The Cardiff Market

Cardiff Market is a nice place to visit, especially if you want to experience a more local and traditional side of the city. The building itself is beautiful and has a lot of character, and walking through the market is pleasant and interesting. I loved taking pictures of everything, since it’s so cute. There is a good variety of food stalls and small shops, and it’s a nice spot to stop for a quick bite or to look around while exploring the city center. I liked the candy shop and the restaurants. I had lunch at one of the first ones and absolutely loved it. Some stands really stand out, while others are more average, so the experience can vary depending on where you go. Overall, it’s worth a visit if you’re nearby or curious about local markets, and I would say it’s a must-see attraction. It’s more of a casual stop than a highlight of the trip, of course. Still, it offers a nice glimpse into local life and culture, which I appreciated.

A lovely first visit to Cardiff Central Market. I tried traditional Welsh cakes and a delicious cheese-stuffed red pepper from a Mediterranean food stall. Everything was fresh, full of flavour, and the atmosphere was welcoming. A great place to experience local and international tastes in one spot.👍❤️

A decent sized covered market with a lot in it's favour. Centrally located and easily accessible from town centre. A typical example of Victorian extravagance of design and construction, but still achieving something that functions without being too fussy. Neatly regimented rows of stalls offer numerous different shopping options, all of which feel genuine and entirely at home within the market area. Very few empty stalls and a lively atmosphere all create a very pleasant shopping environment. I enjoyed just spending my time here before I'd even parted with a penny of my money.

Great historic covered market in the centre of Cardiff. A wide range of shops, tea, clothes, records. Lots of great food stalls and seating around the first floor. Had great Indian meal here. Plus the best freshly baked Welsh cakes.

The welsh cakes were good but the overall market feels pretty gross. Dingy and the vast majority of the stalls were just selling mass produced junk like batteries and shirts from China. There were a few local craft style things, but not enough for it to be worth it.

This is exactly what you want when you think of Xmas market. Absolutely stunning. Well done to the organisers and the people running their businesses. Was breathtaking ♥️

Thank Goodness for the Cardiff Markets and the welsh cakes stand The vest weksh cakes ever! We tried 5 between 3 of us and went back for a 10 pack to take home which lasted for 3 days morning or aft. Tea. YUM!9

Love the great food options here and the decent attempt at gentrifying a very cool old building & market. It sadly is still rather filthy and is still a little short of the mark compared to some other (foodie) markets around Europe. That being said, I’d come back thanks to the delicious food (kudos to the Neapolitan pizza, Greek gyros and Welshcakes). If they cleaned this place up a bit it’d be 5-star level.

If you find yourself in Cardiff, I'd recommend visiting the market (also known as Central Market)! It'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!

After a long, arduous day of road-tripping across the English and Welsh countryside, my travel buddy and I rolled into Cardiff after sunset, picked an (awesome!) hostel based on reviews (Mrs. Potts, if you are curious), and crashed hard. In the morning, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the main entrance to Cardiff Central Market right across the street, as I set out to forage up some breakfast for the both of us. I did not leave empty-handed. Here you will find all of the typical Street Market Greatest Hits: clothing, homemade soaps, fishmongers, butchers, bakers, books, cafes, local memorabilia for tourists, and even a fortune teller, packed together in orderly rows on two levels, under a glass ceiling. Although my experience is both singular and anecdotal, the market felt busy without being bustling, populous but not crowded, despite it being a Saturday morning. Maybe I beat the rush? I left the market with a bag of pastries, some dried meat sticks, and a smile on my face, ready for another day of cross-country exploration, and excited by the fact that I could visit again in a couple days (as Cardiff was our temporary hub for our daily excursions).

Great market with everything you could want! Mum and I visited the place a few years back and absolutely loved it. There's tonnes of great food vendors as well as places to buy souvenirs, clothing, welsh original items, etc. I recommend going early in the day as it can get quite crowded. I wish they had more seating areas though for disabled people.

