Craft in the Bay
Fodor's choice
Located opposite Wales Millennium Centre, this shop stocks tasteful arts and crafts from makers around Wales.
11 Best Shopping in Wales
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Wales right now.
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Wales - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Richard Booth Books
Fodor's choice
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 a café along with regular events.
Addyman Books
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.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Cardiff Antiques Centre
Located in an 1858 arcade, the Cardiff Antiques Centre is a good place to buy vintage jewelry and accessories.
Cardiff Market
The traditional Cardiff Market sells tempting fresh foods beneath its Victorian glass canopy. Be sure to try the Welshcakes at Cardiff Bakestones.
Hay Cinema Bookshop
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.
Murder and Mayhem
True to its name, this shop specializes in crime and horror. Head upstairs for a cheaper and more eclectic selection, including old pulp novellas.
Ruthin Craft Centre
Along with exhibitions and artist residencies, this Center for the Applied Arts sells works by leading artists and craftspeople from around Wales. There's also a nice café.
Spillers Records
The world's oldest record store stocks vinyl and CDs in every genre and occasionally hosts live gigs on the tiny premises. Established in 1894, it originally sold phonographs and shellac.
The Hours
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.
The Old Electric Shop
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 vegetarian food and good coffee in town, and even its chairs and tables are for sale.
