Cardiff

With gothic castles and cathedrals, Victorian parks and arcades, the Welsh capital is a vibrant place. The famous Cardiff Bay and the ultra-modern Millennium Stadium add to its charm. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, offering great shopping and first-class dining, accommodation and entertainment.

Attractions

The impressive Cardiff Castle, built almost nine hundred years ago, is the centrepiece of the city today and is worth a visit both inside and out. Llandaf Cathedral is another one of the cities striking historical building. Impressive white stone buildings are home to the City Hall and The National Museum of Wales, and the Welsh Folk Museum is another worthwhile attraction.

The Millennium Stadium, which dominates the skyline on the western edge of the city centre was built for the World Cup in 1999 and now hosts major sports events and music concerts.

The redeveloped Cardiff Bay has become a fashionable area with many new bars, restaurants, clubs and entertainment venues, and is also home to the Welsh National Assembly. A great way to get to or take in the sites of the bay is by taking the www.cardiffwaterbus.com which operates everyday and sails between Penarth, Cardiff's waterfront and the City Centre.

Shopping

The central area, with its seven delightful Victorian shopping arcades and traffic-free streets, extends from the railway station to the impressive castle. This is Cardiff's traditional commercial and social heart. As well as these small arcades the town centre offers several large shopping precincts and department stores including the grand Howells. The old indoor market is also worth visiting.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Cardiff has a vibrant atmosphere and a lively music scene and nightlife, due in part to the presence of 26,000 or so students based at the city's universities. The city centre is home to many bars, restaurants and clubs as well as theatres and music venues or head out to Cardiff Bay for an entertaining night out away from town. The Cardiff Welcome Centre, opposite the central station is worth visiting for details of current events, festivals and concerts.

Tourist Information

Wales Tourist Board/Bwrdd Croeso Cymru 10th Floor, Brunel House,2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff CF24 0UY, UKTel: (02920) 499 909. Fax: (02920) 485 031.info@tourism.wales.gov.ukwww.visitwales.com

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1730; Fri 0900-1700.

Airport

Cardiff has its own airport with fights to and from many European destinations and Heathrow is only a two hour train ride away.