Having lived here all my life, I have seen Cardiff grow from a small city in the '70's to a major shopping centre over the last 30 years, and it has certainly benefitted from all the inward investment and new development that comes with this recognition.
Travelling into Cardiff City centre ... Read review
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Advantages: Wide variety of shops - a large amuont under cover Disadvantages: Parking costs
...the '70's to a major shopping centre over the last 30 years, and it has certainly benefitted from all the inward investment and new development that comes with this recognition.
Travelling into Cardiff City centre by car is not too much of a problem traffic wise compared to other major cities in the UK. There are the usual rush hour delays on weekdays, but these are usually resolved by about 9.30, and on weekends the roads stay fairly ... ...
The main paved shopping thoroughfare in Cardiff is Queen Street (Next, Dixons, Gap, Lush, T K Maxx etc) which now houses three major covered shopping centres - The Capitol Centre (Monsoon, Accessorize, The Gadget Shop, Virgin etc), The Queens Arcade (Disney Store, La Senza, The Pier, Argos etc) and the St David's Centre (Marks & Spencer, BHS, Boots, Mothercare etc) - these three being the best places to go if you are looking for up to the ... more
Having lived here all my life, I have seen Cardiff grow from a small city in the '70's to a major shopping centre over the last 30 years, and it has certainly benefitted from all the inward investment and new development that comes with this recognition.
Travelling into Cardiff City centre by car is not too much of a problem traffic wise compared to other major cities in the UK. There are the usual rush hour delays on weekdays, but these are usually resolved by about 9.30, and on weekends the roads stay fairly clear, except when there are rugby internationals at the impressive new Millennium Stadium. Concerts really aren't a problem as they are usually held in the evenings after the shops have closed. Of course, Christmas causes the biggest problems!
No major problems with parking - the city has numerous multi-storey car parks dotted throughout the centre, but be warned, these can be very expensive and the prices seem to change from week to week. The last time I used a multi storey in the centre town it worked at over £2.00 an hour so beware! However, the Council now has a voucher scheme running, whereby visitors can purchase parking vouchers from shops leading into the centre at a cost of £1.20 each, and you are then able to use designated spaces in the City Centre, providing anywhere from 1hours to 8 hours parking (depending on how far you are prepared to walk). The trains also run reasonably regularly and busses to the centre run every 5 - 10 minutes so my advice would be park out of town for free and use public transport - certainly the cheapest option.
The main paved shopping thoroughfare in Cardiff is Queen Street (Next, Dixons, Gap, Lush, T K Maxx etc) which now houses three major covered shopping centres - The Capitol Centre (Monsoon, Accessorize, The Gadget Shop, Virgin etc), The Queens Arcade (Disney Store, La Senza, The Pier, Argos etc) and the St David's Centre (Marks & Spencer, BHS, Boots, Mothercare etc) - these three being the best places to go if you are looking for up to the minute fashion and accessories, with plenty of 'coffee stops' along the way such as Starbucks, Coffee Republic etc.
At the far end of Queen Street is the impressive Cardiff Castle and it is here that you enter what is known as the 'Castle Quarter'. This is where you will find many of Cardiff's Victorian shopping arcades with a wealth of smaller speciality shops such as boutiques, Welsh souvenirs, home decor, camping supplies, antiques, curios etc. This really is the place to slow down and browse - there really is something to suit everyone's taste. Arcades in this area include Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade and Royal Arcade.
Just off St John's Square, take time to visit Cardiff's well known Central Market, open 7 days a week - a covered market on two floors selling everything from fruit and veg, through haberdashery, electrical items and even pets - all substantially cheaper than you will find elsewhere.
Cardiff really does offer a good day out shopping, and if that's not enough why not visit Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Wales (5 minutes walking distance from the castle) or the new Millennium Stadium, or if you are feeling energetic, try skating at the National Ice Rink at the end of The Hayes. Take in a concert at St David's Hall or relax in one of the many modern bars and restaurants located throughout the City Centre.
Advantages: centralised Disadvantages: not much variety
...most of the nightlife and shopping areas are central. Shopping in Cardiff is very good and the centre has a variety of mainstream and independent retailers. This contrasts with other cities (e.g. Bristol) in which only chain stores can afford city centre locations and independent shops are spread about many other areas. Cardiff has a number of 'arcades' in which there is a variety of unusual and interesting shops. Nightlife tends to focus on large ...
SophieD 18.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Shopping in Cardiff
Advantages: everything under close proximity to each other Disadvantages: parking is very expensive
Cardiff has one of the best shooping centres in the entire UK. Check out the St David's Centre in the heart of the city. There are more shops than you could possibly visit in one day - all undercover and all with plenty of stock. There is a fabulous The Pier outlet and one of the biggest Marks and Spencer stores in the UK. It is called the city of arcades and there are around a dozen very stylish and chic arcades dotted around the city offering items ...
edwebb 22.06.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Shopping in Cardiff
Advantages: Good shopping centre Disadvantages: Bad layout
I have been to Cardiff only a few times which is a bit mediocre seen as it is the capital of my country, Wales. On the few occasions that I have been there, it has been for shopping. I find it a good place to shop, very large with plenty of well known and requtable shops. The transport links there are also very good, with connections to almost everywhere. I believe that almost everyone should visit this city at least once to sample it's unique culture, ...
Kezza_B 03.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Shopping in Cardiff
Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
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Advantages: You can get anything you want Disadvantages: None
This may shock some of you so prepare yourself, but Cardiff has actually been voted in the top five shopping cities in the UK. In fact it’s been in that list for a good few years now. Amazing to those people who’ve never visited this glorious city before and who still think Cardiff and Wales are light years behind London. Allow me, if you will, to take your hand and guide you through the streets of Cardiff, I’ll show you something that will make you change your mind.
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bridgendboy 16.07.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Queen Street
Advantages: Very central, late night bar Disadvantages: Poor car-parking, a little on the expensive side (but worth it!)
Stay: 29th April 2007, 2 nights.
Price: £300 (inc. full breakfast)
Situation: The Plaza is situated in the centre of Cardiff, just one street away from the main shops and 3-5 minute walk from the main clubs and pubs. When driving to the hotel, I found it easily accessible but was a little disappointed that the car park was not attached to the hotel. It wasn't very dignified having to haul my suitcase across the main road! Plus, car parking was charged at an extra discounted rate.
Reception: Apart from this initial annoyance, the hotel was fantastic. Foyer and reception were easily accessed, with pleasant and cheerful staff and porter service if necessary.
Room: Very impressive. Queen bed, plush decoration, clean and tidy, lovely big bathroom (although the full mirror along the wall of the bath/ shower was rather off ...
Advantages: Shops under one roof Disadvantages: Busy on weekends
The Capital is really the main shopping centre inCardiff.Situated at the top of Queen Street(the main shopping street)and right near Queen Street train station you cannot miss it!
Recently it has been renovated and now it's very interested to look at and is eye catching.In the centre, all the main shops can be founf including the Gadget Shop, H&M, Boots, abd Virgin to name a few.There is also 3 cafes, and a very expensive high quality chocolate shop.
The Capital also has a car park situated on really the roof of the place.You can normally find a place there and prices are reasonable although it's very tight to get in it although spaces are spread out well and quite large.
Most weekends there's usually some enterainment put on for shoppers outside H&M's such as a model show or piano recital.The place is usually very crouded ...
