The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Swansea, Wales

The recently restored and rebuilt Swansea Marina offers boutique style apartments overlooking a stunning marina – residents live here all year round, enjoying excellent facilities, cafés and restaurants. With space for over 300 boats, Swansea Marina is a vibrant coastal neighbourhood with panoramic views across the bay yet remains close enough to the city to offer convenience. Ideal for a weekend break or holiday home location, the Maritime Quarter is definitely one of the best places to base yourself whilst exploring the city. For a great place to lunch, look no further than the uber cool Quay Three Restaurant. Offering a superb lunch and dinner menu, with a view over the marina, Quay Three’s hipster style fits in perfectly with the Marina’s laid back, cook vibe.

Quay Three, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales, +44 01792 462251

Historically the student area of the city, Brynmill is located two miles to the west of the city and is close to the university and beach. Cricket and rugby fans have the famous St Helens’ ground on their doorstep whilst the waterfront promenade offers some seriously awesome views, and Brynmill Park is perfect for a lazy summer picnic. Cwtched (as they say in Wales) between the city, sea, and botanical gardens, this neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for the beach lifestyle. Pick up a morning coffee at the Brynmill Coffee House before heading out for a walk in the sand – but do watch out for the tide as it moves extremely quickly.

Brynmill Coffee House , Swansea, Wales, +44 1792 461828

A short drive from the city, the villages of Mumbles is one of the most picturesque spots in Swansea. A few years ago, the ‘Mumbles Mile’ comprised pubs and bars and had a reputation for extreme nightlife. More recently, due to fast growing house prices and some pretty cool new builds, Mumbles has become extremely exclusive. The ‘Mumbles Mile’ is now filled with relaxed restaurants, ale house and wine bars, perfect for leisurely evening or family afternoons. A perfect holiday base, Mumbles is ideally situated for exploring a little further afield whilst remaining close to the coast. Escape from the weather with afternoon at Front Room, a cosy café close to the seafront which offers all the comfort food you could desire.

Front Room, Mumbles, Swansea, Wales, +44 1792 362140

With green spaces, affordable housing and low unemployment, not to mention excellent transport links, Morriston was named one of the best postcodes in Wales in which to live in 2015. Originally created in the 1780s to house workers from the nearby copper works, parts of the area are now safely preserved under a conservation order. With its vibrant market, listed buildings and quirky accommodation Morriston is a great place to visit for an authentic taste of the city. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Milano’s Café before heading off the explore the market stalls.

Milano’s Café, Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea, Wales, +44 1792 510 176

With a long list of famous residents, including Wales’ favourite poet, Dylan Thomas, Uplands is just a mile from the city centre. It is one the best places to enjoy Swansea nightlife with clubs, bars, and the famous Uplands Tavern pub, often visited by both Thomas and renowned author Kingsley Amis. Many of the larger houses have been converted into student flats and bedsits. Eaton Crescent was considered to be the most exclusive street in this neighbourhood; originally, these large houses were converted for stands, however in the past couple of decades families are returning these beautiful properties to their original state. Enjoy a meal, cooked in a wood-fired oven at the BrewStone restaurant before hitting the clubs to dance the night away.

The BrewStone Restaurant, Uplands, Swansea, Wales, +44 1792 470480