Cardiff Essentials

Cardiff Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	UK Pound Sterling
Time Zone	GMT
Language	English
Voltage	240 V AC (UK three-pin plugs)

Cardiff Tourist Attractions
Any Cardiff city break should include a visit to the imposing castle which has origins dating back to Roman times. Tours are conducted throughout the day that give a sense of the colourful history of Wales' first city or relax in the serene surrounding landscaped gardens. Entrance costs are £8.95 per adult. The St Fagans National History Museum is another fabulous day out and one of Europe's largest open-air museums. Set in over 100 acres of parkland, it features 40 historic buildings from all over Wales that highlight Welsh life over the last 500 years. There are plenty of activities and hands on exhibits for children and a visit, which offers free entry, provides an educational experience for all.
  
Cardiff Opening Hours
Throughout England and Wales normal retail business hours are relatively standard and Cardiff is no different. Shopping centres and city centre department stores open from 9am until up to 9pm weekdays and until 5.30pm on Saturdays. Independent stores generally close earlier each evening at 6pm. Sunday trading is less prevalent in Cardiff than other UK cities although major stores and high street chains do open with reduced operating hours.

Tipping & Etiquette in Cardiff
Restaurant meals and hotel stays should already include any applicable service charge on the bill which should be clearly stated. Cafes and pubs however may not and a satisfactory meal and service should be rewarded with around 10% of the total. Tour guides, porters and taxi drivers may well expect a small gratuity and a few coins of small change should be gratefully received although is by no means obligatory. 

Cardiff Food & Drink
Welsh cuisine is often regarded as little more than tender Welsh lamb roast and numerous dishes incorporating leek. Culinary traditions in Cardiff are much more varied . Cardiff offers a diet of fine meats, fish and delicious cakes and breads. Perhaps the best known local produce comes from nearby Caerphilly with its world famous cheese and vegetarian sausages. Cawl is an old recipe that is still very popular in the city and comprises bacon, pieces of lamb, swede, cabbage and potatoes in a thick and filling broth. Delicious sea trout and salmon dishes can be enjoyed in numerous Cardiff restaurants and there is a wide array of tasty cakes and pastries to sample. From familiar apple turnover, crempog (pancakes) and gooseberry tart to teisen cakes made with cinnamon, caraway seed and honey.
 
Useful Numbers in Cardiff
• Police – 999
• Ambulance – 999
• Fire – 999

Disabled Access in Cardiff
Access is relatively good in Cardiff with pavements well maintained and free of steps and obstacles. This is particular the case in the new Cardiff Bay development where virtually all the restaurants, shops, bars and attractions are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Not all public transport is suitable for the disabled although most busy city centre bus routes operate low floor vehicles with space for wheelchairs. Some historic attractions such as Cardiff Castle and Llandaff Cathedral only have limited access for wheelchairs users due to the unique architecture and age of these buildings.

Cardiff City Breaks  Getting Around Cardiff

Things To Do In Cardiff  Cardiff Weather