Considering its fairly average size in comparison to other British cities, students who haven’t explored any further than Cathays, Talybont, or Roath could be forgiven for considering Cardiff an ‘average’ city. However, visiting these locations should change your mind and provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Honourable mentions: Victorian and Edwardian Arcades: If cosier (drier) places where you can shop and take some more atmospheric photos attract you more, Cardiff’s shopping arcades (Castle Quarter, Royal, High Street, Duke Street, Dominions, Morgan, Wyndham) will hit the spot.
Roath Park lake: A calming, tranquil place to watch a sunset and take your mind off things. The ornamental lighthouse, rolling hills to the north, and luxurious housing add to the atmosphere.
Bute Park: The diverse range of plants and trees of this popular inner-city park combine as a perfect photo backdrop.
Cathedral Road: You’ll find this photogenic avenue round the corner from the Sophia Gardens cricket ground, lined with grandiose early 20th-century townhouses. There are some charming pubs and restaurants here as well, albeit on the pricey side!
Cardiff Bay Barrage (pictured top right): Constructed as part of the modernisation of Cardiff Bay in the 1990s, this man-made dam serves as a great spot for a run, walk, and of course, some photography! A path spans across the seafront, connecting Cardiff docks and the Senedd with Penarth Marina. The walkways towards the south side next to the bascule bridge enable panoramic views of the Cardiff skyline, the frontiers of the South Wales Valleys, the Somerset coast, and even the two Severn crossings on a clear day.
Cardiff City Hall (pictured above): The industrial might of South Wales in the early 20th century is exemplified in this Edwardian-Baroque building, opened in 1906 to celebrate Cardiff’s city status. It boasts a sumptuous façade, balustrades, sculptures and even a dragon-themed dome. Directly to its rear, you can find Alexandra Gardens, a peaceful space with well-kept horticulture. Lock this one in for your graduation pics!
Garth Hill: You’ll need to catch a train up to Treforest Estate or Taffs Well to access this 307m-high viewpoint, but it’s absolutely worth the trip and hill climb—a panoramic view of Cardiff and much of southeast Wales awaits you at the summit. A high-quality camera will be needed for detailed shots of Cardiff itself, however you can also follow the line of the Somerset/Devon coast, take in the sheer size of the Severn Estuary, and even glimpse the highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons on a clear day. Perfect idea for a weekend afternoon out with housemates, especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of university life for a while.