11 Best Places to Shop in Wales

Located opposite Wales Millennium Centre, this shop stocks tasteful arts and crafts from makers around Wales.

Founder Richard Booth once tried to declare Hay an independent kingdom—with himself as king. Richard died in 2019 but his bookstore lives on and has a huge collection from all over the world, piled haphazardly across two labyrinthine floors. There's also a tiny cinema (around the corner on Brook Street) and regular events.

The second best-known bookshop in Hay (after Richard Booth's) has a warren of rooms devoted to different genres, from steampunk to vintage Penguin editions. Relax in one of the upstairs armchairs while you browse.

The traditional Cardiff Market sells tempting fresh foods beneath its Victorian glass canopy. Be sure to try the Welshcakes at Cardiff Bakestones.

A former movie theater, Hay Cinema Bookshop isn't the prettiest place, but its collection of books about cinema is unrivaled. That's just a fraction of the 200,000 or so titles on offer.

In an attractive stone building on the grounds of Brecon Cathedral, this well-stocked bookshop sells a good selection of works by Welsh writers as well as guides to the area. It also has a very nice café serving sandwiches and salads made with local ingredients. 

This indoor market sells all kinds of antiques, from military items and comics to vintage clothing and jewelry. They also host regular events.

True to its name, this shop specializes in crime and horror. Head upstairs for a cheaper and more eclectic selection, including old pulp novellas.

This shop features a mixed bag of local crafts, internationally sourced vintage home decor, and a curated collection of nonfiction books. The on-site café is the place to go for good coffee and cakes, and even its chairs and tables are for sale.

Along with exhibitions and artist residencies, this Center for the Applied Arts sells works by leading artists and craftspeople from around Wales and the world. There's also a trendy café.