Eating
Cardiff's long-standing internationalism, particularly its Italian influence, has paid handsome dividends in its range of restaurants. Most places are within easy walking distance of the city centre, with a particular concentration in the "Cafe Quarter" around Mill Lane.

There are also good options in the cheaper corners of Cathays and Roath (particularly the curry houses along Crwys, Albany and City roads), a stone's throw from the centre beyond the university. Some of the action has now moved a mile west to suburban Canton, and to Cardiff Bay, the latter seeing more and more showpiece bars and restaurants opening all the time.

For bargain-priced takeaways in the city centre, your best bet is Caroline Street, between St Mary Street and the bottom of The Hayes. St Mary Street, especially the lower end towards the station, is the home of numerous reliable pizza and pasta chains.

Drinking
Cardiff's pub life has expanded exponentially in recent years, with chic cosmopolitan bars starting to displace the more traditional Edwardian palaces of etched smoky glass and deep-red wood. Don't forget Cardiff's own beer, Brains, whose Bitter is pale and refreshing, and whose Dark is a deep mild that should not be missed on a visit to its home city.