Cardiff is a capital city with a difference when it comes to a break on a budget. You'll have no problems finding plenty of wallet-friendly or free things to do, including taking in some of Cardiff's biggest attractions. Accommodation on a budget doesn't mean roughing it either. Cardiff has some great budget hotels and even the fourth best hostel in the world! See our budget guide to Cardiff below, with some of our top money-saving tips!

Things to do

Sight-seeing in a capital city can be expensive, especially when you want to explore all the attractions. Here in Cardiff, you can fit a weekend's entertainment without spending a penny. The jewel in the crown is the National Museum Cardiff, where you can experience some of the best Impressionist art outside of Paris. The Cardiff Story, based in the Old Library, is a free museum of the history of Cardiff and you'll often find free art, photography or sculpture exhibitions within the rest of the building.

If you want to learn more about Welsh History, then the National History Museum at St Fagans is a must-see. Located just outside Cardiff (accessible by Cardiff Bus route 32) this free museum is one of Europe's best open-air museums.

For music-lovers, check out the free lunchtime concerts at the Wales Millennium Centre. The programme changes weekly and features a wide variety of classical, modern and orchestral music. If you want to catch one of the main performances, a range of lower price tickets, starting from £5 per person, are available to early bookers.

Cardiff's parklands and gardens are open all year round, and are of course free of charge. Bute Park & Arboretum in the heart of the city centre is home to the historic Gorsedd stones, and Roath Park features a 30 acre lake and ornamental rose gardens.

To see a full list of free things to do in Cardiff, click here.

Accommodation

Cardiff has some great budget accommodation options, suitable for every pocket. Whether you'd prefer a budget hotel, self-catering property, hostel or even camping, Cardiff has plenty of choice. To find the right accommodation for you, please click here to use our accommodation search.

Eating out

Eating out can sometimes push a budget to its limits so knowing your options before you arrive can help save the pennies. Cardiff has some great restaurants and there are good deals to be had. To find out more about where to eat and drink in Cardiff, click here. To make your money go further, check out our Eating out special offers.

Pre-theatre menus can save money when dining out, and leaves you time after dinner for a walk around Cardiff Bay or even some late-night shopping. If the weather is fine, take advantage of Cardiff's green spaces with a picnic lunch. Cardiff Market has plenty of stalls selling everything you need. 

Build your own itinerary

Within www.visitcardiff.com you can use our Itinerary builder to help plan your visit. Simply click the 'Add to my Itinerary' button when you want to add something and start organising your trip to Cardiff. You can save your itinerary and come back to it later, email or print it.