Cardiff budget spots

Atlantic Coffee

• 13 High Street
• tel:+44 2920 23 2202
• Cardiff, CF10 1AX

Zushi

• 140 Queen Street
• The Aspect
• tel:+44 29 2066 9911
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF10 2GP

St Fagans National History Museum

• Off A4232
• tel:+44 29 2057 3500
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF5 6XB

At St Fagan's National History Museum you don't read about history, you see it. The museum consists of re-erected buildings from throughout Welsh history. The museum is set in the grounds of the 16th-century manor house St Fagans Castle, and includes a re-erected farm, school, chapel, as well as several houses, workshops and shops. See people wearing traditional clothing, workmen demonstrating traditional skills and farming tasks, native livestock breeds, and sample traditional food and drink at the "village" bakery. This museum is serious fun for all ages, and incredibly it's completely free to visit. read more about St Fagans National History Museum

Roath Park

• Lake Road West
• tel:+44 29 2068 4000
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF23 5PG

If you enjoy the simpler things in life you will love to while away a sunny afternoon in Roath Park. Situated northeast of the city centre, Roath Park covers 130 acres, and includes a 30-acre lake, which is popular for boating and fishing. It also houses a large play area, a pretty Victorian lighthouse, beautiful floral displays and a famous conservatory. Roath Park was recently awarded a Green Flag award, which shows that its high standards have been recognized. read more about Roath Park

Cardiff Waterbus

• Cardiff Bay Barrage
• Opposite Custom House
• tel:+44 29 2070 7882
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF10 5GX

For an alternative way of travelling around Cardiff, head towards the water. Two companies provide waterbus services in Cardiff, and these not only get you from A to B, but also show you a side to Cardiff that can't be gained on land. Aquabus Water Transport Solutions Ltd provides a service that picks up at Cardiff Castle and then travels down the River Taff towards Cardiff Bay. Cardiff CATS take over operations in Cardiff Bay, the most popular service with tourists. Up to a 100 people can be seated on the boats, which cross from Mermaid Quay and its entertainment facilities, over to Penarth and Cardiff Barrage. Passengers can choose disembark when they reach either Mermaid Quay or Cardiff Barrage, or can stay onboard to enjoy their return journey. read more about Cardiff Waterbus

Millennium Stadium Tour

• Westgate Street
• Millennium Stadium
• tel:+44 29 2082 2410
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF10 1NS

Since its opening in June 1999 the Millennium Stadium has become an icon not only of Cardiff, but of Wales. It can be seen from as far away as the Somerset coastline, but while in Cardiff you would miss out if you didn't take the opportunity to get a close-up view of the fabulous building. Book a tour of the Millennium Stadium and you'll be able to imagine teams preparing for a match in the changing rooms, pretend you're walking down the tunnel to the pitch, and see where Her Majesty the Queen enjoyed the final of the Rugby World Cup. In addition you will learn about the construction of the stadium, and find out about the mechanics of the removable pitch and retractable roof. This is one tour sports fans shouldn't miss. read more about Millennium Stadium Tour

National Museum

• Cathays Park
• tel:+44 29 2039 7951
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF10 3NP

The National Museum of Wales is set in the beautiful Edwardian civic complex of Cathays Park in the city centre. The building houses one of Europe's finest collections of Impressionist works, archeological artifacts, which date back 250,000 years, and 55,000 leafcutter ants. It also explains the evolutionary story of Wales and takes visitors on a journey to explore the natural history of the country. Besides all of this the Glanely Discovery Gallery gives visitors a chance to get answers to their questions, and an exciting programme of events brings the museum's ever-changing programme of family activities, exhibitions and lunchtime talks bring the exhibitions to life for one and all. read more about National Museum

YHA

• 2 Wedal Road
• Roath Park
• tel:+44 845 371 9311
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF14 3QX

Chapter Arts Centre

• Market Road
• tel:+44 29 2030 4400
• Visit website
• Cardiff, CF5 1QE

When you're weary from wandering round Cardiff's many sites, or the weather is dark and gloomy, head to the fabulous Chapter Arts Centre for an entertaining few hours. Chapter is located near the city centre, in the district of Canton. It offers three theatres, two cinemas, a gallery, studios, two bars and cafes, and as such is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe. Its ever-changing programme features the best in art and entertainment from Wales and the rest of the world, admission is free and the centre is open seven days a week. read more about Chapter Arts Centre