Stadium

Wales is strongly associated with rugby union, its national sport, and it is deeply integrated into the culture. The Principality Stadium (previously known as the Millennium Stadium) is the national stadium of Wales, and home to the Welsh national rugby union team.

For Cardiff university students, there are discounted stadium tours (£16.50) and half-priced tickets for certain events, including the Autumn Nations Series.

Llandaff Cathedral

Founded in the 6th century, Llandaff Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian sites in the UK. A peaceful and historic spot, the cathedral’s grounds are perfect for studying, quiet reflection, or photography. For Cardiff Metropolitan students, Llandaff Cathedral is a short walk away from the university campus and its Rugby Football Club.

The cathedral is free to enter, and welcomes donations for maintenance.

Cardiff offers a vibrant and diverse food scene – perfectly suited to student life and various palettes.  Many eateries also offer student discounts, so you can try Cardiff’s delicacies without breaking the bank. Just make sure to bring your student ID and ask staff for any deals.

Cardiff Market

Based in the heart of the city centre, on St Mary Street, Cardiff Market is a must-visit for students who love authentic, affordable food. Packed with local wonders and independent food stalls, the Victorian indoor market is a student favourite and ideal for lunch between lectures, or a fun spot to bond with new classmates or flatmates at the weekend.

Cardiff Bay

For a more scenic spot, check out Cardiff Bay, which overlooks the waterfront. Full of restaurants, bars, and cafes, this lively area provides the bustling atmosphere seen in some of the bigger cities; great for enjoying evening walks along the water, eating the classic fish and chips, or sampling local dishes, such as cawl (Welsh stew) or bara brith (spiced fruit loaf).

Student Union Pubs

For low costs and a vibrant, student-focused atmosphere, your university’s student union is perfect for socialising and making new friends. Often, clubs and events take place in these pubs to help students new to the area settle in and make new friends with similar interests.

The University of Cardiff’s union is home to The Taf – a legendary spot amongst students for its cheap drinks and weekly events. At Cardiff Metropolitan University, students can easily access Centro, based on the Yncoed campus. Both of these are within walking distance of the campus and student accommodation.

For more information, read our complete guide to nightlife in Cardiff, including the best bars, pubs and nightclubs, here.

Cardiff may be one of Wales’s liveliest cities, but there are still many cultural places to visit – especially as a student. Through Cardiff University courses and placements, you may find these places as part of the curriculum, particularly for certain special events and exhibitions.

National Museum Cardiff

Based in the heart of Cardiff, the National Museum is a free-to-enter institution and is part of the wider network of Amgueddfa Cymru, managed by the Welsh Government.

The museum and art gallery house a wide collection of natural history and archaeology, as well as works by local artists. The Evolution of Wales is a popular gallery showcasing the country's history (from the Big Bang to modern-day society). Explore the natural history exhibition, featuring everything from Welsh wildlife to woolly mammoths and a large humpback whale skeleton.

Senedd

Perfect for politics students, the Welsh Parliament Building, or the Senedd, offers free tours and exhibitions to explore the history and ins and outs of Welsh democracy. Based in the picturesque Cardiff Bay, the Senedd is open to the public and an important part of Welsh culture.

If you’re new to the city as a student, consider visiting to make Wales feel like your new home whilst attending university.

Throughout Cardiff, there is a strong appreciation and atmosphere for the arts, music, and film. Doctor Who fans will recognise various locations in the Welsh capital, including the castle, St. Fagans, and Cardiff Bay.

For fans of all types of media, there are many things to do in Cardiff as a student. Whether this is listening to local bands or watching student films created on university courses, Cardiff has a thriving and diverse cultural scene to explore:

Wales Millennium Centre

One of Cardiff’s most recognisable landmarks, the Wales Millennium Centre is the perfect spot for large-scale music, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, and musicals.

For students, many performances offer student discounts – perfect for soaking in Wales’ thriving creative scene on a student budget.

Chapter Arts Centre

Though further afield than Cardiff city centre, the Chapter Arts Centre is a true cultural hub, combining independent cinema, art galleries, performance spaces, and nightlife. 

Based in the Canton district, which is a 17-minute bus ride from Cardiff Central Station, the venue is a favourite amongst Cardiff students from both the University of and Metropolitan.

Tramshed

Music fans will love the Tramshed, which is one of Cardiff’s must-see spots for gigs and nightlife. In a unique venue (a converted tram depot), Tramshed offers a diverse mix of genres, with an impressive array of artists, local bands, DJ sets, and student-focused club nights.

To get the most out of your university experience, it’s important to choose the right housing option that meets your needs, budget, distance from the university, and social life. Private student accommodation is often in convenient locations chosen with students’ wellbeing as a priority, as well as in close proximity to beneficial student amenities (e.g. supermarkets, libraries, gyms, green spaces) and popular things to do.

Mansion Student manage Cardiff student accommodation, which is located near the popular student area of Cathays, and is within walking distance to the University of Cardiff’s main campus. 

In close proximity to Cardiff city centre, our City Heights property is near some of the best things to do in Cardiff for students, including museums, nightlife, and the castle.

Arrange a viewing at our Cardiff student accommodation today!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Mansion Student team!

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