Swansea (Abertawe)

Wales' second largest city isn't a very popular place with tourists and most travellers bypass it in favour for the Pembrokeshire coast.

Birthplace of Dylan Thomas, the second most quoted writer after Shakespeare, this maritime city boasts a lovely seaside promenade and a couple of museums that focus on its industrial and maritime past.

Practical Information

Swansea Tourist Information Centre

Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG

Tel (01792) 468321

Website www.swansea.gov.uk

Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm

American Express

28 The Kingsway, Swansea SA1 5JY

Tel (01792) 455006

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm

Coming & Going

Buses and coaches leave from the Quadrant Bus Station near the Quadrant Shopping Centre. Trains stop at High Street Station.

Accommodation

There aren't any backpackers' hostels in the city although there is a youth hostel and an independent backpackers hostel in Swansea County, both a little under an hour by bus from the city centre.

Merlin’s Backpackers

44/46 Commercial Street, Ystradgynlais SA9 IJH
Bus X20, 24, 25, 63, 68, 122, 146
Tel (01639) 845 676

Port Eynon YHA

Old Lifeboat House, Port Eynon, Swansea SA3 1NN
Tel 0870 770 5998

Sights

Dylan Thomas Centre

The Dylan Thomas Centre features an exhibition about the life and work of Swansea's most famous son.

Somerset Place, Swansea

Tel (01792) 463980

Website www.swansea.gov.uk/dylanthomas/

Admission free

Open Tue-Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

Swansea Museum

The oldest museum in Wales features a large and eclectic collection that includes an Egyptian mummy and an Ichthyosaur skeleton as well as exhibits on local history.

Victoria Road, Swansea

Tel (01792) 653 763

Admission free

Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm