The UK’s unlikely new ‘best city’ is my favourite weekend break – it has the friendliest people in the country
CARDIFF has been named the "best city" in the UK, beating the likes of London, Edinburgh, and Manchester to the top spot.
Not only is the Welsh capital one of the friendliest places in the UK, but it's also my favourite place for a weekend break.
Why Cardiff?
While you'd automatically assume cities like Brighton, York, and Edinburgh would have nabbed the top spot, you'd be wrong.
Instead, Conde Nast Traveller recently crowned Cardiff as the UK's best city.
The shortlisted cities were ranked based on factors like their nightlife, restaurants, and friendliness.
Included in the top ten cities are Brighton, Belfast, Liverpool, and Glasgow.
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While other cities may attract more tourists, the Welsh capital is just as fantastic.
It actually nabbed the top spot thanks to its "exciting independent restaurants, buzzy bars, and up-and-coming neighbourhoods."
I lived in Cardiff for just over one year, and frequently return to the Welsh capital for weekends away.
While Cardiff is home to popular high-street chains like Pizza Express and Wahaca, it's the small independent restaurants that are truly noteworthy.
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Set on Westgate Street, Curado is a Spanish tapas bar, and it's one of my favourite places to dine in the city, with small plates starting from just £4.
Other independent restaurants include the Potted Pig, and the Pen and Wig.
But if you're after something a little cheaper, then head to Cardiff Market.
Housed under a Victorian glass ceiling, the large market hall spans across two floors.
While you'll find all the usual market stalls, be sure to grab a fresh batch of Welsh cakes and some cheese from the Cheese Pantry.
The Welsh capital is also home to plenty of watering holes too, including the UK's very first Tiny Rebel pub.
Other pubs I always visit include The Cambrian Tap and the City Arms.
And if you want to party late into the night, then there are plenty of nightclubs to choose from, including Live Lounge, Clwb Ifor Bach (also known as Welsh Club), Metros, and Mary's.
At the end of a long night out, head to Caroline Street, which is known locally as Chip Alley, where you'll find fish and chip shops and fast food takeaways galore.
Alternatively, head to Parc Lane Fish and Chips where you can buy a deep-fat fried Oreo.
What is there to do in Cardiff?
There's plenty to do in the Welsh capital too.
One of the city's main attractions is Cardiff Castle. The castle was built by Norman invaders on top of an old Roman fort.
Entry tickets into the castle cost £14.50 for a full-paying adult.
There's also the National Museum Cardiff, which is a museum and art gallery with over 500 paintings.
Other attractions in the city centre include the Cardiff Arcades.
The Arcades are narrow covered alleyways that are home to some of Cardiff's best independent shops, including the oldest record store in the World.
Further out of the city centre, there's also Cardiff Bay, where you'll find the Senedd (the Welsh parliament).
Not only is the Senedd striking from the outside, but holidaymakers can also book to visit exhibitions inside the parliamentary building.
But a trip to Cardiff wouldn't be complete without watching a game of rugby.
While tickets to watch the Welsh national team can be hard to come by, local side Cardiff Blues also play at the Cardiff Arms Park and their games are just as exciting.
If you are lucky enough to watch one of the Welsh national teams in action, you'll be bowled over by the kindness of locals - even if you're supporting another one of the home nations.
Further afield there's also Barry Island, which has a small sandy beach and an amusement arcade.
The Welsh seaside resort was made famous as a filming location for the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey.
Other attractions include walking up to the Garth and following one of the hiking trails.
What else is there to do in Wales?
Fortunately, there are plenty of other stunning destinations in Wales, including Caldey Island.
Caldey Island lies just off the coast of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, and it's only 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide.
The island is owned by monks and is home to a grand monastery.
There are only 40 permanent residents on the island, but this number increases when daytrippers flock to Caldey in the summer months.
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Meanwhile, St David's in Pembrokeshire is the smallest city in the UK and it's home to some gorgeous beaches including Whitesands and Caerfai Beach.
And, in North Wales, Colwyn Bay, in Denbighshire, has been named as a hidden gem thanks to its golden sands and a wide variety of water sports.
