A Rugby Fan's Guide to Cardiff City Centre
Are you visiting Cardiff for the Six Nations in Cardiff 2024? Take a look at our ultimate guide to Cardiff for rugby fans visiting the city.
Locals and visitors alike will tell you that there is nothing better than the atmosphere in Cardiff on an international rugby day! Even if you're not the biggest fan, the energy, fun and entertainment that lasts throughout the day and into the night is second to none.
Cardiff city centre during a rugby game is something of an event in itself. Pop-up stores are set up to provide people with the kit of their chosen teams, including scarves, hats, daffodil headgear and face paint. This, combined with the close proximity of such a large number of people, creates an almost carnival atmosphere as people make their way towards the stadium.
This February and March, Cardiff will have the honour of hosting Six Nation's Fixtures in the Principality Stadium, Cardiff's National Stadium of Wales. If you’re going to be attending the matches in the Welsh Capital, we have compiled a list of helpful suggestions and must-dos while you’re in Cardiff.
Principality Stadium
Wales will play three home matches this year - Scotland, France and Italy - and the two away matches are England and Ireland in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations Championship. Wales will kick off their 2024 Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 3 February 2024.
Games being held in Cardiff
Getting to and around Cardiff
The Principality Stadium is only a 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central Train Station. Cardiff’s metro rail system connects Cardiff’s northern, southern and western suburbs to the city centre from its Central and Queen Street hubs. Visitors should be aware that Cardiff Central Station is expected to be very busy after each match, and a queuing system will be in operation. The train and the local bus network is an affordable Cardiff Transport option, operates routes throughout the city and will provide extra services on match days.
What to see and do
For culture
You can wander around the huge structure of Cardiff Castle as it stands today. Cardiff Castle has been preserved expertly, and the Roman Fort and Norman Keep both stand tall to this day, ready for you to explore. The castle is one of Wales’s most popular heritage attractions. Entry to the castle grounds is free; however, there is a charge to explore the buildings.
Nearby you'll find the National Museum of Wales. The museum has something to offer everyone, from Impressionist paintings to gigantic dinosaurs. Entry is free, and there are daily 35-minute tours from 12.30 pm each day.
For atmosphere
Explore a great mix of Cardiff attractions, entertainment and events, along with vibrant bars and shops that create a truly unique atmosphere worthy of any capital city. Cardiff has the biggest concentration of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern-day indoor shopping arcades in Britain and is known as the City of Arcades.
For fresh air
Why not take a lovely bike ride? Nextbike operates in the city, making it even easier to get around. Behind Cardiff Castle is Bute Park, the green heart of the city. Here you can cycle (or walk if you prefer) part of the Taff Trail and see a Gorsedd Stone Circle, beehives, a sculpture trail, Blackfriar's Friary, and so much more. A water taxi is also here, taking you to Cardiff Bay.
CARDIFF DESTINATION GUIDEEating and Drinking
The Welsh capital is always bustling on match days, and many of the best Cardiff bars and pubs are located just a stone’s throw from the Principality Stadium. You might want to consider reserving a table in advance, and some establishments may ask for a deposit or arrive hours before kick-off to claim a seat.
Drinks before or after the match
The City Arms is located just outside the stadium and is one of the most iconic Cardiff pubs. Featuring a great selection of Welsh ales, The City Arms is a long-time favourite of local sports fans. Another choice would be The Prince of Wales on St Mary Street, which always hosts a huge crowd and is one of the liveliest bars in Cardiff.
Venues to watch on a big screen
For those looking for venues to watch games on a big screen, both O’Neill’s, Walkabout and Brewhouse on St Mary Street will be projecting matches live throughout the Six Nations. Alternatively, you could head to Yates or Live Lounge on Greyfriars Road.
Where to eat
Most bars and pubs that usually serve food will have a reduced menu on match day. This will probably be easy to eat with your hands, like burgers, hotdogs, pizza and chips. If you would like more formal dining, you will need to book a table in advance, and you may be asked for a deposit.
We hope that you have a fantastic time in Cardiff during the Six Nations!
Watch The Six Nations in Cardiff Bay
If you are looking for a cosy atmosphere to watch all the action unfold on live TV, join us at Thomas Bar & Restaurant at Future Inn Cardiff.
Matchday offers include:
Hotel near the Principality Stadium
Accommodation in Cardiff is always in high demand around matches, so it’s recommended that visitors book early to avoid disappointment.
Future Inn Cardiff is an ideal base for the night, offering various-sized rooms that can sleep up to four adults, including our accessible bedrooms. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower facilities, a desk with workspace and a laptop safe. Room features include an iron and ironing board, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, bottled water and a flat-screen TV.
Perks include free parking and electric car charging, free WiFi, and a complimentary robe and slippers in your room. Plus, home-away-from-home services like our guest laundry room, ice buckets, and ice machine, which you can help yourself to. There is also free entry to Simply Gym, situated at the Red Dragon Centre across from the hotel.
Book direct for the best available rates on our website or by contacting the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
Future Inn Cardiff to The Principality Stadium
It is very easy to get to the Principality Stadium from the hotel.
Make a Reservation
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed, with rooms from £67 per room per night.
Book your stay online, where we guarantee the best rate, or with our Reservations Team at 02920 487111 or email reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk
BEDROOMS AT FUTURE INN CARDIFF BAY
Welsh Restaurant
Thomas Restaurant is ideal for fueling up before the sporting event. Every day the team serve breakfast, brunch, and evening a-la-carte menus. If you are looking to try some local Welsh dishes, this is the place to head. All of the food is made on-site using local produce to give a true Taste of Wales throughout all of the menus. The Cawl is our favourite (in case you’re wondering); it is a Welsh lamb stew served with Caerfai cheddar and crusty bread (can be made gluten-free on request).
Burgers, sandwiches and other lite bites are available on our lunch menu, or a homemade Sunday Roast is served every Sunday between 12 pm-5 pm. A homemade Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea is served daily between 1 pm - 5 pm or our set menu offers 3 courses for £25 daily from 5 pm.
Take a seat in the bar
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands. Our Welsh drink selection includes Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines. Thomas Bar and Restaurant also has an extensive gin and mixer menu and 2 for £16 on cocktails. Naturally, there’s a good choice of soft drinks too, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee and mocktails.
Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online:
BOOK NOWDISHES ON THE MENU IN THOMAS RESTAURANT
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