Sydney’s markets have just about everything. From fresh produce, delicious food to vintage clothing, you can find a market in Sydney specializing in each of its kind. Visiting markets in the city is a fun way to spend your weekend afternoons — lose yourself in the gentle buzz of activity and colours decorating each stall, a coffee in one hand and a flaky pastry in another. There’s no better way to satisfy your dining and shopping endeavours.
Best for Local Produce: Carriageworks Farmers Market
Nestled within the arts district of Carriageworks is Carriageworks Farmers Market. There are more than 70 permanent vendors in the market, each curated by renowned Australian chef Mike McEnearney. A rule of thumb is that one should always visit the market on an empty stomach. This is a foodie’s dream - Strolling past the stalls, one is greeted by pastries, artisan baked goods and organic nuts.
Turn to the opposite cluster of stalls and instead be tempted to splurge on truffles and local wines. It takes a fair bit of decisive power to survive a traipse past the stalls, for options are aplenty. Not only will the medley of aromatic food in the air have your mouth watering, but there are also stalls offering goods that you can take home with you, such as fresh produce, smoked salmon, eggs and beer, or packs of frozen seafood. Despite the winding queues attached to some stalls, those are the lines you should join, because the rewards are definitely worth the wait.
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Address: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015, Australia
Opening hours: 10 am - 6 pm
Best for Vintage Finds: Glebe Markets
Lively and atmospheric, the Glebe Markets is a charming vintage market that is well-known throughout Sydney. Located at the far end of the city centre, Glebe is where many artists, students and entrepreneurs reside. The stalls here rotate weekly, although there are some permanent vendors who are present every week. Peruse the many racks of colourful clothes, handmade jewellery and pieces brought to life by local designers.
Apart from offering a lavish variety of food, crafts, recycled fashion and vintage items, the market also boasts live music performances by bands. Visitors are welcome to lounge around on the lawn space with the food they’ve bought from the stalls. Popular options include a fragrant tandoori chicken wrap or pho doused in a savoury broth, served in a tall paper cup. The diversity of the neighbourhood is reflected in the market, and one can feel that as they’re rounding each unique stall.
Glebe Markets
Address: Glebe Point Rd &, Derby Pl, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia
Opening hours: 10 am - 4 pm (Every Saturday)
Best for Exclusive Local Gems: Paddington Markets
Rain or shine, the unique stalls of Paddington Markets have been operating every Saturday since it was first established in 1973. Visitors are spoilt for choice with the grand display of fashion, accessories, candles, scented soaps and so much more. Many of the goods sold are exclusive to Paddington Markets as the market is where budding designers first showcase their craft. Rest assured that the souvenir you’re getting is the only one of its kind. If you’re feeling peckish, visit the market’s international food court and treat yourself to some handmade chocolates or local bread.
Making a purchase at Paddington Markets not only shows your support for the talented up-and-coming local designers, but it also contributes to supporting the homeless and disadvantaged of Sydney - for the market is a fundraising initiative by the Paddington Uniting Church.
Paddington Markets
Address: 395 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
Opening hours: 10 am - 4 pm (Every Saturday)
Best for Second-Hand Finds: Rozelle Collectors Market
Beautifully modelled after a typical European-style flea market, Rozelle Collectors Market is the best place where one can uncover treasures amongst an abundance of well-loved second-hand items. The grounds of Rozelle Public School, being a preferred haunt of bargain hunters, are crammed full every weekend. Browsing the bins of vinyl records, books and collectables, one may feel as if they’ve been transported back in time.
Here, vintage items and antiques abound, and for much lower than their retail price. It’s quite the experience - all around, visitors are elbow-deep in crates of clothes and the air buzzes with chatter. Don’t miss out on the food stalls offering an enticing array of international bites, or the massage services for the ones in search of a relaxing afternoon. For the curious, get yourself a tarot card reading. There’s something for everyone at Rozelle Collectors Market, so make sure to bring cash and perseverance!
Rozelle Collectors Market
Address: 663 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia
Opening hours: 10 am - 4 pm (Weekends only)
Best for Souvenirs: The Rocks Market
The Rocks Market is undeniably catered mostly to tourists. It has a prime location within The Rocks, which adds to the vintage vibe and rustic ambience of the market. Renowned as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Australia, the lively atmosphere in The Rocks is deeply intertwined with its history. Charmed visitors flock here to pick up souvenirs characteristic of Australia, such as koala keychains, boomerangs and bush honey.
Make your way down the cobbled lanes of the market, and admire the displays of fine art prints of Australian wildlife or unique jewellery crafted from leaves dipped in gold. At each stall, visitors have the opportunity to meet the local artists and photographers curating their items. Along the streets, live entertainment never stops and performers flaunt their talents, keeping the market bustling with activity.
Within The Rocks neighbourhood, one can also find the Ken Done Gallery, which houses one of the most impressive collections of acclaimed Australian artist Ken Done’s masterpieces.
The Rocks Market
Address: George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (Weekends only)
Be it for sightseeing, shopping or an outing to satisfy your inner foodie, swinging by a market in Sydney is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. With a little bit of everything at every market, make a stop at a few of them and you’ll never know — you may find your new favourite weekend haunt.
