16 things to do, see and eat in Cardiff, Wales

I can finally say I’ve seen all of the UK. I’ve been to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the past, but always wondered about Wales. Why go there? What is there to do? Now, I’ve been and I’m glad we came. I would never have chosen Cardiff to visit. I’m actually not sure where I would have chosen. Which is probably one reason why I’d never made the trip. But, I really did love Cardiff, especially along the bay where we berthed Logos Hope.

Cardiff Castle

1. Tour Cardiff Castle. Pay for the guided tour. It’s worth it! Plan to spend a couple hours here. We came in the morning and then walked out the gates and across the street to choose a restaurant for lunch and ice cream place for dessert. There are loads of options, so you’ll definitely find something you are craving.

2. Explore Mermaid Quay. This area has so much to do in terms of shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, a playground, a walking trail and beautiful views all around the bay. We didn’t spend hours here, but spent days. Almost every time we went out, it was to enjoy something at Mermaid Quay.

Mermaid Quay

3. Do dinner at Bills or lunch at Cozy Club. Both have such a cute atmosphere, great service and amazing food. At Bills, I got a burger and fries that was on special and it was delicious. At Cozy Club I got some type of a smoked salmon sandwich and it was so fresh and a good combination of herbs and flavors.

4. Get work done at Quantum Coffee. I like this coffee shop for working on my blog because you can get a seat at a long table facing a window. As you work and take thinking breaks, it's a great place to people watch and get a little quiet time to yourself. The turmeric latte is amazing.

5. Treat your friends at Full Fat Social. I went here several times with friends and everything I ordered was so good! Matcha latte, chai latte, take your pick. Everything my friends ordered was good too. Can’t go wrong.

Global Communications team outing

6. Go on a date night to The Botanist. The decorations were amazing, with the restaurant looking like it was blooming from within. Plants and vines everywhere. Very romantic for a night out with your loved one.

7. Grab some welsh cakes at Fabulous Welshcakes. The cakes are delicious and made right in front of you! Also, there shop has lots of cute little gifts, jewelry and souvenir type products. 

8. Enjoy ice cream at Llanfaes Dairy. I think Ivy convinced us to take her five times in three weeks. Everything we tried was good and it’s fun to sit under the twinkle-light tree inside. The best flavor I tried was “Salted Butter Caramel”. I’m picky about ice cream so trust me when I say you shouldn’t miss this place.

Brunch at CinnAmore

9. Breakfast at the Welsh version of Cinnabon, CinnAmore. Baked fresh daily, this cinnamon rolls do not disappoint. We loved the “Blueberry” and the “Biscoff”, but our friends tried other flavors and no one complained.

10. Eat dinner at Charley's Fish & Chips. The portions here were enormous! We love fish and chips and this place served them hot, yummy and more than we could eat.

11. Walk around the bay. It’s possible to walk for miles, leaving Mermaid Quay, crossing the Barrage, entering into neighborhoods on the other side of the water. It’s beautiful and a fun way to pass the time with a friend and a good conversation. Just make sure to bring a coat and hat to block the wind because it can be quite strong.

The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl

12. Keep an eye out for Benedict Cumberbatch biking to BBC. He apparently biked right past us while my head was down counting pocket change. I hate that, but our local friend says it's normal to see him biking around the Mermaid Quay and surrounding area because of filming at the BBC.

13. Walk through Cardiff Market. The Cardiff Market has everything from bookshops, bread shops, cheese shops, tourist shops, jewelry and jewelry repair shops, restaurants, coffee shops and even fresh veggies, fruits and fish. We got rose flavored Turkish Delight at one of the booths and came back weeks later for more because it was so tasty.

14. Shop at Little Welsh Company. Buy a love spoon for someone you love, a welsh blanket to keep warm or any other little trinket you find. The prices are better than some of the souvenir shops we walked through and the products are much nicer. It’s a very small, easy to miss place, but if you want to get gifts for anyone, I’d search this place out and shop there.

Saint Fagans National Museum of History

15. Spend a day at Saint Fagan’s National Museum of History. There are about 50 buildings on this property, all moved from various locations around Wales. The buildings are all living museums that you can walk through and many are even active shops. Make sure to bring cash to visit the bakery. They don’t accept cards and you’ll definitely want to snack on their hot, fresh pastries and loaves of bread. Our group bought a loaf of bread to share and just pulled off chunks to eat. It was basically our lunch and so yummy. We walked down to the cafe to grab a latte and some butter to go with it. Just remember you need cash on you!

16. Shop at Tesco to find a box of “Mr Kipling Battenburg”. It's similar to the Faroese brick or a little Debbie. Rich in almond flavor, surrounded in marzipan, filled with moist, white cake and cream. Trust me. It may look like a cheap, boxed junk food snack, but it’s heaven. If you really can’t bring yourself to eat boxed cakes, then find WhoCult donuts in the city center and get a fresh box. They don’t disappoint either. 

