Hear that? It’s the sound of new bars and restaurants popping open like prosecco corks.

Cardiff has had a glow-up in recent years and you don’t even have to rob your piggy bank to take it all in.

We've teamed up with Transport for Wales to make group trips to Cardiff cheaper. Keep reading for our budget recs and then hit the link to book cheap group tickets.

Cardiff has more castles than any other city in the world (take that Transylvania).

Those aren’t the only leafy bits. Cardiff has more green space per person than anywhere else in the UK. Hello, free strolls!

Check out the Champion Trees at Bute Park, the lake at Roath Park or the war memorials surrounded by rose beds at Alexandra Gardens.

G39 is like the Tate... if the Tate was a garage-sized, experimental art space in Wales.

This independently run modern art gallery presents socially conscious exhibitions, talks, workshops and the odd cycle-in movie screening. “You don’t have to be an artist”, says a sign outside the old warehouse on City Road. And you don’t have to pay either.

“99p shots anyone?”

Retro Bar is trashy in a good way and the cheapest night out in Cardiff – especially on their infamous “Pounded Wednesdays” when it’s free entry until 10.30pm.

Dress up as your favourite Spice Girl (yes, even you Dave), then sing along to your fav guilty pleasure 90s bops.

“I like to party like I'm in a secret society.”

The Dead Canary's yer one then. It’s an unmarked building in a quiet street. Knock on the door and whisper a made-up password, then enter.

This speakeasy-style bar has live music and cocktails inspired by Norse mythology. Try a “Jörmungandr” or a “Vortigern’s Dragon” for just under a tenner.

Spending money is so much easier when it’s for a good cause and you get a cracking meal out of it…

Prisoners at HMP Cardiff prepare and serve seasonal Welsh dishes as as they work towards catering qualifications. It promotes rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and shows off Welsh produce at its seasonal best. Bish Bash Bosh.

15 quid for an average main.

Use Transport for Wales' handy Brecon mountain railway to head north into the magical Brecon Beacons national park.

There’s hikes (of course), but also horse-riding, hang-gliding and the only whiskey distillery in Wales. We recommend doing the boozy things after the extreme sports. But it's your call...

Cardiff is a big cwtch of a city plus it's easy on your bank account. See galleries, historical bits and even the National Museum for completely free.

But wait, there's more! We've teamed up with Transport for Wales. These guys have a dedicated Group Travel team to help you plan your trip and get tickets for less. Hit the link to book.