There was only one moment I was truly upset I didn't have access to a kitchen during my time in the UK, and it happened when I walked into Cardiff Market and smelled the fish. Like anything truly exceptional during travel, we found this purely by accident as we walked around downtown. It's a Victorian-style indoor market with all sorts of surprises around every corner -- fresh fish, whole pigs, and plenty of stalls for quick bites if you're stopping in for lunch. We ate some excellent pasties and some fresh cheese as we shopped, and if I could have gotten somewhere to cook some of that fish ... well, it's probably a good thing I didn't, considering we were traveling on a budget. I don't subscribe to the idea that something all the tourists do is automatically worthless, but I'll admit it was nice to see plenty of locals there as well. Considering its central location, there's really no excuse not to stop in during a visit.

Absolutely love this place! Vendors were all friendly and welcoming! Prices excellent. Be prepared with cash as not all vendors accept cards. Great variety of products... walking sticks, food , candy, fresh produce snd cheeses, jewelry, books! Just go and enjoy!!!!

Cardiff's central covered market is an excellently preserved example of a late Victorian market, with a first floor gallery, all sheltered under a huge overall glass roof. Opened in 1891, to the design of the borough engineer William Harpur, it is still an important attraction for Cardiff shoppers. It replaces an earlier market erected in the 1830s, itself a successor to the market held under the old town hall, built in the 1740s. Today, the stalls inside sell a wide variety of both food and non-food items. Probably best known are the fresh meat counter and fresh fish counter at the entrance, but there are also greengrocers, bakers and delicatessen too, with provisions at prices which compare favourably with the supermarkets. Upstairs are cafes if you need a break from shopping, or you can even have your future told by a clairvoyant, if you believe in such things. Other stalls sell everything from second-hand books, to spare vacuum cleaner parts, sports wear, jewellery and pet supplies. On my visit, an intrepid young woman was lugging a huge rabbit hutch home on her own

Great old fashioned Way of shopping.. Very diverse merchants.. Most stalls close early.. I didn't see a lift/elevator..just stairs.. So handicap may be a problem The fish monger .stock looking amazing.. Too bad we were touring..no way to cook.. I would recommend a visit

It says a lot that I've lived on the same road as the market for about a year and a half and have only been in here once or twice. It certainly gets overlooked and it's somewhere I don't usually think of visiting. I figured it would all be meat and fish counters which is only about 20% right. I only went in as I needed some string and figured the market would be perfect. I must say, as far as buying string goes, my experience was flawless. The woman behind the counter was possibly the least friendly person I've yet come across who obviously thought that pleasantries only serve to get in the way of an efficient, no-nonsense transaction. I didn't mind too much though - I had string to buy and no time to waste. Waste time I did though, and spent about an hour wandering round, kicking myself for overlooking this magnificent place. My preconceptions that it was all fish and meat were quickly blown out of the water as I spent 20 mins checking out the used book stall. Great prices and a great selection. I also liked that alot of the books were randoly put on the shelf, so you could have a proper browse around without alphabetical order sucking all the fun out of proceedings. I often find that it's hard to have a proper browse in the larger chain bookstores for that very reason and found books here I had previously thought of buying, and some I've never heard of which also looked good. There's a great record store upstairs where I also lost a good chunk of time. To be honest I wasn't wowed by the meat counters or anything like that purely because they all look the same to me anyway. The pig's heads quite literally caught my eye though, which freaked me out a little as their mouths make it look like they're smiling. And that's weird. Even though I spent an hour aimlessly browsing, I certainly didn't check everything out, and I will definitely be going back regularly (when I have money!) to blow a fair chunk on some decent books. There's something for everyone in here and it also has great shops for home stuff where I picked up 10 picture hooks for about 50p. A must-visit indeed.

As with so many markets, there are a lot of different stalls. Some are hits and some are misses. Fortunately most of the stalls in Cardiff Market provide good products are service. It's certainly worth taking a gander at and a wander around if you're not already familiar. The most useful thing for most people's daily lives (key cutting and the like I don't count as a daily need) is surely the fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. I think most people who know Cardiff well will be familiar with that lovely smell of the fish stall in one of the entrance ways. People either spend ages there choosing their dinner, or run through with their hand firmly clamped down over their nose. Either way, I think most people who agree that this is the best place for seafood. When I was a kid, one of the highlights when coming in to the city centre was surely going to see the pets on the upper level. There is a balcony that runs around the edge of the market from which you can look down on all the hustle and bustle below. Here you'll find puppies, kittens and bunnies. Oh, and fish and hamsters probably, but they're boring.

