Few university cities are more loved than Cardiff.
The capital of Wales, Cardiff consistently ranks as one of the best places to study in the UK. With high student satisfaction and retention rates, students continue to call this city home way after graduation.
Haven’t visited the Welsh mecca yet? Or maybe you’ve just moved into Vita Student Park Place, and now you’re ready to explore?
We’ve curated a list of all the must-do experiences that are close to Cathays, Cardiff’s popular student area.
(Spoiler: you won’t need to travel very far to get the best out of Cardiff.)
Cardiff National Museum
Park Place puts the work of Wales’ most famous artists literally on your doorstep.
Just a five-minute stroll from your very own bed, you’ll be through the historic doors of the beautiful Cardiff National Museum in no time.
Here, there’s always an array of interesting and unique art exhibitions to explore, including Lily’s Fossil Footprint: a 220-million-year-old fossil that four-year-old, Lily Wilder, discovered on a beach in South Wales.
Cardiff Castle
Never seen a castle in real life? Forget Bridgerton. You’re about to have one as part of your daily view at Park Place.
With nearly 2,000 years of history inside its walls, Cardiff Castle is an absolute must-see for every visitor. What began as a Roman fort is now one of the few castles located in the heart of a capital city. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in Wales.
Bute Park
Did you know there’s 130 acres of landscaped gardens in the middle of the city centre? Yep, Cardiff really is Bute-iful.
Bute Park is one of Cardiff’s biggest and best attractions. No matter what season you’re visiting, you’ll always find something pretty to look at – whether that’s a walled nursery, champion tree collection, sculpture trail, or more.
For those looking for a longer hike, Bute Park leads out onto Sophia Gardens and Pontcanna Fields. Just keep following the River Taff.
Fancy a sweet treat or savoury slice? Make a pit stop at Secret Garden for a spot of lunch and a caffeine fix. You’re sure to see a robin or two.
Roath Park
Are you really a student in Cardiff if you haven’t gone for a Sunday walk around Roath Park?
Only a 20-minute walk from Cathays, Roath Park is one of the prettiest parts of town. Whether you’re enjoying a restorative solo stroll or visiting with friends for a group walk, Roath’s Victorian charm is hard not to love.
Expect beautiful gardens, a cute café and an endless number of ducks. If the weather’s nice, you may even be lucky enough to encounter a Mr Whippy van.
Live Lounge
Live Lounge is a breed of its own. We’ll even go as far as to say that you’ve probably never been to another nightclub quite like it.
With live music every day from midday until midnight, Cathays-based students are never far from a good time with this place just around the corner. Gather up your newly found friends, and enjoy a sing-along to all the classics.
A student nightlife staple. Make sure you go in time for Happy Hour.
The Woodville
A real Cathays institution, there’s nowhere better for a post-lecture drink than The Woodville, especially during the summer months.
With a delicious menu of classic pub grub, including bottomless brunch, and a calendar packed full of live sports events, The Woodville is the beating heart of Cardiff’s student community.
Barry Island
Only a 30-minute train journey from Cardiff Central, you’ll find this wondrously Welsh beach town.
A cultural hotspot thanks to one of the UK’s most cherished and celebrated shows, Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island is a small town with bags of personality.
Whether you’re visiting to sunbathe on the beach, try your luck in the arcades, enjoy fish and chips by the sea, or all three, Barry Island is a day out you’ll never forget.
Vita Student Park Place
Set amongst the leafy streets of Cardiff University’s Cathays campus, you’ll find one of our most popular buildings, Vita Student Park Place.
As one of the most conveniently located student buildings in the city, Park Place puts you within eyesight of Cardiff’s favourite spots.