I have to say I would have liked to have taken the time to visit places close by like Bath, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds. But, with such a short visit, it was really incredible to do as much as we did. We’ll be in the UK a bit longer so maybe we’ll figure out how to visit the places we weren’t able to see this time.

12 things to do, see and eat in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are one of those places out of a fairy tale. We took a once in a lifetime trip back in 2012 for our Faroese friend’s wedding, never thinking we’d have a chance to return. Then, we were thrilled to find out that we would be joining Logos Hope in Klaksvik, giving us another opportunity to spend time in this favorite country of ours. 

Us watching the Logos Hope sail into the Faroe Islands

Some of these tips below are from our visit in 2012 and some are new advice from 2026. Either way, book the trip. Even if you only eat bricks (you’ll get this in a moment) and take in the views, it’ll be worth it.

Best brick you'll ever eat

1. First, eat a brick

     This is one of my favorite pastries in the world. No kidding. It’s translated to “brick” because of its shape, but if you’re looking for it around the Islands, it’s Múrsteinur in Faroese. It’s like a Little Debbie Swiss Cake Roll, but it’s filled with moist, white cake instead of chocolate. The outside is a combination of white marzipan and chocolate that holds its rectangle shape. Inside it filled with cream around the cake, and on the bottom, there is a tiny layer of raspberry jam. It’s nothing like I’ve ever had before and I can’t get enough of them. I’d be in trouble if they were readily available in the USA. And I won’t allow myself to learn to bake them from scratch. Go ahead and grab one on your first day, so that you can fall in love and enjoy many more during your trip.

2. Hike up lovers lane

     On our first visit to the Faroe’s, our friend suggested a hike behind his family home in Klaksvik. It’s called Lovers Lane because tradition says you have to kiss at the top. It’s not too difficult of a hike and the views over Klaskvik are phenomenal.

We made it to the top of Lover's Lane in 2012!

3. Walk through the forest

     Trees don't naturally grown on their own in Klaksvik, but there is a little forest of trees that have been planted. It’s a cute area to walk around, cross an adorable bridge and spot the old community pool.

    4.  Visit the zoo, Leitisgardur

     Our friend’s sister has opened up a “zoo” just a short drive from Klaksvik. There are some turkeys, geese, ducks, rabbits and chickens. You can come in the gate, open to bins to the right to find some bread and feed the animals. Just be careful because they are not shy and really come after you! In the near future, the zoo will become part of the farm to table restaurant that is being built across the street.

 Leitisgardur

5. Visit the outdoor pool

     This pool is no longer in use, but our friend shared that this is where all the kids learned to swim. Outside. In the freezing temperatures. We’re from South Carolina, so 80 degree water feels cold to me. These Faroese kids were learning to swim in a country that’s summer is in the 50s, often rainy and always windy. I can’t imagine!

6. Shop for wool sweater, Vimu

     Near the harbor on one of the main streets, look for the store Vimu. You can buy sweaters from various materials and countries here. Nick has always wanted a traditional wool sweater and was so happy that he found one he liked. They also take commissions if you have something specific you are looking for. The products are quite expensive, so if you want to save some money, walk to the other side of the harbor and shop at the Red Cross Charity Shop. Ivy and I found some good options here, including wool sweaters!

View overlooking Klaksvik

7. Eat fish and chips at Noa

     Near Vimu, stop at the tiny, bright yellow building for fish and chips. It was delicious and they served generous portions! Then treat yourself to a brick for dessert. Wink wink.

8. Drive through an underwater tunnel

     The Faroe Islands, at one point, were only connected by boats and ferries. Now, however, there are a series of tunnels that run under the ocean. The longest tunnel is 7 miles long, 620 feet under the water and has a roundabout inside for directing traffic. It’s a little uncomfortable if your claustrophobic or afraid of being under water, but a cool experience. 

Just some more gorgeous views

9. Torshavn

     Make a trip over to the capital city to check out the government buildings. They are all very neat, painted bright red and have grass roofs. It was fun to stand on the top of a few of them. They are definitely the prettiest government buildings I’ve ever seen.

10. Tour the Viking house, Kirkjubour 

    While you’re in the area of Torshavn, go visit an 800 year old viking house. It’s set up inside like a museum so that you can walk around, see how they once lived and check out some of the saved relics. There is also an old and beautiful church nearby with a stained-glass gate for an entrance.

Gjógv

11. Drive to see the natural harbor, Gjógv

     The Gjógv is a natural harbor that was used by locals and early Norse settlers. It’s a deep, protected, water-filled ravine that creates the natural harbor and boat-landing ramp. It’s only a short drive away from Klaskvik and boasts incredible views on the drive over. Take time to walk around the adorable village. There are some coffee shops that weren't open when we were there, but I would have loved to have treated myself.

