Cardiff Market
A bustling Victorian indoor market in Cardiff city centre, alive with fresh produce, street food, vintage finds and local character under a grand glass roof.
Cardiff Market, also known as Central Market, is a vibrant Victorian indoor market in the heart of Cardiff city centre. Under its grand glass roof, visitors discover a lively mix of independent traders: fresh produce, butchers, fishmongers, bakeries, street food stalls, vintage clothing, records, crafts, and quirky finds. Open Monday to Saturday, it’s a sensory hub of local life, where the buzz of conversation, sizzling grills, and the scent of Welsh cakes and global spices fill the air. A true taste of Cardiff’s community spirit.
A brief summary to Cardiff Market
- St Mary St, Cardiff, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed browse and chat with traders.
- Bring cash as well as cards; while many stalls now accept card payments, some smaller vendors may still prefer or only take cash.
- Check Cardiff Council’s events calendar for special night markets or festivals when the market stays open late with live music and extended food offerings.
- Look up as you walk: the ornate Victorian architecture, glass roof and the four‑faced clock above the offices are worth a moment of appreciation.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Cardiff’s historic arcades and a stop at nearby St John’s Church or the castle for a full city‑centre experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Cardiff Central Station
From Cardiff Central Station, follow signs for the city centre and St Mary Street. The walk takes about 5–10 minutes along well‑lit, level pedestrian routes. The market is clearly visible once you reach St Mary Street, with entrances on both St Mary Street and Trinity Street.
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By bus to Cardiff city centre
Numerous local and regional bus services stop near Cardiff Central Station or in the city centre on West Bute Street and Westgate Street. From there, it’s a 5–10 minute walk along level, pedestrian‑friendly streets to St Mary Street and the market entrances.
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By car with nearby parking
Several multi‑storey car parks are within a 5–10 minute walk of the market, including Castle, Central, and St Mary Street car parks. Parking is paid and can be busy on weekends; allow extra time to find a space and walk the short distance to the market entrances.
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From Cardiff Bay
From Cardiff Bay, take a local bus or walk along Bute Street and West Bute Street, then turn onto St Mary Street. The walk takes about 20–25 minutes along level, well‑maintained paths and roads, passing through the city centre.
Cardiff Market location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Cardiff Market
A Victorian Heart in the Modern City
Cardiff Market, officially Cardiff Central Market, occupies a striking Grade II listed Victorian building on St Mary Street, right in the city’s bustling core. Built in the late 19th century, this elegant iron and glass structure has been a marketplace in one form or another since the 1700s, evolving from a livestock and general goods market into today’s diverse indoor bazaar. The high arched roof floods the hall with natural light, illuminating rows of stalls beneath, while original architectural details and the distinctive clock tower above the offices add a sense of history and character. It’s a place where Cardiff’s past and present meet, a covered street of commerce that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.A Feast for the Senses
The market is a feast of sights, sounds and smells. Fresh fruit and vegetables spill from crates, fishmongers display glistening seafood, and butchers offer local meats and traditional Welsh fare. The air carries the warm, buttery scent of Welsh cakes from Cardiff Bakestones, the rich aroma of roasting coffee, and the sizzle of street food from stalls like Ffwrnes Pizza, Dirty Gnocchi, Bao Selecta and The Bearded Taco. Independent traders sell everything from vintage clothes and records at Kelly’s Records to handmade crafts, cards, flowers, hardware and even psychic readings. The constant hum of chatter, the clatter of pans and the occasional live music during special events create an energetic, convivial atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike.More Than Just Shopping
Cardiff Market is as much a social space as a shopping destination. It’s a place to grab a quick breakfast, linger over coffee, or enjoy a proper lunch of Neapolitan pizza, Polish pierogi or Keralan curries. The Bull Terrier Café upstairs offers a relaxed spot to pause, while the market’s regular late-night and festival events – such as the Cardiff Music City Festival Night Market – transform the space into a glowing, music-filled evening destination. These special occasions highlight the market’s role as a cultural hub, where food, music and art come together under the glass roof, inviting people to explore, eat and celebrate the city’s creative energy.Practicalities and Atmosphere
The market is open Monday to Saturday, typically from early morning until late afternoon, making it ideal for a weekday lunch break, a weekend food crawl or a pre-theatre bite. With entrances on both St Mary Street and Trinity Street, it’s easily accessible on foot from Cardiff Central Station and the main shopping arcades. The layout is straightforward and pedestrian-friendly, with wide aisles that accommodate crowds without feeling cramped. Whether you’re hunting for fresh ingredients, browsing for unique gifts, or simply soaking up the atmosphere with a coffee in hand, the market offers a genuine, unpretentious slice of Cardiff life that feels both welcoming and authentically local.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fogo's Free Tours
0.2 km
Explore the vibrant history and culture of Cardiff with Fogo's Free Tours – an engaging experience for every traveler.
