Cardiff

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, has transformed remarkably over the past three decades from a post-industrial port city into a vibrant European capital with excellent museums, a renovated waterfront, a fierce national pride and a rugby culture that creates some of the most electrifying sporting atmospheres in the world on international match days. Cardiff Bay, formerly the Butetown docks, has been spectacularly regenerated. The Wales Millennium Centre — a massive arts complex housing the Welsh National Opera, among other institutions — is architecturally distinctive with its oversized bronze lettering. The Senedd (Welsh Parliament building) by Richard Rogers sits beside it. Cardiff Castle, in the city centre, is a Roman fort, Norman keep and Victorian Gothic fantasy all in one, and the Victorian Gothic coal magnate's fantasy rooms inside are extraordinary. The National Museum Cardiff, free and excellent, holds an exceptional Impressionist collection (Renoir, Monet, Cézanne) alongside natural history and archaeological exhibits. The indoor Victorian arcades — Royal Arcade, Morgan Arcade — are among the finest surviving examples in the UK. Roath and Canton are the most characterful residential neighbourhoods for independent cafés and restaurants. Welsh food culture is developing well: laverbread (seaweed), Welsh cakes, Perl Wen cheese. The weekend vibe in Cardiff is particularly good, with a young, friendly crowd. An excellent base for Brecon Beacons, Gower Peninsula and Wye Valley.