City guides : Cardiff

The view of Cardiff Castle with the Millenium stadium in the background is a poignant image. It is a city where history merges with the modern, sparking intriguing questions about the development of the Capital of Wales. A finalist in the 2008 European Capital of Culture, the city is clean, compact and accessible.

Bars and clubs

The Cardiff and UWIC SU bars are great places to start off your night with cheap drinks. O’Neill’s, Varsity and Weatherspoons in the town centre are student favourites. Live Lounge off Queen Street is a fantastic night out every time with an excellent atmosphere. Students head to the union for weekend frivolities as town can get extremely overpriced. Tiger Tiger, Oceana, Walkabout and Vodka Revolution in town all have student offers during the week. Clwb Ifor Bach, Barfly and Metros have alternative music if you prefer rock or indie.

Shopping

St.Mary Street and Queen Street are the main shopping areas with many high street names and three large arcades. The Victorian shopping centres are worth exploring to find individual boutiques and gift shops.

Eating out

Brewery Quarter and Cardiff Bay have the most choice of restaurants from Indian and Tapas to pancakes. A personal favourite is Las Iguanas situated on Mill Lane serving Latin American food and fantastic cocktails. Student haunt The Woodville, on Woodville Road, has cheap, friendly pub food and drinks. Crwys Road, City Road and Caroline Street aka Chippy Lane, are ideal for that alcohol-absorbing burger at 3am.

 

Entertainment

Cardiff Bay is worth a visit with boat tours, ice skating and a cinema complex. The Cardiff International Arena on Mary Ann Street, has played host to acts such as Oasis, Kings of Leon, Beyonce and Lee Evans. The Millennium Centre at Cardiff Bay and New Theatre, Park Place, both have student discounts and the National Museum is free. For relaxing or revising in the summer months Roath Park, north of the city is perfect.

Accommodation

University prices range from £83 per week to £101 per week for catered halls and £64 per week to £88 per week for self-catered halls. The areas of Cathays and Roath are popular with students who are interested in private accommodation.

Top 3 places to see

• Cardiff castle
• Mango restaurant
• Millenium stadium for the rugby in spring

Compact and yet still growing, everyone can easily fall into step with city living. And for those who want to escape; a short journey out of the city can take you into the countryside; clean beaches and magnificent mountains. Cardiff uniquely presents the best of both worlds.