What a joy it is to go shopping in Wales’s capital. The centre is pedestrianised and so compact that you won’t go back to your Cardiff hotel feeling like you’ve just walked a marathon. But it also boasts an impressive 1.4 million square feet of shopping space that includes smart shopping centres, markets and designer stores.
Shopping in Cardiff
Markets
There’s nothing like going to a local market to really give you the flavour of a new city while you hunt for bargains.
Whether you’re looking for vintage clothes or antique furniture and books, you won’t be disappointed at Cardiff Flea Market. With over 80 stalls piled high with goodies, it’s easy to while away the afternoon. You can spend hours browsing the wares, trying on outfits, finding some hidden treasures, bartering over prices and grabbing a great deal. Located a 15 minute drive outside of the city centre, you won’t return empty-handed.
Housed in an impressive Victorian structure in the centre of the city, Cardiff Central Market offers a shopping experience like no other. Under one grand glass roof you’ll find stalls selling everything from bric a brac to food and drink, and much more in between. A market has been trading on this spot in Cardiff since the 1700s, so wander the aisles, check out some of the original features and soak up the history as you pick up some bargains.
Shopping Centre
Love retail therapy? You’re in the right place. Cardiff is a capital for shopping and has recently been named the 6th best shopping destination in the UK. And the Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre hotel makes a great location for your shopaholic city break - it’s right in the middle of town, and just a short hop from all the main shopping areas.
Then head to the spectacular St David's Dewi Sant, or as most people call it St David’s. It’s Cardiff’s biggest and best shopping spot! Packed to its glass ceiling with well over 100 stores, this is your go-to destination for a high street fashion hit, some designer label love and lots and lots of retail therapy. Need to refuel after a busy day of purchases? Why not explore one of the many restaurants and cafés on offer, or head off to see the latest movie releases in the cinema.
Located in the heart of Cardiff, Queens Arcade is home to plenty of big name brands as well as local businesses. Choose an outfit in New Look, pick up some cosmetics in The Powder Room, then get a trim in Be Gorgeous Hair & Beauty and you’ll be ready to explore Cardiff in style. Want to have a bite to eat before you head out? With everything from a 50s diner to your favourite cookie shop, you’ll find something to tickle your taste buds.
Designer shops
Cardiff has its fair share of designer shops and boutiques. And the best place to head for if you’re looking for labels has to be The Hayes.
Near to the Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre, it’s a pedestrianised walkway that joins the city’s Victorian arcades to the ultra modern St Davids, the Hayes has to be Cardiff’s most picturesque shopping areas. It’s here you’ll find big names such as Kurt Geiger, Radley, Molton Brown, Cath Kidston and Hugo Boss.
More designer brands can be found in nearby Howell’s Department Store – Cardiff’s oldest, which dates back to 1865. Now a House of Fraser, within the iconic store you’ll find Calvin Klein, Barbour and Ted Baker, to name but three of the many brands on offer.