Overview

Cardiff is the youngest capital in the EU, acquiring that status in 1955. Now, it's the hub of media, culture, and sport for Wales. Home to the Millenium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, it boasts a population of just over 300,000, and is the political centre for the National Assembly for Wales, known as the Senedd to citizens.

Tourist Information

The Tourist Information Centre (map) is located in The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre.

There is also a Visitors Centre in Cardiff Bay (The Tube), next to the Norwegian Church.

http://www.visitcardiff.com

CouchSurfing in Cardiff

The majority of CouchSurfers in Cardiff are in regular contact with each other. The community is small but very active and friendly.

Regular meetings are held on 15th of each month at various venues.

A Spanish conversation group meets most Wednesdays, normally in Central Bar, Windsor Place, details are posted on the group forum each week, and you can add yourself to the events pages if you wish to attend.

Gatherings are arranged very regularly by hosts to welcome guests, and those who are unable to host help to give guests a warm Cardiff welcome by attending gatherings and showing people around. If your host is unable to meet you straight away or show you around, it's likely another member will be only too pleased to keep you company.

Day trips and excursions regularly take place. Trips so far have included, Cardiff Big Weekend and Carnival, The Big Cheese festival in Caerphilly, day trips to Bath, Nights out in Bristol (where we have joined the CSers in those cities) the Gower, The Big Pit, Cardiff Bay, Flat Holm Island, potluck and boardgames, cinema, concerts...

New ideas and suggestions are always welcome from visitors and newcomers alike.

Alice Didier, a Couchsurfer from Paris who visited Cardiff for a month in August 2008 created a blog of her experience. It contains some interesting photos of the excellent time she had, and captures the spirit of Cardiff CS activities.

http://www.photoblog.com/aliceincardiff

How to get there

Train

Most travellers arrive into Cardiff Central Station (map). Cardiff is situated conveniently on the London Paddington to Swansea rail route. Cardiff is 2 hours from London Paddington, with trains running frequently throughout the day. Alternatively, Cardiff is 3.5 hours from London by Coach (Victoria).

Cardiff is also connected to North England via the Cardiff-Manchester Picadilly route which generally runs twice hourly and takes 3.5 to 4 hours.

Due to Welsh geography, train travel between North, South, and Mid Wales can be complex involves travel to outside of Wales and changing trains. Some routes (info to be completed soon):

• Cardiff > Holyhead
• Holyhead > Cardiff
• Cardiff > Aberystwyth
• Aberystwyth > Cardiff

As with the majority of the UK, train fares to nearby towns will generally cost the same on the day of travel or in advance. Nearby towns:

• Newport (15 minutes. Return fare £3.60 off-peak / £4.10 anytime OCT-09)
• Abergavenny (35 minutes. Return fare £10.40 off-peak / £10.90 anytime OCT-09)
• Swansea (1 hour. Return fare £6.20 off-peak / £7.90 anytime OCT-09)
• Bristol (Temple Meads) (35 - 50 minutes. Return fare £9.40 off-peak / £13.90 anytime OCT-09)

Times and fares listed as guides. Note, tickets may be subject to travel time restrictions. See national rail webpage for exact details.

Travellers arriving from longer distances (more than 2-3 hours) should reserve tickets in advance to save money. Rail stations also sell rail cards to people between the ages of 16-25 for £26 to save 1/3 on all rail fares. You will need to provide the money either by cash or card, and 1 passport photo to buy the card.

Nearest airports are Cardiff International Airport (half an hour from city centre) and Bristol International Airport (1 hour).

Coach

Megabus

Offers regular services to Cardiff. The bus stop is outside Cardiff Castle in the city centre and tickets are bought on-line.

National Express

Has an office by Cardiff Central bus station. Megabus is usually cheaper but check National Express also for special offers known as "funfares"

TrawsCambria

Long distance couch routes in Wales. (tbc)

Left luggage

There is no left luggage in the train or bus station. Lockers are located in the Tourist Information Centre in The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre

If you visit the museum, there are lockers there for museum visitors.

Car

Internet access

Local transport

Cardiff is a very walkable city with most neighborhoods within 30 minute walking distance of the city centre.

Buses

Visit Cardiff Bus Company for route information and bus map. Also, visit Traveline Cymru for information on bus and train timetables, and a journey planner. The central bus station (map) is located near the Cardiff Central Train Station.

A single bus ticket costs £1.50 and a return £3, the same price a the 'Day to go' which can be bought on the buses. You MUST have the correct amount as drivers don't give change.

Trains

There are several local rail stops for various districts within Cardiff, including Cathays, Cardiff Bay, Ninian Park and Caerphilly (for the castle).

Services provided by Arriva Trains Wales. Check National Rail for timetables.

