Nightlife in Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and a compact city, so most of its evening life lies within a short walk of the central station. Here is a guide to the main areas and the way home.
A compact centre
Cardiff Central station sits right beside the middle of the city, so you can step off a train and be among the main streets within minutes. Cardiff Queen Street, a second station on the other side of the centre, is also close. Moving between the central districts on foot is straightforward.
Cardiff Central station sits right beside the middle of the city, so you can step off a train and be among the main streets within minutes.
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St Mary Street and Mill Lane
St Mary Street is one of the busiest streets in the evening, with bars and places to eat along a long run of the centre. Mill Lane, a narrow street just off it, is lined with cafes and restaurants and is better suited to a sit down meal. Between them you can have either kind of evening within a few steps.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Cardiff itself.
Real events in Cardiff, from onthedoor.uk.
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Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay lies to the south of the centre on the waterfront and has its own station, Cardiff Bay, reached by a short branch line. It is a spacious, open area and the mood is relaxed and quieter than the central streets. A taxi from the centre is quick, and it makes a good alternative if you want some room. Late on, a taxi back is wiser than the walk along the waterfront.
Cardiff Bay lies to the south of the centre on the waterfront and has its own station, Cardiff Bay, reached by a short branch line.
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Pontcanna and Cowbridge Road East
Pontcanna, to the west of the centre, is a leafy district known for its cafes and relaxed restaurants. Cowbridge Road East, which runs west through Canton, offers a mix of independent places and has a more local character. Both feel quite unlike the city streets and suit anyone planning a calmer night.
Pontcanna, to the west of the centre, is a leafy district known for its cafes and relaxed restaurants.
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Planning the night
When the city is busy with a big fixture or concert, taxis become scarce, so book your return well ahead with a licensed firm. Trains run less often late, so look up the last service for your route. A site for adults only, TheDirectory asks that everyone using it be 18 or over, and that goes for those you meet too.
When the city is busy with a big fixture or concert, taxis become scarce, so book your return well ahead with a licensed firm.
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Cardiff areas worth knowing
- St Mary StreetA long, busy street of bars and places to eat
- Mill LaneA narrow street of cafes and restaurants
- Cardiff BayA waterfront area with a calmer mood
- PontcannaA leafy district of cafes and restaurants
- Cowbridge Road EastIndependent places with a local character
- Cardiff CentralThe main station, beside the city centre
Frequently asked questions
In the centre, yes. Cardiff Bay and Pontcanna are further out and are better covered by taxi, especially after dark.
Book a licensed taxi in advance and confirm the pick up point. Waiting for one on the street at a busy time can take a long while.
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