A Local’s 7 Day Itinerary for Wales

👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Map | How to Get Around | Itinerary Planning Tips | FAQ

Do you want to spend 7 days exploring Wales, but don’t know where to start? As a Welsh local, I have had a lot of fun planning this exciting 7-day Wales itinerary for you! I’ve even added some suggestions on how to follow this itinerary if you’re not driving.

This 7 day itinerary is action-packed and will take you to mountains, beaches, towns and cities. You’ll also check out some of the best things to do in Wales. You can always amend this itinerary to suit your travel plans and take a slower pace. 

So, pack your bags and let’s go! 

👉 Pro Tip: This itinerary is based on having a car, so make sure you rent a car in advance. Check out Kayak for handy price comparisons and opt to collect in Cardiff or Bristol and drop off in Liverpool. 

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7 Day Wales Itinerary

Day 1 – Cardiff 

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Top Things to Do In Cardiff

Start your day in the Welsh capital of Cardiff by wandering through Morgan Quarter and having a coffee at Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery in Royal Arcade. After your caffeine rush, wander through the city centre to Cardiff Castle. Look around the iconic Cardiff Castle and be sure not to miss the great view from the Norman Keep.

Then head to Pettigrew Tea Rooms in Bute Park for a bite to eat (or a full afternoon tea!) and a look around Bute Park. When you’re ready, take a River Boat Tour from Bute Park to Cardiff Bay. In Cardiff Bay, make sure you see the Millennium Stadium,Pierhead and Senedd, and the Norwegian Church. Head to the St David’s Hotel to enjoy a drink and the view of the Bay. 

Then, walk or take a bus or train back to the city centre for the evening. Have dinner in the Welsh House, one of the best restaurants in Cardiff. Afterwards, head to Brewery Quarter for an evening drink…or a game of Table Tennis at Boom Battle Bar!

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:The Parkgate Hotel (£££, central, luxury with great views),  Sleeperz Hotel (££, central, family-friendly), The Lincoln House Hotel (££, independent neighbourhood hotel)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:The Welsh House (££), The Potted Pig (£££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:Lab 22 (££), Tiny Rebel (£)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: Exploring Cardiff on public transport is easy. This itinerary for the day relies on walking, local buses, and boat tours anyway!

Day 2 – The Gower Peninsula and Swansea  

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Cities in Wales

Head out for an early breakfast at Milkwood, a small cafe in Cardiff’s trendy Pontcanna neighbourhood.

Then jump in your car and drive for roughly one hour to Caswell Bay Beach on the stunning Gower Peninsula. Spend a few hours on Caswell Bay Beach. You can chill on the beach, hit the waves, or walk on the coastal path towards Langland Bay. Enjoy some lunch in the surfside cafe at Caswell Bay.

In the mid-afternoon, drive to Wales’ second biggest city, Swansea. Look around the National Waterfront Museum and Maritime Quarter. Afterwards, walk along the Promenade to The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen for dinner. You’ll get great food and a lush view as the sun sets. 

In the evening, head back to Wind Street in Swansea city centre to experience some nightlife. No Sign Wine Bar is a popular place to start, then see where the night takes you! 

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:Morgans Hotel (£££, central luxury in a period property),  The Grand Hotel (££, central 3-star landmark hotel), Cwtsch Hostel (£, central and affordable)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen (££), Pant-y-Gwydr (£££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:No Sign Wine Bar (£), The Swigg (£)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: If you aren’t renting a car, take a train from Cardiff to Swansea and then a bus towards Mumbles or Newton.

Day 3 – Blaenavon, Talybont-on-Usk, and Brecon

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Places to Visit in Wales

Get up and out relatively early to get some breakfast and goodies from Swansea Market.

Then, drive just under an hour to Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon. Go on a guided tour and look around the museum to discover the history and heritage of coal mining. Have lunch at the Fireman’s Shovel Cafe by Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway.

In the afternoon, drive for half an hour to Talybont-on-Usk via the A40. Spend an hour or two in this picturesque village in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Go for a walk along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and stop off at the local pub The Star Inn for an afternoon drink.

