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.
