Shopping Cardiff
Cardiff offers a complete spectrum of shopping, from charming Edwardian and Victorian arcades to ultra-modern shopping malls, all conveniently located within a few blocks of each other. And when it’s time for a break, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars for refueling.
The Hayes, a pedestrian thoroughfare, is one of Cardiff’s most chic and historic shopping streets. Flanked with designer stores & boutiques, the Hayes links Cardiff’s old with new, joining the city’s iconic arcades with the ultra modern St. David’s Walk and St. David’ Way shopping centres. You can walk along the Hayes from one of Cardiff’s most modern buildings – Cardiff Central Library- to one of its oldest, the 15th century St. John’s Church. Along the way, you’ll pass Cardiff’s Old Library, now home to the Cardiff Tourist Information Centre. Stop in for a free street map and friendly chat with the locals.
Cardiff Market
Continuing to St David’s, you’ll see the new Debenhams along with high street faves Marks & Spencer, John Lewis (the largest JL outside of London) and Boots. The new Joules boutique is a winner, featuring boho chic clothing and the cutest wellies in the UK.
More top high street labels can be found in the Grand Arcade which runs right through the center of St David’s. You’ll find fashion inspiration and the latest catwalk looks at H&M, L. K. Bennett and Oasis. New shops include handbag specialists Radley, beauty store Crabtree & Evelyn, jewellers Links of London, and clothing store All Saints Spitalfields.
Designers Hugo Boss, Kurt Geiger and Reiss (favourite of Duchess Kate) have also opened their first Welsh stores at St David’s on The Hayes, opposite two of Cardiff’s famous arcades – the Morgan and the Royal. Both arcades are worth a stroll, but save time to visit the Cardiff Central Market.
Cardiff Market is an impressive Victorian structure which has been around since the 1700’s and while livestock no longer roam the aisles, you’ll find stalls selling products ranging from pots and pans to bread and cheese, from tattoos to rock and roll.
