TBH the best part about markets is they can be as cheap as you make them, literally costing you zilch to stroll through and enjoy the bustling vibes. The other side of the coin is rocking up to the markets with a wad of cash and spending big on clothing, chutney and candles that you probably would never find again, being oh-so #handmade.
Either way, we love 'em. We’ve scoured Sydney for the best night, produce and lifestyle markets and we’re (almost) 110% sure you’ll be able to score a steal.
Here are the best markets to visit in Sydney this May.
Night Markets
Where late night shopping and eating collide.
PADDY'S NIGHT FOOD MARKET
Paddy’s Night Market has jumped on the food truck bandwagon and brought some of your faves along for the ride (get it—ride). Expect cheesy knafeh desserts served by the bearded bakers at Knafeh Bakery, crispy fried chicken burgers from the legends at Dirty Bird and big fat American Burgers from ex-St Leonards locals, Chef’s Kitchen, among others.
Where: Austin Avenue, Flemington When: Every Saturday, 6.30pm — 10.30pm
CHINATOWN NIGHT MARKET
Muse over local designers and dig your teeth into some damn delicious Chinese street food at the Chinatown Night Markets. This tasty precinct is really getting its hustle and bustle on and is an epic (not to mention drool-worthy) way to celebrate those TGIF feels.
Where: Chinatown, Haymarket When: Every Friday night, 4pm—11pm
EASTWOOD NIGHT MARKETS
Happening every single Saturday, the Eastwood Night Markets dish up a huge number of food and drink stalls, kids activities and fashion stalls to boot. Bring the family for some seriously good eats and vibes, before rolling home (you know it’s true).
Where: Eastwood When: Every Saturday night, 4pm-11pm
Produce Market
Naturally, producing all the yummy goods.
SYDNEY SUSTAINABLE MARKETS
This market is all about doing good by contributing back to the sustainable food revolution. With everything from fruit and vegetables to rare breed meats and flowers, you can feel great purchasing fresh produce that doesn’t hurt the environment.
Where: Taylor Square, Darlinghurst
When: Every Saturday, 8am – 1pm
NORTHSIDE PRODUCE MARKET
TBH we were sold when we heard they had Sydney’s best coffee. With a variety of fresh food with highlights like freshly made pasta and smoked seafood, we think we’ve found every foodie’s dream.
Where: Civic Park, 220 Miller Street, North Sydney When: First and third Saturdays of the month
ROSE BAY FARMERS' MARKET
Located on the beautiful Pannerong Reserve, this market has one of the best locales as far as Sydney markets are concerned. And it’s in the middle of the week, so you don’t even have to wait for the weekend to get your fix of the best fruit and veg.
Where: Pannerong Reserve, Rose Bay When: Every Tuesday, 8:30am – 2pm
ORANGE GROVE ORGANIC FOOD MARKETS
I mean supermarkets are great but there’s nothing quite like buying fresh produce straight from the farmer and at Orange Grove you’re spoilt for choice. They have everything from free range staeks to freshly grown tomatoes and we’re all about it. While you’re there be sure to grab one of the bacon and egg rolls—you won’t regret it.
Where: Orange Grove Public School, Leichhardt
When: Every Saturday, 8am – 1pm
SYDNEY VEGAN MARKET
Hold onto your kale, vegan friends, there’s a new market in town and it’s got your animal-loving names allllllll over it. In case you weren’t already spoilt enough living in such a vegan-friendly city like Sydney, a monthly market launched in November and it’ll be wall-to-wall cruelty-free goodies errry month. Where: Portuguese Community Club, Marrickville When: Third Sunday of every month, 9am-4pm
KINGS CROSS ORGANIC MARKET
All the locals know that kicking it in Kings Cross every Saturday is a no brainer. From local bakeries, restaurants and (obviously) cafes coming to the party, this one is about to become your new weekly must.
Where: Macleay Street, Potts Point When: Every Saturday, 9am-2pm, from 13 January 2018.
PYRMONT GROWERS’ MARKET
The Pyrmont Growers Market is sprouting back into action. We’re so grateful because we’re kind of (ok, seriously) in love with their top quality food straight from the field and farm.
Where: Pyrmont Bay Park, Pyrmont When: Fourth Saturday of the month, 7.30am—12pm.
