Cardiff
The capital of Wales since 1955, Cardiff has embraced the relatively new title with vivacity, entering the new millennium as one of the UK’s leading urban centres. Boasting an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, it now draws much more than rugby fans to the revitalised city; the weekend brings a buzz as shoppers hit the Hayes and revellers descend on the capital's thriving pubs, bars and live-music venues. It’s the largest city in Wales and the tenth largest city in the UK and as Wales’ chief commercial centre, it is the base for national cultural and sports institutions including the Cardiff International Sports Village and a BBC Drama Village, the Welsh national media and the National Assembly for Wales. In 2011, Cardiff was ranked sixth in National Geographic's alternative tourist destinations of the world. Celebrated sporting venues in the city include the world famous Millennium Stadium, the national stadium for the Wales national rugby team, Glamorgan County Cricket Club’s SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff City Stadium of Cardiff City football team, Cardiff International Sports Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park, home to the Cardiff Blues and Cardiff Rugby Football Club union teams. The city has been awarded the title of European City of Sport twice due to hosting major international sporting events, including the 2012 Summer Olympics