Best Markets In Sydney

There is something for everyone when it comes to Sydney’s markets, and here we’ve picked out the best for vintage and second-hand seekers, foodies and contemporary shoppers alike.

The Rocks

Always try and make a day of it, because the numerous offerings at most of Sydney’s markets are far too beautiful or tasty to rush over, and getting lost in the vibrant bustle of visitors and stallholders is half the fun. The Rocks is by far one of Sydney’s busiest and well-known markets, it is a bus ride away from Circular Quay, and a tiny walk along George Street will lead you right into the thick of it. A staple every Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm, it specialises in emerging designer fashion, original artwork, beauty products and photography and print enthusiasts.

Homeware stalls are commonplace here too; designer linen, smelly candles, crockery and bits of furniture are all products that you can pick up at The Rocks market. On Friday’s every week, the plaza of Jack Mundey Place at The Rocks plays host to a plush variety in food and drink, as local farmers arrive for 9am, when people start milling around to appreciate and buy from the selection of fresh produce, flowers, chocolates, and high-quality oils and condiments. Easily accessible from the town centre, it is an essential first destination for the passionate market-goer.

The Fringe

The Fringe is a superficially trendy market intended to provide a platform for new and up-and-coming designers. Held at the Fringe Bar on Sydney’s busy Oxford Street every Saturday starting from 9am, it is a well-known destination to track down new innovation in fashion and product design. Established designers tend to set up for the day here, providing an inspiring selection of innovative fashion and design aesthetics. The bar provides food and drink to the groups of lively customers, whilst DJ’s play a mix of popular and chilled tunes for a pleasant vibe, often encouraging the passers-by to take a look at what the inspiring stallholders have to show and tell.

Glebe Glebe

Glebe Glebe market is an inner city favourite every Saturday between 10am – 4pm, and is a mish-mash of second-hand, vintage, and emerging designer clothes. Books, records, old antiques and jewellery are scattered over tables, so be prepared to rifle and rummage if you want to gain the most out of one of the best markets in Sydney. Although it is mostly fashion and second-hand orientated, there are the odd few gourmet food stalls to choose from, and a pleasant grassy area where you can sit, eat, and soak up the atmosphere of the market. Situated in the grounds of Glebe Public School, it is only a short walk from the city centre, or an even shorter bus ride on the number 431 or 433 buses. It is a great market place to spend the day at, especially if you want to start up in-depth conversations with stallholders about their record collections, or simply people-watch whilst tapping your foot along to music from selected live bands.

Surry Hills

Surry Hills is one of the best Sydney markets that has truly great finds that won’t ever be matched by any conventional shopping centre. Held on the first Saturday of every month – at The Shannon Reserve – it strictly adheres to its promise that all permanent stalls will sell second-hand or recycled goods, so don’t expect to find anything too crisp with labels still attached. This is serious sage Sydney antiquity. The 40 permanent stallholders fill tables with specially-selected pieces of vintage and second-hand clothes, and take great interest in what they sell. Don’t be surprised if they happily launch into the history of any piece you pick up off their table. Head up there early to pick up the best antique pieces, rain or shine there will undoubtedly be something great you’ll unearth. If you’re the creative/fashion-orientated type, ensure you kit yourself out in your quirkiest or sleekest outfit, because Surry Hills is milling with street-style photographers just desperate to slap your photo up on their fashion blogs!

Eveleigh Farmer’s Market

Eveleigh Farmer’s Market has trays of rainbow-coloured fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and meat which is what you want out of a market. Eveleigh is an award-winning authentic farmer’s market that has a fabulous sense of community spirit. Set up every Saturday from 8am to 1pm in the heart of the city as it is the destination for residents of Sydney to shop for a vast array of fresh, local food. The vast selection is the unity of over 70 farmers and artisan food producers from the New South Wales state. On the first Sunday of every month, Eveleigh changes its tune and turns into a boutique shopping experience which is a place for locals and tourists to browse and buy from 70 stalls, each selling something unique. A platform for artists and Sydney’s designers the speciality Sydney market echoes the buzzing atmosphere of weekly food offering with tea, coffee, breakfast and lunch being served throughout the course of the day. Definitely one of the best markets in Sydney to frequent if the city centre is in easy reach!

Balmain Market

Balmian Market has got  history behind it, and although it is a little modest nowadays in comparison to the others mentioned, so far the third oldest market in Sydney is worth popping down to, especially if you’ve already been to Rozelle Market in the morning. Held in St Andrew’s Congregational Church on the end of Darling Street every Saturday, Balmain’s grounds are filled every Saturday with exquisite art and craft pieces, as well as local vegetables and the odd pile of a bric-a-brac. This market place is the perfect place for gifts and cups of tea.

Rozelle Market

Rozelle Market is a firm favourite among Sydney’s residents since it blossomed from aninkling of an idea into a full-blown market in 1991. Rozelle is a hugely popular place among  both sellers and buyers for all things second-hand, antique and collectible. A short bus journey from the city (jump on the 500 bus) it makes perfect sense to hit up Darling Street for both Rozelle and Balmain markets. Make a day of it! Here you’ll find a treasure trove of old jewellery, watches, furniture, ceramics, clothes, ornaments, and books among piles of other second-hand items, items that although considered someone’s trash, could be your new love. To keep your energy levels up during the taxing efforts of bargain hunting, treat yourself to some of the wonderful gourmet foods on offer. Himalayan, Mediterranean and Russian cuisine are just a few tastes of the world you can experience, alongside stalls of fresh fruit, coffee and hot chocolate.

Paddington Market

Paddington Market is a permanent fixture in Sydney every Saturday since 1973. Paddington champions all the innovation there is in Australian creativity and design. You won’t find many second-hand or antique items here, but exclusive emerging designers who are beginning to make a name for themselves in the fashion or art world. Although it lacks some of the quirky, enchanting features of the markets we’ve already mentioned, Paddington is far from being a commercial shopping destination. An abundance of flowers, food, clothes, homeware and art make for a pleasant, bustling atmosphere. It is a perfect destination for the contemporary individual to find functional pieces that are a refreshing alternative to mass-produced items in the shopping centres. Food choices make for difficult decisions, there is many a tempting cake, Chinese noodle or Aussie BBQ to enjoy!