Capitol Shopping Centre

Cardiff's central shopping destination blending contemporary retail with Victorian-inspired architecture.

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Capitol Cardiff

Capitol Shopping Centre is a vibrant two-level shopping destination in the heart of Cardiff's city centre, occupying Queen Street. Home to approximately 40 retailers and leisure outlets, the centre blends contemporary design with nods to Cardiff's Victorian heritage. Visitors can explore fashion brands, high street names, and independent shops, alongside dining options, a five-screen cinema, and a 388-space car park. The centre's distinctive glass-fronted entrance and fanned roof make it an instantly recognisable landmark.

A brief summary to Capitol Cardiff

Queen St, Cardiff, CF10 2HQ, GB
+442920345428
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit during weekday mornings (9am–11am) for the quietest shopping experience; Saturday afternoons tend to be busiest.
Use the on-site car park with a 5-hour limit; validate your ticket at participating retailers to avoid overstay charges.
The centre's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Cardiff's Victorian arcades and nearby attractions on foot.
Check the cinema schedule in advance; the five-screen venue often shows blockbuster releases with premium seating options.
Combine shopping with dining at the various cafes and restaurants; the café-bar offers evening entertainment options.

Capitol Cardiff location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about Capitol Cardiff

A Modern Shopping Hub with Historic Roots

Capitol Shopping Centre stands on Queen Street in Cardiff's bustling city centre, occupying the site of the original Capital Theatre from which it takes its name. Opened in 1990, the centre was originally designed to echo the Victorian architecture of Cardiff's famous arcades dating from the late 1800s. This thoughtful architectural approach created a shopping environment that honours the city's heritage while delivering contemporary retail and leisure facilities. In 1999, the centre underwent a significant revamp that introduced smart new walkways and entrances, further enhancing the visitor experience and modernising the overall aesthetic.

Distinctive Architecture and Design

The centre is instantly recognisable for its striking high, glass-fronted main entrance, crowned by a distinctive fanned glass roof that floods the interior with natural light. Set across two floors, the building combines clean lines and bright spaces with careful attention to flow and accessibility. The architectural design creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration, while the transparent frontage signals openness and welcomes visitors from the busy street outside. This blend of form and function has made Capitol a defining feature of Cardiff's retail landscape.

Retail and Leisure Offerings

The centre houses approximately 40 retailers and leisure outlets catering to diverse shopping preferences. Fashion-wise, visitors will find a mix of high-end and high-street names including Jaeger, Austin Reed, Hobbs, H&M, and Accessorize. Beyond clothing, the centre features a Tesco Metro supermarket, a household name chemist, mobile phone shops, and sportswear retailers. The variety extends to lifestyle and wellness, with a gym facility available for visitors. This curated mix ensures that shoppers can accomplish multiple errands in one convenient location.

Dining and Entertainment

Capitol offers a diverse range of food and beverage options to suit all tastes and occasions. Caffé Nero provides quality coffee and light refreshments, while the centre hosts multiple cafes and food outlets offering everything from quick bites to more leisurely meals. A café-bar with an integrated nightclub adds an evening entertainment dimension, making the centre a destination beyond daylight shopping hours. The five-screen cinema on the second floor showcases the latest blockbuster films, equipped with rocker seats, cutting-edge digital projection technology, and a licensed bar for an enhanced viewing experience.

Practical Amenities and Accessibility

The centre operates from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, providing ample shopping hours for most schedules. On-site parking accommodates 388 vehicles, making car access straightforward for visitors arriving by vehicle. The central location on Queen Street places the centre within easy walking distance of other Cardiff attractions, including Cardiff Castle and the city's famous Victorian arcades. The two-level layout with modern walkways and entrances ensures smooth navigation throughout the space.

