CITY OF ARCADES
GENERATION NEXT
January 30, 2020
WACKY VACATIONS
January 30, 2020
Europe’s quaint capital
Monita Pesumal lists eight must-see sights in the Welsh capital
The Welsh capital Cardiff was recently named the ‘sixth most Instagrammed’ historic city in the UK. And here’s how to make the most of your holiday there.
CARDIFF CASTLE This 2,000 year old landmark citadel was once a Roman fort, Norman stronghold and Victorian Gothic fantasy palace. Today, an entrance ticket for UK£ 14 will grant you access to the impressive castle grounds and apartments, Norman keep, Roman chariot corner and some spooky wartime tunnels.
CARDIFF BAY You’ll find plenty to see with events and carnivals going on, as well as restaurants, bistros, hotels, art and craft centres, a theatre, the Welsh parliament and other historic buildings to explore. And even if none of this sounds appealing, take a stroll along the waterfront at sunset and spend an idyllic afternoon by the sea.
ARCADES GALORE Cardiff is also known as the City of Arcades because there are no less than seven glorious Victorian and Edwardian arcades here. Dotting Car-diff’s Castle Quarter and the central Hayes pedestrian shopping district, these quaint arcades date back some 150 years. Shops in the arcades are quirky and eclectic, and include everything from the oldest record store and crazy costume shops, to a cheese supermarket and ice cream parlour specialising in nitro ice cream.
HIGH STREET It’s probably the only high street in the world with a whimsical carousel operating every day of the year. Dotted with bakeries, chip shops, cafes and every British fashion brand in existence, it’s the busiest and most modern part of town.
MARKETPLACE Here’s an 18th century Victorian building filled with local independent businesses selling products ranging from traditional Welsh cakes to artisan coffee, chocolate and cheese. The market is the liveliest place to grab a freshly brewed coffee and follow it up with a dose of traditional Welsh culture.
LOCAL PUBS The Welsh take their cider, lager and ale very seriously – particularly after a rugby game. Grab a pint and enjoy the loud atmosphere at any of the city’s favourite pubs such as Elevens, City Arms or Wetherspoons.
MUSEUM St Fagans National Museum of History has existed since 1948; and what’s unique about this venue is that 100 acres of it are set in the great outdoors, offering visitors a glimpse of rural Welsh life as far back as 1805. It’s possible to see how people in Wales lived, worked and spent their leisure time. Cows and sheep can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and are quite used to smiling for selfies!
BUTE PARK With over 300 parks and gardens in Cardiff, Bute is not only the city’s largest but one of the UK’s biggest and most beautiful parks. It was gifted to the city by the fifth Marquess of Bute and is named after the family that transformed the city during the Industrial Revolution. The park is home to landscaped gardens, urban woodlands, sports pitches, flower beds, cafes, bridges, walkways, cycle paths and the River Taff’s corridor. So take in the beauty of the park, and sit down to a picnic with family and friends.
