'''Caernarfon''' is located on the North West coast of Wales, approximately in the centre of the British Isles.
Caernarfon is famous in Wales for its castle and as being a stronghold of the Welsh language. It is one of the best places in the world to hear a living Celtic language, as over 80% of the population speaks Welsh.
It is also good place for visiting other places in North West Wales such as Conwy, Llandudno, the Isle of Anglesey, Bangor, Harlech, and the castle at Beaumaris. In addition, the castle is most impressive and largely restored.
Warning: There's not a whole lot to do in Caernarfon, so you may be disappointed if you plan to spend more than a day or two without going on day trips. Your best bet is to consider this a base point for visiting other areas of interest in northwest Wales.
Get In
'''Driving''' is generally the easiest way to get in and out. The roads are good - Bangor and the A55 expressway are around 15 minutes away, Liverpool and Manchester airports around 2 hours, Dublin about 3 hours (including fast ferry) and Cardiff around 4 and a half hours. All day parking is available behind the castle for a reasonable price. Other car parks are better for short-term parking.
'''Flights''' operated by Highland Airways currently go twice a day on weekdays from Cardiff to the nearby Anglesey, or Valley, Airport. Liverpool and Manchester are the next closest passenger airports.
'''Train.''' The nearest train station is Bangor, with trains from Holyhead (connecting to Dublin ferry), Cardiff, London, Chester and other places.
'''Bus.''' The town is served by bus routes, mainly from other North Wales towns.
See
'''Caernarfon Castle''' [http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=19], ''admission __4.90, concessions __4.50, family __15, opens 0930 (except Su in winter 1100), closes 1600 winter, 1700 spring / autumn, 1800 summer, last admission half an hour before closing, closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan'' - an impressive work began in 1283 by England's King Edward I as his planned seat of power in his attempt to subjugate Wales. Like Beaumaris, this castle was quite functional, although never 100% completed.
The site of the Roman fort at '''Segontium'''.
'''Galeri''' is a creative arts centre overlooking the Afon Menai, a minute or two by foot from the town walls. It has a bar, cafe and restaurant, art exhibition, hosts concerts, films and events and is packed with small arty companies.
Caernarfon is probably the best place in the world to see, hear and speak '''the Welsh language'''. Over 80% of the population speak Welsh, so it is an ideal place to practice a few sentences or just to soak up the authentic Celtic heritage.
Do
'''Walk''' around the mainly traffic-free streets of the walled town and along the Menai Straits.
Visit the castle
Visit the Galeri arts centre
'''Cycle''' along the traffic-free routes along the Menai and South almost to Cricieth.
'''Indoor Karting''' If the weather isn't up to much you could visit the new Redline Indoor Karting centre at Cibyn Ind Est, the local authority run leisure centre or, if you'd like more history following your visit to the castle, the Segontium Roman Fort is well worth a visit.
'''Learn Welsh''' on a residential course at the Nant Gwrtheyrn Language and Heritage Centre, situated in a spectacular coastal location around half an hour's drive from Caernarfon.
Buy
Caernarfon has some nice independent shops in the pleasant streets of the walled town. Palas Print sells books, music and coffee, with a good Welsh language selection. There is also a nice small clothes and accessories shop. Na Nog on the square is an option for presents with a local flavour, like childrens clothing with a Welsh theme. For a larger choice of shops, head to Llandudno or perhaps Conwy.
Eat
A fair amount of '''pubs and restaurants''' exist within and around the old city walls, with some in the small street nestled along the Western town wall.
There are also a few places on the town square (the square gives Caernarfon a distinctive atmosphere as such squares are unusual in Welsh towns).
Hours are odd and without good planning, you could end up hungry and unhappy (and you wouldn't be the first). Still, during normal hours, there's a fair amount of decent places to eat.
If Caernarfon doesn't satisfy you, and you have a car, try Plas Bodegroes near Pwllheli for Michelin-starred delicacies, Pete's Eats in Llanberis for chip butties or Beaumaris, Conwy or Llandudno for a larger choice catering to tourists.
There's a take-out '''pizza place''' down the road from the Celtic Royal. Good value, good pizza and vaguely friendly service.
A '''grocery store''' is across the street, which is -very- handy.
There is an Internet cafe with Wi-Fi access.
Drink
Drinking seems to be the best option for nights in Caernarfon. Quite a few '''small pubs''' exist within and around the walls. Don't expect pub meals, though. Most of the establishments seems to offer them only at peak times during the day and week.
Caernarfon has a reputation (perhaps undeserved) for rowdy evenings.
Sleep
'''The Celtic Royal'''. The best large hotel in Caernarfon's city centre, it's also one of the more expensive establishments. This fills up in the summer months, so make sure you have reservations beforehand, although you may get lucky. This hotel is also a few blocks outside of the old town walls and a short jaunt away from the castle.
'''Totters''' is an excellent family-run hostel located just within the city walls.
The '''information office''' across the street from the castle can help find other accommodations.
Get Out
A number of interesting castle towns lie less than an hour away from Caernarfon, making it a great base for exploring North Wales:
Beaumaris - 13 miles
Conwy - 25 miles
Harlech - 27 miles
the Isle of Anglesey