If anyone writes a review on travel/holidays in Africa then please drop me a note in my guestbook, I...
If anyone writes a review on travel/holidays in Africa then please drop me a note in my guestbook, I'm hoping to go there when I've taken my silly exam and get some time to myself again!xxx
Member since:04.12.2000
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I have travelled all over Europe, and seen some amazing places, but, as they say, there's no place like home! Although I'm not originally from Cardiff, it is such a lovely city with such a friendly atmosphere that right from the word go, I felt perfectly at home there.
I loved Cardiff as soon as I started university there as a law and French student in 1998, and since then, the place has continued to grow and prosper. Well, where do I start to tell you about it? I'll start with the daytime.
As you would expect with a capital city, there is everything you could possibly want to do in the daytime. The shopping centre is fantastic, it has the full range of shops, from little designer boutiques on St. Mary's street, right through to the big department stores in Queens
Street and the out of town shopping centres and supermarkets. The one thing it was lacking shopping wise until recently was H & M, but luckily, that was rectified last year! The Queen's Arcade is where the majority of shops can be found, and this is a huge indoor shopping centre, which is great when it rains! The other main arcade is the Capitol arcade, which has recently been renovated and now looks stunning- really modern. This has shops like the Gadget shop, Oasis, pilot, a few cafés, the virgin megastore and of course H & M! There is also a cinema in there, so if it rains (the HUGE disadvantage in Cardiff- it tends to do so most of the time), then you can catch a film without even having to venture outside!
However, for those of you who are not shop-a-holics, there is plenty to do aswell! If you can manage to pick a day when it's not raining, then take a leisurely stroll around the stunning Castle, or head for the Bay. When I left Cardiff in June, there was work being done on the bay, but it was already lovely for a walk around. I believe there are now loads of new restaurants and shops there, which I intend to check out when I return from France. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you could always head for Roath park, where there is a lovely lake where you can hire a little rowing boat for a couple of pounds, and row around the lake. Even more adventurous than that? Well there's always the ice-rink, when the Cardiff Devils are not training there, it's only a few quid to skate, which is always a good laugh! There is also a ski slope not too far out of Cardiff, but you would have to be able to drive to get there.
Of course, the one thing that is a must if you visit Cardiff, is a visit to the Millenium Stadium. I haven't been yet, but I'm told it's amazing. I can't wait to see a game there when I'm back! They also have some great gigs there, for example, the Manics played there Millenium Eve. If it's gigs you're after though, St David's hall also has some good ones, aswell as the Students Union and the Cardiff Indoor Arena. And if you'd prefer to watch sport, but you're not keen on rugby, the Cardiff Devils are always worth a look, they're supposed to be one of the best Ice Hockey teams around.
As far as food goes, there are a million places to eat. An old favourite is Old Orleans, there is one of these in town, but I prefer the one in the bay- you get more food and it's better quality. If you just want a cheap pub lunch, the Prince of Wales is a Weatherspoons pub, fantastic. Need I say more?! The list goes on and on, just decide what kind of food you want, it'll be there somewhere. The only thing I have to recommend as a student is a greesy spoon cafe called Ramon's on Salisbury Road. Try it, if you're into that kind of thing, you'll love it! I do!
As for things to do in the evening, again, it's take your pick. There are a couple of theatres, loads of cinemas and clubs and even more pubs. As far as cinemas go, I would pay a bit extra for the comfort of the UCI in the bay, if you're interested in that side of things, read my op (or someone else's!) on the UCI.
The pubs and clubs are again a matter of personal choice, and there really is something for everyone. My particular favourites are the Tafern in the Union, Henry's for cocktails and then on to Zeus or evolution to dance the night away!
As far as getting to Cardiff is concerned, it's easy as pie. It's not a bad drive from any angle I've arrived at, and even the trains seemed to get there OK even during the problems, as it's not effected by any of the main London lines. You can also fly there, it has it's own airport about a 15 pound taxi journey from town. This is also useful for getting away when you've had enough of the rain!
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the Hilton comes highly recommended, although unfortunately I wouldn't know!! There's plenty of hotels about though, but book early, it's a popular little place, especially during the rugby!
So, there you are, that's Cardiff! All that remains to be said is go there, see for yourself!
Great Opinion - I live in Cardiff and love it so its nice to see others enjoying it. Just some updates tho - The odeon and most of cinemas in queen street has closed or are closing down but they recently built a huge UGC cinema complex which is excellent much better than the UCI!
xanadu 09.03.2001 17:34
What a well thought out and informative opinion. We visited Cardiff mainly for shopping, last year whilst on holiday. - Thanks Donna.
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Feb 28th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
