Getting to grips with a new city can be tough, but never underestimate the joy that busting out of the SU bubble can bring you. The streets of Cardiff are lined with the great and the good of eating, drinking and dancing destinations and we’ve enlisted the talents of nightlife pundits DesignMyNight to round up some of the top spots in the city for you to try out.

Best for something ‘cultural’: Clwb Ifor Bach

Named after a Welsh rebel that single-handedly kidnapped the Earl of Gloucester and his wife, you’d better believe this is a place with a lot of spirit. A stalwart of the Cardiff music scene, this iconic venue off Castle Street is the best place in the city to catch the best new acts alongside the very much established international talent. Spread over three floors, the venue is also known for throwing some pretty epic parties as well, so if you’re looking to knock about after a gig there’s bound to be something kicking off.

Best for hanging out: The Flora

A chilled-out and friendly boozer in the heart of Cathays, The Flora is a prime hideaway come rain or shine. Offering a true beauty of a beer garden for sunning yourself and playing a few rounds of pool in the summer months, they’ve also got some cosy AF interiors to hole up in during colder weather for a pub quiz, live music night, or one of their mammoth Sunday roasts.

Best for all-night dancing: Metros

A one-stop-shop for cheesy tunes, indie throwback anthems and pop punk realness, Metros is a Cardiff mainstay. Having hosted more than a few drunk students in its time, it’s a veteran on the clubbing scene and it’s got the drink deals to prove it, as well as a resident DJ who’s been manning the decks for a quarter of a century now. Head down on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and get ready to sing your tone-deaf heart out until dawn.

Best for the morning-after: The Grazing Shed

Voted the No. 1 burger joint in Wales, The Grazing Shed is something of a Mecca for the hungover and hangry. What are you craving? Smokey bacon? Spicy smashed avocado? Maybe you’re a bougie boy with a hankering for some Gorgonzola fondue? They can give you all of that on a burger. And we haven’t even told you the best part yet - they’ve got their own delivery service, so you won’t have to shift a shin to get your chops into these delicious patties.

Best for dinner with course mates: The Brass Beetle

Someone say pizza and cocktails? There’s only one spot to go for hot slices, halloumi fries and Honey Rum Sours. The Brass Beetle is one of the Cardiff’s comfiest little cantinas with lush green walls, comfy leather sofas and some of the tastiest pizzas in town. Aside from the Instagrammable interiors, you’ll also find a friendly and energetic atmosphere perfect for a relaxed dinner and a drink or five.

For more info on the best things to do in Cardiff and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.