The Most Non-Touristy Experiences In Swansea Wales

Famous for its day trip options, family holidays and summer getaways, there’s a lot more to the Swansea than meets the eye. Enjoy the city like a local and try a few of these ‘in the know’ tips to get a true feel of the real Swansea. Here is our guide to 11 ways to make the most of your visit.

Buy Cockles at Swansea Market

Every visitor to Swansea should head to the indoor market and buy a little pot of Penclawdd Cockles. Collected on the coast, only a short distance outside the city, they have a rich history and taste yummy too. Be sure to soak them well in malt vinegar and sprinkle with salt before indulging.

Swansea Indoor Market, Swansea (+44) 1792 654 296

A huge wave of immigration into the Swansea and South Wales’ area during the early 20th century brought about the joy that is the Italian Cafe. Originally serving ice-creams, many of these cafes still exist and enjoying a Milky Coffee (or Cafe Latte to those Baristas amongst us) was the very epitome of style in 20th century Wales. Coffee was originally served in a glass cup and saucer, and the Italian Cafes, with their shiny expresso machines, started an extremely popular trend.

Verdi’s Cafe, Mumbles, Swansea (+44) 1792 369135

Get tickets to One of Swansea Universities’ School of Music Concerts

The home of one of Wales’ best known universities, Swansea has some wonderful talent in the music department. There are concerts held throughout the year, so secure a ticket and enjoy an evening of musical delights.

Swansea University Concert Calendar

Walk the Beach on a Rainy Day with a Tray of Chips (Irish Curry Sauce Optional)

Chips with Irish Curry Sauce are one of Wales’ most famous snacks. The sauce mix has a mild curried flavour and was traditionally made in Ireland, hence the name Irish Curry Sauce. A tray of hot chips, eaten in the rain on a deserted beach is ‘very Swansea’ and can be surprisingly romantic.

Make a Splash at Wales’ Largest Indoor Waterpark

For a great family day out, local style, look no further that Swansea Leisure Complex’s indoor waterpark. With slides, waves, an indoor surf simulator and relaxing whirlpool, there’s something for everyone. From gentle areas suitable for little children to white-knuckle adventure, it’s all to be found at LC2.

LC2, Oystermouth Road, Swansea (+44) 1792 466500

Take Time Out for a Gelato or Ice Cream on the Sea Front

Another legacy of the Italian immigration, ice cream parlours were once found all over South Wales. One of the most famous is Joe’s, and the ice cream is delicious; with dozens of flavours to choose from, order an indulgent sundae, sit back and enjoy.

Joe’s Ice Cream, Swansea (+44) 1792 702998

Cheer on Swansea City at a Home Game

Support Premier League Swansea City Football Club by enjoying a game at the Liberty Stadium. Formed in 1912 (as Swansea Town), it now enjoys international success. The rivalry between Swansea City and nearby City was once described as the most hostile in football history. They are extremely passionate about their game.

Tour the Liberty Stadium – Home of The Ospreys

Home to both Swansea City Football Club and its rugby team, The Ospreys, The Liberty Stadium was completed in 2005 at a cost of £25,000,000 ($33,260,000). It made obsolete the historic St Helen’s ground. With a capacity of 21,000, Liberty Stadium plays host to international fixtures and is also a popular music venue. Tours are available.

The Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Take on ‘The Mega Beast’ at The Uplands Diner

In the affluent district of The Uplands, take on The Mega Beast, an all-day breakfast like no other, comprised of bacon, sausages, eggs, chips, hash browns, bubble and squeak, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, and two black pudding, plur toast, bread and butter, fried bread and a burger. To work off that monster, a little exercise is probably in order.

The Uplands Diner, Swansea (+44) 1792 644409

Walk the Worm’s Head

One of the most striking features of Rhossili on the Gower, the Worm’s Head, a short distance from Swansea is only exposed for 2-1/2 hours a day, so be careful not to fall asleep on it as famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas once did or you’ll be stuck until the tide changes. Stunning views over the sea and perfect sunsets make this a real hidden gem.

Dance the Night Away at Sin City

One of Swansea’s hottest music venues, you’ll find gigs aplenty in this city centre club. With reasonably priced tickets and a rocking atmosphere, you can enjoy the sounds of Swansea with the locals, but, be warned, it can get a little wild out there!

Sin City, Swansea City Centre (+44) 1792 468892

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.