It’s easy to pick the best cities in Wales as there are only seven to choose from! Wales’ cities vary in size, from Wales’ capital city Cardiff to Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.
Wrexham is the newest city in Wales, only gaining city status in 2022! City status in Britain is still quite an archaic affair and is awarded by the Monarch. Historically, a place was only granted city status if it had a Cathedral but nowadays, city status may be awarded for a range of reasons.
As a local, I’ll tell you some highlights of each of Wales’ seven cities to help you plan your trip. Some of the best things to do in Wales are in and near Welsh cities, so you’ll have a great time!
So, which Welsh cities will you visit?
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7 Best Welsh Cities
Cardiff (Caerdydd)
Wales’ answer to a bustling metropolis is a small and friendly coastal city.
🏠 Population: 362,400 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Cardiff Website | Best Places to Stay
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is the largest city in the country. There are lots of amazing things to do in Cardiff! You can visit iconic landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium.
Cardiff’s docklands were once at the centre of global coal trading but have since been redeveloped into a trendy waterfront area. Head to Cardiff Bay to see the impressive Wales Millennium Centre and get a bite to eat in a waterfront restaurant in Mermaid Quay.
There are excellent public transport links from Cardiff across Wales and Britain. Cardiff is a city for everyone and a great base for exploring South Wales. You’ll love the variety of incredible day trips from Cardiff!
Swansea (Abertawe)
This vibrant waterfront city is just a stone’s throw from gorgeous sandy beaches.
🏠 Population: 237,800 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Swansea Bay Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Swansea on Booking
Swansea is the second largest city in Wales and offers the best of both worlds: a vibrant city centre full of culture and history and calm beaches.
Swansea is a popular place to visit in South Wales. Party animals will enjoy the renowned nightlife, families will love the attractions, and beach lovers can hit the waves!
The city centre hosts a range of engaging attractions, from the National Waterfront Museum to the Dylan Thomas Museum and Theatre. To get some sea air, head along Swansea Promenade, an accessible path by Swansea Beach, to the popular seaside resort of Mumbles.
You can travel by train and bus to many destinations from Swansea, including the nearby beaches on the Gower Peninsula such as Rhossili Bay. To reach secluded areas, travel by car or hike on the Wales Coast Path!
St Davids (Tyddewi)
Britain’s smallest city is steeped in history and legends and situated on the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast.
🏠 Population: 1,348 | 📍 Google Maps | St Davids Peninsula Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in St Davids on Booking
The UK’s smallest city feels like a town, so don’t expect big city lights! What St Davids lacks in skyscrapers, it makes up for with spectacular scenery in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. St Davids is a great destination for visitors wanting to combine a quiet city break with a beach holiday.
St Davids hosts regular markets and is home to independent art galleries, shops, and eateries. Try The Really Wild Emporium to sample foraged and local ingredients!
You won’t miss the awe-inspiring St Davids Cathedral, an ancient Cathedral settlement. Head to the idyllic St Non’s Chapel on the coast to see where St David, the Patron Saint of Wales, was born.
St Davids has some good local bus connections and the nearby train station of Haverfordwest. Some rural areas and secluded beaches are only accessible by car or foot.
Bangor
This charming university city has easy access to Eryri, Wales’ largest National Park.
🏠 Population: 15,060 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Snowdonia Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bangor on Booking
Bangor is Wales’ oldest city and is home to the ancient Bangor Cathedral, a charming Victorian Pier and the imposing Penrhyn Castle.
The small university city in North Wales is surrounded by stunning scenery. You can easily reach Wales’ largest National Park, Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Llŷn Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cross the impressive Menai Suspension Bridge from Bangor for epic views and to explore the beautiful and historic Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn).
Bangor is an ideal destination for visitors looking for a city base to do outdoor activities like hiking and watersports. Don’t miss the fastest zip line in the world at the nearby Zip World Summit site in Penrhyn Quarry!
Bangor has a train station and good bus connections, making it possible to travel around on public transport. Although you can get to more remote areas and travel flexibly by car.
Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Wales’ newest city is bursting with culture, independent shopping destinations and football fever.
🏠 Population: 135,100 | 📍 Google Maps | This is Wrexham Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Wrexham on Booking
It has been an exciting few years for Wrexham, a small city in North East Wales. Wrexham was awarded city status in 2022 and has recently gained fame and popularity for a unique reason. In 2020, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham A.F.C, Wales’ oldest football club!
Sports fans will love soaking up this football fever and should visit Wrexham A.F.C.’s home, The STōK Cae Ras (The Racecourse Ground). Football aside, Wrexham has a wealth of culture.
You’ll enjoy browsing the independent high street traders and markets. The monthly street festivals and recently opened Science Discovery Centre Xplore! are great for families.
Wrexham is well located for visitors travelling to or from destinations in the North of England, such as Manchester, and North Wales. There are two train stations in the city and several bus connections.
Newport (Casnewydd)
From Victorian architecture to Edwardian engineering, this unassuming city has some interesting sights.
🏠 Population: 159,600 | 📍 Google Maps | Newport Tourist Information Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Newport on Booking
Newport is the third largest city in Wales and has a rich history and wealth of culture. Despite being a little run-down in parts, the city has changed drastically in recent years.
The regenerated Victorian-era market and shopping arcade are great places to shop and eat. You can cross the River Usk on the Newport Transporter Bridge, a feat of Edwardian engineering.
Head to the outskirts of Newport to visit Tredegar House, a beautiful 17th-century mansion, and Caerleon, a former Roman site.
Newport has a busy train station and good bus connections, making it a great base for exploring other destinations. Newport is less than an hour from Cardiff, Bristol and the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
St Asaph (Llanelwy)
This small city with a small Cathedral has some big accolades, a big heart and breathtaking scenery.
🏠 Population: 3,485 | 📍 Google Maps | St Asaph Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in St Asaph on Booking
St Asaph on the River Elwy is the second smallest city in Britain and was awarded city status in 2012. St Asaph Cathedral is the smallest in Britain. It is home to the William Morgan bible, the first bible to be translated in full into Welsh from Greek and Hebrew.
You can explore the banks of the River Elwy on Roe Plas, a riverside parkland notable for its Black Poplars, a native tree with a dark bark.
You can visit nearby nature across North Wales from this small city, but public transport is quite scarce. If travelling by car, St Asaph is a good base for exploring North East Wales. You can reach the nearby coastal resort of Rhyl, and destinations in North West England such as Manchester and Liverpool, in a short drive.
Don’t miss the North Wales Music Festival for some inspiring Classical music, held every autumn!
FAQs About Cities in Wales
What are the largest cities in Wales by population?
How many cities does Wales have?
What are the 7 cities in Wales?
What are the top 5 cities in Wales?
The top five cities in Wales are Cardiff,Swansea,St Davids,Bangor and Wrexham. There are only seven cities total, and they each add something unique to the country. These five cities have many things to do and beautiful scenery.
What is the nicest place to live in Wales?
Ruthin in Denbighshire is the best place to live in Wales according to the Sunday Times. Ruthin is a small town in north east Wales with lots of culture, history and nearby scenery. It makes our list of the best small towns in Wales for good reason.
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Each of Wales’ cities has a lot to offer! Check out my article on when to visit Walesto help plan the best time for your trip.
