The night is alive in Cardiff, one of the best clubbing venues in the UK as well as a favorite destination for fans of live music.

Cardiff's best bars

Ba Orient, Mermaid Quay, 029 2046 3939, www.baorient.com
Ba Orient serves imaginative cocktails and perfectly crafted dim sum in smart and sophisticated surroundings - which all results in one of the most stylish options in Cardiff Bay. With its minimalist décor and swanky VIP areas this is a great venue for impressing a date. Open 12pm-12am weekdays, 12pm-1am weekends.

Cwtch Bar, 5 Bute Crescent, Cardiff Bay, 029 2048 8775, www.jolyons.co.uk
Cwtch is Welsh for cosy, and it suits this new bar well. Hidden beneath Jolyons hotel, it comes complete with fireplace, huge sofas and huge pieces of local art. Offering a large wine list and friendly service, the owner also makes an effort to source his ingredients locally.

Tiger Tiger, Greyfriars Road, 029 2039 1944, www.tigertiger-cardiff.com
Cardiff’s own Tiger Tiger is the national chain's most ambitious project to date. The venue features five bars over two floors as well as a large dance floor, VIP room and a restaurant called 'The Grill'.

The Cottage, St Mary Street, 029 2033 7195
One of the oldest traditional pubs in Cardiff underwent a transformation last year to become one of the city centre's first non-smoking venues. Serving award-winning food and real ales throughout the day, The Cottage is a popular pub for a quick pint.

The Waterguard, Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay, 029 2049 9034
The Waterguard may look like a cross between a castle and an office block, but as the sign outside proclaims: "yes, it is a pub". Once inside you’ll find a stylish bar with plenty of cubby holes and comfy sofas to relax on. This pub is also one of the few places in Cardiff that has remained independent, and as such you will find a selection of Samuel Smith ales and lagers, including organic and European 'weiss' styles; instead of the standard Fosters and Carling.

Live music venues

Clwb Ifor Bach, 11 Womanby Street, 029 2023 2199, www.clwb.net
This legendary venue, better known as the Welsh Club, has been the launch pad for dozens of young Welsh groups over the years; but of course, you don't have to be Welsh to enjoy the music there. Three floors offer the choice between club nights, live music and DJ's.

Café Jazz, St Mary Street, 029 2038 7026, www.cafejazzcardiff.com
The city centre’s longest running jazz venue has live music every week night, including a popular jam session on Monday evenings and blues on Friday evenings. A friendly venue that allows you to get right up close to the musicians, or enjoy the a-la-carte menu in the restaurant along with the musical entertainment (entry £2-4)

Cardiff University Union, Park Place, www.cardiffstudents.com
With four venues all within one building - the Great Hall, CF10, Tafarn and Solus; the Union can cater for bands attracting audiences of anywhere between 150 and 1,500. The Zutons, Corinne Bailey Rae and Motorhead are a few of the acts that have filled the Great Hall, and thankfully you don't have to be a student to go either.

Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street, www.ents24.com
Apart from the Millennium Stadium's 60,000 capacity, the CIA offers one of the largest venues in Cardiff, with room for 5,000. Touring acts including the Lost Prophets, Westlife and Tom Jones often fill the venue to capacity.