Cardiff’s self-guided audio tours offer hassle-free, budget-friendly ways to explore Wales’ capital city.
The best include the spooky Ghosts of Llandaff walk, packed with medieval tales and local legends, and the breezy Cardiff Bay route showcasing the revitalized waterfront district.
The Civic Centre tour stands out for its close-up look at Welsh government buildings and Victorian architecture.
All tours work through the VoiceMap app (download before going – works offline) and let you start, stop, or pause whenever you like.
Let’s explore the top recommended routes for experiencing Cardiff like a local.
Key Points
- The Ghosts of Llandaff Tour offers an engaging audio narration and a mix of local history and lore, best experienced at dusk or in the dark.
- The Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront Tour is a self-guided audio tour via VoiceMap, providing lifetime access and offline capabilities for a flexible exploration.
- The Cardiff’s Civic Centre Tour focuses on the architecture, history, and significance of the civic centre, accessible via the VoiceMap app with offline content.
- The Cardiff Bay Trail is a highly rated self-guided tour that allows visitors to explore the city’s waterfront at their own pace.
- The National Museum Cardiff offers a self-guided tour app that provides in-depth information about the museum’s extensive collection and exhibitions.
The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
To begin your self-guided tour of the haunting Ghosts of Llandaff, head to the Cathedral Close in Cardiff. This 4.5-star rated tour takes you on a spooky journey through the historic Llandaff area, guided by an engaging audio narration.
With lifetime access to the tour through the VoiceMap app, you can start, pause, or restart your experience anytime.
As you explore the atmospheric settings, particularly the old Llandaff graveyard, you’ll be immersed in a mix of local history and lore. The tour is recommended for a truly spooky experience, especially at dusk or in the dark.
Positive reviews highlight the engaging and eerie nature of the tour, with specific praise for the beauty of the cathedral and cemetery.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s a fun activity for families and friends. Just be mindful of the app download requirements, as some travelers noted difficulties due to weak internet signals.
Read our full review: The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront and bay area with this self-guided audio tour, brought to you by VoiceMap. Lasting a lifetime, this tour takes you on a journey through the city’s coastal highlights, with expert narration available in English through the VoiceMap app.
The tour covers the area from Cardiff CF10 4PA to the Cardiff Bay Trail at CF10 5SD, allowing you to start, pause, and restart at your convenience. Accessible offline, the audio, maps, and GPS data ensure you can explore without worrying about internet connectivity.
With a 5.0-star rating from 7 reviews, users praise the tour’s ease of use and informative content. Discover the history and attractions of Cardiff’s picturesque bay, at your own pace.
While tickets and transportation aren’t included, this self-guided experience provides a flexible and enjoyable way to experience the city’s waterfront. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour is highly recommended for a memorable stroll around Cardiff Bay.
Read our full review: Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Cardiffs Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Begin your self-guided tour of Cardiff’s Civic Centre at the corner of King Edward VII Avenue and Gorsedd Gardens Road.
Download the VoiceMap app and access the self-guided audio tour, which provides offline access to the content. As you navigate the civic centre, the tour will take you through the area at your own pace, allowing you to pause and restart as needed.
The tour features a range of information about the architecture, history, and significance of the civic centre.
While the tour is self-guided, it’s important to note that admission tickets or entrance fees to any museums or attractions aren’t included. Ensure you have your smartphone and headphones ready to fully learn about the experience.
The tour is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, but please note that it isn’t wheelchair accessible, although it’s stroller accessible.
This is a private tour, so you’ll be the only group participating.
Read our full review: Cardiffs Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Explore Cardiff’s haunting history, vibrant waterfront, and grand civic architecture at your own pace with these self-guided audio tours. Uncover the city’s captivating past and learn about its contemporary charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, these tours offer a unique and flexible way to discover the best of Cardiff.