Cardiff, Wales' vibrant capital

The energy and ambition of Wales' capital is boundless. Not only does Cardiff have the finest stadium in Europe and one of the most ambitious waterfront developments, which has transformed the old docks area into a world class haven for business, leisure and fun.

Under its bustling cosmopolitan exterior, there is also a very different Cardiff - an ancient city steeped in history waiting to be discovered. The legacy left by the Romans, Normans and the Industrial Revolution is clearly visible, as a tour of the magnificent Cardiff Castle right in the heart of the city will demonstrate.

Cardiff has a varied cultural scene. The National Museum & Gallery houses one of the most extensive collections of impressionist paintings outside Paris. Music, of course, features strongly in the Capital City of Wales and the renowned Welsh National Opera perform here regularly. The prestigious Cardiff Singer of the World is also held here biennially in alternate years to the new International Festival of Musical Theatre. Cardiff has also become a rock capital in recent years, largely due to the phenomenal success of Welsh groups such as the Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia and the Stereophonics, all of whom have maintained their strong national identities.

Ever since its days as the world's biggest coal port, Cardiff has been a cosmopolitan city with people from every corner of the globe having chosen to settle here. This heritage is reflected in a variety of restaurants from Thai and Japanese to Hawaiian. Several restaurants specialise in traditional Welsh cooking - do not leave Cardiff without having tasted Welsh lamb and home-produced cheeses.