Top 10 Areas To Avoid In Cardiff (2023)

Cardiff is a beautiful city, and there is nothing to be particularly afraid of apart from a few drunken idiots starting fights in bars. Nevertheless, there are few areas to avoid in Cardiff, just like in any other built up city in the world. These are the places where there are more crimes recorded than elsewhere in the city.

As a visitor, you should be safe if you apply the same common sense which you usually apply in other cities; stay away from deserted areas, don’t go out at night, especially alone, and don’t use unlicensed cabs.

The most common crimes in Cardiff include anti social behavior, car theft, burglaries, violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and so on. Visitors to the city should have no problems as long as they know where to go, and where to stay away from.

Areas To Avoid In Cardiff

1. Cathays

The Cathays area, which includes the city centre, is one of the areas to avoid in Cardiff especially at night. There is no other way to describe it because calling this a run down area, or a poverty afflicted neighborhood would be far from the truth. This is a mix use area; there are residential areas as well as plenty of businesses in this neighborhood. The local economy is one of the most vibrant in the whole of Cardiff.

Of course, such a place would attract all sorts of people; it is therefore no surprise that there are high figures for crime in the area. The most common type of crime committed in this neighborhood is Anti-social behavior. Other common crimes include Violence and sexual offences, Shoplifting, and so on.

2. Plasnewydd

Plasnewydd is somewhat located at the centre of Cardiff; it was formerly the name of a community, but now has become a wider area which is an electoral ward. The area has a population of 18,166, and there are many businesses scattered around the area.

Some of the most common crimes in Plasnewydd include Violence and sexual offences, Vehicle crimes, Anti-social behavior, Shoplifting, and so on.

3. Splott

Splott is a neighborhood in the south of Cardiff, with a population of 13,300. The neighborhood is full of terraced houses, some of which were part of the past iron works era. One of the most popular neighborhoods in this area is Habershon Street; which is practically lined with businesses in the form of boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, banks, gyms, and so on.

With such a concentration of businesses it is not surprising to see that there are high figures for crime in the area. Some of the more popular types of crime in this area include; Violence and sexual offences, Vehicle crime, Anti-social behavior, and so on.

4. Riverside And Pontcanna

Riverside and Pontcanna are two adjoining communities grouped as one. Riverside and Pontcanna are mostly residential areas; most of the buildings are detached and have lawns and trees in them. These are basically wealthy enclaves; the residents are ladies and fine gentlemen.

There are plenty of green spaces for the children to explore, and there are many restaurants serving foods from many different corners of the world. There are also pubs, coffee shops, indie shops, and so on.

Some of the common crimes here include Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behavior, Public order offences, and so on.

5. Grangetown

Grangetown is a district and community in the south of Cardiff. This is a largely residential area- one that is very well planned out, with lots of green areas and the River Taff winding its way through the area. The population of the area is above 20,000, and they live in terraces, apartment buildings and so on. This is a multicultural area; with many different ethnic groups living in the area.

Some of the common crimes in the neighbourhood include Violence and sexual offences, Vehicle crime, Shoplifting and so on.

6. Adamsdown

Adamsdown is an inner city area and community located in the south of Cardiff, in Wales. There are many areas of residential housing in this community, but then there are also such attractions like Cardiff Prison, Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Cardiff Royal Infirmary.

The most common crimes in this community include Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behavior, Vehicle crimes, and so on.

7. Ely

Ely is a community located in the south of Cardiff. As far back as the 1960’s this place has been one wealth; one of the post neighbourhoods in Cardiff. There has been a lot of development on going; and the area has become a lot bigger, and more beautiful. There are a few businesses in the area, and there are lots of green spaces.

The common crimes in Ely include Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behavior, Criminal damage and arson, and so on.

8. Penylan

Penylan is an area in the east of Cardiff, Wales. This is a wealthy enclave; most of the houses are single family residences, and a good number of them are built in the style of the Edwardian era.

Another major feature of this neighbourhood is that the streets and avenues are lined with trees. This is a great place for walking, running or biking. There are also many parks in the area; it is ideal for the family that loves to explore the outdoors.

The most common crimes in this area include; Shoplifting, followed by Violence and sexual offences, theft, and so on.

9. Canton

Canton is a district in the South of Cardiff, Wales. It is both a residential and business area, and has a population of around 15,000. This is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the whole of Cardiff; with a significant Pakistani and Indian population.

The most common types of crime in this area include Violence and sexual offences, Vehicle crime, Anti-social behavior, and other types of crime.

10. Fairwater

Fairwater is a community located in the west of Cardiff. It has a population of around 14,000, and is mix use; having both residential and commercial buildings.

The most common crimes in this neighborhood include Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behavior, Criminal damage and arson, and other kinds of crime.

Related:

Closing

The areas to avoid in Cardiff are probably just as dangerous as any other city. With proper use of common sense one should probably have no problems whatsoever with visiting this city, or any of the neighbourhoods listed here.