Where to eat, drink and watch the match like a local

Having hosted the Rugby World Cup, FA Cup finals, cricket internationals and Olympic events, Cardiff really is synonymous with sports. The state-of-the-art Millennium Stadium draws sport fans from around the world and the city provides an abundance of venues perfect for pre-game refreshments and post-game celebrations.

Before the match

It's worth coming to Cardiff a day early to walk in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs and Shane Williams on the Millennium Stadium tour. Visit the Dragon's Lair, walk down the player's tunnel, take a seat in the President's Box and learn all about the palletised pitch system and fully retractable roof. After the tour, true rugby fans will want to visit The Old Arcade, where memorabilia, shirts, shields, and badges donated by the Welsh Rugby Union adorn the walls. Try the legendary Black & Blue Burger, 10 oz of Celtic Pride beef with Welsh Perl Las blue cheese. The glass-fronted Zero Degrees has impressive views of the stadium. Get out your smartphone and be ready for hand-crafted beers, wood-fired pizzas and kilo pots of mussels.

Don't miss a minute

Whether it's match day or not, Cardiff's sports bars make you feel a part of the action. If you’re ticketless, head to the 20-foot screen at The Prince of Wales, a Weatherspoon's pub a stone’s throw away from the stadium. Sky Sports is on the menu at O'Neill's Irish pub, alongside classic Irish fare like steak and Guinness pie. Cardiff's Cosy Club is a slightly more upscale choice, popular with local sports fans. Be sure to book ahead if you plan to go on match day. If the pubs are full, the Brewery Quarter, a 5-minute walk from the stadium, has a great selection of restaurants and bars, including Brewhouse, La Tasca, and Yard Bar & Kitchen.

After the match

The night doesn't have to end when the match does. Celebrate with the city's best selection of Welsh-made craft brews at the Urban Tap House. To keep the rugby spirit going, head to The City Arms, where the Welsh Rugby Union's official ales are always on tap. On the way back to the hotel, a stop on Chippy Lane (officially Caroline Street) is a must. There's plenty of choice for late-night chips served with fish, sausages, or curries but the two local favourites are Tony's and Dorothy's.

Getting to the game

If you're coming to Cardiff for sports, our Mercure Cardiff Holland House and Spa is in the ideal spot. It's just a 10-minute walk from the Millennium Stadium and less than a mile from SWALEC Stadium. Cardiff Central Station is just over a mile from the hotel, and 5 minutes by train from Cardiff City Stadium.