Ever heard of the capital city of Wales? Maybe yes. But there are a lot more facts about Cardiff, from history to travel and people, that you will be interested in. Come with us to explore the 34 facts about Cardiff Wales and enjoy a journey with knowledge and fun.
Cardiff at a Glance: Key Facts You Should Know
A quick snapshot of essential facts about Cardiff before diving into the full list.
| Category | Quick Highlights |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1st century AD (Roman origins) |
| Population | 369,000+ (Cardiff Council 2024 est.) |
| Region | Capital of Wales, UK |
| Known For | Rugby, media, waterfront, music, historic sites |
| Top Landmarks | Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium |
| Students | 75,000+ across major universities |
| Languages | English + expanding Welsh usage |
| Unique Traits | Youngest capital in Europe; major TV/film hub |
Cardiff Facts for History Lovers
These historical facts about Cardiff reveal how the Welsh capital evolved from a small Roman settlement into a modern cultural centre. Ideal for readers interested in heritage, architecture, and Cardiff’s fascinating past.
Heritage & Medieval Cardiff
These Cardiff history facts highlight the city’s early origins, medieval developments, and the foundations of its cultural identity.
Cardiff became the capital of Wales in 1955, making it one of Europe’s youngest capital cities.
The name “Cardiff” comes from Caer-Taff, meaning “Fort on the River Taff.”
Cardiff Castle stands on a 2,000-year-old Roman fort, with parts of the Roman wall still visible today.
Llandaff Cathedral dates back to the 12th century, surviving bomb damage and centuries of restoration.
Flat Holm Island near Cardiff has been inhabited since Viking times, holding remains of ancient settlements.
Industrial Past & Victorian Cardiff
During the 19th century, Cardiff transformed into one of the world’s most influential industrial hubs.
Cardiff became the world’s largest coal-exporting port during the Industrial Revolution.
The Bute family once owned one-fifth of Cardiff’s land, shaping its rapid development.
The iconic Animal Wall outside Cardiff Castle was built in 1890, originally with nine carved animals.
Victorian arcades earned Cardiff the title “City of Arcades”, with many still in use today.
Cardiff Bay’s Pierhead Building (1897) was called the “Welsh Big Ben” due to its clock tower.
Modern Welsh Culture & Media
Modern Cardiff is a cultural powerhouse known for television production, arts, and national institutions.
Cardiff is a major filming location for Doctor Who and Sherlock, attracting global fans.
St Fagans National Museum is one of Europe’s largest open-air heritage museums.
National Museum Cardiff houses world-class Impressionist art, including Monet and Renoir.
Spillers Records in Cardiff is the world’s oldest record shop, founded in 1894.
Cardiff Facts for Nature & Outdoors Fans
These nature-focused facts about Cardiff show how the city blends green spaces, waterfront living, and outdoor activities.
Parks & Urban Nature
Cardiff is one of the UK’s greenest capital cities, with extensive parks and well-preserved natural spaces.
Cardiff has over 330 parks and gardens, one of the highest ratios per resident in the UK.
Bute Park covers 130 acres, making it one of Britain’s largest urban parks.
Roath Park Lake features a lighthouse memorial, dedicated to Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition.
Cardiff is one of the flattest UK cities, making it ideal for walking and cycling.
Cardiff Bay & Waterfront
Cardiff Bay is a regenerated waterfront area combining culture, recreation, and scenic beauty.*Cardiff Bay is one of Europe’s largest waterfront regeneration projects, completed in the 1990s.
The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) sits on the waterfront, symbolising modern Welsh democracy.
Water taxis connect Cardiff Bay with the city centre, offering scenic transport alternatives.
Rivers, Trails & Natural Landscapes
For outdoor lovers, Cardiff offers river trails, nature reserves, and easy coastal access.
The River Taff runs through Cardiff, shaping its geography and neighbourhoods.
The Taff Trail stretches 55 miles, linking Cardiff to Brecon.
Cardiff is only two miles from the coast, offering quick seaside access.
Flat Holm Island hosts rare wildlife and a working lighthouse, accessible via boat tours.
Cardiff Facts for Students & Young Professionals
These facts highlight why Cardiff is one of the UK’s best cities for students and early-career professionals.
Universities & Education
Cardiff’s education sector draws tens of thousands of students from across the world.
Cardiff University ranks among the world’s top 200 universities.
Over 20% of Cardiff’s population are students, one of the highest proportions in Europe.
The city has three major universities, supporting a vibrant academic ecosystem.
Student Lifestyle & Entertainment
Cardiff is known for its affordability, nightlife, and convenient city layout.
Cardiff is one of the most affordable capital cities in the UK, especially for students.
Cardiff hosts more than 25 major festivals each year, such as Tafwyl and Inside Out.
The Principality Stadium features a retractable roof, hosting concerts and global sporting events.
Cardiff’s nightlife is among the best in the UK, especially in Cathays and City Centre.
Affordability, Neighbourhoods & Transport
These facts showcase Cardiff’s liveability for young residents.
Cardiff’s population has grown over 12% in the past decade, driven by young professionals.
Water taxis, cycling routes and buses make Cardiff highly accessible.
Cardiff’s cost of living is significantly lower than London, Edinburgh or Bristol.
Cardiff Facts for Travellers & Expats
These Cardiff facts help newcomers, expats, and tourists understand the city’s culture, attractions, and daily lifestyle.
