Top Rated Shopping in Cardiff

An erstwhile dockland area, Cardiff Bay is buttressed by rivers Taff and Ely, and today sits as a vivacious centerpoint of entertainment and adventure. These erstwhile docklands, which have revived into what is considered as the country's most successful regeneration projects, were earlier the nucleus of coal trade, and today teem with the contemporary buoyancy which pervades contemporary Cardiff. Speckled across its spirited expanse are an array of establishments teeming with life and vigor. From the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve which is a wonderland for birders, to the modest Norwegian Church which spans a long-standing history, the Cardiff Bay Barrage and the Wales Millenium Centre which boasts a stunning repertoire of theater, ballet and opera, many attractions are located here. A chosen venue for an array of international events and festivals, the bay is most famous for its myriad water-sports offerings. A testament to Cardiff's coastal tenor, this sprawling bay is an endearing amalgam of culture, cuisine and contemporary engineering.

There can't be a single man, woman or child in UK who hasn't purchased or been given a product from Marks & Spencer. If the conservative clothing isn't to your taste then you should take a look at the gourmet selection in the food hall. The range of toiletries and cosmetics is very popular as well; combining good quality, pretty packaging and reasonable prices. The city-center M&S outlet is made up of two adjacent stores. One has men's and children's clothes, the food hall and a household goods section while the other specializes in women's fashion and also has a small restaurant within.

Capitol Centre is a modern shopping complex on two levels that features occasional live-music and seasonal displays. The stores in the center include the best in designer names, from H&M and Benetton to Zavvi and Vidal Sassoon. There is a Madison coffee shop which serves a variety of food and drinks all day long and a Halifax bank cash machine is available just outside the center. A multi-story car park is in the neighborhood. Situated at the end of Queen Street, the center is directly opposite the train station.

Housing no fewer than 50 antiques dealers on five floors, this huge showroom in Cardiff Bay is a must if you enjoy looking at things with a bit of history. Offering everything from old furniture to a dealership that specializes in dinner suits, bowler hats and briefcases, there is plenty of parking, and regular trains and buses from the city center to the bay area. You could easily spend an entire afternoon looking around the displays of furniture, china, glass and household items.

Rossiters is one of the hidden gems located along the Royal Arcade in Cardiff. This department store was first established in Bath, and has since added this location as well. But this isn't just any department store, the articles you will find here are of a rather vintage make mixed with contemporary functionality. One can find everything from cute toiletries, to travel bags, classic jewelry, gift items, furniture, kitchenware and more in this spacious store. The prices might be high, but they are well worth the quality and novelty.

Looking for a CD that's no longer in production? The staff at Spillers Records might be able to help. This shop is reputedly the oldest record store in the world and, walking through the doors, you can well believe it. The surroundings are old-fashioned, with hand-written signs and long, musty racks of old pop, rock, jazz and blues titles. Though it's the rock and pop that most people come in for, there's even a small section devoted to easy listening. The store also serves as a ticket agency for major pop events; so it's a good place to drop in for information about upcoming concerts.