The Cardiff Market! A place where all the locals go and all the tourists should visit. Cardiff is a proud city, and it certainly shows in the market. Once you enter the market you are hit by different smells from every store whether it's from the meat stand, the fish bar, the fruit and vegetable stall, the bakery or even the pet shop. No matter what, Cardiff Market has it all! It has such a vibrant atmosphere that you will be turning your head every way to see all the different stalls and sounds. When I go to the market I always get my fruit and vegetables from there partly because it's fresh and looks more appealing. But mainly it's because they are at great low prices. Better than buying from your local supermarket! The people who own the stores are always happy to help and sell you the offers that are on display. I would check out both levels of the market, as there is more to see with plenty of pet shops and technology stores. I bought my fish and tank from there. We named him Bob! I remember looking for a door stop all over town and the last place I went to was the market and they had plenty. I would visit the market whether you are a local or a tourist because it's what Cardiff is all about! You are bound to find something in there that you will like at a great price.

I used to avoid Cardiff's indoor market because I hated the smell of fish from the fishmonger's, which is positioned near one of the entrances, but I've got over this phobia now and occasionally pop in to visit the pet shop (which is a bit rubbish, but is the only one I know of in the city centre) - or to pick up hard-to-find bits and bobs such as watch batteries or sewing cotton. There are two entrances to the market: the main entrance on St. Mary Street, and an additional entrance from pedestrianised Trinity Street, opposite St. John's Church. Housed in a grand Victorian building, hundreds of stalls occupy the market floor, and you can pick up meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, freshly baked bread, a wide variety of cheeses, and cold meats. But it doesn't just focus on food - there are also cheap home ware shops (a favourite with students), sewing shops, greeting card shops (selling some rather tacky designs), and places selling jewellery, handbags, and other accessories. If there's something you're after and you can't think of a shop that sells it, it's quite likely you'll find it in the market.

For the locals, Cardiff Market is the last stop shop if you need something specific and the rest of Cardiff has sold out/has no idea what you're talking about and keeps looking at you funny. Can't find a buckle-free belt? Cardiff Market. Need a watch fixed? Cardiff Market. Want a bolt of cloth? Cardiff Market? Fresh fish and the stench on your clothes for the rest of your life? Cardiff Market. It's like the "miscellaneous" portion of the Cardiff shopping experience. Brewery Quarter for food. Mill Lane for clubs. St. David's 2 for retail and Cardiff Market for other. For tourists and visitors, the market is, as mentioned, like stepping into another world. Coming away from the spit-polish shine of the rest of Cardiff you walk into this wonderfully tawdry building filled with old stalls and businesses where you can collect some wonderful things you won't find anywhere else before emerging, blinking in the Cardiff city shine again as a little part of you wishes you could go back to the market where everything had character instead of chrome.

I must admit that I'm now a fan of Cardiff and loved the Cardiff central market, l found it a surprise that one of the first shops that l saw was a pound land type shop, l can't even remember what it was called. We had less than an hour here before we went for the worded thing ever, a Starbucks. Shops There was a large selection to choose from and the shops where so different than the ones that I'm used to in Glasgow, here there is still a lot of places to stop, and have a break, coffee or even a light snack. I did notice that a lot of shops sold local made products, l was able to pick up a few bargains and buy items from the local bakers. Outside one of the exits there was a fish shop that really stank to high heaven, but l would definitely come back.

I can't deny that I'm a huge fan of Cardiff Central Market; this place has me well impressed! Upon walking in, I was immediately met with a wave of guilt knowing that regardless of how many times I've been out in the city (way more times than I can count!), I've always overlooked this place. Then I was met with a second wave of guilt knowing that I was only able to visit for a short while before needing to head home! But don't you worry, Cardiff Central Market, I'll definitely come back and spend a good long while browsing all the amazing stalls you have to offer. --- ~ Atmosphere: Walk in, and you seriously cannot deny that this place has loads of charm. Suprisingly enough as well, it's also kept quite clean despite how busy it is. You can seriously get lost in this place browsing all the different shops. ~ Variety: There's plenty of variety on offer at Cardiff Central Market. From a butchers to a fishmongers, to eateries for a quick bite while shopping, to crafts and also fresh produce, if you're looking for it Cardiff Central Market probably has it. ~ Customer Service: From my experience, many of the stall-owners seem really friendly and greet their regulars. In the heart of Cardiff's capital, you still get that welcoming small-town feeling. --- Despite how guilty I feel for not visiting more, I know that from now on I know better. I'll be definitely making more trips to this beautiful Cardiff institution!

