If months of lockdown have left you itching for a shopping trip, hungry for adventure, longing for fine food and a fantastic night out then Cardiff has everything you need - including peace of mind when it comes to safety - because it's the‘Same ‘Diff we all love. Just a bit different'

As the city launches a new, marketing campaign aimed at letting people know Cardiff is open for business and safe to visit, here are 10 great reasons to visit Cardiff now lockdown restrictions are easing:

1. Cardiff is a haven for shoppers and with many shops already open and more re-opening every day, now is a great time to get your retail fix. Shop until you drop in big high street names or lose yourself in the myriad of independent shops to be found in the elegant Victorian and Edwardian surroundings of this City of Arcades
2. It's home to one of Wales's biggest beer gardens - at 15,000 square feet there's plenty of room for socially distanced seating, as well as a fully licenced bar and up to eight independent street food traders (including the likes of Dirty Bird, Ffwrnes and Brother Thai), at warehouse events venue The Depot's new ‘Street Food Social' events.
3. Kick back with a coffee in the city's newest, and possibly most impressive, public square - the grounds of Cardiff Castle. Although it's not possible to go inside the dazzling Burges designed rooms at the moment, you can still soak up the surroundings and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at one of the socially distanced picnic tables.
4. Looking for an adventure to blow away the lockdown cobwebs? Why not get out on the waters of CardiffBay? You can now climb aboard a number of open boats, from an old Cornish fishing boat to a high speed rib, and enjoy the views and the wind in your hair, as you take a trip around the inner harbour.
5. Worried about safety? Cardiff has it covered. To aid social distancing there's a new, clearly marked walking system around the city centre. And if you dive into one of the city's Victorian and Edwardian arcades or decide to explore the myriad of stalls in Cardiff Market, you'll find signage in place here as well, so, you can get on with enjoying the city - secure in the knowledge you're further apart, but it's the same ‘Diff. And those queues you've been waiting in to enter the supermarket? With city centre retailers also needing to restrict customer numbers to operate safely - they're in the city centre as well. But there are dedicated queueing zones marked out on the street and plans are being developed to make sure that while you wait, you're protected from the best and worst of the Welsh weather.
6. Cardiff is a city full of green spaces and none of them more magnificent than Bute Park. The ‘green heart of the city' stretches from Cardiff Castle in the city centre, north along the River Taff and is home to more than 2000 trees. Why not take a socially distanced stroll along the river? Or stock up on goodies from Cardiff Market and head off for a picnic somewhere in the 56 hectares of green space that was gifted to the people in 1947 by the fifth Marquess of Bute.
7. Want to make a night of it? With hotels able to offer self-contained accommodation now re-opening in Wales, it's a great time to indulge in a little lockdown luxury. How about enjoying a night at Clayton Hotel, including a two course meal (with bubbles) served to your room, for just £95? Or a room service package at the Park Plaza? With lots of great offers on safe accommodation for an overnight stay, now is a prime time to visit.
8. Fancy popping out for some food? Indoor eating in the city is a few weeks away but there are already lots of bookable outdoor options. If healthy, hearty food, served up alongside an eclectic range of craft beers, real ales, wines and spirits is your thing, you could try the The Pontcanna Inn on leafy Cathedral Road or if you're missing out on an overseas adventure this year, why not let yourself be transported away with a cocktail or two and a taste of Cuba at Old Havana on High Street.
9. The need to maintain social distancing means some of the best tables in the city's restaurants and cafes will be found in a new covered seating area on Castle Street, which has been temporarily pedestrianised. The area opens at the end of July and when it does, you'll be able to order food from a range of restaurants to be delivered directly to your table - as you relax with a drink and a stunning view of the Castle.
10. There was always a warm welcome in Cardiff and that hasn't changed, but there are official ‘welcome points', located at key pedestrian access points, where street ambassadors can provide visitors with hand sanitiser, information on visiting the city safely, and maps explaining walking routes around the city are available. Basically, it's the Same ‘Diff. Only safer.

The campaign‘Same ‘Diff we all love. Just a bit different' launches on Friday 17^thJuly and will see a range of social media activity, radio adverts and street dressing featuring slogans including:

• A few changes. Same ‘Diff.
• New Signs. Same ‘Diff.
• Further apart. Same ‘Diff.
• Same ‘Diff. Only Safer.

For more information on visiting Cardiff, including detail on the changes that have been introduced to improve safety in the city centre as well as information on open shops, restaurants and attractions, go to visitcardiff.com