A common question we receive from travellers planning a trip to Wales is which big city to base themselves in. Let’s find out!
Wales is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, far beyond rugby. It’s home to the smallest British city, St David’s, but it’s often the two larger cities that people consider first when they’re thinking of taking a trip. Cardiff is the Welsh capital, while Swansea, about an hour away, offers an alternative closer to the sea.
There’s also a healthy rivalry between the two cities. If you’re trying to decide between the two, whether it’s for a quick weekend trip or a proper holiday, you might be wondering which one will offer you the best experience. The answer depends on what you’re looking for – and who you ask.
Cardiff is the capital city
It’s difficult not to be immediately drawn towards Cardiff, simply because it’s the capital of Wales. You can guarantee that there’s always a lot going on there, and there’s some great history to see. It has had plenty of investment in the past few years, and has developed into a vibrant and diverse city.
Cardiff Bay has been a successful regeneration project and the city has a fascinating history, with a castle right in its centre. It has also been the filming location for a variety of TV shows, from Doctor Who and Torchwood to Gavin and Stacey and Merlin.
Swansea sits on a beautiful peninsular
While Cardiff has the Bay, you have to go to Barry if you want to spend time on the beach. Swansea, on the other hand, has the lovely Swansea Bay beach and sits on the stunning Gower Peninsula.
Swansea Bay Beach is a Watersports Centre of Excellence (if you want to do watersports in Cardiff, there is the whitewater centre), and the Gower Peninsula was named the UK’s first Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty. If you’re looking for a city where you can get to the coast in minutes, Swansea is the better choice over the capital.
Cardiff Is home to the National Museum
History is important to a lot of people when they visit a new city, and Cardiff is a top choice. There, you can find the National Museum Cardiff, and you’re also close to St Fagans National Museum of History. The Cardiff museum is a fantastic place to see some art and learn some history, with some incredible natural history displays available.
You can enjoy art from around the world, with both permanent galleries and visiting exhibitions to explore. Other interesting places to visit include the Cardiff Story Museum, Cardiff Castle, and the Norwegian Church Arts Centre.
Swansea has its own museums and galleries
Swansea also has its own history and interesting museums and galleries to check out too. The Swansea Museum, the National Waterfront Museum, Dylan Thomas Centre and Egypt Centre offer a diverse range of places to choose.
Swansea Museum explores the industrial, maritime and cultural histories of the area. The National Waterfront Museum also looks at industrial and maritime heritage and how the Industrial Revolution affected local communities. If you want to find out more about one of Swansea’s most famous sons, the Dylan Thomas Centre is a must-visit.
If you’re curious about the Egypt Centre, it grew from a small collection of Egyptian artefacts at the University of Wales, Swansea (now Swansea University) in 1998.
Cardiff Is full of shopping opportunities
If you love to shop, Cardiff is a great place to do it. Not only will you find the larger chain shops in the centre, you can also explore the arcades to discover a variety of independent shops on offer too. Walk through one of the six arcades, any you’ll find everything from clothes and jewellery to second-hand books and cafes.
There’s a little something for everyone, and it’s a great way to shop for gifts if you want to bring someone back a present or if there are any birthdays coming up. If you’re looking for bigger chain stores, the St David’s shopping centre has everything you might need.
Swansea has the largest indoor market in Wales
Swansea isn’t short on shopping opportunities, either, and it has the largest indoor market in Wales. Swansea Market is award-winning and brimming with fresh produce, from baked goods to seafood and vegetables. It’s not all food, though, and you can also discover gifts, books, homewares, jewellery, and more.
You can also enjoy some events, where the spotlight might be turned to certain stalls or you can find special offers. Outside of the market, you can also find the usual high street brands on Oxford Street, independent shops around the city and in one of the arcades, and The Quadrant shopping centre.
Cardiff offers variety for pubs, bars and restaurants
Cardiff is a top choice if you’re looking for a diverse range of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants. Ranging from traditional Welsh pubs and craft beer establishments to indie clubs and Turkish restaurants, there are many choices on offer.
If you’re looking for trendy places to go, try around Westgate Street and Womanby Street, where you’ll find the uber cool Moon Club and Clwb Ifor Bach. City Road is where to go if you’re looking for an interesting range of restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for pizza or Lebanese food.
Swansea is cheaper for a night out
While you can certainly find some great value places to eat, drink and dance in Cardiff, you’re likely to come away from a night out in Swansea with more money left in your wallet. It’s generally a cheaper city, and so better value if you’re hoping to enjoy yourself on a budget.
In fact, some people will hop on the train from Cardiff to have a night out in Swansea instead. In fact, you can find more independent bars, pubs and cafes, where you can enjoy craft beer or find some live music. For something a bit different, try the gaming-themed 8Bit Bar.
Don’t worry too much if you can’t choose between Cardiff and Swansea. They’re so close together that it’s easy to go from one to the other by car, train or bus.