Taxis

Dragon Taxis

029 2033 3333

Capital Cabs

029 2077 7777

Premier Cabs

029 2055 5555

Cycling

Cardiff is situated on the Route No4 of The National Cycle Network running from London to Fishguard, also known as the Celtic Trail.

It is also the bottom end of the National Cycle Network Route No8 Holyhead to Cardiff known as "Lôn Las Cymru"

For full details of these routes and The National Cycle Network in general, please refer to http://www.sustrans.org.uk

Cardiff Pedal Power has a range of cycles for all ages and abilities.

The Cardiff Smart Bike scheme operated by OYBike is now running.

Places to stay

Hostels

Cardiff Backpacker

Run two hostels in the city centre on the riverside. NosDa and Riverhouse Backpackers

Cardiff YHA

Located in Roath Park.

Daivum's Guesthouse

Located on Newport Road

For a full list of accomodation go to: Hostels.com Cardiff or Hostelworld.com Cardiff

Long Term Accommodation

Cardiff Gumtree

Collection of ads posted for accommodation.

Keylet

Primary student letting agents.

Bed & Breakfast (B&B) / Guesthouses

Camping

Hotels

Hilton Cardiff

The Big Sleep Hotel

Cardiff Marriot

Food, drink & nightlife

Pubs and Cafes

Cardiff CS events are usually held at the following venues:

A Shot in the Dark

City Road

Juno Lounge

Located on Wellfield Place.

The Waterguard

Located in Cardiff Bay.

Tair Pluen

Church Street

Milgi Lounge

A colourful cafe and cocktail bar.

The Vulcan

Adam Street (opp. The Atrium)

For more pub information:

Cardiff Pubs

Delis / Take-aways

Restaurants

The Mochyn Du

Traditional Welsh food in a Welsh speaking environment.

Garlands Coffee Shop

4 Duke Street Arcade, City Centre

Kismet Indian Restaurant (City Road)

Cheapest meal in Cardiff (possibly). All you can eat buffet £2.50, 3 course meals for £5.00

For vegetarian or vegan visitors:

Canteen on Clifton Street

Clifton Street, Cardiff.

Vegetarian Food Studio

Penarth Road, Cardiff.

Crumbs Salad Bar

Morgan Arcade Cardiff.

Clubs and Live Music Venues

10 feet tall

Live music and dining.

[Church Street]

Barfly

Live music almost every night.

[Kingsway (opposite Cardiff Castle)]

Buffalo Bar

Bar, club, garden and kitchen.

[Windsor Place (off Queen Street)]

Clwb Ifor Bach

Known as the Welsh Club to locals hosts tons of local and touring acts.

[Womanby Street (backstreet opposite the Castle)]

The Coal Exchange

Re-opening November 1st.

[Mountstuart Square, Cardiff Bay]

The Globe Cardiff

A live music venue holding up to 350 people.

[Albany Road, Roath]

Gwdihw Cafe Bar

One of our meeting places. Live music, DJs, food and drink.

[Guildford Crescent (a short walk from Queen Street Station)]

Toucan Club

Live bands and DJs

[Womanby Street (a few steps away from Clwb Ifor Bach)]

Cardiff International Arena (CIA)

A large live music arena in the city centre.

[Mary Ann Street]

Attractions

Cardiff Castle

A castle in the middle of the city right near the high street. Guided tours available regularly (Note: If you work or live in Cardiff you can get a residents pass which entitles you to free access to the Castle grounds and half price on tours.)

Bute Park

Great for a stroll after visiting the castle.

Castell Coch

Known as a fairy-tale castle.

Caerphilly Castle

Largest castle in Britain after Windsor castle.

Millennium Stadium

Tours may be available of this massive sporting venue in Cardiff.

Museum of Welsh Life (St Fagans)

An entire village of Welsh buildings from different periods, reconstructed brick by brick.

Cardiff Bay

Former docklands regenerated into a new area full of restaurants and local events. Dr. Who fans will recognise the local landmarks and will probably enjoy the exhibition located in the Red Dragon Centre.

Techniquest

A hands-on science education centre (near Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay)

Llandaff Cathedral Flatholm Island

Take a boat journey out to this little island for an interesting tour.

Steepholm Island

Another island worth visiting as well.

Roath Park

Beautiful park where you can hire a row-boat (or swan) and visit the botanical gardens.

Cosmeston Lakes, Country Park and Medieval Village

Culture

Chapter Arts Centre

World cinema, modern theatre, and art installations.

The Gate

Roath based arts centre.

Sherman Theatre

Contemporary theatre.

New Theatre

Bigger venue for more traditional stage productions such as musicals and opera.

St. David's Hall

Concert Hall. Home of the Welsh Proms. and the Cardiff Singer of the World competition.

Millennium Centre

Known as the 'large armadillo' to locals because of its odd shape, the Millennium Centre hosts world class events including opera and ballet. Occasionally free events open to the public take place.

