Cardiff: The City of Arcades
Europe's youngest and fastest growing Capital City boasts a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants and night clubs all contributing to a vibrant nightlife second to none.
Dominated by it's castle which in 1947 was given to the city by the 5th Marquess of Bute, Cardiff provides a perfect setting for a exciting weekend and an ideal venue to enjoy the company of your fellow guests.
Cardiff Bay, just a mile from the city centre, compliments the city itself with even more bars and restaurants as well as some of the city's important buildings including the Welsh National Assembly building and the Millennium Centre complex, the permanent residence of the Welsh National Opera.
Now a favourite venue for artistes of National and International reputation on their ‘Arena’ tour circuit, is the Cardiff International Arena situated right in the centre of the City’s main shopping area while the more traditional New Theatre built in 1906 has become a popular host to pre West End shows and plays before they settle into their London venues. Those preferring a more classical theme can enjoy the many orchestral events performed at St. David’s Hall.
Cardiff
also provides the very best in shopping and sightseeing alongside a wide
range of leisure events including rugby, of course, world car rallying and
a whole host of world famous artists who regularly perform at the many venues
across the city.
Picturesque victorian arcades host a miriad of small shops supplying every thing from antiques to zebras - toy ones that is. The Capitol Centre too hosts a range of outlets for the discerning shopper with many of the UK's major retailers occupying the ground floor.
For a more leisurely day perhaps a stroll through Cathays Park or along the river bank will relax you and you can catch a river boat which travels downstream, through the Bay and right into Mermaids Quay - the heart of Cardiff Bay itself.
Everywhere in the city are wine bars, coffee shops and restaurants where you can sit, relax, chat or even just watch the world go by. A popular area for that is The Latin Quarter in Mill Lane right opposite the Marriot Hotel.