If you want a short, weekend getaway that won’t break the bank then head for Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Easily accessible by air, road and rail, Cardiff is becoming the place to visit and has recently been voted one of the top ten cities to visit in Europe. If you invest time looking at hotel deals, you can stay in one of the many high-end hotels in the capital for a fraction of the price.

Cardiff has undergone a great deal of redevelopment over the past few years which means that you can now enjoy the traditional and modern elements of the city. As with the majority of South Wales, Cardiff had a heavy reliance on its coal industry with it being exported through the docklands in the city. Now the industry has wound down, Cardiff Bay has been transformed into a modern place to visit, with a number of cafes, restaurants and shops to indulge in. The Pierhead Building is still there and is well worth a visit, especially to see the clock tower nicknamed ‘the Welsh Big Ben.’ You can also take a boat ride around the bay which offers a unique view of the city.

The city is home to many national monuments and attractions. The Welsh National Assembly meet here at Cardiff Bay and if you want to look inside, you can book a guided tour around the building. In the city itself is the National Museum of Wales which covers the ancient history of Wales right up to the modern day. It is a museum that really does offer something for everyone including a look back at Wales’ Prehistoric history and an outstanding art collection which holds works from greats such as Monet, Renoir, Hockney and Lowry.

There are some stunning displays of architecture in the city .Visit Cardiff Castle whose strange mix of Norman and Victorian architecture is a sight in itself and learn about its 2000 years of history. The city is also home to many churches and cathedrals but if you only have a limited time, then there are three you simply must visit. Both Llandaff Cathedral and St. David’s Cathedral were heavily bombed during World War II but both have been lovingly restored to create glorious buildings to visit. Also make sure you see The Norwegian Church, which was created as a place of worship for all the Norwegian immigrants who arrived at the port and decided to stay. It was also the church in which Roald Dahl was baptised in.

And if its entertainment that you seek, then Cardiff has it all! The Millennium Stadium is a delight for any sports fan and you can take a tour around this magnificent stadium which will host football matches for the 2012 Olympics. If you can, try to catch a game of rugby in the national stadium and the home of the national sport. Also take time to visit the Millennium Stadium, where you can indulge in many of the arts.

Natalie Likness' love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.