Designer brands, major chains and dozens of independent shops and boutiques in the city's network of Victorian and Edwardian arcades have helped Cardiff build a reputation as one of the UK's top shopping destinations.

Arcades
Cardiff's arcades still retain many of their Victorian and Edwardian features and are now home to dozens of unique stores and cafes. All manner of Welsh gifts can be found in these arcades, from handmade Welsh textiles to Welsh love spoons and rugby shirts. Visit Morgan and Castle Arcades for the latest designer fashions in independent stores such as Woodenwood or Chessmen, or rest your feet and enjoy a meal in cafes such as vegetarian café Crumbs, or The Plan, which specialises in organic and FairTrade food and drink.

Markets
Shoppers can seek out the Victorian Central Market - which offers an assortment of merchandise, from fresh fish to traditional Welsh cheeses, rolls of designer fabrics to mobile phones. Another place to visit for locally grown food is the Riverside Real Food Market, which takes place on the Taff Embankment every Sunday from 10am – 2pm.

Queen Street
Cardiff’s main shopping thoroughfare is on the pedestrianised Queen Street, where you'll find popular stores such as Office, Fopp, Qube and Zara. At the eastern end of Queen Street you'll also find the Capitol Shopping Centre, home to designer brand stores such as Benetton, Fat Face and Virgin Megastore.

St David's Shopping Centre
Cardiff's main undercover shopping centre offers the choice of over 200 stores and food and drink outlets, including popular department stores such as Debenhams and Marks and Spencer, and chains including the Disney Store, Miss Selfridge and Peacocks.

Five of the best shops to visit

Spillers, 36 The Hayes, 029 2022 4905, www.spillersrecords.co.uk
Officially the oldest record store in the world, Spillers Records has been a fixture in Cardiff since 1894. As well as a diverse selection of CDs and vinyl from the latest up and coming indie and dance acts, the store has a section dedicated to Welsh bands and singers.

Oyster, 28 Castle Arcade, 029 2064 4107, www.oysterclothing.co.uk
A designer clothes store specialising in fashionable, ethically produced clothes from designers including Hug, Howies and SilverChilli. Head here for organic cotton jeans, hemp socks and eco-friendly shoes.

Melin Tregwynt, 26 Royal Arcade, 029 2022 4997 www.melintregwynt.co.uk
A contemporary gift store specialising in stylish, colourful fabrics and blankets from the family mill near Haverfordwest. Ponchos, pyjamas, greetings cards and other gifts are available too.

Craft In The Bay, The Flourish, 029 2048 4611
Housed in a restored maritime warehouse in Cardiff Bay, the gallery sells a diverse range of work from craft makers based in Wales, including ceramics, textiles and bizarre sculptures that would certainly be a talking point in any home. The gallery also adjoins the cosy Kemi's Café.

Howells Department Store, St Mary Street
In the heart of the city's shopping district, and next door to the Cardiff Indoor Market, is the vast Howell's Department Store. Here you'll find everything from the latest fashions and gadgets to Welsh wine and whiskey in the large deli-section. You may even bump into the TARDIS or a dalek here, as Howell's is often used as a filming location for the new BBC series of Doctor Who.

The article Bags of shopping in Cardiff originally appeared on 999 Today