How to Spend 24 hours in Cardiff

Found in the city centre, this bustling traditional covered market is full of different kinds of sellers pedaling their wares, from records, pets, crafts, vintage clothes to books and gifts. Here you can kill two birds with one stone: Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls (which include vegan places like Milgi and Clancy’s as well as greasy spoons where you can get a fry up and a cup of coffee for next to nothing), and also get a great cross section of authentic Cardiff life. Get some freshly cooked Welsh cakes for your mid-morning snack, soak up the atmosphere and you’re good to go.

A stroll in beautiful Bute Park

Again this is right in the city centre and is a gorgeous burst of colour and greenery which many city dwellers enjoy on their lunch breaks. Follow the water down to the iconic Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama building, which is impressive for its architecture and views over the park, and has a cafe where you can get a delicious carrot cake and cup of tea. There’s also a cafe in the park itself, called the Secret Garden, which is surrounded by flower beds and has plenty of outside seating for when the weather’s good.

Bute park, North Road

A tour of Cardiff Castle

After your tour of Bute Park’s attractions, it would be a shame not to visit Cardiff Castle – the park is essentially its grounds. It’s a majestic and well-preserved historical feature, dating to the 11th century, and visitors are able to wander around almost of it – along the walls, inside its intricately decorated rooms and around the grounds, which once contained peacocks roaming free. Go on a guided tour for a detailed recounting of its history if you have the time and be sure to admire its famous Animal Wall, the stone animal sculptures which keep guard.

Cardiff Castle, Castle st Phone: 02920878100

After Cardiff Castle head across the road for lunch at Gina’s Cafe, which does the best dosas this side of Kerala. It’s a colourful, shabby-chic establishment which does things like chai tea, ginger milk, curries (vegan options included) and chapati. Everything is delicious and with its prime location, you’d be at fault not to try it.

Dinner at Bar 44

When you’re back on dry land and ready for your evening meal, go for upmarket and authentically Spanish food and tapas at Bar 44, which also does excellent cocktails. Found opposite Cardiff’s legendary Millennium Stadium and set in converted cellars underground, this place has a great atmosphere and lovely, understated décor, as well as knowledgeable staff who can tell you all about the food and drink.

Bar 44, 15-23 Westgate St. Phone:0333 344 4049

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A post shared by Bar 44 Tapas Y Copas (@bar44tapas) on Aug 16, 2016 at 8:17am PDT