Capital cities are some of the most exciting destinations for a long weekend away. And Cardiff is no exception. The iconic Welsh capital boasts a beautiful urban landscape, rich history, and buzzy contemporary culture that make it an ideal choice for any weekend visit.
So, it should come as no surprise that Cardiff’s shopping scene is among the best in the UK. The streets burst with shopping centres and an array of high-street favourites, independent shops, and markets.
Did we mention the city’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades? So famous that they earned Cardiff its affectionate nickname, the City of Arcades, these architectural gems are packed with boutiques and cafés. Don’t miss them when you’re browsing and buying in the Welsh capital.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, a few hours of retail therapy won’t disappoint. Stroll around some of the city’s beautiful shopping areas and see what you can find. Many of Cardiff’s best shops are nestled among beautiful streets, which means browsing is an excellent way to see more of your destination on foot.
St David’s is Cardiff’s principal indoor shopping centre, offering many high-street and designer favourites. With over 180 shops, cafés, and restaurants to enjoy, it’s an ideal choice for a full day’s shopping in Cardiff. You’ll find St David’s Dewi Sant in the city’s heart, next to Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, and Bute Park.
Explore an array of high-street and designer brands when visiting this sleek, airy shopping centre. Whether you’re searching for fashion, beauty, or interiors, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Stores include River Island, New Look, M&S, John Lewis, Apple, and the largest H&M in the UK! Not to mention designer brands, including Jo Malone, Michael Kors, and Victoria’s Secret.
All that shopping’s sure to work up an appetite. Head to TGI Friday’s, Nandos, Jamie’s Italian, Café Rouge, or The Ivy. And suppose you’re visiting with kids or other reluctant shoppers. In that case, Treetop Adventure Golf, Cineworld, and The Content Hub are perfect alternatives, all inside St David’s Dewi Sant.
Cardiff’s Capitol Shopping Centre is another of the city’s impressive indoor retail centres, a perfect place for an afternoon spent browsing high-street favourites, whatever the weather. Find the Capitol Centre at the eastern end of Queen Street, built on the site of the former Capitol Theatre.
Stores at the Capitol Centre include Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Boots. There’s also a cinema, the perfect place to settle in and rest your legs after a couple of hours shopping.
If the sun’s shining on your time in Cardiff, head to Mermaid Quay, the city’s fashionable waterfront shopping district. Discover a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and bars here, set against the beautiful backdrop of Cardiff Bay.
Spend a morning or afternoon strolling around the shops at Mermaid Quay before enjoying lunch or dinner overlooking the sea. Afterwards, the Everyman Cinema offers a unique, luxury cinema experience you’re sure to remember.
As well as its dedicated shopping centres, Cardiff boasts a leafy, pedestrianised street for shoppers. Queen Street runs through the Castle Quarter from Cardiff Castle itself, making the landmark an ideal place to start your excursion.
Queen Street boasts Boots, HMV, Primark, JD Sports, River Island, Zara, Next, and more. It’s also home to the Capitol Centre and Queens Arcade Shopping Centre. Whether you’re shopping for fashion, electronics, books, gifts, or homeware, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on Queen Street.
Cardiff is famous for its seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades, tucked between the city’s bustling high-street stores and restaurants. The city’s arcades are home to more than 100 independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Castle Arcade is the largest in the city, home to 30 independents split across two floors. Over the road in the Castle Quarter, High Street Arcade boasts 12 unique stores and eateries. Royal Arcade is the oldest in the city, dating back to 1858. Today, it’s home to 26 stores, including cafés, jewellers, and vintage clothes shops.
A tour of Cardiff’s arcades is a perfect way to enjoy the city’s historical beauty and a day of shopping rolled into one. If you aren’t interested in shopping in Cardiff, explore an arcade or two anyway. With so many traditional tearooms and speciality coffee shops to discover, it’s a comfortable way to see the city’s historical side.
Whether you’re visiting Cardiff exclusively to shop or you’re planning a romantic, family, or business trip to the Welsh capital, a convenient hotel can elevate your stay. Our Leonardo hotel Cardiff hotel is ideally located for your city centre adventure. Boasting proximity to Cardiff Central Station and other primary transport links, getting around is easy when you pick this sleek city centre hotel.
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff is set inside a Victorian building in the city’s heart, just off bustling Queen Street and its plethora of shops. Explore the city’s shopping centres, arcades, and Cardiff Bay, all within walking distance of your comfy, central hotel. Enjoy a warm welcome from the moment you arrive when you choose the Leonardo Hotel Cardiff for your city centre base.
To uncover a wealth of exciting activities in the city, make sure to read our Cardiff City Guide.
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