St David’s is Cardiff’s central shopping complex – a vast, shiny world within itself. With an arching glass roof and long walkways interspersed with sparkling steel escalators, there is a variety of different areas each with their own collection of high street and designer stores. If you have a taste for luxury, then check out the cosmopolitan Hayes Arcade where all of the designer boutiques are to be found. For bargain hunters, all of the department stores and high street names, as well as coffee shops and places to grab something to eat, are on St. David’s Way and St. David’s Walk.
Castle Quarter
The Castle Quarter is home to a number of memorable arcades, many of which retain their original historical features. With Victorian and Edwardian town houses lining their winding alleyways, High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, and Castle Arcade are renowned for their fashion boutiques, independent shops selling everything from crystals and ornaments to posters and second-hand books, as well as Italian delis and quaint cafés. The Castle Quarter provides a complete contrast to the modernity of the centre, and is like a stimulating trip back in time to a bygone city.
Cardiff Market
Cardiff Market has operated on the same site since the Victorian era, and still retains much of its original bustling character to this day. The building itself is an atmospheric 19th structure of glass and iron, with a large domed entrance and plenty of light shining in from the many windows. With 2 floors of busy traders all vying for your attention, and all manner of fruits, vegetables, meats, trinkets and clothing on sale, it's vintage but not in the hipster sense: an old school, sensory experience unique to Cardiff city centre.
Mermaid Quay
A little removed from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Mermaid Quay overlooks the sparkling waters of Cardiff Bay and is an ideal location to do some lazy shopping in the dockside’s independent boutique stores. With an array of fashion, gift, and art stores on offer, you can take your time wandering around before heading to one of the numerous restaurants serving up everything from French classics to dim sum, with sea views to relish as you tuck into your meal.
