Wales - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Wales may be small in terms of size, but its stunning beaches, secluded valleys, and modern cities allow for extraordinary diversity. Much of the country is covered in a rich green of forests and farmland, but the southern coast has 2 vibrant cities – Swansea and Cardiff, the capital – which are as modern and forward-thinking as many other major European urban centres. Travel to Wales’ northern coast to explore several of the UK’s best-preserved Medieval castles and visit the dramatic landscape of Snowdonia National Park.

The proud traditions, history and language of the Welsh can be seen and felt instantly. You will see road signs and civic buildings display the Welsh language above English, and the nation’s flag flies proudly wherever you go. The locals are famously outgoing and sociable, so you’ll be making new friends in no time… but the melodic accent may take some getting used to.

Top destinations in Wales

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Cardiff
Cardiff makes a charming first impression with its ever-bustling, restaurant-lined waterfront and elegant, Edwardian Baroque-style City Hall. Imposing medieval churches serve as a striking counterpoint to modern architectural marvels like the copper-domed Wales Millenium Center, while the city's restored Victorian arcades are today filled with hip boutiques selling quirky local fashion and artisan homewares. Its dining scene runs the gamut from...
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Llandudno
Llandudno might be a little tricky to pronounce for non-Welsh speakers, but it's easy to understand why vacationers return to...
Llandudno
North Wales
North Wales is a relatively small region, but it’s brimming with holiday adventures that travelers won’t want to miss out...
North Wales
Newport
Newport is a port city in Wales that lies at the mouth of the River Usk. During medieval times, the...
Newport
Swansea
Swansea impresses from the moment you first lay eyes on the dramatic sweep of Swansea Bay, punctuated by timber-clad bistros...
Swansea
Rhyl
Rhyl is a fun coastal town in Wales where travelers can embark on an adventure with thrilling water sports or...
Rhyl
Eryri National Park
Snowdonia National Park is a picturesque region of natural beauty that’s home to towering mountains complemented by a network of...
Eryri National Park

What to see & do in Wales

Featured stories & fun stuff

12 Most Picturesque Villages in Wales
Wales is a land steeped in myth and folklore with picturesque villages to explore. From the mist-haloed mountains of the north to the wave-splashed bays of the south, Wales offers tales of dragons, Celtic kings, cockle pickers and coal miners....
12 Most Picturesque Villages in Wales
11 Best Things to Do in Cardiff
The best things to do in Cardiff take full advantage of the fact that it's one of the cultural hotspots...
11 Best Things to Do in Cardiff
10 Best Things to Do in Wales
The best things to do in Wales include the beautiful rolling valleys and rugged mountains of the country's massive national parks....
10 Best Things to Do in Wales
10 Most Beautiful Valleys in Wales
The most beautiful valleys in Wales highlight why this nation is synonymous with natural beauty and lush landscapes. On top...
10 Most Beautiful Valleys in Wales
10 Best Things to Do in Llandudno
The best things to do in Llandudno often attract a crowd of beachgoers during the summer months. The town's seaside...
10 Best Things to Do in Llandudno
10 Best Things to Do in Swansea
The best things to do in Swansea range from historical piers and breathtaking nature to Welsh handicrafts. Whether you’re an...
10 Best Things to Do in Swansea
10 Best Things to Do in Newport
The best things to do in Newport revolve around the city's intriguing historic sites, top-notch attractions and thriving performance venues....
10 Best Things to Do in Newport
10 Most Picturesque Villages in North Wales
North Wales has an abundance of small villages and communities that offer historic attractions, outdoor wonders and stunning beaches, such...
10 Most Picturesque Villages in North Wales
10 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Wales
Wales is famous for its wild landscapes and ancient history, but its hills and valleys are also home to some...
10 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Wales

Where & what to eat in Wales

10 Great Restaurants in Cardiff
These great restaurants in Cardiff make up a significant portion of the Welsh capital’s lively dining scene. Whether you’re looking for a casual eatery for a wallet-friendly meal, an intimate fine-dining restaurant or a buzzing gastro pub, there’s plenty to...
10 Great Restaurants in Cardiff
10 Great Restaurants in Llandudno
Great restaurants in Llandudno come in a good variety and are, fortunately, not hard to find. This Welsh seaside resort...
10 Great Restaurants in Llandudno
10 Best Local Restaurants in Cardiff
The best local restaurants in Cardiff place their emphasis on hospitality and good food. Seasonal ingredients are the key to...
10 Best Local Restaurants in Cardiff

Where to shop & what to buy in Wales

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Cardiff
Cardiff has plenty to entertain those who travel with the shopping bags in tow. Locals often call it the "City of Arcades", meaning you can delve down centuries-old alleyways that are bursting with boutiques and jewelers and vintage clothes emporiums,...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Cardiff
10 Best Markets in Cardiff
This guide to the best markets in Cardiff includes some of the best local retail and food experiences in the...
10 Best Markets in Cardiff
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Swansea
You'll find excellent shops in Swansea, including Wales' largest indoor market. The largest coastal city in southwest Wales has about...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Swansea

Where to go & what to do at night in Wales

10 Most Iconic Pubs in Cardiff
These most iconic pubs in Cardiff help make up the Welsh capital’s well-varied, ever-evolving, and always buzzing pub scene. Cardiff has a reputation for providing a great night out, and with around 300 drinking establishments in the city centre alone,...
10 Most Iconic Pubs in Cardiff
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Newport
Newport offers plenty of night-time activities that can last until the next morning, from clubs and bars to craft workshops...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Newport
10 Best Nightlife in Cardiff
The nightlife in Cardiff is widely known as one of the UK’s liveliest, but while it can certainly get pretty...
10 Best Nightlife in Cardiff

Useful information

Cardiff Travel Essentials
Our Cardiff Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the UK. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I...
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