Cardiff

Cardiff
Whether youre a first-time visitor or a life- long resident, theres always something new to do and see in Cardiff. Explore the Europes youngest capital city that has so much to offer, from historic castles and classical concerts, to vibrant street festivals and tranquil parks. Cardiff is rapidly becoming one of the UKs most popular visitor destinations.

Cardiff is already characterized distinctly for its sporting, artistic and maritime traditions. Discover Cardiff and you will be delighted to know that the city boasts all the attractions, cultural and leisure facilities that you would expect in a modern capital city - and its all conveniently accessible.

Cardiff is the capital and the largest city in Wales as well as the Waless capital of business, education, sport, tourism, culture, media and government. It also offers a complete range of arts and entertainment, stretching from opera and rock to drama and dance. Youre sure to find something to keep you entertained in the city.

Cardiff was a small town until the early 19th century and rose to prominence as a major port for the transport of coal following the arrival of industry in the region. It was made a city in 1905, and proclaimed capital of Wales in 1955. According to recent local government estimates, the population of Cardiff is 317,500.

Since the 1990s the city has witnessed remarkable development with a new waterfront area at Cardiff Bay which provides space for the new Welsh Assembly Building, and the city centre is currently undergoing a major renovation. As of climate, Cardiff has a temperate weather where both summers and winters are generally mild.

As you would expect of a capital city, Cardiff welcomes you with its innumerable mesmerizing attractions and sites of interest. Cardiffs international sporting venues include the Millennium Stadium - home of Rugby and Football and Sophia Gardens - houses Cricket.

The region is a significant tourist destination attracting more than 11 million visitors annually. Cardiff is the biggest media sector in the United Kingdom, for being a home to a number of television studios and radio stations, such as the BBC, ITV, HTV, S4C as well as many independent broadcasters.

Festivals
Cardiff took away a crown of the European Capital of Culture 2008. There is never a dull moment in Cardiff. Its truly a city of merry-go-round people. People here find every reason a reason to enjoy and celebrate. The city welcomes you to be a part of its eclectic celebrations and events taking place throughout the year. The annual Cardiffs Festival claims to be the Europes biggest free outdoor festival, enticing 250,000 visitors in 2007.

The Big Weekend Festival is popular amongst the annual festivals, held during the summer. The festival is noted for featuring fairground rides and electric music performances, where artists from around the globe come and participate. Also of interest is the Childrens Festival that takes place in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

The citys many cultural sites vary from the historical Cardiff Castle and out of town Castell Coch to the more modern and state of the art Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Bay. In recent years Cardiff has earned a reputation as a tourist destination, also ranked as one of the top 10 destinations in Europe on the official British tourist board website.

Music and nightlife
The city of Cardiff has a strong nightlife with many bars, pubs and clubs bolstering it. Most clubs and bars are situated in the city centre. The St. Marys Street and the Cardiff Bay together have built up a strong night scene, with many contemporary bars & restaurants. Charles Street is also a popular part of the city, offering vibrant life to experience.

The Cardiff has established and wide-ranging music scene. It is the home to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera and has produced several leading acts itself. Cardiff, as a city, has also acted as a springboard for numerous Welsh bands to go and earn recognition at both national and international scale.

Also, artists like the Automatic, Jem, Funeral for a Friend, Lostprophets, Bullet for My Valentine, Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers all have somehow association to the city.

Shopping
Cardiff is one of the top ten retail destinations in Europe with three main huge shopping arcades such as St. Davids Centre, Queens Arcade and the Capitol Centre. In the city, the shopping streets are mostly pedestrianised and lined with a vast range of boutiques, stores, jewelers and accessory shops.

The city is home to many Victorian shopping centers, such as High Street Arcade, Castle Arcade, Wyndham Arcade, Royal Arcade and Morgan Arcade. If youre looking for a place full of life and activity and for different perspective, Cardiff obliges you with innumerable attractions and opportunities. Its indeed a delight to discover Cardiff.