Cardiff is a relatively compact city, which means it’s easy to get out and see it all in your hire car. Its size, however, does mean that morning and evening rush hours can be busy. Many of the central areas are pedestrianised, and bus lanes are in operation. However, it’s easy to park up and enter the pedestrian areas on foot, and the council operates several park and ride schemes.

The River Taff leads from Cardiff Bay north-west through the city, splitting it into two. The A4232 crosses it at its widest point, right at the mouth and you can find the A4119 further inland. The A4160 crosses from Ninian Park to Butetown, while Tudor Street on the west becomes Wood Street on the east when you cross the Taff near the Millennium Stadium. The northernmost crossing in the centre is the A4161, which winds around Cardiff Castle and the National Museum on its journey east.

If you’re looking to explore more of Wales, or would like to drive to England, the M4 is the main motorway serving the Cardiff area. Driving east takes you towards Newport, Bristol and more until you eventually reach London. Heading west leads to Bridgend and Swansea before terminating at Carmarthen, putting you in the perfect position to explore the west of Wales.

If you want to head north from Cardiff, the A470 leads all the way to the north coast and Llandudno, a scenic drive of nearly 200 miles, taking in two national parks en route. You’ll go first through the Brecon Beacons before taking in the vistas of Snowdonia National Park.

Cardiff’s Roman history is there for all to see, but the building of the Millennium Centre also gives a big clue as to what has been behind the city’s transformation into a modern hub of culture, sport, gastronomy and more.

Top of the world

Cardiff Castle is small but beautiful, founded some 2000 years ago as a fort perched on a strategic hill. The Normans took over later, building a keep, before it came into possession of a number of noble families. In 1947 the Bute family bequeathed it to the city, opening up a new chapter as a visitor attraction.

The interior is stunning, and a guided house tour is highly recommended to bring the place to life. The decorations throughout are lavish and ornate, with the bathrooms, dining rooms, Winter Smoking room and more, all perfectly preserved. It’s a wonder of Victorian Gothic whimsy, built by one of the world’s richest men. The Norman Keep and remains of the Roman wall tell one story, the inside of the castle another – it was also a location for TV shows Doctor Who, Sherlock and more. Below the castle is yet another tale – the tunnels here provided air-raid shelters during World War Two.

Models of the millennium

Cardiff Bay was the hub of many of the city’s regeneration projects and the Wales Millennium Centre is the one that stands out above all. The multi-shaded Welsh slate, designed by a Welsh architect, seems to ripple in the light, while the Centre itself houses the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the National Opera and more. The whole area has a sense of space and a scent of the sea, with water features dotted throughout and the lovely Bute Park nearby.

Recently renamed the Principality Stadium, the Millennium Stadium opened in 1999 for the Rugby World Cup. The timing was impeccable – with England’s Wembley Stadium closed for redevelopment, Cardiff played host to numerous FA Cup finals. The 2017 UEFA Champions League final took place here, while it’s a popular venue for concerts too.

Culinary Cardiff

With its position on a bay and its long trading history, it comes as no surprise that there are a diverse range of cultures in Cardiff. And that has led to a diverse range of foods on offer too. You can find traditional dishes, fresh seafood and creative curries throughout the city.

The Purple Poppadom entices with nouvelle Indian cuisine by chef Anand George – the Tiffin seabass comes highly recommended. They have stiff competition in Mint and Mustard, serving up Keralan treats like fish mango curry and Hyderabadi lamb shank.

The Potted Pig, resident in a former bank vault, has been getting noticed outside of Wales and serves up hearty food such as pigeon breast with blackberries and bacon and Welsh lamb rump with crispy belly. If you’re here as a group, order well ahead (they recommend two weeks) for the whole suckling pig – all £350 if it.

Beyond the boundaries

Car hire in Cardiff brings much of the rest of Wales into play. Less than an hour away, you can visit Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire, wonderfully preserved next to the Wye. Or head underground and experience the mesmerising Dan-yr-Ogof caves. Full of fascinating rock formations and waterfalls, this beautiful destination is only 45 minutes away.

Staying in the city will definitely keep you busy, but with so much on your doorstep, car hire is your key to unlocking the many wonders of Wales.