Cardiff Central Market is a real gem in the heart of the city. The Victorian building itself is…read morebeautiful, full of character with its glass roof and traditional ironwork. Inside, there's a fantastic mix of vendors... fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish other food traders, vintage clothing, books, unique gifts and much more. It has such a lively, local atmosphere and you can really feel the history while wandering around. There are plenty of food options too! Prices are reasonable, the everyone was friendly! Great experience!

If you find yourself in Cardiff, I'd recommend visiting the market (also known as Central Market)!…read moreIt's been around since the 1700s, and in the same Victorian-style building - with a big glass roof - for over 100 years. There's *a lot* to look at and take in, so heads-up if you're a person that gets overstimulated by noise (because that's what the market is: organized chaos of vendors selling anything and everything from coffee to clothing to walking sticks to fish). We enjoyed a bunch of food that we brought to the low, bar-style seating on the first floor, including... Tukka Tuk (5) - first floor, 219 - 223: Indian street food by a multi-award winning chef. And, yeah, believe the hype. This was one of the best things we ate in Wales (and it was vegan!). We did the Build A Bowl and chose 1) half pilav rice and half plain chips topped with 2) coconut dal and 3) cauli kemp. It was rich, creamy, and an absolute explosion of flavor! I regret sharing this with my partner, so - PRO TIP - get your own. Pierogi (4) - first floor, 213 - 217: Polish pierogis. These fresh dumplings prepared daily using their family's special recipe are DELICIOUS. We tried the vegan ones, which at the time were roasted buckwheat with onion and mushroom sauce. So, so good. There's usually five-ish flavors to choose from, and I think they come in two portions (small with four pierogies; large with seven pierogies). Cardiff Bakestones (4) - ground floor, 161 - 165: Known for their Welsh cakes (which are kind of like a scone or a biscuit; softer and slightly sweet, they're baked round with a crinkly edge. Cardiff Bakestones has LOTS of different flavors (like salted caramel, nutella, lemon curd, chocolate chip, etc.) and also vegan and gluten-free options. Definitely get a couple more than you think you're gonna want, because *trust me* you're going to want another right after the one you've just eaten!

i Claudius is a vintage clothing and fancy dress shop, so you can go there to pick up a pair of…read morebell-bottomed flares, a full body bee costume, or accessories such as masks and wigs. When I last walked past the shop, the mannequin outside appeared to be a cross between a terrorist and a clown, with a sign strung around its neck saying 'Make peace not war'. Inside the window the mannequins were modelling a range of the shop's animal costumes. The staff are on the ball, and offer an alterations service if items on display don't fit you - but they can be a bit pushy at times. The shop's emphasis definitely seems to be on fancy dress over vintage, nowadays, whereas in the past (I think) it was the other way around.

Fantastic. First of all; a good fancy dress shop is hard to come by these days, and secondly; this…read moreis a brilliant one. I must offer a warning to start with; the models outside are terrifying. Honestly. They change from time to time, depending on the mood of the shop owner, but were sinister, nasty, horrifying models the last time I went. A peculiar, pale butler holding a tray with a model of a heart on it stood on the right hand side. On the left there was a freakish monster, all guts and entrails, that looked like a cross between Frankenstein's monster and Predator. I found it worrying that kids weren't at all bothered by these terrifying objects while I needed medical attention. If you do make it inside, the shop is brilliant. Not going for such a mainstream audience, the costumes are original and novel here. The Wolf costume particularly impressed me. This is what costume shops should be, quirky and original with a dose of the weird.

I find this shop to be incredibly tacky and cheap, and the products just fall apart. The store is…read moreincredibly cramped and they appear to have tried to get as many products as possible squished in. The last time I came in here many of the jewellery was on the floor (would you really want to put earrings in that had been trampled on? Surely far from hygienic). On the topic of earrings, I can never understand why so many people decide to have their ears pierced here, it's incredibly busy, and on top of that a staff member does it in the shop window (each to their own I suppose). If you're under 14 you may like this place (pocket money would cover the price of most products), if not head to Accessorize (trust me you'll thank me for it.

