Cardiff's hidden gems

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Situated just outside the city centre, the Atlantic Coffee Company is particularly popular with students and staff at the nearby university buildings and is a welcome addition to the pubs in the area. Freshly ground, gourmet coffee and continental-style pastries are offered in a peaceful environment. Take a newspaper along, or borrow one of theirs and prepare to relax for an hour. Early morning opening means you could escape here for a tranquil breakfast.

Our Local Expert Says:

Delicious healthy grub perfect for busy shoppers

Description:

Tucked into the arcade by the David Morgan department store on The Hayes, this vegetarian cafe has been running in Cardiff for 25 years and is a favourite place for lunchtime dining with veggies and non-veggies alike. It looks tiny from the front but go on in because there's plenty of seating inside, the pine farmhouse tables combining with the burgundy decor to give a homely feel. If you fancy watching the shoppers while you eat there are a few tables which spill out into the arcade. The homemade soups are particularly popular, and there's also a good range of salads, jacket potatoes and baguettes for those in a hurry as well as more substantial hot meals for those who want to sit a while.

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Want to explore our solar system, discover how optical illusions work and find out about gravity, while looking out across Cardiff Bay? Then get yourselves along to Techniquest and all will be revealed. Techniquest is a hands-on science museum with a planetarium and exhibits aimed at all ages. Its well thought-out exhibits cover all areas of science, and its café and gift shop make Techniquest a great place for families to while away a few hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

Chapter Arts Centre is the perfect place to visit on a rainy afternoon. No only is Chapter’s programme extensive but ticket prices are reasonable too.

Description:

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.

Description:

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.