City Highlights & Attractions
Cardiff blends modern attractions with historical landmarks and community spaces.
The Hayes has been the city’s commercial centre since medieval times.
Cardiff’s shopping arcades are among the finest Victorian arcades in the UK.
The Civic Centre features one of the most impressive Edwardian architectural groups in Europe.
Food, Culture & Festivals
Cardiff offers a mix of Welsh cuisine, global food culture, and major cultural events.
Cardiff has a growing Michelin-recognised dining scene, including fine Welsh and international cuisine.
More than 100 languages are spoken in Cardiff, showing its multicultural character.
The city hosts annual music, food, and cultural festivals, drawing international visitors.
Community & Modern Living
Cardiff’s diverse communities and regeneration projects create a friendly and modern urban lifestyle.
Central Square is a £1bn regeneration project, home to BBC Wales HQ.
The creative sector employs over 50,000 people, making Cardiff the “Hollywood of Wales.”
Fun, Strange & Unbelievable Cardiff Facts
These surprising and quirky Cardiff facts reveal the city’s playful and unusual side
Weird History & Legends
Cardiff’s past includes unexpected architectural quirks and eccentric figures.
The Animal Wall was once considered for mechanical animation, though never built.
Cardiff Castle once had a moat filled with tropical fish, placed there by the Marquess of Bute.
Odd Local Traditions & Stories
Cardiff’s cultural history includes humorous, unusual and memorable local moments.
A Cardiff pub once implemented a “blanket ban” token entry system, becoming a local curiosity.
One Cardiff bar set a Welsh record for its extensive gin selection.
- Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who aimed to be the first to reach the South Pole, started his journey from Cardiff on 15 June 1910.
Records, Sports & Pop Culture
From ice hockey fame to global media appearances, Cardiff has a surprising modern identity.
The Cardiff Devils ice hockey team is among the most successful in the UK, winning multiple league and cup titles.
Cardiff frequently appears in major British TV productions, which helps boost tourism and increases the city’s national visibility.
Living in Cardiff
From the listed facts about Cardiff, it is not hard to tell that Cardiff is not only a popular place to visit but also an ideal destination for studying and living.
For students planning to study in Cardiff, finding the ideal home away from home is crucial for your university experience. It might be confusing for many students to know where and how to start this huge task, and there are where uhomes.com comes for.
As a professional student accommodation platform, we make everything easy for you to secure the ideal student accommodation in Cardiff with verified listings, strong filters, and 24/7 free assistance to handle everything for you. Check the best student accommodations in Cardiff at the most popular student areas like Cathays, City Centre, Roath, and Heath:
1. Crown Place Cardiff: Exclusive offer, 5-minute walk to Cardiff University Cathay campus, boasting various room types, from en-suites to studios and 1-bedroom apartments.
2. Vita Student Park Place: Exclusive listing and exlusive offer, all studio rooms, located within an 8-minute walking distance to Cardiff University Cathay Park campus, close to the buzzing city centre.
3. Eclipse, Cardiff: Exclusive offer, famous for its top-notch amenities like grab & go breakfast, a nightclub, karaoke room, state-of-the-art security, and 40-inch television in your bedroom.
4. Cambrian Point: No.1 private student accommodation in Cardiff by Student Crowd, offers affordable en-suite rooms from £174/week, surrounded by large areas of Blackweir Fields.
5. West Wing: Cheap accommodation in Cardiff for students from £155/week, right in the middle of Cardiff University (22 min walk) and the University of South Wales (10 min walk), and a 20-minute walk to the City Centre.
Conclusion
Hope this blog of facts about Cardiff sounds fun and interesting for you. If you want to explore more about this epic city, book a trip to Cardiff and experience the unique Welsh culture. It is extremely easy to get to Cardiff with its own airport, high-speed rail links from London, extensive motorways through the city, and even ferries from Portsmouth or Southampton. Why hesitate? Start to plan your journey today!
FAQ
What are 5 interesting facts about Cardiff?
Here are 5 interesting facts about Cardiff:
- Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and the largest city in the country.
- It has a rich history and was once a major coal-exporting port in the 19th century.
- Cardiff is home to the stunning Cardiff Castle, which dates back to Roman times.
- The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, with several museums, galleries, and theaters.
- Cardiff Bay is a popular area for leisure, shopping, and dining, and it was once a dockyard area that has been redeveloped.
What is Cardiff best known for?
Cardiff is best known for being the capital of Wales, its rich history, Cardiff Castle, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s also famous for Cardiff Bay, sporting events like rugby, and as a center for arts, media, and education.
How old is the city of Cardiff?
Cardiff’s history dates back to Roman times, around 50 AD, when it was established as a fort. It became a town in the 12th century and gained city status in 1905, making it over 1,900 years old.
What is a fun fact about Cardiff Bay?
A fun fact about Cardiff Bay is that it was once the largest coal-exporting port in the world. Today, it’s a vibrant waterfront area, home to the Wales Millennium Centre and the beautiful Roath Park Lake.
What makes Cardiff unique?
Cardiff is unique for its blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern development. It features landmarks like Cardiff Castle, beautiful waterfront areas like Cardiff Bay, and a passionate sports culture, especially for rugby and international events.
What is Cardiff known for food?
Cardiff is known for its Welsh cuisine, including dishes like Welsh rarebit and cawl. Popular restaurants include The Potted Pig for modern British fare, The Clink for fine dining with a social cause, and Chapel 1877 for Welsh-inspired meals.
