Being in Cardiff for work gave me a few too many opportunities to explore the city, my sauntering took me around the city to see what it has to offer. Cardiff is named the ‘City of Arcades’, well it definitely has too many opulent long arches and beautiful columns.
Let me dig out the local gems for you. Comparing to the most boring town that I have ever been in my life in which was Trowbridge, don’t even ask me about that. Though Cardiff does have my merit, my appraisal already allows a generous amount of grace.
1 Cardiff Markets
This Victorian Farmer’s Market got the best local produces that are available on everyday. Have your breakfast, lunch and dinner here, all provided under this one roof. As you stroll between the stalls, you can’t help but notice the rich history and the fact that nothing much has changed since the 18th Century. The local butcher with genuine good valued meat, the giant turkey wings and drumsticks were my favourites. And the Fishmonger has been running since 1866, what a delight to revist the past in real life.
A must try are the traditional famous Welsh cakes, a bread that is baked looking too flat to my taste but with one bite you can figure out the juicy sultanas and raisins. I do not like scones like bread but am suggesting you to try it just for the sake of having sampled genuine Welsh food.
2 Many Arcades
Those are built within the Victorian and Edwardian periods, one thing I can say is that they have stunning arches and that the buildings encapsulate the essence of a strong history.
As you enter the arcade, you will discover eateries left to right, the cafe shops have excellence in them. Genuine brewed coffee is a clear winner amongst the franchised.
Upper level of Castle Arcade emits an air of elegance, see how the sun shines into this arcade and the mirrors gives an impression of everlasting corridors. Quirkiest shops can also be found, one of the costume shops have eerie masks that are worth a peak. You still have to dig deeper, you may find shops that are out of this world.
3 Catch some Skyviews
Only if you know where to stand, there are not many high rise buildings in the UK lest to say Cardiff. But if you found it then you are rewarded with some eyeful of transcending Skyviews as shown here. Sipping your coffee whilst working away on your laptop and see the world moving, you may indulge yourself in people watching, let me know if you spot anything.
4 Best Health Food Shop
Organic Health shops anytime for me, need my daily dose of organic green vegetables juice. My body needs it, can I have them on some running fountain ready for me drink? Cardiff only has one decent Health Shop in the central area: Beanfreaks is my life saver. Not even Holland & Barrett will suffice me. Too much fast and fad around every corner beating down on my door, trying to be healthy is not that easy.
5 Local Eateries
I kept coming back for more ‘Crumbs’ that is contained in Morgan Arcade, the home made Broccoli & Stilton soup tantalise my taste buds but the portion does not statify my appettie. Then my curosity got me to try the dandlelion coffee that taste more like a herbal brew. But the Salad Bar is great, large bowl of mixed selection that was very filling.
