Cardiff

Within Cardiff, Wales' Capital you'll find unique attractions, top class entertainment and quality shopping with a difference - all within walking distance.

The City centre is mix of new and old. The part Roman, part Norman, part Victorian Castle stands next to the modern Millennium Stadium and modern high street shops and malls are interlaced with old Victorian and Edwardian arcades.

Towering over the Cardiff skyline is the unmistakable sight of the Millennium Stadium - the finest sports and music venue in the world. Built in 1999 in readiness for the Rugby World Cup, the stadium has hosted countless major rugby and football matches as well as other top class sporting events. The stadium is also a fabulous music venue. Concerts by world superstars U2, Madonna and the Rolling Stones amongst others are testament to this. With its 74,500 seats and retractable roof, a visit to the Millennium Stadium, whether for an event or behind the scenes tour, should not be missed.

Just across the road from the Millennium Stadium and still in the heart of the City Centre is the impressive Cardiff Castle. A fort has stood on this site since the first century. Over time it has been built up by Romans and Normans and finally the Marquess of Bute, the owner of Cardiff Docks in its heyday, and once the richest man in the world. The Marquess was an extravagant man and the lavish decoration and architecture in the castle remind us of this.

Shoppers in the city centre will be spoiled for choice. The completely pedestrianised shopping district and indoor shopping malls mean a safe, hassle free shopping experience. Shops range from the well-known high street chains, stores stocking the latest designer clothes and small independent stores in the city's famous Victorian and Edwardian arcades.

For history lovers the short walk from the City Centre to the National Museum Cardiff in Cathays Park is a must. Exhibitions on art, archaeology, natural history, geology and a varied range of events offer an insight into the history of Wales and the world. The museum boasts work by Monet, Van Gogh and has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris. Entry to this fascinating attraction is free.

Those with a particular interest in Welsh history should take the short car or bus ride out of the City Centre to the pretty village of St Fagans and the National History Museum. The spectacular open air museum is set in 100 acres within the grounds of St Fagans Castle. Here old buildings from all over Wales have been brought from their original site and re-erected brick by brick. The buildings tell the story of rural and industrial Wales with buildings such as a school, a church, village shop, and workingman's hall bringing the past to life. Events and craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills, such as potters, blacksmiths and wood carvers add to your experience.

After the hustle and bustle of City life where better to relax than Cardiff Bay. Once the biggest coal exporting port in the world it has today been completely transformed into one of Europe's biggest and trendiest waterfronts with numerous bars and restaurants satisfying all taste buds. The bay is also home to the Senedd - the home of the National Assembly for Wales and one of the world's most environmentally friendly public buildings. Next door to the Senedd is the Wales Millennium Centre. With its distinctive architecture, the centre, which is Wales' national performing arts centre, dominates the Cardiff Bay skyline. Opened in 2004 the centre hosts everything from opera to ballet and from musicals to comedy.

For further information visit http://www.visitcardiff.com/

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