Merthyr Tydfil (Welsh: Merthyr Tudful) is a town and county borough in south Wales, with a population of about 55,000. It was formerly in the historic county of Glamorgan.

The town has held many cultural events. Local poets and writers hold poetry evenings in the town, and music festivals are organised at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park. With this in mind, Merthyr's Welsh Language and Initiative Centre are working on a new project to transform the Zoar Chapel and the adjacent vestry building in Pontmorlais into a community arts venue. The project, if successful, will provide a focal point for the arts in Merthyr Tydfil.

Cyfarthfa Castle (commissioned in 1824 by the ironmaster William Crawshay II) is now a museum, one of the best in Wales, with many of the exhibits telling the story of Merthyr's industrial past. The poet Joseph Parry was born and worked in the town, the cottage where he once resided is now a museum, situated only minutes from the town centre.

Several statues of Merthyr's famous boxers, Johnny Owen, Howard Winston, and Eddie Thomas, can be seen in the town. The town is located in a valley environment just south of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and this, along with the town's rich history, means it has huge potential for tourism. National Cycle Route 8 passes through the town.

The Brecon Mountain Railway is easily accessible by cycle and car.
Regular rail services operate from Merthyr Tydfil railway station to Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central.