Cardiff trip planning help, please!

[CloudyMorning]

Hi all, I’m going to Cardiff for the first time with my DDs aged 18 and 20 and would love some help planning our three day trip, booked at the last minute.

I am looking for inspiration about how to spend our time there without breaking the bank.

My interests:
Social history
Interesting architecture
Window shopping in interesting/ quirky areas (not malls)
Eating out (vegetarian/ vegan)
Independent cinema maybe
People watching, preferably whilst drinking a glass of something nice without feeling the need to dress up.

DDs:
Interested in much of the above plus vintage / second hand clothes shopping plus areas for LGBTQ friendly bars.

I would prefer to avoid expensive entrance fees and enjoy just absorbing the atmosphere of a new city.

Which areas are best for exploring for people like my DDs who are lazy walkers?! I might even do a walking tour but would like to be a bit focused with ideas for an itinerary so that they don’t wander aimlessly and need to sit down for a coffee before we’ve even started…

BTW we’re staying overlooking the river- quite near Ferndale street, in case that’s relevant.

I’d be so grateful of some tips about what to do, what not to miss (and even what to avoid, I suppose).
TIA x

If it's this weekend you're coming, then No Fit State Circus is having a street party on Clifton Street (no 11 bus from the side of John Lewis) which sounds like it's going to be fun. I can't remember if it's Saturday or Sunday, I can find out if you are going to be here and think you may be interested.

Also, if you would like, I can do a little Google map with everything we've all spoken about on here, and some handy bus routes or walking routes and times. Sorry that's probably a bit of a weird offer! I just thought of it last night and decided to mention it in case it would be helpful.

@Athenajm80 you are such a sweetie! We are going today and staying until Friday. The map is a lovely idea but sounds very time consuming! If you can do a basic one in less than five minutes then that’s be amazing as I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time :)

Sorry, only just seen this. I'll see if I can whip something up in the morning. Enjoy your time here!

Hope you have a lovely time lots of good suggestions on this thread.
If you have time take the short train ride to Penarth, have an icecream on the pier.

How is it going @CloudyMorning ?

Roath park area is lovely - lots of indepenent restaurants and bars, and the lake and park are beautiful.