Historical Wales
0.2 km
Explore Historical Wales, a charming gift shop in Cardiff, offering unique souvenirs that embody the rich culture and heritage of Wales.
John Batchelor Statue
0.2 km
A Victorian radical immortalised in bronze, standing where Cardiff’s political battles once raged.
Cardiff Town Wall
0.2 km
Step back into medieval Cardiff with the ancient Town Wall, a striking relic offering history, architecture, and panoramic city views.
Nereid Statue
0.4 km
A bronze sea nymph offering mythological protection to Cardiff's maritime legacy
South African War Memorial
0.5 km
A poignant bronze and stone tribute in Cardiff honoring Welsh soldiers who served in the Second Boer War, embodying peace, war, and grief.
Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
0.5 km
A historic Grade II listed water tower overlooking Cardiff Central Station and the River Taff, symbolizing the city’s rich railway heritage.
Capitol Cardiff
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Cardiff at Capitol Cardiff, a shopping center offering diverse retail options, dining experiences, and a taste of local culture.
The Gathering - Cardiff
0.6 km
Victorian Neogothic landmark and active faith community in the heart of Cardiff
Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.
0.6 km
A dynamic Christian church in the Capitol Shopping Centre, offering daily worship, prayer, and community in the heart of Cardiff.
City Hall
0.6 km
Majestic Edwardian Baroque landmark and civic heart of Cardiff, crowned by a striking clock tower with a Welsh dragon.
Water Towers by Amber Hiscott & David Pearl
0.6 km
Iconic blue sculptural towers in Cardiff symbolizing water through innovative glass and metal artistry.
Statue of The Second Marquess of Bute
0.7 km
Historic bronze statue in Cardiff honoring the visionary who transformed the city through the development of its docks and industrial growth.
Bute Park
0.7 km
Discover the beauty and tranquility of Bute Park, Cardiff's premier urban park and a hub of culture and nature in the heart of the city.
HMP Cardiff
0.7 km
Discover the rich history and architectural significance of HMP Cardiff, a landmark prison reflecting the evolution of the UK's justice system.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Cardiff Market
0.0 km
Discover Cardiff Market’s vibrant Victorian charm, where fresh local produce and unique stalls create a lively city-centre shopping experience.
8 St Mary St
0.0 km
Historic Victorian commercial site in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, blending rich heritage with vibrant city life.
St John The Baptist City Parish Church
0.1 km
Cardiff’s oldest medieval church, blending historic grandeur with vibrant community spirit in the city centre.
High Street Arcade
0.1 km
A beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, and historic charm.
Museum of Cardiff
0.1 km
Explore Welsh art, natural history, and archaeology in Cardiff’s grand historic museum with free admission and rich cultural treasures.
St David's Hall
0.1 km
Experience world-class acoustics and bold brutalist design at Cardiff’s iconic St David’s Hall, a vibrant cultural landmark in the city centre.
Rummer Tavern
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and rich local culture at Rummer Tavern, a must-visit pub in the heart of Cardiff.
Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)
0.2 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Cardiff to Aneurin Bevan, visionary founder of the NHS, sculpted by Robert Thomas in 1987.
Blue Bell
0.2 km
Discover the charm of The Blue Bell, Cardiff's premier pub for traditional food, local ales, and a warm atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Castle Quarter Arcades
0.2 km
Explore Cardiff’s historic Castle Quarter Arcades—Victorian charm, independent shops, and vibrant dining in the city’s heart.
Morgan Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Morgan Arcade, Cardiff’s enchanting Victorian shopping arcade where historic charm meets modern boutiques and cozy cafes.
Cardiff Antique Centre
0.2 km
Discover timeless treasures and vintage charm in Cardiff’s historic Royal Arcade at the Cardiff Antique Centre.
Royal Arcade, Cardiff
0.2 km
Step into Cardiff’s oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets unique independent shops and delightful eateries.
Royal Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Cardiff’s oldest shopping arcade, where Victorian charm meets unique independent shops in a beautifully preserved historic setting.
Firing Line Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier
0.2 km
Discover the rich military heritage of Wales beneath Cardiff Castle in this immersive museum dedicated to the Welsh soldier.
Essential places to dine
Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)
0.0 km
Savor authentic Italian gnocchi and pasta delights in the vibrant heart of Cardiff Market, where tradition meets street food charm.
