Cardiff’s docklands have always played a major role in Cardiff’s development. In the late 19th century coal from the Welsh valleys was transported through the docks to destinations across the world - powering the industrial age and powering Cardiff’s development.
The coal industry helped fund buildings including City Hall, the Coal Exchange and the New Theatre and helped the Third Marquess of Bute, who owned the docks, become the richest man in the world at the time.
As Cardiff exports grew, so did its population; dockworkers and sailors from across the world settled in neighbourhoods close to the docks, known as Tiger Bay, and communities from up to 45 different nationalities, including Norwegian, Somalian, Yemenese, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Irish, helped create the unique multi-cultural character of the area.
After the second world war the coal industry declined and the docklands fell into disuse, but in 1999 new life was given to the area with the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, which transformed an area of tidal mudflats into a 200 hectare freshwater lake and sparked the development of the surrounding area.
Cardiff Bay, just a mile from the city centre, is now popular part of any visit to Cardiff. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops in Mermaid Quay, cruise or sail on Cardiff Bay, or explore attraction such as the impressive Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Red Dragon Centre or Techniquest - an interactive science discovery centre.
Regular free festivals and events, such as the Caribbean Carnival and the International Food and Drink Festival, take place throughout the year.

You’ll find here a diverse mix of internationally acclaimed visitor attractions, activities and entertainment, coupled with vibrant, cosmopolitan bars, shops and restaurants all situated around the magnificent freshwater lake, giving Cardiff’s waterfront a truly unique atmosphere worthy of any capital city.
From the lovingly restored symbols of Cardiff’s glorious yesterdays, rich in history and culture, to the exciting and progressive vision of the future captured in the Waterfront’s fantastic style and architecture.
There really is something for everyone at Cardiff Bay.
The old and the new sit comfortably alongside each other in the Bay.
Cardiff was once the busiest coal exporting port in the world and the docklands heritage lies at the heart of Cardiff Bay and its waterfront. The many historic buildings, cosmopolitan culture and local history are complemented by contemporary projects, in the form of art and craft exhibitions and open-air public art exhibits many of which are internationally renowned.
By day and by night, weekdays and weekends, there’s always lots going on down in the Bay.

The Bay is a cosmopolitan place to eat out, offering international cuisine, bistros, cafes, wine bars and numerous pubs - it’s difficult to go hungry!
You’re sure to find plenty to entertain you too - whether you’re looking for lively nightlife, family fun or a night out at the cinema or a comedy club it’s all within easy reach.
You’ll find a fabulous selection of bars, restaurants, cafés, shops and services right on the waterfront at Mermaid Quay. It’s perfect for a quick bite or a long, leisurely banquet with cuisines from around the world on offer. Plus, there’s Cardiff’s finest comedy club, the Glee Club and much, much more.
Whether you’re looking for 5-star luxury or brand-name accommodation at an affordable price you’ll find it in Cardiff Bay. Although just minutes away from the city centre, our waterfront hotels are a world away from the bustle of city life and make a great base for exploring the Bay, the rest of the city and South Wales.
Many visitors come down to the Bay just to stroll along the water’s edge and soak up the atmosphere, but if you’re looking for places to visit there’s plenty of choice.

From small attractions in historic locations to huge engineering and architectural feats the Bay has a wide range of free and paid attractions to keep you entertained throughout the year.

So no matter what the weather’s doing outside there’s no excuse for staying away.