Bute Park
Relax in Bute Park or in the grounds of the castle, for a break from the hustle of the city centre.
Cardiff Bay
Visit Cardiff Bay a truly cosmopolitan experience full of restaurants, bars and cafes. A really good place for a 'passeggiata' on a Sunday afternoon. Boat rides in the Bay permanently water-filled since the barrage was built, a few shops, and a children's playground at the far end near the historic Norwegian church along with beautiful views across to Penarth.
cruise
At near-by Penarth, cruise the Bristol channel during summer months to the likes of North Devon, Gower Peninsula and even occasionally Pembrokeshire on the paddle steamers Balmoral and Waverly. Penarth to Ilfracombe is particularly spectacular, taking in the massive cliffs of North Devon.
Taff Trail
Go on the Taff Trail, some of the sights close to the city centre are breathtaking and the tranquility offers a great contrast to the busy city centre.
Brecon Beacons
Go to the Brecon Beacons. Just 40 minutes from Cardiff, this Welsh National Park is a scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering activities such as climbing, paragliding, sailing and many more.
Take a speed boat ride with thrills and screams as it makes 360 degree turns in the water at 70 mph.
Walk along the bay from Mermaid quay to the barrage near Penarth to see for yourself how the water comes into the harbour from the sea. It is a lovely 2 km walk with the harbour on one side of the path and the sea on the other. Some stunning views, not to be missed. If you don't feel like walking you can hire a bicycle you will come across the rental company on the way or take a ride on the road train.
Go for a pint of Cardiff made Brains beer in one of the city centre pubs on a match day at the Millennium Stadium.
Taf valley quads
Activiy centre north of Cardiff. Quad safaris, clay shooting archery and other outdoor activities. Open to individuals or groups, Established 18 years experienced friendly staff.
Cardiff is home to around 30,000 students studying in various colleges and universities across the city.
concerts
The Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, host to major bands and artists throughout the year. (http://www.ents24.com/web...).
Look out for events at the Millennium Stadium too.
Smaller gigs can be seen at many venues across the city including Barfly, The Point, Callaghans, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Students Union, and Buffalo Bar.
More 'sedate' concerts are frequently held at St Davids Hall and The Welsh Millennium Centre.
Cardiff has a great number of Show and Gig Venues throughout the City Cardiff Shows (http://www.showsincardiff...).
Cinemas and theatres
Chapter Arts Centre
canton - arthouse and alternative cinema
Wales Millennium Centre
cardiff bay - opera and ballet, west end shows and musicals
New Theatre
Here you can see west end shows
Sherman Theatre
An independent theatre
Odeon
Cardiff bay - mainstream multiplex cinema
Cardiff has some of the best theatre and cinema in Wales and even across the UK, covering huge range including mainstream films, foreign and theatre.
Vue
Central square inside millennium plaza and next to millennium stadium
Festivals and events
The Big Weekend
Is probably the most participated of cardiff's festivals as hundreds of thousands of people dawn the city hall area to witness the carnival theme events and fun fair atmosphere. usually on last weekend of july.
Cardiff Mardi Gras
Is one of the uk's biggest gay and lesbian festivals, held every year in the grounds of cardiff castle. the 2011 event will take place on 4th september.
Cardiff's festivals are increasingly contributing to its development as a major tourist attraction. As most of them are concentrated in the summer months, it is ideal to visit then to make sure that you experience all the attractions and the festivals as an added bonus. Unlike Edinburgh, Cardiff is still pretty cost effective during the summer months so its ideal for those who don't want to go all out!
Cardiff Children's Festival
Is held in the grounds of cardiff castle each year, and hosts a number of events, exhibitions and play areas for children. entry is usually free.
St David's Day Parade
A parade held on st david's day the patron saint of wales march 1st, every year. something different so its worth a look.
Metro Weekender
2007 will be the second year this new festival has visited cardiff. held in coopers field beside the castle grounds on the august bank holiday, it was a 20,000 sell out in 2006
Winter Wonderland
In december/january sees an outdoor ice-rink and funfair set up in front of city hall, open early 'til late to the public.
The Welsh Boat Race
Is the highlight of the welsh universities rowing calendar, although far from as established as the long running oxbridge equivalent. usually held in late april, the race between cardiff and swansea universities alternates between the river taff in cardiff, and river tawe in swansea. the current holders of the blue ribband mens event are swansea university.