The market is in a listed building and has a long and interesting history. if you go in from the Hayes entrance you are straight into the fishmongers. A fantastic display of fresh fish for you to purchase by one of the most famous companies Ashtons. These have been here many years As you walk into the market you get the arts and crafts, which can be of special interest to those looking for gifts especially if a unique welsh gift. The green grocers have fresh fruit and veg and market prices are competitive. The Butchers are down the left side (coming in from Hayes entry, right if coming from St mary's St) Some great offers on meat and some hard to find types not usual in a supermarket. Along opposite the butchers you have Cardiff markets first Nail and Beauty salon. This has all you would want from a nail salon with shellac nails, manicure, pedicure eyebrow tints and lash lifts. So much more. Jessica nails and beauty is competitively priced and high quality. The centre isles have some food and drink for sale, also fresh made welsh cakes. A card stall with cards for every occasion and flowers just a little further down. Gold reserves are here too so if you have some old gold it may be worth taking and seeing what they may offer you for it, You have a mobile phone repair shop and a wig and hair extension shop. Many stores have hardware from electrical supplies, pots and pans to tools. Upstairs you have a barbers, vinyl records and other stalls So have a few hours next time your in the city centre, Get your nails done, have a welsh cake and cup of tea and then pick up the dinner, all under one roof. Whilst there, try to take in the character of the building, the clocks outside and in the centre, the history of this iconic building is as interesting as the characters who work in there who smile and add to the atmosphere.

Talk about local flavour, this is it. Pop along grab a freshly made donut or maybe a Bacon and egg BAP Plenty of crafty sort of stores with different wares for sale. Worth a visit just for the proper Kardiff Accents. Looks good for fruit and veg and also seafood if you are brave enough tot eat anything that comes out of the bristol channel!

Ohh it was so cold. I was looking forward to this visit a lot, but the cold got into my bones straight away. It became obvious in the first 10 min after our arrival that we could not just walk around the city, but had to find some shelter and this indoor market was just the right spot. The Cardiff Market is located not far away from the train station, bang slam in the middle between the HighStreet and some massive shopping centers. It's a Victorian market with stalls build in (the one in the middle even has a fake clock tower) and it boasts a rather generous first floor balcony, with further stalls on it. You really need to go up there ... we found the statue of a panda bear guarding some tables at one of the greasy spoons. So random. So fun. The market has a wide variety of stalls from bakeries, over fishmongers, to pet shops and second hand book and music stores. When you're there I advice to go and buy some welsh cakes (Yummy!), but compare the prices between the stalls, as some are more expensive.

Situated right in the heart of the city centre, the indoor market, which has been here for over 100 years, is a must for visitors and locals alike. There are a vast array of stalls including Ashtons the fishmongers situated at the Trinity street entrance. Fish and shellfish are all on display, as well as the welsh world famous delicacy of lavabread (surprisingly nice, try it!). Further in are stalls selling fruit and vegetables, bread, confectionary as well as gifts, jewellery, cards and household goods. One favourite of mine is C.L. Jones on the first floor, who stock all manner of light bulbs and electronic products. There is also an umbrella and walking stick stall, which my grandmother would always shop at. Whilst my grandfather always frequents the butchers stalls which are found around the edge of the market. A friend of mine actually had all her wedding flowers from the flower stall here, which I can safely say were absolutely beautiful. For Visitors to Cardiff, the Welsh gift stall is a must for mementoes to take home.