A larger branch of the ever popular Clairs Accessories which is great for all your accessories…read more From hair clips and handbags to makeup and rings there is a style to match every outfit. Also offers a ear piercing service but I must say I dont like how its done in the window for all to watch. Staff here are always helpful and offer great styling advice.

Always lovely service, with decent prices and a wide selection of different types of bags and…read morepurses to choose from.

'A handbag?' Oscar…read moreWilde knew the dramatic potential of handbags, bless him. I can't leave the house without one, I'm snail-like dragging my life around with me - I'd love to be like my friend Clare who just takes a credit card and her phone, maybe her house keys and chucks them all in my big over the shoulder satchel but I'm not. I like to know I have pens and a notebook and a novel or poetry collection and my make up and my phone and wallet and keys and charger and more hair bands than anyone could ever possibly need, just-in-case. Naturally bag theft leaves me wailing, a long mourning period ensues. I voodoo doll the thief a bad end. Anyway I digress. Hennessy's sell handbags. And wallets and purses and shoppers and wheelie granny trolleys and rucksacks. I don't like any of them, I'll be honest, but you might.

Butterfly Fabrics claims to be 'unique in all aspects', and this is in the most part true.... They…read moreare a pretty special little shop that stocks some really gorgeous fabrics. This is hardly surprising considering how long they have been in business; established in 1989, they have been around for over twenty years, and it shows. What's interesting about this is that they opened up shop just before the previous global recession, and having weathered this, they possess the foresight and experience to get through the current one. Butterfly Fabrics is a more upmarket material shop and stocks designer fabrics such as Liberty and John Kaldor, quality silks from India and China, as well as stocking a wide range of craft fabrics for patchworking and quilting. Inevitably the sell all of the associated items to go with this, including patterns for clothes as well as patchworking, along with threads, needles, buttons etc etc... They also stock sewing machines, fabrics for fancy dress and a range of fashion accessories. This is a delightful little shop, (that actually isn't that little), and if you are looking to buy some special material I highly recommend it.

Butterfly is the most expensive fabric shop on city road. My general choice would be Terry's…read morefabrics for the range and lower prices. If you're a textile design student or a seam person you will appreciate the more ordered sorting and layout to Butterfly fabrics, the sorting starts at the books of patterns and continues to the wheels of fabrics. If your need a fancy dress or starting tailoring and fashion this is a must see store. Satin, Silk, cotton and various other materials in a multitude of patterns are available and in stock. They also sell all the craft accessories you could ever need with roles of thread and sewing equipment and supplies. The materials here are more stylised and meant for serious tailors and dressmakers, art people and design students. Invariably the shop is generally quite so you will have all the expert advice at hand from the staff.

When I see stores like this I think of "Zombieland" the film. This general surplus army gear and…read morecamping equipment store has all the army gear you'd need. The front windows full of guns and overalls, and the inside barely seem like the store makes any money, as the distressed paintwork and poor store fittings suggest. If I were inclined to camp they would be able to provide me with a gas stove and suitable Glastonbury attire but on the whole there stock is more aimed at the game hunter or fishermen, camouflage gear being the order of the day strewn up on every shelf. If your looking for all things waterproofed or Gortex clothing this tore should be able to help you out.

Are you in need of army gear? Are you planning on camping in the jungle, tracking a bear, bringing…read moreabout a revolution? Then this might be the store for you. A huge range of army and camping equipment occupy the shop, more than you can shake a stick at in fact. The thing I've never really understood about stores selling this stuff is that Army Surplus isn't all that good. It usually means heavy and expensive. If you're going on a really serious camping trip or are taking part in some kind of ultimate paintball then go along and stock up. I can't see what else you'd need this kind of place for. I know one thing, when the uprising comes, I'm heading this way. Oh, they sell air rifles and the like as well, although Arthur Bale & Sons across the road seems to have a better, more devastating range.