Architecture

Architecture of Cardiff

Walks / Tours

Cardiff Bay Tours

Creepy Cardiff Ghost Tour

Museums / Galleries

National Museum Wales Cardiff

Major museum for the city with rotating exhibitions.

Butetown History and Arts Centre

Exhibitions about early immigration to Cardiff. Also host guided tours around the bay area if booked.

Events

The following are a list of annual events that take place in or around Cardiff (dates subject to change):

Carfiff What's on

To check out current events.

2009

Cardiff Winter Wonderland

A Ferris Wheel, Ice-rink, mulled wine stalls, and Santa's grotto

Opens 12th November

Calennig New Year Celebrations

Free New Year concert in Civic Centre (Winter Wonderland Site)

December 31st

2010

Mari Lwyd

Little known festival: The Welsh New Year. Held around January 6th/Twelfth Night. There is usually an event held in the Mochyn Du

January'

The Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival

Mid June at the CIA

Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival

Theatre in the castle grounds.

Early July

Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival

Held in Cardiff Bay

Mid July

Cardiff Big Weekend

Early August

Cardiff/Wales LGBT Mardi Gras

Late August

Abergavenny Food and Drink Festival

Local vendors sell everything from fruit wines to tofu jerky

Mid September

Cardiff Cheese Festival

Late September

Iris Prize Film Festival

Early October

Cardiff Swn Festival

Music festival featuring local bands.

Late October

Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival

Late October

Fireworks (Sparks in the Park)

Firework Display and Bonfire in Cooper's Field. A charity event organised by Cardiff Round Table.

Late October/Early November

2011

BBC Singer of the World Competition

June

Nearby Destinations

Reachable by public transport

Big Pit

Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. Take an underground tour of the mine!

Caerleon Roman Fortress Mumbles (Swansea)

Seaside village to Swansea.

The Gower (Swansea)

Now recognised as an 'area of outstanding natural beauty', the Gower Peninsula is full of beaches and cliffs.

Dan yr Ogof Caves

Take tours of caves.

Reachable by car only

The Blue Anchor Inn, East Aberthaw

800 year old Pub

Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Step back in time and see how the other half once lived.

Cymraeg (Welsh)

Welsh gained equal status as the language of Wales with English in 1993. All public sector organisations must be able to operate in both English and Welsh. It is estimated that 1 in 5 citizens in Wales speak Welsh, with the figure 1 in 3 quoted for those under 21. About 11% of the Cardiff population speak Welsh.

For those interested in learning Welsh while visiting or residing in Cardiff, the following links may be helpful:

BBC Learn Welsh

A good starting place for mastering the basics.

BBC Catchphrase

Free, extensive mp3 audio course for beginners.

Welsh for Adults Centre Cardiff

Book a course for any level.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

• POLICE STATIONS

The emergency number is 999 or 112. The non-emergency number is 101. The city centre station, operated by South Wales Police is located at Cathays Park (behind the Law Courts) and is open 24 hours.

• HOSPITALS

If you require urgent medical assistance call 999 or 112. The Accident and Emergency Unit can be found at University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, CARDIFF. Tel. +44 (0) 29 2074 7747. Local NHS services are now provided by Cardiff & Vale University Health Board

• MEDICAL ADVICE HELPLINE

Call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 to seek medical advise from a nurse.

• EMBASSIES & CONSULATES

There are a number of consulates based in Cardiff. It's important to note that the issue of visas and visa enquiries are normally handled by the London embassies.

Consulate General of Ireland Brunel House, Fitzalan Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2066 2000

Consulate of Canada c/o St. John Cymru/Wales, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2044 9635

Consulate of Switzerland c/o Morgan Cole, Solicitors, Bradley Court, Park Place, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2048 8533

Embassy of the United States, Welsh Affairs Office Temple Court, Cathedral Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2078 6633

German Consul Haywood House, Dumfries Place, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2034 5511

Italian Vice Consulate 58 Kings Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2034 1757

Honorary Consul of The Czech Republic 1 Kings Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2039 6622

Honorary Consul of Slovakia 194 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2034 3434

Royal Netherlands Consul 55 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. Tel. 0871 226 0180

Royal Thai Consulate 9 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2046 5777

• RAPE CRISIS UNIT

As far as I know there is no RCU in Cardiff but useful information can be found at the Cardiff University Counselling Services website.

• DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

Freephone domestic abuse helpline: 0808 801 0800 (open 24 hours)

• CITIZEN'S ADVICE BUREAU

Citizens Advice Bureau, 1st Floor, Castle House, Castle Street,Cardiff. CF10 1BS Tel. 029 2034 6490

• THE IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICE

The Immigration Advisory Service, 30 Richmond Road, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3AS Tel. 029 2049 6662

• YOUR LOCAL CS AMBASSADOR

KENTISBEAR. If you have any questions about this list and the Cardiff wiki page then contact me through CS. You should receive a prompt answer.