Shopping in Cardiff

Best Shopping in Cardiff

Being placed in the Top 10 Shopping Destinations in the UK, Cardiff offers a vast array of shops.

Christmas shopping in Cardiff is always exciting, as well as hitting the Boxing Day sales. However, hitting the shops in Cardiff is fun throughout the year.

Cardiff is a fantastic shopping destination, blending high-street brands, designer stores, and independent boutiques with historic shopping arcades and modern retail centres. With a mix of big brands, indie retailers, and historic shopping spots, Cardiff offers a diverse and exciting shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.

 

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Shopping in Cardiff City Centre

With large shopping centres, high street favourites, individual stores, and a thriving indoor market, Cardiff is the ideal destination for a shopping trip. The real highlight of Cardiff’s retail scene is the Victorian and Edwardian arcades, full of independent boutiques and cafes, worth a visit as architectural gems.

St David’s Shopping Centre

With over 180 shops, restaurants and cafes, St David’s Dewi Sant is the place to be for shopping, dining, or entertainment. It is the largest shopping centre in Cardiff, and the majority of it is undercover. St David’s has put Cardiff city centre firmly on the map as one of the best retail hotspots in the UK. It is home to John Lewis, luxury shopping in Cardiff and other high street favourites. 

Queen’s Arcade

Queen’s Arcade is a Cardiff shopping centre situated in the heart of the city centre, and is next to St David’s. It is home to a fantastic selection of big-name brands and unique independent retailers - the majority of which are ladies clothes shops in Cardiff. It is situated over two floors and leads to Queen Street.

Queen Street

Queen Street was once the jewel of Cardiff’s shopping crown, bristling with high street giants. Whilst some still remain there, like clothes shops in Cardiff Next, Marks and Spencer, Zara and Topshop, it is now home to more independents and discount shopping.

Capitol Shopping Centre

At the end of Queen Street, you’ll find the Capitol Shopping Centre. The centre has a fantastic selection of stores for you to choose from. As well as a 24-hour gym and secure parking. Premiere Cinemas is also here. It is the best value cinema in the city. It is £3 for students and seniors, £4 per person and £14 for a family of four.

Victorian Arcades

If you like your shopping or supporting local businesses, there are 7 unique Victorian and Edwardian arcades in Cardiff. With over 100 independent cafes, bars and shops right in the heart of the city centre, the arcades offer a truly unique shopping experience. 

A little-known fact about Cardiff is that it has the biggest concentration of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern-day indoor shopping arcades in Britain. It's known as the City of Arcades. corridors wind through the centre of the Welsh capital, crammed with boutique shops, family-run cafes, independent bookstores, gelato bars, and hidden tea houses.

Cardiff Market

Cardiff Indoor Market is a unique shopping experience. Under the glass roof, you will find the lively market filled with local independent traders, from Welsh artisan coffee to street food, vintage clothing to second-hand records, and even a psychic. Cardiff Market has two shopping levels with a panoramic balcony wrapping around the interior walls.

There are two entrances to the market, one on Trinity Street and the other on High Street. The High Street entrance has the iconic H.Samuel clock, which has hung above the door since 1910. The current clock dates from 1963.

High Street and St Mary’s Street

Starting at Cardiff Castle, High Street leading onto St Mary’s Street used to be busier after dark than during the day. It is packed with bars and nightclubs. However, after losing several chain restaurants, High Street has begun to thrive. It does now have more local, independent restaurants including Juniper Lounge, Potted Pig, Gin and Juice and Rum and Fizz.

Jacob’s Market

In Cardiff, the stand-out offering for vintage bric-a-brac and curios can be found at Jacob’s Market. The four-floor, red-brick building can be located at the end of St Mary’s Street in the heart of the city. It is one of the oldest antique emporiums in Wales. It boasts more than 50 stalls selling second-hand and antique furniture, vintage clothes, books, military memorabilia, tribal art, coins, banknotes, stamps, and much more.

Once you’ve exhausted your antique hunting, there’s a café on the 1st floor to kick back and admire your new purchases. On the top floor is a contemporary art gallery and a roof terrace offering superb views over the Cardiff skyline.

 

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Shopping Cardiff

Outside the city centre, Cardiff offers plenty of great shopping destinations. Whether you're after high-street brands, independent finds, or retail parks with free parking, Cardiff has plenty to offer beyond the city centre.

The Pumping Station

Once a Victorian Pumping Station today it is an impressive Grade ll listed building, home to a friendly group of 45 plus independent traders all under one roof. The Pumping Station is on Penarth Road, a 10-minute drive from Future Inn Cardiff. 

Capital Shopping Park

Opposite Cardiff City Football Club you will find Capital Shopping Park. Stores include M&S, Asda, Next, Costco, Outfit, Hobbycraft, Smyths, Mamas & Papas and Maplin; as well as DW Sports Fitness, Les Croupiers Casino, Dragon Court Chinese Restaurant, Greggs, Subway and Costa.

Culverhouse Cross Cardiff

Just a short drive from the city centre, and our hotel, Culverhouse Cross Retail Park features big-name stores like Tesco Extra, B&Q, TK Maxx and The Range.

The Bone Yard

Bone Yard was founded in 2015 and is located on a large former industrial site in the Canton area of Cardiff. There are 10 shipping containers filled with artists, makers and creators plus Dusty Knuckle an award-winning cafe and pizzeria. 

Riverside Market

Riverside Market is the original Cardiff Farmers’ Market and can be found every Sunday opposite the Principality Stadium. The market is widely recognised as one of the key food attractions in the Welsh capital, for local residents and visitors alike. The Market follows the bank of the River Taff. 

Mermaid Quay

A short walk from Future Inn Cardiff is Mermaid Quay. There are gorgeous boutiques where you’ll find traditional Welsh cakes, handmade Welsh gifts, shoes and accessories. In a location steeped in history, Mermaid Quay’s distinctive architecture is inspired by its maritime location and rich heritage – featuring decking, towers, balconies, terraces, colonnades and bridges. 

There’s always plenty going on. With a great programme of events and entertainment on-site plus the location is right in the middle of all the other Cardiff Bay attractions including Techniquest, Roald Dahl Plass and the Wales Millennium Centre.

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Shopping Breaks in Cardiff

 

Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. The hotel is conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation, making it easy to explore the city. This well-appointed hotel offers a range of amenities, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms - all of which sleep up to four guests - that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, a laptop safe, a complimentary robe and slippers. Plus, home away from home services like the guest laundry room, ice buckets and wine glasses. There's also electric car charging and free parking, which are rare in such a central location.

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.

Book your stay online or with our Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.

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Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

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Fuel up before you hit the shops

 

Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

Bookings can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book online:

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