Will be in Cardiff for four nights in September,. Doing things in the city and outside excursions. What are pros and cons of staying in Central Cardiff versus Pontcanna?
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Pontcanna is a good area not far NW of the city centre. If arriving by National Express coach at Sophia Gardens - you are almost in Pontcanna. If arriving by train at the Central station, then accommodation near the station is more handy and for Pontcanna it would be best to take a bus - that being so, go into the Transport Interchange (bus station) and ask staff for advice on the next bus going NW via Pontcanna (Cathedral Road).
During your visit, you will probably visit St.Fagans Castle & Museum and 2 bus services operate to St.Fagans. Note that if staying in Pontcanna that First 320 goes via Cathedral Road - you will need to hold out your arm to indicate to the driver that you want that bus or they will not stop. If using the 320, note that you need to get off by the church in St.Fagans - tell the driver to let you know. If returning on the 320 - the stop is by the church in the village. To get into the castle/museum - go to the electronic gate - press the button and they will let you in for free. If staying in the city centre, you might find Cardiff Bus 32 more handy for St.Fagans but note that the last of these back to the city usually departs St.Fagans Museum car park around 3pm. Neither bus runs on Sundays.
If staying in Pontcanna, it is possible to walk via lovely Bute Park to the city centre and Cardiff Castle is next to Bute Park. Of course, it depends exactly how far out in Pontcanna you are regarding whether you wish to walk or take a bus? You can also walk through parkland to Llandaff Cathedral 2 miles NW of the castle - or use bus to alight at Malsters Arms, Llandaff for short walk to cathedral.
If staying in city centre, you are more handy for train & bus stations but expect lots of people ‘partying' on Friday & Saturday nights. If arriving by car, check parking provision for any place you intend to stay.