There’s lots of fun to be had in Cardiff, capital City of Wales. In the last ten years the city has undergone a broad transformation, and it has nightlife, hotels and shopping for all tastes. The city has an abundant and surprisingly eclectic music scene, as well as some amazing venues. It also offers plentiful and original shopping opportunities. And last but not least, Cardiff boasts the highest concentration watering holes and party locations in the UK. Here’s a selection of the best Cardiff has to offer for music lovers and party goers.
If you like it indie, head for the Morgan Quarter. The most famous shop in the Morgan Arcade is Spiller’s Records, which has a good claim to being the oldest record shop in the world. It sells mainstream and eclectic music on CD and vinyl and is the go-to place for gig tickets and recommendations. Joie de Vivre in the Royal Arcade sells handmade gifts and jewellery in luxurious materials, while the chaps can get a sharp new look from Pretty Green urban tailors. If you need a coffee after all that shopping, head for The Plan, a unique independent cafe bar in the Morgan Arcade. They probably serve the best coffee in the city centre and they have a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes that earned them a place in the top five cafes in Britain, according to The Week.
Whether it’s for sport or music, the Millennium stadium is a venue that Cardiff is rightly proud of. Opened in 1999, the Millennium is with 74,500 seats the fourth biggest stadium in the UK. It’s played host to countless rugby and football internationals; bands like U2, Oasis and local boys The Manic Street Preachers; and in 2012 will be one of the Olympic venues. If you want a fine pint beforehand, try Zero Degrees, the microbrewery pub on Westgate Street. Their handcrafted pilsners, pale ales and seasonal beers are just the thing to wash down one of their tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
In Cardiff there are more pubs, clubs and bars per square yard than anywhere else in the UK. You’ll be spoiled for choice on a pub crawl. The Goat Major in the High Street does a fine selection of real ales and has great views of the Castle. If you want a place to watch the rugby (and you’re not lucky enough to have a ticket to the Millennium stadium) then The Old Arcade on church Street is a friendly pub with the local brew, Brains, on tap.
Cardiff also has more green space per person than any other city in the UK. Bute Park in the city centre alone is the size of 75 football pitches and it takes two gardeners three days to cut all the grass! With views of the River Taff and the Castle it’s the ideal place to chill with a picnic.
Whether you want retail, rugby or recreation, Cardiff has plenty to offer!
Anna got to know Whales while attending Cardiff University and shared a flat in Cardiff’s Wyeverne road from where she would set off to enjoy the nightlife. Image by shining.darkness
