Whether you’re cheering on the Welsh team or visiting as a travelling fan, Cardiff is renowned for its matchday buzz, passionate supporters, and outstanding hospitality.
From the best pubs to cultural hotspots, here’s everything you need to know to make your trip unforgettable.
Where to stay
Thanks to our Official Partner of Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, IHG® Hotels and Resorts provides fans with incredible hotels in which to stay and experience the excitement of game day.
Voco St. David’s Cardiff: A luxury hotel with stunning waterfront views in Cardiff Bay.
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre: Modern city-centre hotel near Cardiff Castle
Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay: A modern waterside hotel close to Cardiff Bay and the city centre
For more IHG® Hotels and Resorts, click here to find your perfect stay!
Exploring Cardiff
Pubs & nightlife
The Old Arcade: A rugby fan’s favourite, packed with memorabilia and a buzzing matchday atmosphere.
The City Arms: Just a stone’s throw from the stadium, perfect for pre-and post-match drinks.
Tiny Rebel Cardiff: A modern pub with craft beers and a lively vibe, across the road from the Principality Stadium.
The Cambrian Tap: Known for its excellent selection of Welsh ales.
Walkabout, St Mary Street: For many, synonymous with game day in Cardiff. You’d be hard pushed to find a Walkabout with a better atmosphere than the Cardiff one on a matchday.
Cultural experiences
Cardiff Castle: A stunning blend of history and architecture in the heart of the city.
St Fagans National Museum of History: A fascinating open-air museum showcasing Welsh heritage.
National Museum Cardiff: Home to art, archaeology, and natural history exhibitions.
Wales Millennium Centre: An iconic venue in Cardiff Bay for theatre and live performances.
Big Pit National Coal Museum: Experience Wales’ industrial heritage with an underground tour.
Activities
Bute Park: A peaceful green space ideal for a morning stroll before the match.
Scale, Roof Adventure: Take in a bird’s eye view of the Principality Stadium pitch by scaling the stadium’s mast and whooshing through the air on a zip wire across the roof canopy.
Alcotraz: Behind the hustle and bustle of the Welsh capital is an alluring, hush-hush, immersive prison bar experience like no other.
Cardiff Bay: Explore the famous waterfront, including Mermaid Quay’s restaurants and bars.
Techniquest: A family-friendly science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: See the city’s highlights, from the Principality Stadium to Cardiff Bay.
Getting to Cardiff
By Air
Cardiff Airport (CWL): Located around 20 km southwest of the city.
Bus: Connects the airport to Cardiff city centre (approx. £5, every 20-30 minutes).
Taxis: Around £30 to the city centre.
Car rentals: Available at the airport for those looking to explore further afield.
By train
Cardiff Central Station: The main hub, just a 5-minute walk from the stadium.
By car
The M4 motorway links Cardiff with London and the rest of South Wales. Parking is limited in the city centre on matchdays, so consider using park-and-ride services.
By bus
National Express and Megabus operate services to Cardiff from major UK cities, with stops close to the city centre.
Local tips
Currency: British Pound (£).
Weather: Pack layers and waterproofs – Cardiff weather in February and March is unpredictable.
Travel Cards
PlusBus: Add unlimited bus travel in Cardiff to your train ticket.
My Travel Pass:If you’re between 16 and 21 years of age, you can apply for a Welsh Government My Travel Pass which allows travel at a discounted rate.
Cardiff Bus Day-to-Go Ticket: Offers unlimited travel on Cardiff Bus routes (£4.50 for adults).
For planning journeys, use the Traveline Cymru app or website.
Matchday at the Principality Stadium
Getting to the stadium
By Train: Cardiff Central Station is a 5-minute walk from the stadium.
By Bus: Local buses stop near the stadium and throughout the city.
By Foot/Bike: The city centre location makes walking or cycling convenient.
For more information on how to find the Principality Stadium, click HERE
What to expect
Kick-Off: Matches usually start mid-afternoon but check your ticket for specific times.
Pre-Match Atmosphere: Arrive early to soak up the electric atmosphere around the city and at popular fan zones.
Facilities: The stadium offers a range of food and drink outlets, merchandise stands, and accessible seating.
Fan zones and rugby shops
Fan Zones: Expect live music, street food, and entertainment in areas like The Hayes and Cardiff Bay.
Rugby Shops: Official WRU stores near the stadium stock a wide range of Wales rugby merchandise, including jerseys, scarves, and caps.
Cardiff’s history, passionate fans, and welcoming atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination for rugby lovers. Whether you’re there for the game or exploring the city’s culture, the Principality Stadium experience is truly unique.
See you in Cardiff!
