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A great sporting city, Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and the largest city in the country. Cardiff is famed for its castles and museums, as well as the national football and rugby stadium being close to the city centre – perfect for matchday. There is much more to Cardiff than this though, with the area a thriving rustle of excitement in art, activities, food, music and craft beer. Cardiff is proud city and one that is alive and kicking with culture.
One of the best things about visiting Cardiff for a city break is that it is so compact and easy to get around both the city centre and the side streets. From major high street shops to markets, there’s something for everyone in Cardiff, whether you’re looking for the latest designer top, or on the hunt for a bargain to bring home. The Victorian and Edwardian arcades will tickle your senses with little boutique shops which sell everything from furniture to the finest of cheeses. You could spend days browsing the array of crafts.
The National Museum of Cardiff and the Gothic Cardiff Castle, two stunning buildings that are well worth a visit. If there’s one thing these buildings highlight, it’s that Cardiff has some amazing architecture, and these buildings just add to the ambiance of the city. Cardiff Castle is one of the main tourist attractions in the city thanks to its stunning architecture, while it’s overwhelming presence will leave you standing in awe.
If you want to find out a little more about the history of Cardiff on your travels, be sure to visit St. Fagan’s National Museum of History which lies on the outskirts of the city. When it comes to sports, Cardiff is a proud city, and this is perhaps most evident in Six Nations games when countries like England and Ireland come to town. The streets are packed and the bars are pumping on matchday, and you can usually guarantee a great night regardless of the result.
When visiting Cardiff be sure to check out the Wales Millennium Centre. The Millennium Centre is a popular arts centre located in the heart of Cardiff Bay with a wide offering of shows across the year including ballet, opera and music shows. The venue also has several bars and restaurants to ensure you can make the most of your evening when visiting.
Another place to consider visiting to get an understanding of the history and heritage of the city is the Cardiff Story Museum. This interactive museum shares the story of the city in a series of exhibitions.
The Mermaid Quay area of the bay is full of bars and restaurants that look out over the bay and amenities for anyone passing though. Along with the Millennium Centre, Cardiff bay is the location for the popular Doctor Who Experience, a must see for fans of the Tardis.
Escape the city centre for a brief while and visit one of several nearby beaches to enjoy, with Barry Beach and Penarth Pier among the more popular areas. There’s also Roath Park to unwind in, with its rose garden and big lake allowing you to simply relax and watch the world go by. If you feel like joining the ducks you can rent paddle boats and head out on to the lake.