We might be biased, but we love Swansea – after all, there’s a lot going for this pretty part of South West Wales.

In our informal tourist’s guide to Swansea, we’ve listed some things you need to know first…

1 – WE LOVE OUR SPORT

(Image: John Candy under CC BY-SA 2.0)

 Swansea is a hotbed for sport. Not only do we boast Wales’ only Premier League football team (sorry Cardiff fans – we had to get that in), we’re also home to The Ospreys rugby team. That means that sometimes the town centre and North Swansea can get busy on matchdays.

Which isn’t a bad thing – it’s just good to be aware of!

2 – IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU THAT THEY’LL BE WITH YOU “NOW IN A MINUTE”

They won’t be with you now, but they will be with you in a minute.

3 – PEOPLE WILL PROBABLY CALL YOU “MUSH”

…but they’re not saying that in a derogatory way. “Mush” means, ‘pal’, ‘mate’ or ‘mucker’.

Read more – A Beginner’s Guide to the Welsh Language.

4 – AND IF SOMEONE SAYS “YUR”

They could be saying “here”, “your” “year” or “ear”.

Context is important.

5 – IT’S JUST A FEW MILES FROM AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

(Image: Les Haines under CC BY 2.0)

If you’re visiting Swansea then you simply have to visit the Gower. From rugged, wild moors and towering cliffs to award-winning beaches like Rhossili Bay, the Gower has a frankly ridiculous amount of views and rare wildlife.

6 – JOE’S ICE CREAM IS AN INSTITUTION

(Image: Tim Walker under CC BY 2.0)

Everyone likes ice cream when they’re on holiday, but Joe’s is so much more than ice cream. Utilising a sacred, secret recipe that’s been loved in Swansea since Joe Cascarini took on his father’s café, Joe’s is a unique, delightful recipe.

Try it – regardless of what it’s like outside. Which leads us to…

7 – IT RAINS, A LOT

(Image: Silent Shot under CC BY 2.0)

Yeah, sorry about that. There’s an old saying in Swansea:

“If you can see Mumbles Head it is going to rain. If you can’t, it’s raining”.

According to WalesOnline, Swansea is the UK’s wettest city, with 53 inches of the wet stuff falling every year. So be sure to pack an umbrella. Or plan some indoor activities while the rain blows over.

TALK TO US ABOUT DISCOVERING SWANSEA TODAY

Looking to book a brilliant weekend break? You’ll love the Dragon Hotel. We’ve been in Central Swansea for over 40 years – speak to our team about great rates today. Call (0)1792 657100 or Book online today!