About

Cardiff is Wales' capital city for around 50 years.  It is Europe's youngest capital city and is a vibrant place to visit, rich in history and culture.  Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Cardiff has something for everyone and boosts with chic and modern shopping centres, historic Victorian shopping arcades, an impressive selection of hotels, world-class restaurants and a trendy waterfront area, it is easy to see why Cardiff is such a popular city.

The city of Cardiff is a popular destination to visit at any time of year with a year-long calendar of exciting, major sporting, musical and cultural events and festivals attracting more than half a million people each year.

Must See Attractions include Cardiff Castle - an iconic medieval fortress situated in the heart of the city, the National Museum Cardiff with it's impressive collection of art, archaeology, and natural history and Llandaff Cathedral dating back to the 12th century.

The Principality Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the world, offering an unforgettable atmosphere and the venue for many international rugby matches. The Wales Millennium Centre is the place to go for world-class performances ranging from ballet and opera to theater and musicals at this renowned arts venue.

Stroll along the Cardiff Bay waterfront and indulge in delicious cuisine at one of the many restaurants overlooking the bay or escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in Bute Park with its lush gardens, scenic trails, and the historic Cardiff Castle.

Cardiff Central Market is the place to go to sample a variety of local delicacies, fresh produce, and artisanal products at this historic indoor market. Cardiff International White Water centre will get your adrenaline pumping with exhilarating white-water rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding experiences on the Olympic-standard rapids.

With direct flights to Cardiff International Airport from many different destinations in Europe, Cardiff is particularly busy during the summer months. Many people travel to Cardiff during the winter months, to enjoy the Christmas festivities and to do their Christmas shopping in Cardiff’s numerous shopping centres. The main railway station for Cardiff is Cardiff Central on the South Wales main line.

HISTORY & CULTURE
The history of Cardiff reaches back to the time of the Romans, who built a fort alongside the river Taff, but Cardiff's real story begins with its phenomenal growth as a sea-port in the 19th century. The coal barons in valleys such as the Rhondda needed an outlet for their exports, and Cardiff provided it. At the height of the coal boom, trains loaded with 'black diamonds' stretched for miles along the railways leading into the port, and dozens of ships rode at anchor waiting their turn to enter.

This trade declined rapidly after World War 1, as markets lost during hostilities were never regained and oil replaced coal as the principal maritime fuel. In recent years dock after dock has closed, but now the entire Cardiff Bay waterfront area has been imaginatively restructured