Although occupied since the Middle Ages, Cardiff really came into its own during the Industrial Revolution as an important dock town used for the distribution of iron and coal in Wales. Since becoming the Welsh capital in 1955 and subsequently the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation from a forgotten industrial port to a modern capital.

Nowhere is the growth and development of the city more evident than in the Cardiff Bay area, a massive new commercial development and urban regeneration project. The trendy waterfront district known as Mermaid's Quay is home to striking modern architecture and modern art, as well as chic shops and boutiques, top-class restaurants, and plenty of clubs and bars. The Quay also provides a great launch site for numerous cruises and boat tours, ranging from serene paddleboats to thrilling speed boat rides.

These modern amenities lie alongside some impressive historical sites, including the Cardiff Castle, which was built by the wealthy third Marquis of Bute. The castle is located in the centre of Cardiff on a site used by both the Romans and the Normans as a strategic point of defence. Visitors can still explore the Norman Keep, set on top of a small hill overlooking the city.

Other popular attractions in Cardiff include the National Museum and Gallery, St David's Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, the outdoor Museum of Welsh Life and the Millennium Stadium - the new home of the Welsh Rugby Union and future host of soccer matches at the 2012 Olympics. There are also many historical attractions and points of interest just outside the city, including several Neolithic sites, and the area is also resplendent with natural beauty.

This fast growing urban centre may seem an unlikely tourist destination, but more and more travellers are flocking to enjoy the sights, sounds and 24-hour buzz of the Welsh capital.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Address: Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

Address: Castle Street Cardiff

Admission: £11 (adults); £8.50 (children). Concessions available Open daily 9am–6pm March through October; 9am-5pm November through February.

Telephone: 029 20 87 8100

Techniquest

Address: Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay Cardiff

Admission: £7.00 (adults); £5.00 (children) Concessions available Open daily from 9:30am–4:30pm (school days) and 10am–5pm (weekends)

Telephone: 029 20 475 475

St. Fagans National History Museum

Address: St Fagans, Cardiff Cardiff

Admission: Free Open daily from 10am-5pm

Telephone: 029 20 57 3500

Wales Millennium Centre

Address: Bute Place, Cardiff Cardiff

Admission: Guided tours £5.50 (adults); £4.50 (concessions) Guided tours are available daily.

Telephone: +44 (0)29 2063 6400

Sparks in the Park

Where: Coopers Field, Bute Park,Cardiff

When: 5 November 2011

Cardiff Harbour Festival

Where: Roald Dahl Plass, Inner Harbour, Cardiff Bay,Cardiff

When: 30 June to 3 September 2011

Bayside Brasserie

Address: Unit Upper 14, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay Cardiff

Food Type: Local

Zero Degrees

Address: 27 Westgate Street, Cardiff Cardiff

Food Type: Pizzeria

The Goat Major

Address: High Street, Cardiff Cardiff

Food Type: Gastropubs

Bellini's

Address: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay Cardiff

Food Type: Italian