This week’s “Live Like a Local” feature is brought to you by the spectacular Shireen. She is a travel blogger for The Happy Days Travels and a Wales native. Her blog is a lot of fun and focuses a lot on what this whole series is all about. But, today she is going to share about the place she calls home. So sit back, relax, and live like a local in Wales with Shireen.
Tell Us A Little About Yourself
My name is Shireen and I run the travel blog The Happy Days Travels focusing on learning and staying local while travelling (especially local food). I write about learning through local travel and things to do to grasp the culture of a place. My favourite things to do while travelling are tasting local cuisines, meeting locals and travellers alike and absorbing a novel in a scenic spot. I grew up near the sea so whenever I’m looking out to the ocean when travelling, I truly feel at home.
Where Are You From?
I’m born and bred in South Wales in the United Kingdom. I am Welsh and Bangladeshi and grew up in Wales’ capital city of Cardiff. In my teens, my family moved to a town 20 minutes away in Barry so still in South Wales. Half of my family live in Cardiff and the other half in Barry so I have the local insight to both places but for the purpose of this article, I’ll be honing in on Caerdydd (that’s how you say Cardiff in Welsh).
Cardiff is definitely an off-the-beaten path destination in the UK. Most travellers will arrive and spend the whole time in London and I know Edinburgh is a huge bucket list city for adventurers. But the UK is made up of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and each have their own culture, language, history and places to explore. Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and takes about 4 hours to reach from London by car. So if you’re in the UK for a few weeks, here’s why Cardiff should be included on your itinerary.
What Is A Must See From Where You Are From?
Cardiff Castle. Did you know there are more castles per square mile in Wales than in any other country in Europe? Cardiff Castle is one of the best spots in Cardiff because it embodies 2000 years of history, boasts grand design from Romans and Normans, the castle is located in the heart of the city and has an affordable guided tour and entry fee. Don’t miss this Victorian Gothic attraction. If you’re interested in visiting more castles, one of the most interesting sites in Pembroke Castle in Pembrokeshire, once the home of a British King!
What Is A Place People Could Skip?
Cardiff, like many cities in the UK, is flooded with chain pubs and restaurants including the UK-famous Wetherspoons pubs. If you’re looking for a run-of-the-mill, very cheap British pub experience then look for these but for an authentic culture experience with drinking and food, skip the chains like Wetherspoons, Nandos, Greggs, etc. and look for a locally-owned cafe to have a full Welsh breakfast and an indie pub for a pint. On the other hand, while I promote and live for locally-owned with local produce and culture, I love these British institutions because they aren’t found elsewhere in the world and I miss them when I’m living abroad so head to these for a taste of that Brit culture.
What Is The Best Local Food And Restaurant?
The best local food to try in Wales is the national comfort treat, a Welsh cake. These are the stuff we had made by grandmothers and recipes (and secret ingredients) passed down the generations. You must eat traditional Welsh cakes when in Cardiff and the best local spot to get these warm are Fabulous Welshcakes found, conveniently, opposite Cardiff Castle. If you want some for later, go to the rear entrance of Cardiff Indoor Market where they are baked fresh that morning and come in packs of 10.
Any Advice To Help Someone To Live Like A Local In Wales?
Don’t waste your money on local taxis / transportation, the majority of attractions to visit in Cardiff are all within walking distance of one another, save one or two which are outside of the city centre and then, ensure you check online for local bus or train times. To see the best of local Cardiff and experience Welsh culture, I’d give yourself three days for a classic European city break but if you’re strapped on time, you could see the major places in just one day.
What Is One Spot People Could Visit That They Might Not Know About To Live Like A Local in Wales?
Cardiff Bay is a lesser-visited area of Cardiff just outside the city centre which holds a large part of Cardiff’s character. Known locally as the docks or Tiger Bay, the neighbourhood is perfect for exploring and often overlooked by tourist who remain in the centre. The docks holds famous history as Cardiff was once the leading docklands for exporting coal in the whole world and laid the foundation for the multi-cultural, diverse city that Cardiff is today. Grab an ice cream and stroll around this cultured corner. Cardiff Bay is a short walk from the centre or one stop on the train from ‘Cardiff Queen Street’ train station.
What Is One Thing People Might Not Know About From Where You Are From?
World famous Children Literature author, Roald Dahl, who wrote timeless stories like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda was born in Cardiff to Norwegian parents and baptised at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. You can visit the church to learn more especially in September when the author’s work is celebrated.
Any Last Words For Travelers?
Croseo I Cymru! That means ‘Welcome to Wales’ in Welsh. Although we have our own language, English is our first language so don’t worry that you won’t understand anything. However, in South Wales we have a lot of local phrases in English that English speakers would never understand. And the very last thing I have to say is make sure you bring a smile. Welsh people and Cardiff locals are extremely friendly and a smile will go a long way.
Thanks Shireen For Giving Us The Chance To Live Like A Local In Wales.
Don’t forget to visit The Happy Days Travels to hear about some of Shireen’s awesome adventures and tips. And don’t forget to follow her on social media below.
And don’t forget to checkout last weeks “Live Like a Local” with Roger where we explore Barcelona. You can read all about it HERE.
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