‘The big five’ attractions
Cardiff Castle, Castle Street,www.cardiffcastle.com
Cardiff may only have been a city for 100 years, but there has been a castle here for nearly 2000 years. The original Roman walls and Norman keep can still be explored, but the highlight of a visit is the tour of the refurbished Victorian interiors – transformed into a mock-Medieval palace by the 3rd Marquess of Bute.
National Museum, Civic Centre, www.museumwales.ac.uk
Two wealthy Welsh sisters bequeathed their large art collection to the museum and gallery in the mid 20th century, resulting in Cardiff owning one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris, with works by Renoir, Monet and Cezanne on display. A couple of hours can easily be spent exploring the extensive museum exhibits too. (free entry, closed Mondays)
Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street ,www.millenniumstadium.com
When the stadium isn’t hosting major sports matches or concerts you can take a tour of the 74,000 seater stadium. Walk down the player’s tunnel, try out the Queen’s seat in the Royal box and discover how they removed the curse from the away-team changing rooms.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, www.wmc.org.uk
Dominating the skyline in Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre is home to seven major arts organizations, including Welsh National Opera and Diversions Dance Company. The centre presents international opera, ballet, modern dance and musicals. ‘Arts Sherpas’ run backstage tours of the centre, and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a rehearsal. (Tours take about one hour and run throughout the day.
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay ,www.techniquest.org
Enter a world of science and technology at Cardiff Bay’s Techniquest, which is sure to delight children of all ages. Fancy firing a rocket, launching a hot air balloon or racing an electric car? There are over 160 hands-on exhibits with puzzles and activities to entertain the whole family. There are also shows in the Science Theatre and tours of the Universe in the Planetarium. Visitors can also conduct their own experiments in the science Laboratory.
destinationpr@cardiff.gov.uk www.visitcardiff.com
Cardiff Bay
The old Cardiff docklands have been redeveloped in the last decade to create Cardiff Bay, home to a large freshwater lake for sailing and water sports; the stylish five star St David’s Hotel and Spa, and Mermaid Quay – a restaurant hotspot with cuisine from around the world is on offer in dozens of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Mermaid Quay, holds the popular comedy club, the Glee Club. An all-week student discount available with a valid NUS card.
Cardiff Bay is also home to Norwegian Church, which was first established in Cardiff bay to serve the large community of Norwegian sailors working in the docks. Its main claim to fame is as the church where author Roald Dahl was christened – today, however, it has been converted into a café and art gallery.
Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, www.cardiffharbour.com
Known locally as ‘the tube’ the visitor centre houses interactive exhibitions on the
history and ecology of Cardiff Bay and a unique scale model of the city.
The Senedd/ Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay, www.wales.gov.uk
The Welsh Assembly Government’s new debating chamber, The Senedd. Visitors can explore the building, have coffee and Welsh cakes in the café or watch Assembly debates from the public viewing gallery. Next door to the Senedd is the historic Pierhead Building, which contains an interactive exhibition on the role of the National Assembly.
Cardiff Bay Waterbus www.cardiffcats.com
The Waterbus run a regular 30 min cruise around Cardiff Bay taking in all of the sights, including the opportunity to land at the Cardiff Bay Barrage, Mermaid Quay or the Millennium Stadium. (adult £2, child £1, single fare)
Shoppers’ Paradise
Designer brands, major chains and dozens of independent shops and boutiques in the city’s network of Victorian and Edwardian arcades have helped Cardiff build a reputation as one of the UK’s top shopping destinations.
Queen Street - Cardiff’s main shopping thoroughfare is on the pedestrianised Queen Street, where you’ll find popular stores including Office, Fopp, Qube and Zara. At the eastern end of Queen Street you’ll also find the Capitol Shopping Centre, home to designer brand stores such as Benetton, Fat Face and Virgin Mega store.
St David’s Shopping Centre Cardiff’s main undercover shopping centre offers the choice of over 200
stores and food and drink outlets, including popular department stores such as Debenhams and Marks and Spencer, and chains including the Disney Store, Miss Selfridge and Peacocks.
Howells Department Store, St Mary Street In the heart of the city’s shopping district, and next door to the Cardiff Indoor Market, is the vast Howell’s Department Store. Here you’ll find everything from the latest fashions and gadgets to Welsh wine and whiskey in the large deli-section. You may even bump into the TARDIS or a dalek here, as Howell’s is often used as a filming location for the new BBC series of Doctor Who.
Cardiff’s arcades still retain many of their Victorian and Edwardian features and are now home to dozens of unique stores and cafes. All manner of Welsh gifts can be found in these arcades, from handmade Welsh textiles to Welsh love spoons and rugby shirts.
Spillers - The Oldest Record Shop In the World - the Hayes Cardiff - pride themselves on their diverse selection of music on both compact discs and good old vinyl at very competitive prices.
Markets
Shoppers can seek out the Victorian Central Market – which offers an assortment of merchandise, from fresh fish to traditional Welsh cheeses, rolls of designer fabrics to mobile phones. Another place to visit for locally grown food is the Riverside Real Food Market which takes place on the Taff Embankment every Sunday from 10am – 2pm.
Theatres
St David’s Hall
St David's National Concert Hall is the most broadcast concert venue in Britain thanks to its wide range of productions. The hall is best known as the venue for the annual Welsh Proms, but it also hosts international singers, comedians, musicals and plays.
www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton. www.chapter.org
Chapter has earned a reputation as one of the most diverse arts centres in Europe, and combines theatre, art, film, music and literature into one venue.
Regular festivals, themed events, workshops and lectures ensure that there’s always something of interest taking place, and the excellent bar and café means it’s a great place to hang out between shows.
www.chapter.org
New Theatre, Greyfriars Road
Since opening in 1906 this recently restored Edwardian Playhouse has played host to the such legends of the stage as Laurel and Hardy. Today it is a popular venue for touring musicals and plays. (Tickets range from £6 - £30) www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road.
The Sherman Theatre has commissioned more new plays than any other theatre in Britain, many of which are dedicated to nurturing tomorrow’s talents through a programme of youth projects. (Tickets £10, reductions £8) www.sherman-theatre.co.uk
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay.
West End musicals and touring operas often occupy the WMC’s 1900 seat Donald Gordon Theatre, and the centre’s smaller Weston Studio Theatre provides an ideal venue for new plays, experimental dance and up and coming stand up comedians. www.wmc.org.uk
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Psychic Productions
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