Cardiff - Antiquity vs. Modernity

Cardiff's history dates back to Roman times, yet it’s also one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. As you wonder the grounds of Cardiff Castle, you’ll feel yourself transported back over 2,000 years; as if the modern world never even existed. But then you head to the waterfront, and wham! You’re struck by spectacular 21st-century architecture and design – buildings with sweeping metal façades, glistening chrome sculptures and gigantic rippling sheets of glass. Cardiff is a city with both a colourful past and a glimmering future.

Antiquity

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle

Wales has more castles per head then anywhere else in the world and Cardiff Castle (www.cardiffcastle.com/) is one of its most important. The imposing defence walls conceal an elaborate world of gothic towers, Roman antiquities and steadfast Norman defences.

Castell Coch

Castell Coch

Built in the late 19th-century, this fantasy castle is the stuff of dreams. Straight from the pages of a fairytale, Castell Coch (www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=48) depicts a dreamy vision of medieval times with enchanting exterior and lavishly decorated Gothic interior.

Victorian Arcades

Victorian Arcades

There are 11 different arcades, all originally built in the 1800s. Covered by elaborate glass ceilings, they house every type of shop and bistro, which all extend the ornate Victorian design of the passageways to their interior décor.

Male Voice Choirs

Male Voice Choirs

Throughout the 19th century, every Welsh town, and even small villages, boasted their own male voice choir. Wales went from being known as the “Land of Song”, to the “Land of Male Voice Choirs (www.cardiffmalechoir.co.uk/history.html)” and Cardiff is home to the best.

Historic pubs

Historic pubs

Many of the ancient pubs of Cardiff (www.viewcardiff.co.uk/pubsandbars/historic-pubs-in-cardiff-recommended-cardiff-697.html) existed before the city itself. You’ll find lots of traditional Welsh pubs around the city dating back to the 1800s and further, where you can enjoy home-cooked Welsh dishes and great real ales.

Modernity

Wales Millennium Centre

Millennium Centre

Cardiff’s showpiece arts centre features everything from ballet and opera to hip hop shows and comedy. Known locally as the ‘Golden Armadillo', its gigantic bronze-coloured façade inscribed with poetry has made the building an iconic UK landmark.

Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre

Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre

Known as 'The Tube', the futurist Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre (www.visitcardiffbay.info/partner.php?id=18§ion=5) has a state-of-the-art video wall, changing exhibitions, interactive displays and the UK’s largest architectural city model, plus amazing panoramic views across the bay.

St David's 2 Shopping Centre

St David’s 2 Shopping Centre

Just opened in October 2009, this revolutionary shopping centre is set to raise Cardiff’s status as one of THE shopping destinations in Britain. With over 160 famous stores you’ll be dizzy with shopping hysteria.

St David’s 2 Shopping Centre
Milgi Lounge

Milgi Lounge

This unique bar brings food, drink, music, art and culture together under one roof. One of the coolest cocktail bars in Cardiff, it also features art exhibitions, a monthly vintage clothing market and even storytelling in a yurt and a knitting club!

Milgi Lounge
The Welsh Club

Clwb Ifor Bach

Clwb Ifor Bach, also known as the Welsh Club, is a fabulous nightclub spread over 3 floors where both English and Welsh are spoken; and all are welcome. Playing all types of music, it’s also famous for its live gigs featuring both fresh and established talent.

The Welsh Club

See it for Yourself

See all that Cardiff has to offer on a guided tour with City Sightseeing or go further a field with beautiful day tours from Cardiff to the beautiful Welsh coast and countryside. With a Flexible GB Train Pass (visitbritain.e-line.nu/servlet/us_pyra?wts.PAGE=h_ix3.htm&$GUEST=FI&wts.ACTION=loginguest&$echoType=VU&$echoCode=303&p=H ) you have unlimited access to the railway network and if you buy a Heritage Pass (visitbritain.e-line.nu/servlet/us_pyra?wts.PAGE=h_ix3.htm&$GUEST=FI&wts.ACTION=loginguest&$echoType=VU&$echoCode=445&p=H), you can visit over 580 British attractions, without standing in line.

See Cardiff Destination Guide

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