Cardiff tourist information

The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a compact city set around Cardiff Bay on the Bristol Channel with a University.

A city built on heavy industry and its docklands, Cardiff has been totally transformed in recent years to become an exciting, vibrant and fashionable place to visit, shop, eat and drink.

Today it is a energised and fashionable University city.

Historically, Cardiff has been an important place since Roman times. The remains of the old Roman fort now lie beneath Cardiff Castle, built by the Normans in the 12th century and altered over the centuries to finally become the magnificent NeoGothic edifice seen today. The 19th century architect responsible was the great William Burges, who also created the fantasy fairytale castle of nearby Castell Coch. Visit the excellent local museums and St Fagans to find out more about the rich history of the area.

Cardiff has two main centres attracting millions of visitors every year. The old city centre close to the castle has some impressive historic buildings in attractive streets and is a great shopping destination - from the old Victorian arcades to enormous new retail centres such as Saint Davids. It also has a great choice of restaurants, bars and clubs. Nearby is the Millennium Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and a world-class sport and music venue.

However Cardiff's biggest attraction must now be its second centre, the newly developed and chic Cardiff Bay area. A lake created from aging industrial docks by the new Cardiff Bay Barrage, its regeneration has been a success story on a grand scale, creating trendy waterside apartments, shops, cafes and buzzing nightlife. It is the location of the Welsh Assembly (or Senedd) as well as theatres, art galleries, fantastic lakeside scenery and watersports.