There may not be too many hillsides, but there's still plenty of welcome in the Welsh capital. One of the UK's fastest developing cities, Cardiff has grown in tourist popularity throughout the decade thanks to its chic modern Bay area, air of Celtic friendliness, Dr Who being filmed here and Wembley Stadium taking far too long to build. With a rejuvenated sporting reputation and an enormous new shopping centre opening in 2009, Cardiff's blend of proud heritage and economical progress offers a memorable stay for visitors of all tastes.
bestsunny sit-down: Alexandra Gardens Beginning just off Boulevard de Nantes, the grassy section of Cathays Park, a civic area with fountain (in front of the striking Edwardian era museum and City Hall), is pleasant enough. Carry on walking up and you'll soon enter the beautifully kept, hedge-lined tranquility of Alexandra Gardens. It's easy to forget you're still smack in the middle of the Welsh Capital. Where >Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park, King Edward VII Avenue/Museum Avenue view map
bestlarge-scale venue: Millennium Stadium Whether it be for rugby, monster trucks or superstar singers, Wales' largest stadium turns any event into a rousing visit to remember. Madonna has chosen to begin her 2008 world tour here, which speaks volumes about the brilliant atmosphere of Cardiff's colossal 75,000 seater. Her Madgesty knows her venues. Where >Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff. view map Website > www.millenniumstadium.com
bestsmall-scale venue: Clwb Ifor Bach Aka The Welsh Club. This focal point for local culture was originally created in the 1970s as a members-only club for Welsh speakers. Now open to people of all linguistic persuasions (though members get first dibs during the big rugby games), this is a regular haunt for local and up-and-coming musicians. Catch new talent here before they hit the festivals. Where >Clwb Ifor Bach, 11 Womanby Street, Cardiff, Tel: +44 (0)29 2023 2199. view map Website > www.clwb.net
besteducational fun: Techniquest If you have any budding scientists amongst your family, then this is the place to go. Now in its 22nd year, the huge 160-exhibit site boasts permanent attractions such as a planetarium and a regularly changing timetable of hands-on activities. Who knew science could be so fun?! Where >Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Tel: +44 (0)29 2047 5475. view map Website > www.techniquest.org
bestset lunch: Pearl of the Orient Beef Satay overlooking The Bay? Choosing a Chinese dish from the hundreds of options can sometimes take longer than scoffing it down. Reduce the selection stress with the excellent lunchtime menu at one of Cardiff's finest restaurants. Weekdays supply a limited selection of starters and mains for ￡5.80, but Saturdays (￡7.80) and Sundays (￡8.80) offer a huge plate of crispy nibbles followed by a dozen or more luscious meat and vegetarian options with rice. Where >Pearl of the Orient, first floor, Stuart Street, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff, Tel: +44 (0)29 2049 8080. view map Website > www.thepearloftheorient.com
bestromantic souvenir: Welsh love spoon Dating back to Medieval times, these decorative wooden gifts – also suitable for weddings, christenings and other milestones – convey meaning through carved symbols. So a shield equals protection, ball & cage conveys a captive heart and a football signifies an FA Cup Final appearance. Alright, maybe not the last one. Prices vary from around ￡10-￡50, depending on detail and woodiness. Where >The Wales Centre (opposite Cardiff Castle), Cardiff.
bestrainy shelter: Red Dragon Centre The weather is little changeable in these parts, so a Plan B is always useful. There is no better activities base than this indoor entertainment centre, located in Cardiff Bay. You could easily spend a whole day amongst the multiplex cinema, bowling, international restaurants and the permanent Doctor Who exhibition. If you're feeling lucky, there's even a casino to try and win back your plane fare. Where >Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Road, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Tel: +44 (0)29 2025 6261. view map Website > www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk
Compiled by Jason Caro
besttrivia
Everybody knows that Shirley Bassey and Charlotte Church were born here However, Cardiff's lesser known success story is the late Richard Marquand – director of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
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