Cardiff Market is the kind of old-fashioned market that faces extinction. Walking into the market feels a little like stepping back in time; the huge Victorian, glass-topped building houses dozens of stalls on two levels and is unashamedly dated in its appearance. With the arrival of shopping centres and busy, thriving town centres, markets like this have become scarce and many cities lost them years ago. What a delight then, to find Cardiff Market a bustling place on every visit. There are numerous stalls: Food (Fish, Meat, Fruit and Veg), Books, Clothing, Homeware, Electrical to mention just a few. It's a place you go to have a browse for 5minutes and find yourself coming out after 45. Other than being a good browsing market, it's incredibly useful. On more than one occassion I've found myself looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, something I've had no success looking anywhere else, only to find it at Cardiff Market. Though not every stall stocks the highest quality goods (it seems that there is a tardis delivering much of the stock), the pride that independent traders put into the place is admirable. Support Cardiff Market, its stalls, people and smells are one of a kind and would be deeply missed if it were gone.

Cardiff market is one of those places that's probably usually overlooked by the most common city visitor. On the ground floor you will find fish, fruit and veg, a range of meat sellers, cheese, wigs and hairpieces, vaccum cleaners and electrical supplies, keepsakes, pots and pans, tools, wool, kitchen utensils, greeting cards, fresh flowers, dry flowers, books, carpets and rugs, textiles, welsh gifts and much more. If you venture upstairs you can find records, dvds, cds and collectables, toys and games, aquatics, electrical goods, a model shop and pet supplies. Last time I went there I even saw a tattooist. All of this under one roof, and much more. I haven't even mentioned the take away food available or the café, the hairdressers or engravers. Basically, Cardiff's indoor market has everything you could possibly need if you're not fussy about shopping in a high street retail store. This building is thriving every day and you could walk through here a dozen times and still see something you didn't see last time. Not only is it a historical building but it holds a wealth of local knowledge, if any of the market traders can't provide what it is you are looking for you can almost guarantee they will know where you can get it from. A keen tip from me is that if you ever need a watch mended come here rather than the high street jewellers as they will usually do it there and then at a fraction of the price.

It would be shame for newcomer to Cardiff to miss out on a visit to Cardiff Market when they're around the city centre. An old Victorian building that remains a good source of produce from local traders. As you enter the market you will be greeted by the same smell of fresh fish that has filled my childhood memories of this place. After passing through a smell that divides many people (perhaps having bought some sole for dinner) to a swathe of independent traders trying to sell you fruit, sweets, watch repairs, rabbits, and donuts. It's a great place to wander around or engage with a proper salesperson and maybe try some bartering on for size. Traders in the old Cardiff Market are an expert in their fields, so they will be able to offer expert advice and guidance that you know you can trust.

Cardiff Market is always worth mentioning because it is the heart and soul of Cardiff. There are some fantastic shops and stalls (one of my all time favourites being Kelly's Records on the balcony). There is also a butcher and fishmonger who will sell you top meat and fish at very competitive prices. The market isn't the most amazing shopping precinct in Cardiff yet inside you get a real sense of history and it's great to just walk around and browse. My advice would be if you're visiting Cardiff give the market a go as it'll certainly be an experience if anything.

Cardiff Market is found just off Church Street in Cardiff city centre. The food on offer here is the primary attraction for most passers through, with a range of fresh food available, including fruit and veg as well as fish, meat and poultry. While markets like this have all but died off thanks to the rise in power of the high street shop and the ever-powerful supermarket, Cardiff Market is still a great place to go if you're struggling to find a particular item. Whether its clothing, CD's, DVD's, even pets, you will find a surprising amount on offer inside this Victorian structure. There is also a selection of jewellery, household goods and even services available, ranging from barbers and wig makers to engravers and clairvoyants. The varied selection on display here is unrivalled, so if you're in the city centre and can't find what you're looking for, try the market. If you don't find what you're after, you'll probably find something else along the way.

I am so glad the market is still here. This is a real delight after the modern brightness of all the new shopping arcades. You can probably find most things here, ok you won't get your stylish clothes but you can get your shoes fixed, find some cheap electrical goods and pick up something for your pets. The best thing is undoubtedly the food. Living on your own can sometimes be expensive when everything in the supermarket is packaged for a family. At the market you can pick up just what you need, fresh and tasty and cheap too, not to mention convenient

This is certainly a different way of life to view as a busy market place within a Welsh Capital city which holds many varieties of market stalls within its small complex. I feel that it has a great mixture of different cultures of the world's atmosphere in here. Welsh and some other culture, but I can't quiet put my finger on it. The smells of fish and sea food and the smells that the animals from the pet shop store explode off from the scent of their bodies and way of living. It is ever so busy in there; I like a market stall that sells Welsh items, gifts and crafts on it and another one that sells stamp collections of films and TV programmes such as Doctor Who, Torchwood and Star Wars. They have cafes and other shops too. The prices are cheap for most items and products and it is well worth visiting because of its atmosphere and what shops are in there. It is very different to the rest of Cardiff and so, therefore it feels almost like it is another world that you enter... I recommend it to all tourists and it is free to enter.

