Europe's Famous Hostel
This month we bring our attention to the Welsh Capital, the top ten things to do there, a special bit of coverage in the travel press and what the managers of the hostel recommend. Strap yourselves in for something special.
Story Highlights
- The Top Ten Things to Do
- As Featured in Welcome Stranger Magazine
- A Word from the Managers
The Top Ten Things to Do
- Stay at Cardiff Backpacker / Nos da Budget Hotel.
- Have a pint of Welsh Cawl in Tafarn Tāf.
- Do a tour of the Castle and see the peacocks.
- Visit the National Museum and Gallery of Wales.
- Pub crawl up St Mary's Street and top it off with a trip to the infamous ‘Chippy Lane.
- Wander through the old arcades and stop for a coffee in one of the independent cafes.
- Learn some welsh!
- Watch a rugby match at the Millennium Stadium.
- Get a water taxi to Cardiff Bay. Watch a performance in the Millennium Centre or visit one of the bars / restaurants overlooking the bay.
- Go to a gig in one of Cardiff's unique venues; Clwb Ifor Bach, The Point or The Engine Rooms.
As Featured in Welcome Stranger Magazine
If you pick up the most recent edition of Welcome Stranger Magazine you can peruse some first hand travel tips from city hopper columnist - Rob Savage. Here's a watered down version of what you can read in full by picking up the magazine for free, from St Christopher's Inns – in London.
Getting There: During the day trains head to Cardiff every 30 minutes from London Paddington. Later on it's every hour and if you book in advance, you can get a return for just £15.20.
Speed Boating: A superb way to orientate yourself in this super flat city is on a Bay Island Voyages speedboat. They pick up from Mermaid Quay.
Inner Childishness: If you jump ship in the bay, head to Techniquest. Check out the cyclone generator and the oh-so-fun giant piano.
Cardiff Castle: The interior might look like an eccentric gothic decorator threw up all over it but the extravagant mix of styles, Texas Armadillos and gold ceilings somehow works.
Ghastly Ghouls: The Creepy Cardiff Ghost Tour is the highlight of Cardiff. This little beauty is narrated by a walking font of knowledge called David.
Monet and Manet: The National Museum of Wales is free and houses the second largest collection of impressionist art after Paris.
A Word from the Managers
Anyone who knows anything about sport can't deny that there are many great reasons to be Welsh in 2008. Firstly for the second time in four years the Welsh rugby team have secured the Grand Slam - making them the best rugby team in the northern hemisphere. Secondly boxer Joe Calzaghe made the journey to Las Vegas to take on and beat Bernard Hopkins. This means he remains undefeated after 45 fights!
Cardiff's most recent claim to fame is that it's the home of Doctor Who. Most episodes of this science fiction smash hit are filmed by the BBC in and around Cardiff and there's also a celebration of all things Doctor Who, at an exhibition in Cardiff Bay.
To book the best bed for your exploration visit Europe's Famous Hostels. We look forward to seeing you!
- Rob Savage
Send this to your Friend - Digg this - Stumble Upon - del.icio.us - Share on Facebook - Add this to Technorati!
