👉 Jump to: Is Cardiff Safe? | Advisories | Safe Areas | Crime | Scams | Weather | Water | Safety Tips | FAQ
If you’re planning a trip to the capital of Wales, it’s fair to ask yourself “Is Cardiff safe for travel?”.
As a local, I can tell you that Cardiff is safe! However, visitors should take commonsense precautions to look after themselves and their belongings.
Let’s unpack this so that you have a good visit to Cardiff and can explore , worry-free!
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Table of Contents
Is Cardiff Safe?
Cardiff is generally a safe and friendly city. Most visits to Cardiff are trouble-free, but like in many cities, travellers should take care, especially at night.
Cardiff is known as a friendly and welcoming city. Cardiff has a low crime rate compared to other major cities in the UK. You generally don’t need to be worried about crime when visiting Cardiff.
However, you should take precautions to look after yourself and your belongings. This is especially important at night. As a local, I’ll talk you through some of the key considerations about Cardiff’s safety.
Things to Know About Safety in Cardiff
Cardiff Travel Advisories
Check travel advice for the UK from your local government before visiting Cardiff. Keep in mind that travel advice is general for the whole of the UK and not specific to Wales.
The USA currently advises to exercise increased caution in the UK due to terrorism. However, there is no current specific terrorist threat to Wales.
Safe Neighbourhoods and Areas in Cardiff
Visitors are likely to spend time in Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay. These areas have popular attractions like Cardiff Castle and the Wales Millennium Centre.
Cardiff City Centre has the highest crime rates in the city, and a large proportion of crimes happen at night. Many of these crimes, such as shoplifting, are unlikely to affect visitors. Hundreds of thousands of people visit this area annually in Cardiff without issues.
While the city centre is reasonably safe, you could stay in a quiet, residential Cardiff neighbourhood with low crime rates like Llandaff if you prefer. Check out my recommendations on where to stay in Cardifffor more spots to consider around the city.
Crime in Cardiff
The crime rate in Cardiff is lower than in other major cities in the UK, but visitors should still take precautions to minimize the risk of falling victim to crime.
Robbery and burglary are some of the least common crimes in Cardiff, but bike theft and car crime aren’t uncommon. You should look after your belongings and, if relevant, lock your bike properly and take precautions to avoid car crime.
A large proportion of reported crimes such as shoplifting are unlikely to affect tourists.
The most common crimes in Cardiff that may affect tourists are violence and sexual offences. Most of the recorded violent crime happens at night, so visitors should take extra care at night.
As long as you take care, especially at night, your visit will likely go safe and sound!
Common Scams in Cardiff
Cardiff is generally safe and tourists face fewer scams than in other cities. Many of the common scams in Cardiff exist across the UK.
Be wary of buying second-hand or unofficial goods, especially concert tickets. Cardiff hosts many popular events, and there are common scams related to selling dodgy tickets.
Keep your belongings and valuables safe. Although rates of pickpocketing in Cardiff are low, there’s always a risk of theft if valuables are left unattended or on display.
Be wary of scams related to long-term rental properties and holiday lets. If the house looks too good to be true, it probably is!
Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters in Cardiff
The risk of natural disasters and hazardous weather events in Cardiff is low.
Cardiff has a maritime climate and can get very wet and windy! You should pack appropriate clothing and check the weather before doing outdoor activities.
Cardiff sometimes experiences flooding which causes delays in transport and damage to the city. There is unfortunately a high risk of floods in the future.
The temperature rarely exceeds 30°C (86° F) in Cardiff but don’t be fooled, the UV rays can still be high! A deceptively mild day with high UV can be a hazard (trust me, I’m a redhead who easily burns!)
Read my article on the best time to visit Cardiffto learn how the city changes through the seasons.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Cardiff?
Tap water in Cardiff is safe to drink, and tastes good! Most properties and businesses in Cardiff are supplied with high-quality drinking water. You can learn more about tap water in Cardiff here.
6 Safety Tips for Cardiff
Tip #1 – Keep to Well-lit Areas at Night
As in most other major cities, keeping to well-lit and busy areas at night is best, especially if you are a woman or solo traveller. Avoid walking in Bute Park and along the Taff Trail at night as they are poorly lit and can be dodgy areas. Cardiff city centre and most residential neighbourhoods are generally well-lit.
You may feel safer travelling by public transport or taxi.
Tip #2 – Be Careful on a Night Out
Cardiff has a great nightlife scene, and people flock to the city to party. Take some commonsense precautions to have a fun, safe night out. Don’t approach people who seem aggressive and drunk. Make sure you’ll be able to safely find your way home.
Never leave your drink unattended and follow these tips to minimize the risk of drink spiking.
Tip #3 – Keep your Valuables in a Safe Place
Although reports of pickpocketing are low in Cardiff, it is common sense to look after your valuables in any major city. No one wants to lose their phone or passport on holiday! Don’t leave valuables unattended or in parked vehicles.
Tip #4 – Make Use of Local Transport
Cardiff has a good public transport network. You can safely catch buses and trains within the city. Download the Cardiff Bus App and check the Traveline website for details. Local taxis also provide a safe and reliable service.
Tip #5 – Be Respectful
Don’t put yourself at risk by breaking the law or being disrespectful to local customs and culture. You could end up in an unsafe situation if you break the law, for example by having illegal drugs, or are disrespectful to others on a night out.
Tip #6 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Welsh people are renowned for being friendly and willing to help. You can also ask for help in bars and pubs if you’re in an uncomfortable situation. Many establishments are part of the ‘ Ask for Angela’ scheme. This scheme is a discrete way to ask staff for help.
👉 Read Next: Where to Eat in Cardiff
FAQs About Safety in Cardiff
What are the safest areas to stay in Cardiff?
Pentyrch and Lisvane are the safest areas to stay in Cardiff. Pentyrch and Lisvane are the neighbourhoods with the lowest recorded crime rate in Cardiff. Llandaff is also a safe area with a low crime rate and some great accommodation options.
Is Cardiff a safe place to visit?
Cardiff is a safe place to visit and has a relatively low crime rate compared to most other cities in the UK. Most visits to Cardiff are trouble-free and a large proportion of crime reported wouldn’t affect visitors. Visitors should take precautions to minimize their risk of falling victim to crime.
The city centre is technically the most dangerous neighbourhood in Cardiff, and is safe to visit worry-free!
Is it safe to walk around in Cardiff?
It is safe to walk around Cardiff. Much of central Cardiff is pedestrianized and has some scenic traffic-free paths. You should take care walking in Cardiff at night and avoid poorly lit areas, such as Bute Park.
Is Cardiff safe for students?
Cardiff is safe for students. Cardiff has four universities, including Cardiff University, and a vibrant student population. Like in any city, students should be careful on nights out and take precautions to stay safe.
What are the most common crimes around Cardiff?
The most common crimes around Cardiff are violence and sexual offences. Most violent crime in Cardiff happens at night. Cardiff has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major cities in the UK.
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If you were asking yourself, “Is Cardiff safe for travel?”, I hope you are reassured that Cardiff is a safe city to visit. Enjoy your trip to Cardiff and any other of the best cities in Wales!