Before the sun sets, drive 15 minutes to Brecon via the A40 and look around the town centre. In the evening, have dinner at The Gurkha Corner Restaurant and then try some local beers at the Brecon Tap.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:The Grange Guest House (££, friendly 4-star bed and breakfast),  Ty Helyg Guest House (££, central rooms, period property), The Beacons Guest House (££, well-located guest house)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:The Gurkha Corner Restaurant (££), The Tai’r Bull Inn (££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:Brecon Tap (£), Hop In Beer and Gin (£)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: Today is a little more involved if you don’t have car. From Swansea, take a train to Newport or Cwmbran and then a bus to Blaenavon. From Blaenavon, you will need to take a bus to Abergavenny, and from Abergavenny to Brecon. Swap in some time in Abergavenny instead of Talybont-on-Usk.

Day 4 – Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge 

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Towns in Wales

Hit the road in the morning by 9 am and drive to the Honey Cafe, just outside of Brecon, for a coffee. Continue your onward journey to Aberystwyth by 10.30 am. The drive along the A470 to Aberystwyth should take less than two hours. There’s an exciting afternoon excursion waiting for you in Aberystwyth!

Arrive in Aberystwyth and once settled, have lunch in The Cabin. Head to the Vale of Rheidol Railway Station for a 2 pm departure to Devil’s Bridge aboard a steam train. Take in the scenery from the train and at Devil’s Bridge, walk to the waterfalls and Three Bridges.

Once back in Aberystwyth, go for an evening stroll on the promenade and stop by the Royal Pier for some food and drinks. 

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:The Glengower (££, beachfront hotel with sea view rooms),  Townhouse No.1 (££, central 5-star hotel), Richmond Hotel (££, friendly beachfront hotel)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:Mama Fay’s (££), Little Italy (££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:Inn on The Pier (£), The Libertine (££)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: For those without a car, take an early bus from Brecon to Aberystwyth, via Llandrindod Wells or Builth Wells. It’s a long but scenic ride! Book a later trip on the Vale of Rheidol train to be on the safe side.

Day 5 – Dolgellau and Portmeirion

📍 Google Maps

Start your morning with breakfast in Little Devil’s Cafe. Then, get ready to wave goodbye to Aberystwyth. Your next destination is Dolgellau, a small town on the Southern edges of Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales’ largest National Park. The scenic drive from Aberystwyth to Dolgellau on the A487 will take around one hour.

In Dolgellau, walk around the town and stop for a coffee in Y Sospan. Then, drive onwards on the A470 to Portmeirion.

Spend the afternoon discovering the Italianate village of Portmeirion and surrounding countryside. Stop for lunch in one of the eateries, such as The Town Hall. Make sure you pick up a map at the start of your visit and explore the woods down to the estuary.

In the evening, you’ll have exclusive access to Portmeirion as a guest. Have dinner at Castell Deudraeth and make the most of being in this unique place.

Alternatively, stay and dine in or near Porthmadog, a cute town just 10 minutes away with some more affordable options.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth (£££, luxury unique stay),  Tudor Lodge (££, highly-rated bed and breakfast), The Golden Fleece Inn (££, 4-star countryside inn)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:Castell Deudraeth Brasserie (£££), Yr Hen Fecws (££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:Hotel Portmeirion (££), The Australia (£)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: To follow the day’s itinerary without a car, take the T2 bus from Aberystwyth to Minffordd Railway Station or Porthmadog. Admire Dolgellau from the bus! Then, take a taxi or walk to Portmeirion.

Day 6 –  Llanberis and Caernarfon

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Best Castles in Wales 

Set off early in the morning to Llanberis via the A487. Be sure to park in a designated parking space near the village and visit a local cafe. Llanberis is at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain, and offers many activities.

You can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, or hike your way up from Llanberis. A less demanding hike is around Dolbadarn Castle and the neighbouring lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris. Alternatively, head to the National Slate Museum in Llanberis. Choose the activity that is appropriate for your hiking experience level, and the weather!

In the late afternoon or early evening, drive 20 minutes to Caernarfon. Enjoy dinner at Tŷ Castell, then head to The Black Boy Inn, one of the oldest inns in North Wales, for a drink. Before going to bed, walk to look at Caernarfon Castle lit up at night. 

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:Plas Dinas Country House (£££, countryside luxury), Llety Arall(££, central, community-run), Totters Hostel (£, affordable and central)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:Tŷ  Castell (££), Sheeps and Leeks (£££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:The Black Boy Inn (£), Y Castell (£)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: For those without a rental car, take bus 1 from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. From Caernarfon, take a bus or taxi to Llanberis.

Day 7 –  Zip World Penrhyn Quarry and Conwy 

📍 Google Maps

Are you ready for the fun-filled finale to your Welsh holiday? 