When I first moved to Cardiff I was so impressed by this little indoor market. It is really beautiful to look at and is lovely to poodle around. I go here alot and often by fresh fish from the fish monger inside. The fish is fabulous..... If was any fresher it would still be thrashing away! There are such a variety of stalls in this market. It has a superb sweet stool which I always stop off at. It sells proper penny sweets.... Mmmmm! Whether you want to get you watch fixed or like me have a sweet tooth this market really is the place to go. However if you don't need anything this market is also a good place to walk around and have a browse.... Trust me.....I am sure something will catch you eye!

I think there is something that no city should be without and that is a market. I love indoor markets, the home of local produce and home ware at great prices. There is something that just makes you feel a little dehumanized by the commercial main stream that is Cardiff, local people selling goods that they have carefully picked. It does rather reek of fish as you enter, but don't let this put you off! There is so much food here, you will be spoilt for choice as to what coating you prefer on your chicken or which pork pie looks like it has the most jelly in. There are sweet shops, clothes stalls and even welsh memorabilia stores. Don't forget that upstairs there are more stores and also your classic market cafes serving up breakfasts, chip platters and other not so healthy grub that will last you the day.

I was so overwhelmed when I went in here! My husband is Welsh and his dad was helping us find Welsh love spoons and he brought us here and I could have spent the day here. This has to be the best place to disappear into for the weekend and just shop your heart out. Nicer than a flea market and yet stiff has inexpensive stuff. The stalls do change here so if you like something you'd best pick it up when you see it and not come back a few weeks later (speaks the voice of experience). We did end up buying some wonderful Welsh love spoons as well!

Brilliant, upstairs, great cafe to watch everyone below. Kelly's records for a vast selection of vinyl, then a classic tobacconist selling all your smoking needs, an engraving and trophy shop. A fine menswear outlet also based in Roath and Cearphilly The Mojo King selling Brutus, Fred Perry, Art Gallery, Pretty Green, Trojan, Warrier, Spirit of 58, Fila, Doc Martens, Skinny Jeans, Merc, Cardiff City Books, mods ska skinhead casuals memorabilia.

One of the great things about Cardiff Market is it stays reassuringly the same as when I first went in there as a child with my mum. It's been though lean times and survived. My favourite stalls were upstairs, the record shop and the pet stalls. Poking my finger through the forbidden bars at budgies, hamsters and an assortment of puppies and kittens was a highlight of any trip. Invariably this would be followed swiftly by everyone being thrown out by angry stall holders but it was a ritual that had to be observed. Now I go there mainly for the fishmongers at the Hayes end of the market. They have a great selection of fish and even though the smell gets a bit overwhelming at times. When I'm celebrating something I'll go there to pick up some fish for a special dinner. Having to eat a lot of vinegary cockles with a pin when I was a child means I can't face them anymore but I buy half a pint sometimes for a friend of mine who really loves them.

Much as I'd love to highlight Cardiff Market as the most gloriously sparkling place of its kind in the whole of the United Kingdom, I simply can't. The place is perfectly standard. Cardiff Market smells like fresh fish no matter where you stand. Cardiff Market has a shop that sells colourful keys and re-heels your shoes (why these services are always together is something I'll never understand). Cardiff Market has a man (or two) who sells fruit while calling you 'da'lin'. You won't save much money by coming here and you won't find anything new. However, there is one stall that I will always return to. Without sounding a little melodramatic, I must confess that I start to doubt the world a little bit more ever time I see a greeting card sold for more then £2. It's a piece of card. Folded in half. Maybe with glitter on, or googly eyes. It will inevitably end up in the recycling bin two weeks after you purchase it. The large card and gift store in the market is one place that seems to understand that. Providing a number of decent cards for less than a pound, it makes me relax a little and reinstate my faith in the world. URBAN CHALLENGE: Feel romance is dead? Spot the mountain of Mills and Boon titles

What a smell - but that just comes from the fresh fish stall. There are stalls offering everything from meat to fabric. Can be busy with loads of people buying fresh fruit and veg. As with the whole of Cardiff would advise travelling in by train rather than car as the parking is expensive.

