Weekender: Cardiff

Built around a ruined castle, Cardiff is a beautiful city. The main shopping areas of Queen Street and St David's Centre are bustling, and the new Cardiff Bay development gives the capital of Wales a truly cosmopolitan feel.

Headline attraction
The Millennium Stadium is one of the finest in the world, hosting various national and international sporting fixtures, including the first Test of the recent Ashes series. If the Welsh rugby team is playing, the singing of the anthem will give you goosebumps.

On the waterfront
Head to Cardiff Bay to admire the modern architecture, such as the Millennium Centre and the Welsh Assembly building. Grab something to eat or drink in one of the many outlets.

Museum time
Check out the National Museum and Gallery, which is home to an impressive array of exhibitions, including the evolution of Wales and a fine Impressionist art collection boasting works by Monet and Degas.

Best of the rest
Cardiff Castle is well worth the visit, to admire its Roman wall, and extravagant Victorian interiors. Explore the green space of Cathays Park, which dates back to the 12th century, and the stunning domed City Hall nearby.

Try the local tipple
Check out trendy Chapter Bar in Market Road and RSVP in St John Street with its good selection of real ales. Alternatively, sip a pint of local beer Brains in the wooden interior of one of the many Edwardian pubs, such as The Cottage in St Mary Street and Old Arcade in Church Street. Creation is the best known of Cardiff’s clubs, and for live music there’s the scruffy but affable Barfly.

Chow down
Cardiff is a thriving cosmopolitan city and its food reflects this with many international dishes on offer, but if you’re keen to try some local Welsh delicacies opt for pork faggots (meatballs) or laverbread. Head to the café quarter of Mill Lane or the Brewery Quarter where you can wine and dine alfresco at a number of restaurants, bars and pubs.

Out of town
They might be overshadowed by the mighty mountains of Snowdonia in the north of Wales, but the Brecon Beacons are a lot easier to access from Cardiff. Pen y Fan is the highest ground in southern Britain and offers challenging walks, whatever your ability. The 'waterfall country' in the south of the park is spectacular, and the lakes tranquil and pretty.

Need to know

When to go: Time your visit with a rugby match at the Millennium Stadium

Getting there: Find out details of trains and coaches by visiting
National Rail or National Express

Getting around: You can easily see the city on foot, but if you want to explore the countryside consider hiring a car

Accommodation: Hotels deals in Cardiff from £50