Cardiff

A World Class City

The city of Cardiff can be said to have come into being when the Cardiff castle was built back in AD55 by the Romans. The remains of these walls can be still seen at the castle. It is believed that even the name of the city seems to have come from the Roman General named AulusDidius after which the Fort or the ‘Caer’ was named.

The capital city to Wales, Cardiff, is possibly Europe’s freshest capital and also the one that seems to be growing faster than others. Such growth started only after the Industrial revolution that took place in the 1830s after the port that connected to the Taff Vale Railway was built by the second Marquess of Bute by the name of John Crichton Stuart. The port brought trade a growth rate of 80% to the city of Cardiff. It gradually became the coal exporting hub and thus attained its city status granted by King Edward VII.

The latest updates in Cardiff have resulted in making the city of a world class category. It proves itself to be an excellent destination for shopping to tourists and a sports mecca for the sporting fanatics. A complete city, there is little for everyone in the city.

Cardiff – Culture and Heritage

A grand witness of the industrial revolution and center of European trade, Cardiff, for sure, can’t be short of diversity in culture and richness of a grand heritage.

Wales is a fairytale land of castlesand thereby Cardiff naturally houses a lot of museums where art and artifacts date back to the Roman times. The view of the upkeep at the Victorian Castle is an exhilarating glimpse of the Norman extravagance. The works of Monet, Renoir and Cezanne and the Impressionists Art can be studied at the museum in Cathay’s Park and the National Museum of Wales. What comes different with museums in Cardiff is the concept of open air and live arts open for public view at the Museum of Welsh Life.

Theatre is an art enjoyed by most Europeans which is why Cardiff is a home to a variety of Theatrical shows including the musicals from West End to the International Festival of the Musicals Theatre. The Wales Millennium Centre is the hub for all kinds of music festivals and theatre shows.

In the field of literature, Cardiff has been a home to Terry Nation and Roald Dahl. They also are hosts to the Wales Book of the Year Award for literary works done in English in Welsh. Other renowned writers in the contemporary times include Niall Griffiths, Rachael Trezise and Desmond Barry.

Shopping in Cardiff

Cardiff has been rated as the sixth best shopping location across the globe. This itself speaks well of the entire gamut of shopping experiences that the city can offer. The shopping is enthralling not only because they have almost everything one could be desiring but the very shopping arena is a place to be. The Victorian and Edwardian arcades take you way back in ancient times while the ultra-modern shopping plazas have the best of the facilities for their clients. It could be a relaxation at the spa when you tire out carrying the heavy bags or a sip of coffee to take a break and quench your thirst at the exquisite cafes, bars and restaurants.

There is something for everybody when it comes to shopping in Cardiff. For those looking for high fashion the Queens Street won’t be a disappointment and those looking at exquisite labels, Capitol Centre and Churchill Way is a must try. For the ones who look for everything in one place, the St David’s Shopping Centre would fulfil the need while those looking for a unique shopping experience should take a tour of High Street, Royal, Castle, Andrews and Duke Street where each place gives you a taste of difference.

An advice to the shoppers would be to take back home at least one thing that is vintage because Cardiff city houses one of the Oxfam Boutique store of the UK, quite a few antique

Food and Drinks at Cardiff

Proximity to sea makes Cardiff a sinful location for the foodies. Sea food that is fresh and combined with organic vegetables makes delicious cuisine available at any restaurant you choose. The local Chefs are also renowned for the Welsh Beef and Lamb that are prepared locally. The Brewery Quarters house the finest of the cuisines that shall spoil you with their choices. They offer cuisines from all across the globe be it Spanish, American, Indian or Mexican.

The true taste of Wales lies in the Armless dragon, exclusive to the Wyeyerne Street. Those looking for a breath-taking ambience should try out theBosphorus, a Turkish food joint on the Cardiff Bay that is housed in a glass case overlooking the Bay.

Sporting In Cardiff

The world renowned Millennium Stadium is a living proof of the sporting enthusiasm of the people of Cardiff. The Welsh take possess deep love for rugby and football. It has hosted the FA cup for more the 6 consecutive years. Cardiff also takes has a love for golf and had been hosts to Ryder Cup in 2010, their celebrated golf grounds being the Celtic Manor Resort. The Cardiff Ice Arena is a home for the Cardiff Devils where Ice Hockey is quite a festivity. The White Water Sport at the Cardiff White Waters is an annual featured event.

With the Olympic season almost there, and Cardiff being one of the hosts to the Team GB Sport at the Millennium Stadium, the sporting fever seems to be taking a high. And for a drink, one should check out the Buffalo Bar, Cardiff’s hottest independent bar.

Cardiff At A Glance:

Population: 341,054

Airport: Cardiff Airport (Rhoose 10  miles from the city),

Prime Places:  Millennium Stadium, Pierhead Building, Cardiff Castle, St David’s Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, Wales Millennium Centre.

Language Spoken: English and Welsh