Cardiff: The cultural and culinary capital city that charms

If you’re seeking a cosmopolitan 48-hour luxury escape then look no further than the Welsh Capital of Cardiff, where history meets modern elegance to create the ultimate luxury experience. Whether you’re a history buff wanting to explore Cardiff Castle that’s rooted in Roman history, the shops and restaurants call, or you fancy immersing yourself in the picturesque views of Cardiff Bay – this city has it all.

Where to stay

Hilton Cardiff

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, Hilton Cardiff offers a prime location that effortlessly captures the essence of the surroundings. Boasting fantastic views and situated just a stone’s throw away from the main shopping centre, this hotel has all of your accommodation needs sorted. With its dedicated underground parking just a short walk away, it’s perfect for those who wish to explore the delights of the city on foot.

Rooms

Arriving at the hotel on a bustling Saturday afternoon, check-in was seamlessly swift, and the room ready upon arrival. We stayed in a double family deluxe room with a castle view and it was lovely to see a glimpse of the Welsh flag flying from the castle turret. Although the streets below were bustling with shoppers and tourists, our room was blissfully quiet, creating a haven of tranquillity – just what we needed. Immaculately clean, the rooms were spacious, with lovely added touches like plush slippers and robes.

Hilton Cardiff bedroom — *Hilton Cardiff* is widely regarded as Cardiff’s leading luxury hotel

Facilities

Undergoing recent refurbishment, the hotel now boasts a stylish new bar and restaurant. On the evening of our stay, the venue buzzed with a glamorous function, adding an air of excitement to the hotel’s atmosphere. As we descended in the glass lifts, we revelled in the black-tie glamour of the guests – capturing the city’s luxurious and very cosmopolitan vibe. The hotel also boasts a top-notch gym, which I made use of during our stay. Time constraints limited my access to the inviting pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room but it is always a great feature to take advantage of when staying multiple nights.

Shopping

Castle Quarter Arcade with shops and coffee shops in Cardiff city center. — Cardiff really is a shopping mecca for fashion lovers. Image credit: TinasDreamworld

Cardiff really is a shopping mecca for fashion lovers – it boasts so many standalone stores that you can usually only get online – my sister and I could have spent 48 hours shopping alone. From luxury to high-street, St David’s was a brilliant place to explore, as well as more high-end shops just outside its entrance.

Culinary delights

Gaucho Cardiff exterior — Gaucho Cardiff boasts an ambience that combines industrial design and cultural artistry, adding a touch of dark glamour and making it the ideal setting for working lunches, afternoon drinks, and evening dining

Following a morning of shopping, we treated ourselves to lunch at Gaucho, a new gem in the city and despite our afternoon booking, the atmosphere was anything but subdued. Upon entering, the buzz was fantastic as beautiful people sipped cocktails and ate their delicious food. Gaucho Cardiff spans two floors with an inviting terrace, and the décor is as inviting as the atmosphere with blackened steel, bronze frameworks, and an island horseshoe-shaped bar creating a sophisticated backdrop.

Our Gaucho experience began with one of their scrumptious signature cocktails, setting the tone for an unforgettable meal where the real stars turned out to be the mouth-watering mains. Opting for the sirloin, and my sister, the ribeye, both cuts were expertly cooked to perfection – there’s truly nothing quite like a Gaucho steak. For sides, we chose crispy chips, mac ‘n’ cheese, greens, and savoury mushrooms, all of which were equally as scrumptious. The 220-cover restaurant has recently unveiled a set lunch menu, priced at £25 for two courses and £28 for three courses, available Monday to Friday, and something I really am considering a four-hour drive for – the experience was second to none and somewhere you must book to visit when you’re in the city.

Gaucho Cardiff food selection — *Gaucho Cardiff* serves up Argentine wine and the very best steak in Cardiff

After more shopping and a walk around the castle grounds, we returned back to our hotel for a freshen up and…more food!

After a day of indulgent shopping, Hilton Cardiff’s new restaurant, Graze provided the perfect retreat to unwind, with fellow customers enjoying a glass of something delightful. The true standouts of the evening were the bespoke cocktails – Nutini and Guilty Pleasure – delivering a unique and unforgettable flavour. I couldn’t resist requesting the recipes to attempt their recreation at home. Dining at Graze was the perfect end to our busy day.

For those wanting to explore more nightlife, the standout by must be Flight Club, with four bar areas, a spectacular roof terrace, the coolest of barmen out there – it’s the place to be seen. So why not unleash your competitive spirit with a game of darts as you sip on the most delicious cocktails? It’s entertaining, fun, and utterly addictive.

Cardiff really is a magical city that you’ll want to return to time and time again.