A Gateway to Cardiff City Centre

Beyond its role as a shopping destination, Capitol functions as a practical hub for exploring Cardiff's wider city centre. Its central position makes it an ideal starting point for visitors wanting to discover nearby attractions, restaurants, and cultural venues. The transparent design and accessible layout mean the centre serves as both a destination in its own right and a convenient passage point for those moving between different areas of the city. Whether visiting for specific shopping needs or simply browsing, Capitol offers a quintessentially Cardiff retail experience.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Capitol Cardiff

0.0 km

Discover the heart of Cardiff at Capitol Cardiff, a shopping center offering diverse retail options, dining experiences, and a taste of local culture.

Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.

0.1 km

A dynamic Christian church in the Capitol Shopping Centre, offering daily worship, prayer, and community in the heart of Cardiff.

Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.

The Gathering - Cardiff

0.2 km

Victorian Neogothic landmark and active faith community in the heart of Cardiff

HMP Cardiff

0.3 km

Discover the rich history and architectural significance of HMP Cardiff, a landmark prison reflecting the evolution of the UK's justice system.

James Howell's House

0.3 km

Historic landmark in Cardiff celebrating James Howell’s retail legacy and Cardiff’s commercial heritage.

Nereid Statue

0.4 km

A bronze sea nymph offering mythological protection to Cardiff's maritime legacy

Fogo's Free Tours

0.4 km

Explore the vibrant history and culture of Cardiff with Fogo's Free Tours – an engaging experience for every traveler.

John Batchelor Statue

0.4 km

A Victorian radical immortalised in bronze, standing where Cardiff’s political battles once raged.

Cardiff Town Wall

0.5 km

Step back into medieval Cardiff with the ancient Town Wall, a striking relic offering history, architecture, and panoramic city views.

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.

City Hall

0.6 km

Majestic Edwardian Baroque landmark and civic heart of Cardiff, crowned by a striking clock tower with a Welsh dragon.

Historical Wales

0.6 km

Explore Historical Wales, a charming gift shop in Cardiff, offering unique souvenirs that embody the rich culture and heritage of Wales.

Statue of The Second Marquess of Bute

0.8 km

Historic bronze statue in Cardiff honoring the visionary who transformed the city through the development of its docks and industrial growth.

Water Towers by Amber Hiscott & David Pearl

0.9 km

Iconic blue sculptural towers in Cardiff symbolizing water through innovative glass and metal artistry.

Water Towers by Amber Hiscott & David Pearl

Principality Stadium

0.9 km

Experience the energy and excitement of Principality Stadium, Cardiff's premier venue for sports, concerts, and unforgettable events.

Unmissable attractions to see

Canal Quarter

0.1 km

Cardiff's revitalized waterfront destination where historic canals meet modern leisure and culture.

Exitus Escape Rooms

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Challenging and immersive escape rooms in Cardiff with themed adventures, friendly hosts, and a lively social atmosphere.

Carousel in Queen Street

0.2 km

A charming and nostalgic carousel delighting families in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street.

St David's Metropolitan Cathedral

0.2 km

Historic Gothic Revival cathedral in Cardiff’s city centre, a serene spiritual hub and home to the renowned Metropolitan Cathedral Choir.

Queen St

0.2 km

Cardiff’s bustling Queen Street blends historic arcades with modern shopping and vibrant cafés in a lively pedestrian-friendly city centre hub.

New Theatre

0.3 km

Historic Cardiff theatre blending rich heritage with vibrant live performances in a welcoming city centre setting.

St David’s Dewi Sant

0.3 km

Cardiff’s largest shopping centre with over 160 shops, dining, and entertainment all under one roof in the city centre.

Lightning Bolt

0.3 km

A towering modern art beacon energizing Cardiff’s vibrant St David’s Centre with bold design and urban flair.

St David's Hall

0.4 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.

Gorsedd Gardens

0.4 km

Cardiff's tranquil civic heart: historic stones, exotic blooms, and urban serenity.

Museum of Cardiff

0.4 km

Explore Welsh art, natural history, and archaeology in Cardiff’s grand historic museum with free admission and rich cultural treasures.

Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)

0.5 km

A powerful bronze tribute in Cardiff to Aneurin Bevan, visionary founder of the NHS, sculpted by Robert Thomas in 1987.

Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)

St John The Baptist City Parish Church

0.5 km

Cardiff’s oldest medieval church, blending historic grandeur with vibrant community spirit in the city centre.

Gorsedd Gardens Rd

0.5 km

Discover Cardiff’s serene Gorsedd Gardens, home to a historic stone circle celebrating Welsh culture amidst vibrant floral beauty.

National Museum Cardiff

0.5 km

Explore world-class Welsh art, natural history, and culture at Cardiff’s iconic free museum in the heart of the city.

Experience exquisite Asian flavours and glamorous dining in the heart of Cardiff at The Ivy Asia, where culinary artistry meets stunning design.

Discover smart, affordable Mod and Northern Soul-inspired men's fashion at Mojo King, a unique gem in Cardiff Indoor Market.

Welcome Things

0.6 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.

A lively multi-floor nightclub in Cardiff celebrating retro hits, wild parties, and unforgettable nights until the early morning.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Pulse

0.1 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.

CIRCUIT Cardiff

0.3 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.

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

0.3 km

A dynamic nightclub with themed rooms and diverse bars offering a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of Cardiff.

Metros

0.5 km

Cardiff's alternative nightclub haven: cheap drinks, eclectic DJs, and non-stop rock, ska, and indie beats fueling wild weekends till 4am.

For Your Eyes Only

0.5 km

Elegant and vibrant dance club in Cardiff’s city centre offering stylish interiors, live entertainment, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.

Popworld - Cardiff

0.6 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

0.7 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

0.7 km

Cardiff's unyielding rock fortress on Womanby Street: live metal mayhem, cheap drinks, and a beer garden for the faithful.

The Globe

1.4 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

1.9 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

12.0 km

Experience the vibrant weekend nightlife and energetic dance scene at Coco Cubanas, Barry’s premier late-night club on Broad Street.

Bar Cocoa

12.0 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

15.9 km

Experience Pontypridd’s vibrant midweek nightlife at Eclipse Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community come alive every Wednesday night.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Capitol Shopping Centre

A brief summary to Capitol Cardiff

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Capitol Cardiff location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Capitol Cardiff

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Discover more about Capitol Cardiff

A Modern Shopping Hub with Historic Roots

Distinctive Architecture and Design

Retail and Leisure Offerings

Dining and Entertainment

Practical Amenities and Accessibility

A Gateway to Cardiff City Centre

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Capitol Cardiff

Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.

The Gathering - Cardiff

HMP Cardiff

James Howell's House

Nereid Statue

Fogo's Free Tours

John Batchelor Statue

Cardiff Town Wall

South African War Memorial

City Hall

Historical Wales

Statue of The Second Marquess of Bute

Water Towers by Amber Hiscott & David Pearl

Principality Stadium

Unmissable attractions to see

Canal Quarter

Exitus Escape Rooms

Carousel in Queen Street

St David's Metropolitan Cathedral

Queen St

New Theatre

St David’s Dewi Sant

Lightning Bolt

St David's Hall

Gorsedd Gardens

Museum of Cardiff

Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)

St John The Baptist City Parish Church

Gorsedd Gardens Rd

National Museum Cardiff

Essential places to dine

Valentino's

Bellini's

Daffodil

Steak of the Art

Laguna Kitchen & Bar Cardiff

Ciliegino Restaurant

Revolución de Cuba Cardiff

Cosy Club

Gaucho Cardiff

The Smoke Haus

Giovanni's Restaurant

Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)

The Botanist Cardiff

The Ivy Cardiff

The Ivy Asia Cardiff

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Flamingos Vintage Cardiff

Ganesha

Cardiff Creative Shop

Flying Tiger

Menkind

Rokit Cardiff

The Works

Little Welsh Company

Urban Outfitters

Beyond Retro Cardiff

Hobos Vintage

Knight Vintage

Sobeys Vintage Clothing

Mojo King

Welcome Things