Six Nations 2020: A Rugby Guide to Cardiff

One of rugby’s most eagerly anticipated tournaments is returning to Cardiff in 2020, and while the capital is beautiful enough year-round, its streets come alive when fans of the sport come to town. 

The iconic Principality Stadium will host three exciting duals this year:

1. Wales vs. Italy - Saturday 1st February at 2.45pm
2. Wales vs. France - Saturday 22nd February at 4.45pm
3. Wales vs. Scotland - Saturday 14th March at 2.15pm

Whether you decide to make a weekend of it or just spend the day, it’s always a good idea to clue yourself up on what’s what before your trip, so, to give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a handy guide on everything you need to know about Cardiff. 

Travel

Like all major cities, you can make your way into Cardiff by plane, train or car. Here are the details you’ll need for all.

Plane - Cardiff Airport
If you’re arriving into Wales’ busiest airport, you’ve got several options for how to make your way onwards:

• Bus - head to the bus stop directly outside the terminal and hop on the T9 which departs every 30 minutes and takes you to Cardiff Bay or the centre. If you want to head straight to the Principality, stay onboard until Canal St. which is a stone’s throw away. 

• Train - a shuttle bus (costing £1) will take you from the airport to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport station, where you can jump on a train every hour into the city. The closest station to the Principality is Cardiff Central.

• Taxi - Flight Link Wales offer private transfer to and from the airport and minibuses for larger groups. Head to their website to book in advance.  

• Car hire - Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Europcar run car hire from within the airport. Just head to the desk of your choice on the day or book online in advance. 

Train - Cardiff Central
If you’re arriving by train, you’ll likely end up in the city’s main station - Cardiff Central - which is ideally situated for those heading for the Principality, only a few minutes walk away. For anyone who’ll be making their way elsewhere first, here are the details:

• Bus - central bus station is directly opposite the station where you can hop on a service taking you close to your destination.

• Taxi - as you leave the station turn right where you’ll find a taxi rank.

Bus
Cardiff’s central bus station is located right in the heart of the city, a short walk from the Principality. 

A word of warning for visitors arriving by bus: Central station is currently undergoing major works and is likely to be closed during the Six Nations. As a result, your bus will likely drop you fairly close by but speak to your individual provider for more details on disruptions. 

Getting about
If you’re not simply arriving and heading straight for the rugby, you’ll want to make your way around this fabulous city with ease. A taxi will take you where you want to go but isn’t always the most cost-effective option, making a travel pass a great alternative.

PlusBus
A Cardiff PlusBus ticket offers you unlimited travel by bus within the city and will cost you just £3.50 a day for an adult and £1.70 for a child. To squeeze every last minute out of your visit, buy your pass ahead of time online from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry Trains or Great Western Railway. 

Wherever you end up exploring by bus, to get back to the Principality Stadium, all you need to do is jump on a number 6, 92 or T9 bus. 

Food

With its rich culinary history, Cardiff is overflowing with mouth-watering eateries so whatever your budget or favourite cuisine, you’re sure to find the perfect restaurant. Here are our top three picks:

• P. Culley’s - if it’s local cuisine you’re after, head to R.P Culley’s in the Coal exchange where you’ll find some of the finest steamed mussels Wales has to offer. 

• The Potted Pig - indisputably one of the finest restaurants in Cardiff, the Potted Pig is within spitting distance (please don’t try) from the Principality Stadium. Located in an old bank vault, it’s oozing with character but won’t cost you your mortgage. 

• Casanova - Italian food more your thing? Then head to this Michelin Guide restaurant and fill your boots at a great price. Better yet, it’s only one street away from the stadium. 

Drink

Cardiff is renowned for its top-notch pubs and bars, but if you’re looking for somewhere to watch the other games being played over the weekend, here are our top picks:

• The City Arms - the next best thing to watching the match in person is heading to the rugby fan’s favourite watering hole which is only two minutes away from the stadium on Quay Street. 

• Tiny Rebel - directly opposite the stadium and boasting three projector screens across two floors, it’s no surprise the Tiny Rebel is a big hit with fans of the sport. It also happens to offer the largest selection of Welsh beers in the city, what more could you want?

• The Old Arcade - eat, sleep and breathe rugby? Then you’ll feel right at home here. The walls are plastered in rare shirts and memorabilia and sits just a short walk from the stadium on Church Street. 

Sight-seeing

If you fancy soaking up some of the sights and immersing yourself in Cardiff’s cultural riches, there’s loads to see and do during your stay. Here are some of our recommendations:

• Cardiff Bay - this recently regenerated hub boasts a freshwater lake and the Welsh Opera house. You’ll also find loads of great restaurants, bars and cafes. 

• Cardiff Castle - lap up 2,000 years of history in this 19th-century castle. You can book tour tickets in advance and they’ll cost you £13 per adult, £9 for children and under 4s go free. 
• National Museum Cardiff - peruse one of the finest art collections in Europe during your stay - they have a dinosaur display to keep the little ones happy too. 

Tempted to make a weekend of it? Just a 10-minute walk from the Principality Stadium and in the heart of the city, Leonardo Hotel Cardiff is the perfect place to rest your head. You can expect a large comfortable bed, friendly staff, free WiFi and a whole load more.

Discover our Edinburgh Six Nations guide.