10 reasons why Cardiff is a must do city break 😍

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Dear Traveller,

Cardiff has only been the Welsh capital since 1955 but it's embraced the role wholeheartedly and is a well-deserved favourite among UK city-breakers. Cardiff may be small but, from its ancient castle to its trendy waterfront, there's plenty to explore. The city's streets buzz with sports fans, shoppers, partygoers, while outside the city you'll find crowd-free beaches, valleys and ancient monuments. Want to know more?

Discover 10 reasons why Cardiff is one of the UK's coolest cities:

Be inspired by Cardiff

1. Cardiff cuisine is on the up

From the city's signature beef pies (Clarks Pies) to the Riverside Food Market, Cardiff has secured a well-deserved reputation as a leading UK dining destination. One of our favourites is Chapel 1877, which impresses not only with its outstanding cuisine, but also with its ambience.

2. It's an unrivalled place to watch world-class sport

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Rugby is king in Cardiff and an international match inside the magnificent Principality Stadium is hard to beat. Football is big news too, especially as Wales have just qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Fans won't want to miss a visit to Cardiff City Stadium, home to the national team and Cardiff City Football Club. Sophia Gardens is a fantastic world class cricket ground in the heart of Cardiff city centre.

3. Cardiff Bay is one of Europe's best regeneration projects

Once one of the world's busiest docks, Cardiff Bay has been transformed over the past decade – with dazzling results. From the super-sized Wales Millennium Centre to the sublime little Norwegian Church (where Roald Dahl was baptised), the waterside is not to be missed.

4. Great bands were born here

Any city that spawns such great bands as the Super Furry Animals commands respect. Cardiff takes its music seriously, with a host of fantastic live venues, such as The Globe and The Moon. The city is also home to Spillers Records. Established in 1894, Spillers is the oldest record shop in the world and there's not much you won't find there.

Watch this short video for a taste of Cardiff:

5. Unrivalled nightlife

Whether you're out for a few beers before a big game at the Principality Stadium, or gearing up for a more full-on Friday night experience, an evening out in Cardiff is not for the feint-hearted. Cardiffians have a reputation – fully justified – for partying hard. There are literally hundreds of pubs, clubs and bars to choose from.

6. Cardiff Castle is fascinating

Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city centre, has plenty to explore. On a warm summer's day, a stroll along the battlements and around the beautifully manicured lawns is glorious. Attending concerts and festivals in its grounds is a cool experience too.

7. It is one of the UK's most exciting TV and film locations

Unbeknown to many, Cardiff is one of the UK's most important locations for television and film shoots, as the recent openings of the BBC Drama Village and Pinewood Studios would testify. We're talking Doctor Who, His Dark Materials, Show Dogs and more.

8. Shop in some of the UK's most beautiful arcades

Explore beautifully renovated Edwardian-era arcades. Each one conceals a host of wonderfully diverse emporia, including clothes shops, art galleries, and antique and second-hand bookshops.

9. Cool places to stay for all tastes and budgets

It might be a travel cliche, but Cardiff really does offer accommodation to suit every type of traveller – from affordable city centre apartments and hostels, to luxury hotels like the new four-star Parkgate Hotel and Llanerch Vineyard Hotel a stylish farmhouse just outside Cardiff with restaurant, cookery school and vineyard.

10. There's a great beach on the doorstep

Barry Island just outside Cardiff is known for its sandy beach, leafy parks and great independent shopping and dining. Whitmore Bay is a huge crescent of golden sand, with a promenade full of busy cafés, shops and amusement arcades. Tucked around the headland is Jackson's Bay a smaller crescent of sand, which locals like to keep it to themselves!

Start planning your Cardiff city break