"Forget Cardiff - Swansea is the real capital of Wales! We're rich in character and there are few better places to enjoy a night out."
There is certainly lively nightlife in Swansea, but culturally it lacks the punch of Cardiff. Instead, with the Gower Peninsular on its doorstep, Swansea boasts some of the best beaches and most beautiful scenery in Britain.
To experience Swansea in its full glory, take a stroll along Rhossili beach on a sunny day. There aren't many stretches of seafront that can match it for rugged beauty.
The locals aren't just proud to be Welsh, they're proud to be from what they perceive to be the greatest city on the face of the planet!
Like the rest of Wales, Swansea is pretty wet. For the chance of some sun, the best time to visit is between June and August.
Laverbread was once described by Wales-born Hollywood star Richard Burton as "Welshman's caviar". Added to bacon and cockles, the seaweedy treat makes a cracking breakfast.
Academy-Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Swansea lass, and she and husband Michael Douglas regularly pop over from the States.
West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers became the first person in first-class cricket to hit six sixes in one over at Swansea's St Helen's ground.
"An ugly lovely town." - Swansea-born poet Dylan Thomas
The Normans built Oystermouth Castle back in the 12th century, but you can still wander about the remains today. The battlements offer spectacular views across Swansea Bay.
Park your hire car at the castle itself for Å
As well as being home to the remains of the city's 13th century castle, the square is also Swansea's buzzing epicentre, surrounded by pubs, shops and restaurants.
The Oystermouth car park is a ten-minute walk away.
Time travelling might not be possible, but visitors to the National Waterfront Museum get to experience the next best thing thanks to exhibitions showcasing life during the industrial revolution.
The museum has a large pay and display car park or you can use the nearby Oystermouth car park.
Oxwich Bay has a two and a half mile stretch of beautiful beach, so it's a great place to go for a swim or to try your hand at various watersports.
There is plenty of parking is available on the bay for just Å
The Dylan Thomas Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the great poet's life and is a must-see for any budding bard.
There is a large public car park right next to the centre for up to 600 cars.
The biggest city in the south west of England has plenty to offer, from live music to museums, as well as some of the best bars and restaurants around.
The eastbound M4 will take you the 80-odd miles to Bristol.
Shakin' Stevens was born in Cardiff, but if that's not enough reason to visit, there's also the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle and the newly regenerated waterfront.
Head east out of Swansea on the M4 you'll reach Cardiff in around an hour.
With more than 170 miles of coastline, there are a number of spectacular beaches and cliff top walks to enjoy in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Take the A48 north through Camarthen, then join the A40. Pembroke is about 60 miles away.
This picturesque Camarthen town is home to the fascinating ruins of Dinefwr Castle, but surely its biggest claim to fame is hosting the 2008 World Sheepdog Trials.
Head north on the M4 and A476. Llandeilo is about 25 miles away.
The Normans built Oystermouth Castle back in the 12th century, but you can still wander about the remains today. The battlements offer spectacular views across Swansea Bay.
Park your hire car at the castle itself for Å
As well as being home to the remains of the city's 13th century castle, the square is also Swansea's buzzing epicentre, surrounded by pubs, shops and restaurants.
The Oystermouth car park is a ten-minute walk away.
Time travelling might not be possible, but visitors to the National Waterfront Museum get to experience the next best thing thanks to exhibitions showcasing life during the industrial revolution.
The museum has a large pay and display car park or you can use the nearby Oystermouth car park.
Oxwich Bay has a two and a half mile stretch of beautiful beach, so it's a great place to go for a swim or to try your hand at various watersports.
There is plenty of parking is available on the bay for just Å
The Dylan Thomas Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the great poet's life and is a must-see for any budding bard.
There is a large public car park right next to the centre for up to 600 cars.