Under $100: Cardiff, Wales

The capital of Wales is surging in popularity with visitors. It’s easy to reach from London, and there is plenty to see. Here’s how you can experience the best of the city on a budget.

Start your day with breakfast at Garlands, an independent coffee shop that serves traditional breakfasts ($10). It’s an arty affair popular with trendy locals, and the coffee is fantastic.

Take a look around the 11th-century Cardiff Castle, where you can walk along the battlements and see bomb shelters used during World War II. If you pay a little extra you can take a Horse Tour, granting you access to a rooftop garden and other private rooms ($10).

At lunchtime, try The Classroom. This classy place does a set menu lunch deal for $15 that represents the best value meal in town. Think European fine dining in sophisticated surroundings.

Take a trip down to Cardiff Bay to look at the city’s iconic buildings and take a guided boat tour ($10), then head into town for some crate digging at Spillers Records. You might find some great souvenirs in this historic record shop, opened in 1894.

For dinner, check out Heaneys in Pontcanna. It’s a laid-back place serving high-quality food from chef Tommy Heaney, a finalist on TV show Great British Menu. Order à la carte or try a 10-course tasting menu for $48. It’s a splurge but worth it.

If you’ve got money to spare, head off for a drink at The Cricketers or The Cambrian Tap ($5 per drink).