Mermaid Quay
Quick info
About Mermaid Quay
Along the water in Cardiff Bay, Mermaid Quay is a shopping mall bringing together restaurants, cafes, bars and shops in one waterfront setting. Visitors can walk the water's edge past the Norwegian Church, a white wooden building along the bay that stands as a recurring landmark for those passing through. The mix runs from casual counters to sit-down dining, alongside entertainment venues and boutique shops. There is no booking system in place, and the site operates on a walk-in basis throughout. The layout encourages a stroll along the harbour, taking in views of the surrounding buildings before choosing where to eat, drink or shop.
Good to know
“Waterfront restaurants, bars, cafes, entertainment venues, boutique shopping and luxury services all in a stunning location. 📍Cardiff Bay”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingFree parking lot · Paid parking garage · Paid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsHas changing table(s) · Playground
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention norwegian church, wales millennium centre, wildlife spotting and ferris wheel.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention norwegian church, wales millennium centre, wildlife spotting and ferris wheel.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers repeatedly point to the waterfront views and the mix of restaurants, cafes and bars as the main draw, with several naming the Norwegian Church, the Wales Millennium Centre, the ferris wheel and a food market as highlights of a walk around the bay. Wildlife spotting and boat trips also get mentioned as things to do beyond eating and drinking, and one reviewer notes the area is disability friendly. Praise leans toward evening visits, with the lights on the water described as especially good, while one reviewer felt it "didn't feel all that inviting" during a daytime visit and suggested an evening trip might work better. Another notes weekend crowding and a few areas looking "a bit tired." Parking comes up often as a plus, with one reviewer explaining free parking requires validating a car registration after a purchase. Several close by saying they saved room for ice cream or simply sat on the benches to take it all in.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers repeatedly point to the waterfront views and the mix of restaurants, cafes and bars as the main draw, with several naming the Norwegian Church, the Wales Millennium Centre, the ferris wheel and a food market as highlights of a walk around the bay. Wildlife spotting and boat trips also get mentioned as things to do beyond eating and drinking, and one reviewer notes the area is disability friendly. Praise leans toward evening visits, with the lights on the water described as especially good, while one reviewer felt it "didn't feel all that inviting" during a daytime visit and suggested an evening trip might work better. Another notes weekend crowding and a few areas looking "a bit tired." Parking comes up often as a plus, with one reviewer explaining free parking requires validating a car registration after a purchase. Several close by saying they saved room for ice cream or simply sat on the benches to take it all in.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“It was a nice spot with plenty of restaurants and they was a food market etc on when we visited. Plus a nice harbour and a big ferris wheel. Thee is also a lovely old Norwegian church where Rohal Dahl was baptised or christened.”
- Google user
“Located close to the Welsh Parliament and the Cardiff Millennium complex it is a good place to come and enjoy the multiple choices of drinks and dining in a very open area of Cardiff Docklands. Worth visiting.”
- Google user
“Lovely place, lots of different eateries, places for drinks. Really beautiful place to spend with family. Lots to do for everyone. Disability friendly too 😊”
- Google user
“Amazing area, full of bars, restaurants and great views. Save space for ice-cream💕”
- Google user
“With this development a real attempt has been made to enhance the Waterfront area. There are some nice shops and restaurants, however on the day of our visit it didn't feel all that inviting. Perhaps an evening visit may have been better.”
Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- In-store shopping
- Onsite services
- Restroom
- Free parking lot
Show more amenities
- Has changing table(s)
- Playground
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Parking· 3
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Location
Browse more
Explore more of Cardiff.