      12. Learn to knit, paint, crotchet or do perler beads

     Recently Nick heard that people who live near the water tend to be more artistic. Although I’m not sure if that’s always true, I’ve found that the Faroese people are extremely talented. Everyone is wearing handmade sweaters, walls are covered with original paintings by the homeowner and spare time is used for crafting.

I made this beaded heart in my friend Gunhild's kitchen,
while she baked us fresh rolls and served them with tea

     We’ve now been twice to the Faroe Islands and I’d love to come again. It’s a beautiful country, full of warm, welcoming people. Unlike anywhere I’ve been in the world, the Faroe Islands is worth putting at the top of your Bucket List!

Can you spot the OM Ship's Logos Hope?

How to cross Iceland off your Bucket List in 4 days

For years, swimming in the Blue Lagoon has been on my Bucket List. But, it’s one of those Bucket List items that you’re not sure it’ll ever really happen. However, while looking at flights to the Faroe Islands to join the Logos Hope, I noticed that we were going to fly through Iceland. So, of course we had to stop there for a few days since it overlapped my Birthday and what could be better than swimming in the Blue Lagoon on my 41st?

In case you get the chance to visit Iceland and want an itinerary, here's what we did below. 

Before you arrive:

-Rent a car

-Reserve a stay for 2 nights in or around Hella on the South Coast

-Reserve a date and time for Blue Lagoon

-Reserve a stay for 2 nights in or around the capital city, Reykjavik

-Reserve a stay for 1 night next to airport

You should know:

-Maps on the iPhone got us everywhere we wanted to go

-You must pay for parking almost everywhere you go

-You can rent swimsuits and towels at Lagoons if you need to

-Most people speak English

-The roads are easy to drive and directions easy to follow

-If you don’t know what to do for meals, just focus on the bakeries, large grocery stores and hot dog locations.

Day 1 - Fly in, pick up your rental car and drive to your Airbnb in Hella (on the South Coast).

Day 2 - Explore the South Coast

          - Start by driving a little less than one hour and parking at Seljalandfoss waterfall, seeing that waterfall and then walking left over a small bridge towards three other waterfalls, including Gljufrubul, which is a hidden waterfall.

        -Jump back in your rental and drive to Skogar waterfall, where you can walk right up to the falls, hike up beside it to look over it and then climb back down and enjoy lunch while viewing the waterfall from the restaurant next door.

       -Head back out in the rental and drive towards the Dyrholaey lighthouse at road #218 to try to spot puffins and at least take amazing photos from high up. On the drive to the lighthouse, be on the lookout for an enormous glacier around road #221.

       -Keep driving a bit more to get to the town of Vik. You can stay to see the museum, black sand beaches, ice caves, etc, or just stop at the grocery store to use the restroom and grab snacks for the long drive back to Hella.

Day 3 - Explore and relocate to Reyjavik

          - Drive about 40 minutes to Kerid, a volcanic crater. You can walk down into the crater and around the water level inside, and also hike back up and around to walk along the ridge. The colors are beautiful and it’s a unique experience.

          - Get back in your rental and get ready to relax. Drive about 30 minutes to the Secret Lagoon, the oldest Lagoon in Iceland. There are plenty of places to sit in and around lagoon, drinks and snacks that can be bought, a kids pool and a cold plunge pool. They don’t provide towels, but you can rent one. They do provide showers, shampoo, body wash and hairdryers. After a few hours here, finish the 1.5 hour drive to your next Airbnb in Reykjavik.

Day 4 - Blue Lagoon (the real reason I came to Iceland)

        -Grab a leisurely breakfast in Reykjavik and walk around the shops until it’s time for the main event.

        -Drive about 45 minutes to Blue Lagoon. You’ll drive through lava fields and even walk through one as you head up to the entrance, which is a unique experience and actually made me feel nervous if we were safe. I bought the cheapest tickets to the Lagoon and they came with the basics. They provide towels, showers, shampoo, body wash and hairdryers. Also we each got one complimentary drink and we got to enjoy the white face masque. There are saunas, steam rooms, hot massaging waterfalls, a swim up drink hut, a swim up masque hut, many areas to explore around the lagoon, a snack bar and restaurant inside and several more upgrades for the more expensive tickets. This was even better than I had imagined and I would come back again to Iceland just for this experience. It would be an amazing couples get away or a fun girls trip with friends or sisters. Put this on your Bucket List!

Day 5 - Golden Circle

          - Drive about 2 hours to the Gullfoss waterfall. 

        -Hop back in the car and keep driving in the same direction. Shortly after the waterfall, you'll come to Stokkar Geyser.

        -Most of this day trip, you’ll drive through Thingvellir National Park. It’s so empty and beautiful in it's own way.

Day 6 - Fly home

Although the photos are gorgeous, they don't do Iceland justice. It was a beautiful country and I would definitely go back again, even if it was only a short weekend trip to revisit the Blue Lagoon. Crossing this off my Bucket List was everything I had hoped and more. I definitely recommend taking the time to do this trip. Take even longer if you are able! 

What should I cross off my Bucket List next?