Magic: The Gathering Event Cardiff – Visitor Information

Cardiff (Caerdydd in Welsh) is the largest city in Wales, the Welsh capital and also the eleventh largest city in the UK. Its beautiful coastal location makes it a popular destination for visitors and its university students ensure it has a vibrant feel. The city has a rich history. It was an established port as far back as the Middle Ages. There are plenty of places of interest to visit in Cardiff including Cardiff Castle and the National Museum of Cardiff. As the home of the Wales Millenium Centre, it is often host to some incredible shows and concerts.

If you are attending a Magic: The Gathering event in Cardiff, our helpful guide will help you to get the most out of your stay.

Travelling to Cardiff

Cardiff has good public transport links with England and along the south Wales coast, however travelling from North Wales on the train isn't as easy. Cardiff has a direct train service to London which takes less than 2 hours and runs every 30 minutes. Birmingham can also be reached in a couple of hours by train and Southampton takes just a little over 2 hours.

By road Cardiff is accessible via the M4 motorway. For the Midlands, and the North of England access is via the M6, M5 and M50/M4.

Cardiff accommodation

If you are thinking about an overnight stay in Cardiff, which will allow you to see something of the city during your trip, then you will need local accommodation. Cardiff has a good range of different accommodation options available, with something to suit every budget. Here are some suggestions:

Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay (CF20 4EE)

With its waterfront location this hotel is just 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Cardiff and 500 m from the railway station. The hotel offers private, payable, onsite parking.

Tanes Hotel (CF24 1 DJ)

Located on the outskirts of Cardiff, this small family run guest house offers comfortable rooms and a warm welcome. They have free onsite parking available.

YHA Cardiff Central Hostel, East Tyndall Street (CF10 4BB)

This is a very modern Youth Hostel having previously been a chain hotel. It has good facilities including free parking and is close to public transport.

Airbnb

If you’re looking to spend a couple of nights in Cardiff then an Airbnb property offers a cost-effective alternative. You will find multiple properties just outside the centre with nearby transport links and also some more centrally located properties.

Restaurants

Cardiff has it all from fine dining to cheap eats and with a wide range of dishes from different cultures just waiting to be tried. Expect the usual high street chain restaurants but if you’re looking for something a bit different then it is a very diverse, multicultural city. As such the city centre, and beyond, has a fantastic range of restaurants, including small independent eateries. Here are just a few…

Tomi Pizza, Albany Road (CF24 3NS)

Authentic pizza, pasta and desserts cooked to perfection and served by friendly staff, this restaurant is everything you could want from an affordable dining spot.

North Star, North Road (CF14 3AE)

A relatively new eatery that offers a casual dining experience with all your favourite pub classics, from fish and chips to burgers, and also a range of lighter plates. They focus on using fresh local ingredients for simple dishes.

Vegetarian Food Studio, Penarth Road (CF11 6JU)

Specialising in Asian and Indian dishes, this restaurant offers some incredible dishes you will want to come back for. Be prepared for veggie friendly dishes on the menu that you may not have seen before.

Zero Plus Fish and Chips (CF5 1HD)

No visit to the coast is complete without fish and chips. If you want to experience some of the best then head to this award-winning spot.

Things to do whilst at a Magic: The Gathering Event in Cardiff

If you are attending The Gathering event in Cardiff then there is plenty to see in this beautiful city. Whilst it can sometimes be expensive to enjoy city life there are plenty of things to do for free. Both the St Fagans National Museum of History (CF5 6XB) and The National Museum of Cardiff (CF10 3NP) are free to visit.

On a good day Cardiff Bay itself is a great place to visit with plenty of small shops and lovely views out across the water.

Cardiff Castle (CF10 3RB) itself, one of the leading heritage attractions in Wales is also worth a visit. However, it is not free to visit, although they do offer a range of concessionary ticket packs such as a family ticket.