The Big Guide to Your CARDIFF Stag Weekend

A Cardiff stag weekend is always colossal.

If you're looking for a classic stag celebration filled with a few hilarious activities and a big night on the town, the Welsh capital is perfect.

Scroll on for everything you need to know about what to do, where to stay, where to party, plus a whole lot more.

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Is Cardiff Right for Your Group?

Cardiff has everything you could want from a bouncing capital city, and you won't be short of things to do here.

If you're looking to take on some hilarious, adrenaline-pumping stag adventures in the day before heading off on a big night out, Cardiff is ideal.

It's also a pretty stag-friendly city as far as bars, pubs and clubs go, so you don't have to worry too much about being turned away at the door.

But if you're looking for a relaxing destination, we'd say to look elsewhere because Cardiff is 100 mph from beginning to end.

The Places in Cardiff You Need to Know About

St Mary Street

The main street running through the heart of Cardiff. There are plenty of drinking spots lining the length of it. There are also loads of cool bars and speakeasies down the side streets splitting off.

Cardiff Bay

You can't party in Cardiff and not head to the Bay for a few drinks. Well, actually, you can - but you shouldn't!

Mill Lane

Mill Lane boasts a range of chain restaurants as well as several bars towards the bottom end.

Castle Quarter

To the south of the Castle, you'll find the Castle Quarter (surprise). Stretching from Westgate Street in the east to St John's Street in the west, there is a range of bars that will welcome stags with open arms.

Top 10 Cardiff Pubs, Bars & Clubs

The Best Time to Go

Being a capital city, Cardiff is a great crack all year round.

The most popular months to head to Cardiff for StagWeb's stags are between May and June.

46% of all our groups going to Cardiff with StagWeb went in these two months in 2023.

Why are May & June so popular?

1. Timing - A lot of weddings happen over the summer months, so a stag do in May or June gives you time to recover from the weekend.
2. Cost - Hotel and apartment prices will be cheaper as the school summer holidays are yet to bump them up.
3. Weather - May and June are often our best months of the year weather-wise.
4. Fewer Students - Universities usually finish by May/June, so the nights out are generally a slightly older crowd.
5. Fewer Date Clashes - More of the lads are likely to be around as most people don't jet off on holiday until July/August.

How Long Do People Go For?

Two nights is more than enough to explore the very best that Cardiff has to offer.

However, if you fancy extending your stay to three nights, there's plenty to keep you guys occupied.

61% of our stags heading to Cardiff in 2023 went for two nights - enough time to take on a load of activities and enjoy a couple of nights out!

How Soon Do People Book?

In 2023, guys heading to Cardiff with StagWeb booked over 5 months in advance (which is one month earlier than the average).

Why so early?

Well, being a busy capital city, Cardiff is popular all year around, so accommodation and nights out can book up really far ahead of time.

We'd advise booking at least 5 months in advance to secure the best options (and the best prices).

Where to Stay in Cardiff

Well, it depends on what you're after.

If you're just looking for somewhere to get your heads down because you've got an action-packed weekend planned, we'd recommend looking at hotels in the centre of Cardiff.

There is a range to suit all budgets and tastes, whether you're after a cheaper stay or a 5-star gaff with all the bells and whistles.

Alternatively, if you're a bigger group looking for a bigger place with features like a hot tub, garden, BBQ and more, you might be better off looking at houses slightly further afield.

Check out our range of Cardiff stag accommodation options and get yours booked before someone else beats you to it.

Please Note: Not every hotel in Cardiff will accept stag parties. If you do decide to book solo, be sure to check this first.

What to Do in Cardiff

With over 80 Cardiff stag do ideas to choose from, you won't be short of things to do.

Whether you want boozy, non-boozy, relaxing, adrenaline-pumping - whatever - Cardiff has it.

Things to See in Cardiff

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay has been given a glow-up and is a great place for a few beers and a bite to eat (there's something for even the fussiest stag).

Cardiff Castle

As well as being a pretty cool place to stroll around, Cardiff Castle hosts loads of bands and events, with people like Noel Gallagher and Madness often headlining.

The Principality Stadium

The Principality is smack bang in the centre of the city and plays host to Six Nations matches, gigs and more.

How to Get to Cardiff...

Discover how easy it is to get to Cardiff by...

Train - Unlike some cities, Cardiff Central Train Station is located right in the centre of the city. You'll stroll out the doors and within seconds, you'll be right on St Mary Street (Cardiff's main street) ready to take the city by storm.

Visit Trainline to book your train tickets.

Car - All roads lead to the M4. The Welsh capital can be accessed via 3 junctions off it, so even if the lads singing along to your stag do playlist causes you to miss the first one, you have two more to save you. For context, London to Cardiff takes 3-4 hours, Liverpool just over 4 hours, and Newcastle around 6 hours (traffic/roadwork dependent, obviously).

Visit Parkopedia for the nearest car parks in Cardiff.

Plane - Cardiff Airport is situated 15 miles outside of the city centre. Getting to and from the airport is easy, with a range of taxis and buses available to take you in.

For more info about arrivals and getting to and from the airport, visit the Cardiff Airport website.

Tips On Getting Around Cardiff

Walking - Cardiff city centre is pretty compact and definitely walkable. If any of your Cardiff stag activities are out of town, we can advise you on the best transport options or book transfers for you and the guys.

Taxis & Uber - Uber is available throughout Cardiff, so be sure to download the app. There is also a range of taxi companies, including Dragon Taxis (029 2033 333).

Train - There are smaller stations dotted around Cardiff, so be sure to check in advance where your hotel/apartments are as this could be a cost-effective option for you and your group.

Bus - You can head to the Cardiff Bus website for routes and timetables or download the app so you have it on the go. The buses take contactless payments and are an easy way to bounce about the city.

For the latest up-to-date info for getting around Cardiff, head to the Visit Cardiff website.

Common Cardiff FAQs

Is Cardiff good for a stag do?

Cardiff isn't just good, it's up there as one of the best UK destinations for a stag weekend. Why? Because it has all the elements required for you and the boys to celebrate in style. With amazing activities, great places to eat and electric nights out, it's non-stop action from start to finish.

Is Cardiff expensive for a night out?

It most certainly is not. The prices are around the country's average for a night out, so unless you visit a VIP venue, Cardiff is still one of the most affordable party destinations in the UK!

Is Cardiff good for clubbing?

With its old-school venues, buzzing live music joints, techno nights, and cheesy clubs, Cardiff caters for all clubbers (no matter how bad your music taste!). There are several clubs lining St Mary Street and the roads in and around it, so you won't have to go far to find the place for you.

Can you explore Cardiff in one weekend?

Of course you can! Visit Cardiff Bay with its waterside bars and restaurants, then take the party inwards and towards the heart of the city.