In the morning, have breakfast in Caffi Maes on Castle Square in Caernarfon. Visit Caernarfon Castle and then cross Pont yr Aber for a cracking view of the castle.

At midday, drive to Zip World Penrhyn Quarry Adventure Park near Bethesda. Finish your holiday in Wales on a high by venturing on Velocity, the work’s fastest zip line.  Alternatively, stay on (and below) ground level on the slate quarry tour. Blondin Restaurant on-site offers good options for lunch!

After your adrenaline rush, drive on to Conwy. Check out Conwy Castle, the town walls, and the smallest house in Britain. Wander around the cute streets of Conwy until you’re ready for dinner. Head to The Erskine Arms for dinner and a drink.

Then relax in your beautiful hotel room and dream of your next trip to Wales!

• 🛎️ Where to Stay:Y Capel Guest House (£££, central, luxury),  The Castle Hotel (££, central, luxury), Gwynfryn (££, central, luxury)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat:The Erskine Arms (££), Lava Hot Stone Kitchen (££)
• 🍺 Where to Drink:Mulberry (££), Liverpool Arms (£)
• 🚌 Transportation Tip: For today’s journey without a car, take a bus from Caernarfon to Bangor. Then, a taxi from Bangor to Zip World Penrhyn Quarry. Take a taxi back to Bangor and a train to Conwy.

Map of this Itinerary

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around in Wales

Wales has some decent public transport connections between major towns and cities. There are multiple train and bus routes across the country. However, many small and rural destinations can be difficult to reach on public transport or require a slower pace of travel. Always check for live public transport service updates online. 

Travelling by car is a good option for more flexibility and to visit harder-to-reach destinations. Stick to main roads and avoid single-track lanes if you are not confident driving on rural roads. Make sure you always park in designated parking spaces. For car rentals, look at Kayak for handy price comparisons and the option to pick up and drop off in different locations.

Adventurous travellers can get around Wales on foot or bike! There are loads of great trails, such as The Wales Coast Path and TrawsEryri Cycle route. 

Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Tweak My Itinerary As Needed

My 7 day Itinerary can easily be amended to suit your Welsh holiday wishes! You may want to consider staying in one place for more than one night and having a slower pace of travel. Maybe you want to squeeze in more hikes or more train rides. Make this itinerary your own!

Tip #2 – Arrive a Day Before 

Wales only has one small international airport in Cardiff, but is well connected by train and bus to major cities in England. Tourists from other countries are likely to need to travel to Wales from  London, Manchester, Liverpool, or Bristol. Factor this into your itinerary and try to be in Wales a day ahead, ready to kickstart your travels. 

Tip #3 – Book Activities in Advance

Many of the activities in this Wales itinerary are popular and need to be booked in advance. It is advisable to book Zip World adventures and steam railway journeys (especially the Snowdon mountain railway!) well in advance. Typically, you don’t need to book castle visits in advance, but you may as well book if you know you’re planning to go.

Tip #4 – Keep the Weather in Mind

Wales’ weather is unpredictable and can be wet and windy. Make plans that can be adapted depending on the weather, such as by having different options in mind. Some activities are weather-dependent and you should avoid hiking mountains in bad weather. However, don’t let wet weather dampen your day. Many activities can still be done in a bit of rain! 

Tip #5 – Plan in Some Buffer Time

Always plan in some extra time in case of unforeseen delays. Wales’ public transport connections are sometimes delayed. And roads may suddenly have roadworks or traffic jams. Make sure you keep this in mind when planning, and don’t squeeze too much in back-to-back.

Tip #6 – Consider Your Routes in Advance 

There are lots of single-track roads in Wales, which can be difficult to navigate if you are not confident with rural driving. Stick to main roads (‘A’ roads or motorways) if the idea of coming face-to-face with a sheep in a narrow country lane fills you with dread. Otherwise, consider opting for a more rural, scenic route. 

Either way, familiarise yourself with your route in advance and don’t just rely on a phone signal, or you’re likely to get lost!

You’ll need to plan routes if travelling on public transport, too!

Tip #7 – Visit Local Businesses 

Wales boasts a lot of thriving independent businesses. There are independent businesses ranging from restaurants to distilleries, shops to art galleries. For a more unique and wholesome experience, opt to visit independent businesses instead of chains. This will give you a more local experience and is a great way to support locals too!

FAQ

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Wales is a small country with loads of destinations and unique things to do. My pre-planned itinerary includes a variety of places to visit and things to do, without being too rushed. Check out my article on the best time to visit Wales next to help you decide when to visit!