Travel Guide to Cardiff

A city of positive outlook, Cardiff is a town designed by the richest man in the 19th century, the 3rd marquess of Bute, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart. He left a legacy of great architecture that can be seen in the Cardiff Castle and the Civic Center. While preserving this legacy undamaged, this town is gradually adjusting itself and going with the 21st century.

The Cardiff Castle had been once a spot of ancient ruins which the Bute family developed into landscaped grounds and kitsch. This family was also responsible in making Cardiff the world's greatest coal port. In line with this, in addition they got the Pierhead Building created. It is a red-colored brick French Gothic Renaissance building that was built to stir maritime traffic. You can even see the Llandaff Cathedral, another one of the popular architectural sites in Cardiff. It is a beautiful church built on the area of a monastery set up by St. Tielo. The symbol and center of the regeneration of Cardiff Bay is the Wales Millennium Centre. It is considered an architectural work of art of various colors of piled Welsh slate and a bronzed steel shell.

The Coal Exchange was the center of the Welsh coal trade. In 1908, the 1st check for one million pounds was written by a coal merchant. Today, arts and performances tend to be housed and hosted in this building. Cafe and stores are located in the harbor of Cardiff at the Mermain Quay. Throughout the Cardiff Festival, a carnival happens here and samba bands and dance troupes are readily available. This is a great place for shopping and taking a leisurely stroll. Remember to check out the Goleulong 2000 Lightship. This is found near the Norwegian Church on the harbor. It houses the Christian center exactly where you'll be able to find a bookstore, cafe as well as displays. You may also see the small cabins and climb the lighthouse to acquire a view of Cardiff.

Above the shopping street in the city center is the Gothic lantern tower of the Church of St. John the Baptist. It is a 15th century parish that exhibits stonework on the exterior which is so sensitive you'd believe it was filigree. Elegant arches enhance the inside of the church and this is a terrific spot to acquire some peaceful time from the hustle and bustle of the street.

Environment: Like Wales, Cardiff's climate is generally unstable. It can be wet and windy, cloudy and gray, or downright sunny. The rainy season begin in October and goes through right up until winter so the best time to go to Cardiff is in the summer or spring. The days are long and warm in summer but there can be a lot of travelers sightseeing as well. If you want to avoid the crowds, go in spring.

Transportation: You may rent a car, motorcycle or bicycle to reach notable places in Cardiff. You can also take the official black taxi to get around Cardiff. They can be hailed in the street, ordered by phone or you can go to the taxi stops located outside the train station, Duke Street, or at the corner of Greyfriars Road and Park Place. There are buses that also cover different destinations in and around Cardiff.