Cafe Citta
0.1 km
Cozy Italian eatery in Cardiff city center serving authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta in an intimate, stylish setting.
The Botanist Cardiff
0.1 km
A vibrant gastropub in Cardiff city centre where botanical décor, creative cocktails, and live music bloom together.
Turtle Bay Cardiff
0.1 km
Caribbean soul meets Welsh hospitality—bold jerk, tropical cocktails, and island warmth in Cardiff city centre.
The Alchemist Cardiff
0.1 km
Experience the magic of mixology at The Alchemist Cardiff, where innovative cocktails meet exquisite dining in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lezzet Turkish Kitchen
0.1 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with vibrant flavours and warm hospitality in the heart of Cardiff city centre.
Pasture Restaurant Cardiff
0.1 km
Savor expertly crafted steaks and vibrant atmosphere at Pasture, Cardiff’s celebrated destination for premium meat dining.
Asador 44 Spanish Grill & Wine House
0.1 km
Authentic Spanish charcoal grilling and fine wines in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant city centre.
The Potted Pig
0.1 km
A stylish underground eatery in Cardiff serving seasonal Welsh-inspired modern British cuisine in a unique former bank vault setting.
Casanova
0.1 km
A long-standing Cardiff trattoria serving authentic regional Italian food with warm service and an excellent all-Italian wine list.
The Welsh House Cardiff
0.1 km
Experience authentic Welsh flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant city centre.
Maison de Bœuf
0.2 km
An intimate French steakhouse in Cardiff’s Castle Arcade, blending Parisian charm with live jazz and signature cuisine.
The Sorting Room Restaurant
0.2 km
Elegant modern European dining in Cardiff’s city centre, celebrated for Welsh beef specialties and refined brasserie ambiance.
Tŷ Madeira Restaurant
0.2 km
Award-winning Portuguese dining in Cardiff's city centre, blending authentic tradition with modern culinary excellence.
Bar 44 Cardiff
0.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in Cardiff's vibrant Castle Quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Knight Vintage
0.0 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures and exclusive KV collections in the heart of Cardiff Market’s vibrant historic setting.
Mojo King
0.0 km
Discover smart, affordable Mod and Northern Soul-inspired men's fashion at Mojo King, a unique gem in Cardiff Indoor Market.
Hobos Vintage
0.1 km
A vibrant Cardiff vintage shop packed with retro fashion, trainers, and accessories from the 1950s to today – perfect for throwback style and bargain finds.
Little Welsh Company
0.1 km
Discover Cardiff's premier independent shop for authentic Welsh gifts, blending tradition with modern charm since 2003 on lively St John Street.
Great Welsh Gifts
0.1 km
Unearth authentic Welsh crafts, treats, and treasures on Cardiff's High Street—a delightful dive into Cymru's cultural heart at Great Welsh Gifts.
The Works
0.2 km
Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street shopping district.
Morgan Quarter
0.2 km
Discover Cardiff’s charming Morgan Quarter, a historic Victorian arcade blending unique shops, cozy cafes, and timeless architecture in the city centre.
Castle Welsh Crafts Ltd
0.2 km
Discover authentic Welsh craftsmanship and personalized lovespoons opposite Cardiff Castle at Castle Welsh Crafts.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Curated lifestyle retail celebrating creativity, fashion, and cultural expression in Cardiff's city centre.
Cardiff Creative Shop
0.2 km
Handcrafted Welsh wonders from 45+ local artisans await in Queens Arcade's creative gem—unique gifts that sparkle with personality and heritage.
Beyond Retro Cardiff
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Beyond Retro Cardiff, nestled in the vibrant St David's Centre.
Sobeys Vintage Clothing
0.2 km
Discover unique reworked vintage fashion in Cardiff’s historic Royal Arcade at Sobeys Vintage Clothing, where creativity meets sustainability.
Welcome Things
0.2 km
Discover whimsical treasures in Cardiff's historic Royal Arcade at this eclectic gift shop, where unique Welsh-inspired finds meet global curiosities in Victorian splendor.
elephants and flowres
0.2 km
Artisan gifts and local crafts in Cardiff's charming Victorian arcade.
Joie de Vivre Boutique and Vintage Store
0.2 km
Independent boutique treasure trove in historic Royal Arcade, celebrating curated vintage and artisanal finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Flight Club Cardiff
0.1 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant city nightlife at Flight Club Cardiff’s unique multi-level bar and rooftop terrace.
Glassworks
0.1 km
Lively Cardiff pub pouring Greene King ales, serving pub classics, and screening sports in the heart of the city center—perfect for meals, pints, and pre-event vibes.
