Cardiff a top 'Lonely' city.

Byline: Clare Hutchinson

CARDIFF has been hailed as one of the top short-break destinations in Europe by a leading travel expert.

Lonely Planet magazine ranked the capital alongside tourist hotspots like Sardinia and Portugal, citing the Great British Cheese Festival at Cardiff Castle as one of the main reasons to visit the city this September.

Lonely Planet writer Matt Bolton said: "I think it is the case that St Mary Street on a Saturday night is how you might imagine the whole of Cardiff if you believe what you see on the television. But there is a lot more to the city than that.

"Cardiff has plenty to offer. It has a really good music scene and food festivals. Going down to the Bay on a weekend can be quite a classy experience.

People are starting to become more aware of that side of the city."

Matt, a student at Cardiff University for three years, added: "We tried to choose some places in the UK and some within four hours.

"A number of our team have lived in Cardiff in the past and we recognise it as a fantastic place, especially towards the end of the summer."

It is not the first time the travel brand has praised the city. In 2007, the Lonely Planet Guide to Britain called Cardiff the "epitome of cool" with "a creative energy and relaxed atmosphere that complements its youthful heritage".

And earlier this year, the guide praised the city's arcade culture.

Richard Thomas, managing director of Cardiff and Co, set up two years ago to promote the city as a tourist destination, said: "It is great news that Lonely Planet has again turned its attention to Cardiff.

"This recommendation reflects the many events the city has to offer.

"Just in the last month we have welcomed U2 to the Millennium Stadium and the Sound of Music to the Wales Millennium Centre.

"The great thing about Cardiff is that it truly is a place for all seasons, with the events in the city but also the cultural and tourism-related activities we have to offer.

"I think Cardiff has made its own luck in many respects because of the major events that bring new people to the city. More often than not they have such a positive experience they tell other people about it.Soforanyonewhohas any doubt, our message is to come and see it for yourself." Lonely Planet Magazine is out now.

CAPTION(S):

Tutti Frutti entertain the crowds at the Cardiff Harbour Festival. Below, U2 at the Millennium Stadium last weekend