City centre
First-timersNear the market and the marina.
Swansea city guide
Things To Do In Swansea
Wales's second city, on a wide bay, with Dylan Thomas's birthplace, the biggest indoor market in Wales, and the Gower peninsula's beaches on the doorstep.
1
Hostels in the city
8.5
Average, from 98 reviews
1956
The Gower, Britain's first protected landscape
1914
Dylan Thomas born here
3 miles
Rhossili Bay
The gateway to the Gower
Swansea was a great copper-smelting town, once supplying much of the world's copper, and was heavily bombed in the Second World War. The poet Dylan Thomas, born here in 1914, called it an ugly, lovely town, and the phrase still fits.
What makes it special is the setting. Swansea Bay curves round to Mumbles, a seaside village with a pier and a castle, and beyond it the Gower peninsula, the first area in Britain to be designated one of outstanding natural beauty, has some of the best beaches in the country.
Two or three days is right, with most of the time spent on the Gower.
Where to stay
Stay in the centre or in Mumbles, by the sea.
Mumbles
By the seaThe seaside village at the end of the bay.
Uplands
LocalDylan Thomas's neighbourhood.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 1 top-rated hostels. Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Swansea
Walk or cycle the promenade round the bay to Mumbles, with its pier, ice cream parlours and Oystermouth Castle.
On the Gower, Rhossili Bay is a three-mile sweep of sand below the downs. At its end, Worm's Head is a tidal island reached across rocks at low tide; check the tide times, as people are cut off every year. Three Cliffs Bay is the other famous view.
In the city, Swansea Market, the largest indoor market in Wales, sells cockles, laverbread and Welsh cakes. Dylan Thomas's birthplace in Uplands and the Dylan Thomas Centre tell his story. The National Waterfront Museum and the Glynn Vivian art gallery are free.
Free things
Free things to do in Swansea
The beaches, the bay promenade and the Gower walks are free.
The National Waterfront Museum and the Glynn Vivian gallery are free.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Swansea
Swansea Market is the place: cockles and laverbread from the Gower and Penclawdd, and Welsh cakes warm from the griddle. Mumbles is known for its ice cream.
A pub meal is £11 to £15.
Nightlife
Going out in Swansea
Wind Street is Swansea's nightlife strip, busy and cheap with a big student crowd. Mumbles has quieter pubs.
A pint is £4.50 to £5.50.
Getting around
Getting around Swansea
The centre is walkable, and buses run along the bay to Mumbles and out to the Gower. A car or bike makes the Gower easier.
Trains reach Cardiff in about an hour and London in about three.
Costs
What Swansea costs
Swansea is cheaper than Cardiff. Dorms start around £20. A careful day is £40 to £55.
The currency is the pound sterling. Cards work almost everywhere, including contactless on buses.
Safety
Staying safe in Swansea
Swansea is safe. Wind Street is rowdy at weekends.
On the Gower, check tide times before crossing to Worm's Head, and swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
Emergency number is 999 or 112; for mountain rescue, call 999 and ask for police, then mountain rescue.
Day trips from Swansea
The Gower and the south-west.
Rhossili Bay
The Gower's great beach.
Three Cliffs Bay
A bay under three limestone cliffs.
Tenby
A walled seaside town in Pembrokeshire.
Brecon Beacons
Bannau Brycheiniog.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The Dylan Thomas Festival marks the poet's birthday.
Staff pick
3 October
Michael Starring Ben
"Michael Starring Ben" is a spectacular tribute show celebrating the music and legacy of Michael Jackson, featuring the acclaimed performer Ben Bowman. Renowned for…
Staff pick
1 October
The Bootleg Beatles
The Bootleg Beatles are the world’s premier Beatles tribute band, recreating the look, sound, and energy of the Fab Four. Their shows feature faithful…
25 October
Al Murray
Al Murray is a stand-up comedian, musician, writer and actor from England. The Oxford graduate was listed among the 50 Funniest Acts in British…
Hostels
Where to stay in Swansea
The top-rated places to stay in Swansea right now, live from Hostelworld.
When to go
May to September for the beaches.
Jan
Wet
Feb
Wet
Mar
Spring
Apr
Spring
May
Good
Jun
Beach season
Jul
Airshow
Aug
Busy
Sep
Good
Oct
Dylan Thomas
Nov
Wet
Dec
Christmas
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs. It rains in every month.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in pounds.
Excludes car hire for the Gower.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Swansea travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is the Gower worth it?
Yes, for some of the best beaches in Britain.
Can I walk to Worm's Head?
At low tide only. Check the tide times carefully.
How do I get to the Gower?
By bus from Swansea, or more easily by car.
Where was Dylan Thomas born?
In Uplands, Swansea, in 1914.
How far is Cardiff?
About an hour by train.
How many days do you need?
Two or three.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September.
Say yes to hostels, meet the world
Compare Swansea hostels — live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.
Get the App.