The Welsh capital began life as a Roman fort, and the whimsical 11th-century Cardiff Castle stands on the same site. The modern city is a burgeoning center for art and music. Excellent restaurants, lively bars and hip boutiques line Mermaid Quay along Cardiff Bay, and a collection of cosmopolitan hotels are clustered in the city. The National History Museum, detailing the country's social history, is Wales' most visited attraction. Cardiff is an excellent base for exploring South Wales.