Cardiff City Guide - overview

Although occupied since the Middle Ages, Cardiff really came into its own during the Industrial Revolution as an important dock town used for the distribution of iron and coal in Wales. Since becoming the Welsh capital in 1955 and subsequently the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation from a forgotten industrial port to a modern capital.

Nowhere is the growth and development of the city more evident than in the Cardiff Bay area, a massive new commercial development and urban regeneration project. The trendy waterfront district known as Mermaid's Quay is home to striking modern architecture and modern art, as well as chic shops and boutiques, top-class restaurants, and plenty of clubs and bars. These modern amenities lie alongside some impressive historical sites, including the Cardiff Castle, which was built by the wealthy third Marquis of Bute. The castle is located in the centre of Cardiff on a site used by both the Romans and the Normans as a strategic point of defence. Visitors can still explore the Norman Keep, set on top of a small hill overlooking the city.

Other popular attractions in Cardiff include the National Museum and Gallery, St David's Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, the outdoor Museum of Welsh Life and the Millennium Stadium - the new home of the Welsh Rugby Union. There are also many historical attractions and points of interest just outside the city, including several Neolithic sites, and the area is also resplendent with natural beauty.

This fast growing urban centre may seem an unlikely tourist destination, but more and more travellers are flocking to enjoy the sights, sounds and 24-hour buzz of the Welsh capital.

Getting around: Cardiff has a reliable and extensive bus service that usually operates between 5.30am and 11.30pm, with limited weekend and public holiday services. Fair zones are colour-coded, and exact change is required. Many discount passes are available. The train services are also dependable, and taxis are easily hailed or ordered by phone. Hiring a car in Cardiff is easy, with most companies requiring a licence in English with a photograph, or an International Drivers Permit. A minimum age requirement may apply. The city is relatively easy to negotiate, but parking is often a problem, as many spaces downtown are for permit-holders only. However, Cardiff is compact and easily explored on foot. It is also flat, making it well-suited to cycling. The Taff Trail for walking and cycling runs right through the city.