Mermaid Quay

Mermaid Quay featuring a coastal town, a church or cathedral and a bay or harbour
Mermaid Quay which includes a square or plaza
Mermaid Quay which includes outdoor eating, dining out and café scenes
Mermaid Quay showing a bridge as well as a small group of people
Mermaid Quay featuring outdoor eating, a coastal town and café lifestyle


Looking for the very latest in high-street fashions? Want to pamper yourself with a luxury spa session? Or do you feel like treating someone special with a memorable evening out? You’ll find everything at Mermaid Quay, which is one of the premier leisure spots in Cardiff, just a short walk from the city centre and easily accessible whether you’re arriving by road, rail or water.

There’s a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe at this bustling venue. You can take your choice from a wealth of big-name restaurants and local independents serving everything from tasty takeaway snacks to contemporary fine dining. A wealth of cafes, bars and boutiques line the quay, and there’s even a prestigious comedy club serving up laughs. In addition, Mermaid Quay plays host to a range of cultural, musical and sporting events throughout the year. It’s no surprise then that this is one of Cardiff’s most popular spots daytime and evening, whether you’re a local or a visitor.

With a distinctive architecture informed by the area’s maritime heritage, combined with modern facilities and a rich variety of activities on offer, this is an exceptional development that has breathed new life into the Cardiff waterfront. Plus, Mermaid Quay is well served with transport connections - there are abundant parking spaces to be found, and with numerous bus, train and waterbus options nearby, it’s a great jumping-off point for plenty of other Cardiff attractions as well.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

See all 33 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 6 activities

Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top Mermaid Quay Hotel Deals

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Angel Hotel
voco St David's Cardiff by IHG

voco St David's Cardiff by IHG

5 out of 5
Havannah Street, Cardiff, Wales
voco St David's Cardiff by IHG
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

4 out of 5
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Wales
Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff

3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Parkgate Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
Meridian Gate, Bute Terrace, Cardiff, Wales
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff
Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay by IHG

3 out of 5
Longueil Close, Cardiff, Wales
Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mermaid Quay

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff, offers a delightful blend of waterfront shopping, vibrant entertainment venues, and leisure experiences. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, indulge in fun activities, and explore various shops and restaurants along the picturesque waterfront. With its lively atmosphere, Mermaid Quay is a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement during their stay in Cardiff.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Cardiff Market, just 1.6km from Mermaid Quay, offering local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, explore Friars Walk Newport, 11.6kms away, featuring a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Principality Stadium with thrilling sports events that energise your spirit. For relaxation, Cardiff International Sports Village offers serene wellness activities, perfect for unwinding. Enjoy live performances at St. David's Hall, where entertainment meets culture in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at TeamSport Cardiff, a mere 1.3km from Mermaid Quay. For a scenic adventure, hike the trails at Lower Blaen y Glyn, located 4.8km away. If climbing excites you, head to Spot Climbing Centre, situated 16.1km from the quay.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Mermaid Quay is vibrant and varied. Catch a show at the New Theatre, only 1.6km away, or enjoy a thrilling ride on the Cardiff Bay Carousel, just 161m away. For a cinematic experience, Cineworld Cardiff is also 1.6km away, perfect for a romantic evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mermaid Quay

Mermaid Quay in Cardiff offers a delightful blend of urban parks, castles, and beaches, making it an ideal destination for culture lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families alike. Explore Cardiff Bay's captivating waterfront, where you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities. Whether you're wandering through the vibrant Mermaid Quay or soaking up the stunning views, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming area.

  • Cardiff Castle: Nestled in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle offers a captivating blend of history and romance. Explore its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, while immersing yourself in centuries of culture and heritage.
  • Cardiff University: A prestigious institution, Cardiff University boasts impressive Gothic architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through its scenic campus, where you can appreciate the rich academic heritage and cultural vibrancy that the university embodies.
  • Cardiff City Hall: An architectural gem, Cardiff City Hall showcases magnificent neoclassical design. This historic civic building not only serves as a hub for local governance but also hosts art exhibitions and events, making it a cultural landmark in the city.

Best time to go to Mermaid Quay

The best time to visit Mermaid Quay is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mermaid Quay

To save money on your visit to Mermaid Quay, consider travelling in the cheaper months of October and December to January, with Monday being the least expensive day for accommodation. Avoid weekends, particularly Saturdays, when prices peak. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly hotels and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for further savings. Additionally, explore free activities around the quay and utilise public transport for an economical way to navigate Cardiff.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mermaid Quay are October and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mermaid Quay is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mermaid Quay is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel booking at Mermaid Quay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.