Y C Sports provides sporting goods and accessories. The business has had a renovation and the…read morequality of products is excellent. Products range from football to more unusual sports. The staff really knows what they're talking about, so if you need advice check them out. When you really need an accessory and you can't wait to have it delivered go to Y C Sport and get it instantly.

Amazing Shop !!! Especially The Gentleman John, who showed me the tennis rackets and accessories. I…read morewalked in THINKING of buying a racket and left with a racket. Babolat Pure Drive Play was amazing!! The quality of the strings and they are basic are outstanding!! The RRP for this product was £250 and the gent bumped the price down :) Such an amazing store, My go to shop for tennis stuff 10/10, youll be seeing more of me.

Old fashioned looking shop but with some awesome shoes. I just bought a pair of white patent…read moreplatforms for my wedding :D Stocks wedding brand Rainbow and offers dying service. Also has With Love (which is what mine are). Staff are very helpful but the store's a bit cramped.

A G Meeks in St Davids arcade cardiff, sell a lovely range of womens shoes. From boots to sandals,…read moreto day footwear & high heels. Good prices & nice staff.

Good selection of items, always find what I'm looking for. Staff nice and helpful. Can get single…read moreitems when needed and not have to buy in bulk.

Crafty Sew and Sew has the dubious pleasure of being located directly next to the ultra pink adult…read moreshop Passion Online at the Newport Road end of City Road. Whilst this business has opted to carry a cheeky little name that may occasionally raise an eyebrow or two, they have definitely been upstaged, in the controversy stakes, by their immediate neighbours! In many other ways this is the ideal location for this old-style craft shop. It is surrounded by fabric stores, many of which are within a minutes walk from Crafty Sew and Sew, and with companies like Calico selling sewing machines, and Butterfly Fabrics carrying some fabulous materials, as well as some really large fabric stores with phenomenally extensive stock ranges like Fusion, Crafty Sew and Sew couldn't be in better company. All of these businesses support the fundamental drive behind Crafty Sew and Sew, offering patrons of the shop plentiful choice where fabrics are concerned. Crafty Sew and Sew offer a good range of craft items and ready-to-make kits of all descriptions. A visit to the shop is an inspiring experience, and the people that work there are only willing to help. If you are looking to take up a hobby, but are not sure of which direction to go in, I advise a trip to this little Pandora's Box of delights. The advice you will get will be invaluable, and the choices available are impressive, and cater to everyone's budgets.

This shop is fantastic for a simple and classic yet gorgeous pair of shoes that are exceptional…read morequality. They're expensive, but are worth every penny if you're looking for something to wear all day, every day without getting blisters. What I love most about Dune is their selection of boots which range from cute stiletto ankle boots to practical flats, and as they're good quality, you know they're going to last. This shop, hidden away in the Capitol Centre, is not large, but there are plenty of beautiful shoes to be found and there are plenty of staff available to help and give expert and friendly advice. Sadly, though, because of its size, this store tends to run out of the nicest things pretty quickly. So if you see something you like, get it quick because it probably wont be there next week, especially if you wear a popular size.

Dune is one of my favourite shoe shops in Cardiff. All of their shoes, boots, sandals, handbags and…read moreother accessories are of a very high quality, so you know they will wear well. While Dune stocks plenty of on-trend styles, it also has plenty of more classic looks that can stand the test of time. I have a pair of boots from here that I've had for five years, and have actually paid to have the soles replaced because I still love them so much! You won't find cheap shoes or bags here. Most items are made of good quality leather, and those that aren't (such as some of the fabric bags) are made of durable, hard-wearing man-made materials The shop is only small, but when there's a sale on it gets rammed in there while every Dune-lover tries to hunt out a bargain. Sadly, I never seem to find anything in the sales because being a size 5 it's such a popular size they fly out of the door - those with less common shoe sizes may have more luck!