Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Wales's highest peak at 1,085m, reachable by mountain railway or foot
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About Wales
Wales combines wild natural beauty with a rich Celtic heritage that has endured for over a thousand years. Cardiff, the youthful capital, houses the Welsh Government, an impressive castle, and a thriving arts and restaurant scene. North Wales is dominated by Snowdonia National Park, home to Snowdon (the highest peak in England and Wales at 1,085m) and a string of imposing Edwardian castles. West Wales offers the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only truly coastal national park in the UK, with award-winning beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Mid Wales is a haven of quiet rolling hills, market towns, and dark-sky reserves. The Brecon Beacons in the south rise above the valleys where the story of Welsh coal and iron shaped the modern world.
- Capital
- Cardiff
- Largest city
- Cardiff
- Population
- 3.2 million
- Languages
- Welsh, English
- Currency
- British Pound
- Time zone
- GMT/BST (UTC+0 / UTC+1 in summer)
Explore Wales by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Wales
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Cardiff Castle
Roman fort, Norman keep, and flamboyant Victorian Gothic apartments in the city centre
Caernarfon Castle
Edward I's mightiest fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
630km of dramatic coastline, beaches, and wildlife
Conwy Castle
Perfectly preserved medieval walled town and castle on the North Wales coast
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Wales Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Wales, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Wales
- Days 1-2Wales city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Wales
- Days 1-3Wales comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Wales, departure
Where to stay in Wales
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget £40–60 (~$51–76)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range £100–160 (~$127–203)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury £250–500+ (~$318–635+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
St David's Hotel & Spa
Check rates on Booking.comThe Angel Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comPlas Dinas Country House
Check rates on Booking.comTrefeddian Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Wales
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
The Walnut Tree
The Hardwick
Ynyshir
Sosban and the Old Butcher's
Ultracomida
Bully's
Getting around Wales
Wales has a rail network connecting the main towns along the coasts and valleys, with Transport for Wales operating most services. However, large parts of the countryside — including Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons interior, and most of Pembrokeshire — are only practically accessible by car. TrawsCymru long-distance buses fill some gaps but run infrequently. Cardiff has a reasonable city bus network and is walkable. Driving is on the left.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in GBP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £20–35 (~$25–44) hostel dorm or budget B&B | £60–100 (~$76–127) B&B or 3-star hotel | £150–350 (~$191–445) country house hotel |
| Food (per day) | £10–15 (~$13–19) self-catering plus one pub meal | £25–40 (~$32–51) café lunch and restaurant dinner | £60–120 (~$76–152) fine dining |
| Transportation | £5–10 (~$6–13) bus or train | £10–20 (~$13–25) rail or car hire share | £30–60 (~$38–76) private hire or train first class |
| Activities | £5–10 (~$6–13) mix of free and paid | £15–25 (~$19–32) castle entries and guided walks | £30–80 (~$38–102) exclusive experiences |
| Daily total | £40–60 (~$51–76) | £100–160 (~$127–203) | £250–500+ (~$318–635+) |
Best time to visit Wales
May offers blossom, wildflowers on coastal paths, and quieter attractions. June brings the longest days (sunset after 9:30pm). September sees warmer sea temperatures, fewer visitors, and excellent walking conditions.
Essential travel tips
- Pronouncing Welsh place names correctly earns appreciation from locals; 'Llan' sounds like 'Hlan' with a soft H
- Contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for rural farm shops and markets
- The Wales Coastal Path (870 miles) is signposted in its entirety around the country
- National Museum Wales sites in Cardiff and Swansea are free to enter
- Many National Trust and Cadw (Welsh heritage) properties offer combination tickets
Safety information
Tell someone where you are going and expected return time before hiking in Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons
Download OS Maps (ordnancesurvey.co.uk/app) with offline Wales maps before heading into the hills; signal can be poor
Check tide timetables at easytide.ukho.gov.uk before visiting tidal beaches and sea caves
Keep valuables in hotel safes in Cardiff; do not leave items visible in hire cars at trailhead car parks
Mountain weather can shift from sunny to snow even in summer on Snowdon; always carry waterproofs and an extra layer
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Wales?
Wales is part of the United Kingdom, so UK visa rules apply. US, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens can visit visa-free for up to 6 months. Many nationalities now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. Check requirements at gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
What currency is used in Wales?
The British Pound Sterling (GBP, £) is used. ATMs are widely available in towns. Contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere. Some rural areas prefer cash.
Is Welsh spoken in Wales?
Welsh (Cymraeg) is spoken by around 29% of the population, with higher concentrations in North and West Wales. All public signage is bilingual. English is universally spoken. Learning a few Welsh greetings such as 'Bore da' (good morning) is warmly appreciated.
What are the top things to do in Wales?
Top experiences include climbing or taking the mountain railway up Snowdon, visiting Caernarfon and Cardiff Castles, walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, exploring Cardiff Bay, and experiencing the National Eisteddfod cultural festival.
How do I get around Wales?
Transport for Wales trains connect main towns. TrawsCymru long-distance buses reach rural areas. A hire car is highly recommended for exploring Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, and the Brecon Beacons. Cardiff has good local buses and a city centre that is walkable.