Cardiff Market Tours and Activities

Cardiff showing markets, a square or plaza and shopping
Cardiff showing food, markets and shopping
Cardiff showing shopping, markets and food
Cardiff which includes signage
Cardiff featuring shopping, food and markets


Since replacing a jail in the late 1800s, this majestic indoor marketplace has been at the heart of the city’s mercantile trade.

The Cardiff Market is a Victorian warehouse in the core of the city. Held together beneath a glass roof are stalls representing myriad aspects of local culture and cuisine. Chat with vendors and browse the items for sale in the shops and stalls spread across the two floors of the market building.

Arrive at this Cardiff institution and pass through one of the three entrances. Notice the H. Samuel clock that has adorned the façade since 1910. Ascend to the balcony that runs around the sides of the market and provides views of the lively first floor.

Purchase fresh and prepared food to make up a picnic you can enjoy in nearby Bute Park or Gorsedd Gardens. You can also find a range of ingredients and delicacies in this labyrinth of stalls. Investigate the fish and meat, as you think about cooking a meal later on.

Some of the family-run businesses have been trading here for more than a century, generating trusted reputations and traditional ambiance. Inspect the cooking utensils and try the warm bread from the bakery. Peruse some of the alternative and bohemian trinkets, with old-fashioned hats, stylish clothing and musical instruments available to purchase.

Consider the rich history of the market, whose building was constructed in 1891 on the location of a former jail. It replaced an older market that was inaugurated in the 1700s.

The market is active Monday through Saturday from early morning until late afternoon. Entry is free.

Find the Cardiff Market in the city’s Castle Quarter. Ride a bus to a nearby stop or take the train to the Cardiff Central station, which is a 5-minute walk south of the market. You can also drive here and park on the nearby streets. Visit some of the nearby attractions in the area, such as the Cardiff Story Museum, Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.

Popular places to visit


Top Cardiff Market Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Angel Hotel
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
Hotel Indigo Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
Hotel Indigo Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
Hilton Cardiff
Hilton Cardiff
4.5 out of 5
Kingsway, Cardiff, Wales
Hilton Cardiff
The Royal Hotel Cardiff
The Royal Hotel Cardiff
3.5 out of 5
88 St Mary Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Royal Hotel Cardiff
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff
4 out of 5
Park Place, Cardiff, Wales
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff
Park Plaza Cardiff
Park Plaza Cardiff
4 out of 5
Grey friars Road, Cardiff, Wales
Park Plaza Cardiff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.