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Mermaid Quay

Vibrant Cardiff Bay waterfront alive with dining, shopping, comedy, and bay views—maritime heritage meets modern leisure in this regenerated gem.

4.5

Mermaid Quay is a vibrant waterfront shopping and leisure district in Cardiff Bay, featuring over 30 restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutiques with stunning views over the bay. Opened in 1999 as part of the area's regeneration, it offers diverse dining from Welsh treats to international cuisines, comedy at The Glee Club, cinema at Everyman, and public art inspired by maritime heritage. Stroll the boardwalks, enjoy events, and explore nearby attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre in this lively, accessible hub.

A brief summary to Mermaid Quay

  • Mermaid Quay, Cardiff, CF10 5BZ, GB
  • +442920480077
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Book tables at waterfront restaurants in advance, especially weekends, for prime bay views.
  • Catch comedy at The Glee Club or films at Everyman for evening entertainment.
  • Explore public art like the 'Cargoes' sculptures and Butetown Quilt during strolls.
  • Visit during events or markets for live music and festive vibes.
  • Sample local Welshcakes and ice cream amid international cuisines.
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Getting There

  • Train

    Trains from Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay station run every 12 minutes, 5-15 minute walk to quay; £2-£4 one-way adult fare, frequent service daily.

  • Bus

    BayCar shuttle from Cardiff city centre every 10 minutes weekdays, 20 minutes weekends/evenings; 20-30 minute trip, £2-£3 single ticket.

  • Waterbus

    Aquabus from city centre or Cardiff CATS from Penarth, direct to Mermaid Quay pier; 20-40 minute journeys, £5-£8 return, weather-dependent seasonal ops.

  • Car

    Drive via A4232 or Lloyd George Avenue to on-site 380-space car park; £2.20 first hour up to £20/24hrs, limited spaces weekends.

Mermaid Quay location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Mermaid Quay

Waterfront Renaissance

Mermaid Quay anchors the transformation of Cardiff Bay from derelict docklands into a thriving waterfront destination. Once the world's largest coal-exporting port, the area faced decline until the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation initiated regeneration in 1987. This 14,000 square meter development, designed by architects Benoy, opened in August 1999, blending maritime-inspired architecture with modern leisure spaces. Decking, towers, balconies, and colonnades evoke the site's nautical past, creating an inviting promenade along eight miles of freshwater waterfront.

Dining Mosaic

Culinary variety defines Mermaid Quay, with over 30 outlets serving global flavors against a scenic bay backdrop. Savor Welsh ice cream and traditional Welshcakes alongside Japanese sushi, stone-baked pizzas, French dishes, and flame-grilled Latin American fare. Casual cafes offer coffee and quick bites, while upscale spots provide intimate terraces. The quay caters to every palate and budget, from on-the-go takeaways to leisurely meals, enhanced by the gentle lapping of water and distant views of iconic landmarks.

Shopping and Leisure Gems

Boutiques and essentials fill the two-level complex, including Zia Boutique for gifts, Pavers Shoes, Fabulous Welshcakes, and Tesco Express. Leisure draws crowds to The Glee Club, Cardiff's premier comedy venue, and the Everyman cinema with its boutique screens. Regular events like markets and live performances animate the space, fostering a dynamic atmosphere. Public art, including 22 galvanized steel sculptures inspired by John Masefield's 'Cargoes'—depicting galleons, peacocks, and elephants—adds cultural depth, alongside the Captain Willows clock honoring an airship pioneer and the Butetown Community Quilt reflecting local heritage.

Maritime Echoes in Art

Art installations weave Mermaid Quay's history into its fabric. The 'Cargoes' sculptures capture poetic visions of seafaring vessels and exotic cargoes, symbolizing the bay's trading legacy. Captain Willows commemorates early 20th-century aviation feats, while the atrium's quilt showcases Butetown's multicultural tapestry. These elements invite reflection on Cardiff's evolution from industrial powerhouse to cultural haven, with the quay serving as a canvas for public creativity amid bustling daily life.

Bay's Beating Heart

Positioned centrally in Cardiff Bay, Mermaid Quay connects to attractions like Techniquest science center, Roald Dahl Plass, and the Wales Millennium Centre. Its 380-space car park and proximity to transport hubs make it a convenient base. Frequent events and seasonal festivities, such as Christmas markets, keep the energy high year-round, blending relaxation with entertainment in a setting where sea breezes mingle with laughter and live music.

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