bangor

Bangor is a small city on the edge of Snowdonia, nestled between mountains, the Irish Sea, and the Menai Strait, which separates Bangor from the Isle of Anglesey. It is also located in the most Welsh-speaking county, Gwynedd. I (Elizabeth) moved here in September and while there are many things I haven't had the time to do or so, these are all the places I would recommend based on my short time here, complete with my photos.

Note: Bangor is divided into "Upper Bangor" (which is where the university and conference is - on the hill) and "Lower Bangor" (where the high street is - the longest in Wales).

Most people do not take the bus within Bangor (everything is within walking distance) but it is useful to get to other places outside of it. Ride shares, like Uber, are non-existent in Bangor. Taxis are cheap but I would recommend booking in advance as they can get quite busy.

SITES TO SEE IN BANGOR

I would highly recommend going to Garth Pier, a short (15 minute) walk from the university. It's also a short (10 minute from uni) walk to Roman Camp, which is a nice hillside with great views.

Garth Pier

Roman Camp

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN UPPER BANGOR (all within a 5 minute walk from the university)

Caffi Clena - Great food, drinks and atmosphere (closed Sunday and Monday)

The Belle Vue - The closest pub to the university, a regular haunt of staff and students

Y Glob - A traditional Welsh pub

The Menai - Good for food and drinks

Morrison's is the closets big grocery store to the university, which also contains a pharmacy

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN LOWER BANGOR (Near or on the high street)

Blue Sky Cafe - Great food and coffee, with a wide selection of beers

China Hot Chilli - Fantastic Schezwan food, right next to Pontio Cinema (cash only)

domu - Vegetarian and vegan cafe with great coffee and cakes (closed Sunday and Monday)

The Black Bull - Bangor's Wetherspoons (very cheap drinks and food, with a nice outdoor area)

Clio Lounge - Food and cocktails

Torna a Surriento - Italian food

Loads of grocery stores (Aldi, Asda, Lidl, M&S) and pharmacies (Boots and Superdrug) are on or by the high street

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK BY GARTH PIER

Boatyard Inn - Great views of the water in their outdoor area

The Tap and Spile - Good food and pub, can take drinks outside to see the waterfront

Menai Seafood Company, located at Porth Penrhyn, is about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the university. They sell chowder, risottos and various seafood, depending on the catch of the day. Open from noon to 4pm Wednesday from Sunday. They often sell out as the afternoon goes on so go early if set on chowder. It's nice walk (20 minutes max) from the port (Porth Penrhyn) to the pier (Garth Pier) along the water.

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN MENAI BRIDGE

Just over the bridge on Anglesey (a short bus or taxi ride, 40 minute walk from university - picture is of Menai Bridge)

Dylan's - The nicest restaurant in the area, with great views of the water

Auckland Arms - Great cocktail menu

OUTSIDE BANGOR

If you have a free afternoon, you may wish to venture into Snowdonia or onto Anglesey, either via bus or taxi. I'm including the places I've been since I've moved here (with pictures!) but there are plenty of beautiful places to go.

Beaumaris is under 20 minutes by cab (2 1/2 hour walk), on Anglesey (the perfect place for fish and chips)