Cardiff Market is an institution! It'a like an Alladin's Cave and you can get in manner of things from here. They have a superb fresh fish counters as well as fresh meats and fruit and veg. Their bakery stall is excellent as well. Well worth a walk around even if you don't plan on buying anything but you probably will once you have had nosy about.

the great thing about this market is the smell that hits you as you enter. fresh fresh fish, all laid out on ice for you to buy. But not only do they sell the usual haddock, cod and sole, there are all sorts of exotic fish on display to buy. One past the fish moungers the market opens up into a bustling alladins cave of small shops all grided together in groups of 4. there is everything here from a cafe to a grocers. from a butchers to a pet stall. If you cannot find something in the vast shopping giant of Cardiff, you can be assured it will be tucked away somewhere in this market.. did i forget to mention that it also has an upstairs. Wrapping around the roof line of the market there are yet more stalls. ranging from the 'oh i need one of them' , to 'what would i use that for'

To be honest, its taken me a few years to become a fan of the indoor market. But now that I have been converted, its great! I often buy my meat and veg in the Market and its amazing value. There is a great choice of both veg and meat with a number of stalls selling both. The second hand book shop is worth a mention too.

Every city or town should have a market like this one, a traditional market selling almost everything from local produce to exotic delicacies. Wonderful atmosphere and a proper indoor market aroma as soon as you enter.

Cardiff indoor market has lots of varying markets, the infamous, all be it smelly fish market, as well as jewellery, meat, cakes, clothes, palm readers.

Cardiff indoor market has a variety of differents stalls/shops. At one entrance you have the fish counter selling fresh fish, shrimp, crab etc, as you venture inside they everything from palm readers, to card stalls, jewellery stalls, mobile phone repairs, butchers, book stalls, pet stalls selling cats dogs birds etc, records sellers, everything basically at good prices.

Why are all my reviews about food..probably cos I'm greedy and I hate being ripped off for meals!. Well one thing about Cardiff Market is the upstairs cafe which is absolutely fabulous. Last year Christmas shopping with my 8 year old nephew I was determined we wouldn't end up in McDonalds, We wandered through all the colour and noise of the market and thought it would be a great idea to see it all from above so we wandered up the steps to the balcony area; we saw the pets and marvelled at the ancient roof before sitting along the upstairs wall (all very safe), we had a fab cooked breakfast whilst watching the fascinating life below - even he agreed was better than McDonalds any day!

Cardiff Market is another place I like to buy my lunch - there are loads of stalls in here that sell food (although my favorite one that sold the crepes seems to have gone) there are stalls that sell chips, various sandwiches and rolls, curry, jacket potatoes, pizza and my new favorite the one where you can buy small portions of different salads (up to 5 different ones) in a box for £2 - Ive also frequently bought fruit, veg and other bits and pieces. Its probably the cheapest place to buy lunch in the local area (apart from maybe greggs)

Cardiff's indoor market has the widest range of fresh produce under one roof. There are stalls selling everything from fruit and veg, meat, Danish bacon, cheese, sweets, pets upstairs and a christian bookshop. The fresh fish counter is second to none. You have got to go there.

Where else can you go to get lunch/fish/meat then get your shoes repaired, some pet food and cds? There is also the best pick & mix in Cardiff in here- very cheap and lots to choose from. Great if you nede that little bit of sugar to get through the day :)

Brilliant and affordable fresh goods. The anti-tesco :)

This is great- loads of stalls covering just about anything you could need. As you enter, there is a massive fish stall which is amazing and also serves some game from a fridge to the side of the main stall. There are numerous butchers with a good selection and the same with fruit and veg. Upstairs there are a couple of pet shops with animals and also cafes for if you get peckish.