Mermaid Quay Tours and Activities

Mermaid Quay showing a marina, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Mermaid Quay showing a square or plaza
Mermaid Quay featuring outdoor eating, café lifestyle and dining out
Mermaid Quay showing a bridge as well as a small group of people
Mermaid Quay featuring café lifestyle, a coastal town and outdoor eating


Relax in a waterfront bar or restaurant, view public art exhibits and go shopping at this popular Cardiff Bay destination.

Shop, dine and unwind at Mermaid Quay, a hub of shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. The popular waterfront location looks out over Cardiff Bay and also encompasses a number of public art pieces.

Familiarize yourself with the locale by strolling along the boardwalk. Enjoy a wide range of local and international cuisines in the restaurants, including Turkish and Italian. Sample some Welsh ice cream and Welsh cakes, traditional cakes flavored with spice and dried fruit. Shop for clothes, shoes and handcrafted gifts.

Browse the displays of public art. View the 22 galvanized steel sculptures dotted around the quay. These artworks were inspired by John Masefield’s sea poem Cargoes. Among the pieces you will see are a Spanish galleon, a peacock and an elephant's head.

Look at Captain Willows, a beautiful clock that commemorates the achievements of Captain Ernest Willows, an aeronautical pioneer and airship builder. Visit the Mermaid Quay atrium for the Butetown Community Quilt. The textile was created to reflect the cultural history of the area.

Mermaid Quay is also a good base from which to explore some of the other attractions by Cardiff’s waterfront. Go to the nearby Doctor Who Experience, an interactive journey through the history of the iconic television show. Peruse the large collection of costumes and props from the science fiction series.

Explore World of Boats Cardiff where there are more than 40 rare boats and participate in hands-on science fun at Techniquest, a science discovery center. Watch operas, plays, comedies and musicals at the Wales Millennium Center.

At night, come back to the quay for dinner and to watch comedians in the local comedy club.

Mermaid Quay is approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the center of Cardiff. If you are travelling by car, use the quay’s metered car park. With good train, bus and waterbus services, you’ll have no problem reaching this stunning waterfront destination by public transportation.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Top Mermaid Quay Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Angel Hotel
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

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

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Marriott 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
Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
St Mary Street, Cardiff, Wales
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Parkgate 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
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 offers a vibrant mix of activities, including shopping at its bustling centre and enjoying local theatre performances like the Inn Cardiff show. With plenty of entertainment options, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a theatre break or a leisurely day out in Cardiff.

Shopping

For shopping in Mermaid Quay, St. David's shopping centre is only 1.6km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Friars Walk Newport is 11.6kms away, featuring more family-friendly shopping options, while The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is 21.6kms away.

Recreation

Experience the electric atmosphere at Principality Stadium, just 1.6km away, where you can catch a thrilling sporting event. St. David's Hall, also a mile from Mermaid Quay, offers live music performances for entertainment. Cardiff City Stadium, two miles away, hosts exciting matches, perfect for sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

At TeamSport Cardiff, located 1.3km from Mermaid Quay, experience the thrill of high-speed karting on an exciting track. For a scenic adventure, hike the trails at Lower Blaen y Glyn, 4.8km away, offering breathtaking views. Try climbing at Spot Climbing Centre, a 16.1km journey for adrenaline seekers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Mermaid Quay with a show at the New Theatre, only 1.6km away, or enjoy a thrilling ride on the Cardiff Bay Carousel, just 0.1.6km away. For a movie night, Cineworld Cardiff, also 1.6km away, offers a perfect romantic escape.

*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 vibrant mix of cultural and outdoor experiences, perfect for families and solo travellers alike. Explore the scenic Cardiff Bay, visit the historic Cardiff Castle, or relax at local beaches. Don't miss the various attractions at Mermaid Quay, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and enjoy waterfront dining. It's a fantastic base for discovering the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Cardiff.

  • Cardiff Bay: Just 1.1km from Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay offers stunning waterfront views, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor activities. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, relax on the beach, or indulge in local eateries while soaking in the scenic beauty.
  • Cardiff Castle: Located 1.6km away, Cardiff Castle is a remarkable blend of history and romance. Explore its impressive architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating exhibits that provide insight into Cardiff's rich cultural heritage. The castle's stunning interiors and towers are a must-see.
  • Cardiff University: Situated 3.2km from Mermaid Quay, Cardiff University is steeped in history and culture. Wander through its picturesque campus, admire the beautiful architecture, and discover the vibrant academic atmosphere that attracts students from around the world.

Best time to go to Mermaid Quay

The best time to visit Mermaid Quay is dependant 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 CloudyAverageSlightly 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
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

For a budget-friendly trip to Mermaid Quay, consider visiting during October or December to January when accommodation prices drop. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and hotel type, and check for package deals that bundle flights and activities for extra savings. Look for free activities along the waterfront, and compare room rates to secure the best hotel deal without booking fees. Enjoy your time exploring without breaking the bank!

  • 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, including your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Mermaid Quay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.