Main Stage
0.1 km
Cardiff's vibrant gay bar and cabaret club with lively drag shows, DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
Penny
0.1 km
Discover Cardiff’s intimate cocktail haven with innovative drinks, expert bartenders, and a stylish, welcoming atmosphere at Penny.
Rum & Fizz
0.1 km
Discover Cardiff’s rum haven with over 200 rums, crafted cocktails, cozy elegance, and live jazz every Friday in Castle Arcade.
The Libertine Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
A stylish Cardiff cocktail bar blending gothic charm with expertly crafted drinks and a lively city center vibe.
Tiny Rebel Cardiff
0.2 km
Discover Cardiff’s vibrant craft beer scene and lively pub culture at Tiny Rebel, a hub for award-winning brews and eclectic events.
Revolution Cardiff
0.2 km
A multi‑level cocktail bar and late‑night club opposite Cardiff Castle, built for groups, events and colourful cocktail theatre.
Mary's Cardiff
0.2 km
Experience Cardiff’s vibrant nightlife at Mary’s, a lively bar and nightclub blending modern lounge vibes with energetic party spirit.
The Bootlegger
0.2 km
A vintage-flavoured Cardiff speakeasy serving expertly crafted cocktails and late-night live music on cobbled Womanby Street.
Slug & Lettuce - St Mary St Cardiff
0.2 km
Vibrant Cardiff cocktail bar on St Mary Street, famed for bottomless brunches, creative mixes, and lively nights in the city heart.
Boom Battle Bar Cardiff
0.2 km
Cardiff’s ultimate bar for games, street food, cocktails, and late-night fun in a lively, interactive setting.
The Live Lounge Cardiff
0.3 km
Cardiff’s lively hotspot for live music, affordable eats, and vibrant nightlife until 4am every day.
Lab 22
0.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s award-winning Lab 22, where science meets cocktail artistry in a stylish, innovative, and immersive bar experience.
Brewhouse
0.3 km
Experience Cardiff’s vibrant live music scene with great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere at Brewhouse in the Old Brewery Quarter.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
For Your Eyes Only
0.1 km
Elegant and vibrant dance club in Cardiff’s city centre offering stylish interiors, live entertainment, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
Metros
0.1 km
Cardiff's alternative nightclub haven: cheap drinks, eclectic DJs, and non-stop rock, ska, and indie beats fueling wild weekends till 4am.
Popworld - Cardiff
0.2 km
Dive into cheesy pop heaven at Popworld Cardiff—karaoke, half-price drinks, and dance floor anthems until 3am on vibrant St Mary Street.
Clwb Ifor Bach
0.2 km
Cardiff's gritty Welsh club heart: live music legends, late-night dances, and cultural rebellion on historic Womanby Street since 1983.
Fuel Rock Club
0.2 km
Cardiff's unyielding rock fortress on Womanby Street: live metal mayhem, cheap drinks, and a beer garden for the faithful.
The CUBE
0.3 km
Cardiff’s vibrant nightclub hotspot offering dynamic music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Tiger Tiger Cardiff
0.4 km
A dynamic nightclub with themed rooms and diverse bars offering a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of Cardiff.
CIRCUIT Cardiff
0.4 km
Cardiff's largest nightclub ignites Greyfriars Road with 1,500-capacity energy, state-of-the-art production across themed rooms, and epic nights from club beats to private spectacles.
Pulse
0.5 km
A city-centre LGBTQ+-friendly bar that becomes a neon-lit nightclub after dark, blending casual daytime dining with late-night DJs and themed club nights.
The Globe
1.8 km
A compact Grade II-listed former cinema turned lively live-music venue and nightclub, famed for intimate gigs and energetic club nights on Albany Road.
The Vaults
1.8 km
Dive into Cardiff’s iconic underground club housed in a historic former bank, where techno beats and vibrant nightlife come alive beneath the city streets.
Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
2.1 km
Dive into Cardiff Bay's sizzling hub of drag, burlesque, comedy, and live music at Cabaret – where inclusive performances sparkle with pop culture magic and high-energy fun.
Coco Cubanas
11.5 km
Experience the vibrant weekend nightlife and energetic dance scene at Coco Cubanas, Barry’s premier late-night club on Broad Street.
Bar Cocoa
11.5 km
Experience Barry’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Bar Cocoa, a lively nightclub where music and dancing keep the party going until the early morning.
Eclipse Nightclub
15.8 km
Experience Pontypridd’s vibrant midweek nightlife at Eclipse Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community come alive every Wednesday night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