DOUBLE BAY ORGANIC MARKET
Drop by the Double Bay Organic Market to stock your pantry this month. This classic little market in the park has organic produce, crafts, plants, flowers and eco products.
Where: Guilfoyle Park, Double Bay When: Every Thursday, 9am—12pm from 13 January 2018.
CARRIAGEWORKS FARMERS’ MARKETS
When a market is an award-winning market, you go to that market, period. Many NSW and ACT farmers bring in fresh, seasonal and homemade produce they grow, rear and make. It’s too good to miss.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street When: Every Saturday, 8am—1pm
MARRICKVILLE ORGANIC MARKET
These markets have a pretty good record for churning out the largest amount of fruit and veg in Australia. This means you can load up on your vitamins and antioxidants with ease. Who says we’re not (trying to be) healthy?
Where: Addison Road Centre, Marrickville When: Every Sunday, 8am—3pm.
PALM BEACH MARKET
Fresh produce, homewares, ceramics, fashion and jewellery—sounds simple, but we guarantee you’ll be walking home with an empty wallet after these markets. Where: Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach When: Fourth Sunday of the month, 9am—3pm
CASTLE HILL FARMERS & FINE FOOD MARKETS
If you’re from The Hills district, there’s a good chance you’ve checked out these farmers’ markets before. There are over 80 stalls (yep) with just about everything your fridge needs:, cheese, cakes, honey, jams, fish, duck, veggies and gluten-free goodies. Go all out, obviously.
Where: Castle Hill Showground When: Second and fourth Saturday of the Month,8am - 12pm
CAMDEN FRESH PRODUCE MARKETS
Hit up the Camden Produce Markets for eats set against the picturesque backdrop of the Macarthur Region. You’ll score everything from locally grown fruit, veg and flowers, to meat, eggs, artisan products and homemade baked goods. Is there anything better? The short answer is no, there’s not.
Where: Camden Town Farm, 40 Exeter Street When: Every Saturday, 7am—12pm
PARRAMATTA FARMERS’ MARKET
These markets are artisan AF. Coconut Coffee with coconut oil extract, fresh sugar cane juice from Juice Mia and even goose eggs arranged on request from Totally Free Range. Gozleme King is also known to pump out a seriously good gozleme (you’re welcome).
Where: Centenary Square Parramatta When: Every Friday 8.30am—2:30pm
MOORE PARK FOODIES AND FARMERS MARKET
Stock up on your locally sourced fruit and veggies for the week AND indulge in a delicious market lunch, all with two free hours of parking at the Moore Park markets.
Where: EQ Showring, Moore Park When: Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8am-2pm
FRENCHS FOREST ORGANIC MARKET
For all things organic on the Northern Beaches, make the Frenchs Forest markets your go-to. Fill your bags with locally sourced fruit and veg, as well as a bunch of gluten free goodies, organic beauty products and cute AF plants.
Where: 5 Frenchs Forest Road, Frenchs Forest When: Every Sunday
THE BREWERY YARD MARKETS
Inner city markets are a thing (finally) and these markets not only offer an epic array of NSW produce, you’ll find florals, fashion and food too!
Where: Central Park Green, Chippendale When: First & third Sunday of the month,10am - 4pm
Lifestyle Markets
The places to get presents for your mates, family, dog and kind of work buddies… oh and presents for you too!
Coal Loader Artisan Markets
These markets which are held only twice a year is your one stop shop for all things artisan. It’s also where to head to get your paws on some of the best unique handmade products going around Sydney. With over 70 stalls there’ll be pretty much everything here, including art, ceramics, basketry and jewellery. And just because we know you’ll get a bit peckish, there’ll be food too.
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, Waverton When: Sunday 27 May
SURRY HILLS MARKET AND COMMUNITY CAFE
Do you love all things vintage? Well, this market will be your new stomping ground. Selling a variety of antiques, books and recycled goods, you’re guaranteed to find a new treasure at a bargain price.
Where: Shannon Reserve, Crown Street, Surry Hills When: First Saturday of every month, 8am – 4pm
MANLY MARKET PLACE
What better way to spend the weekend than by the seaside? You’re right, there’s no better way. These open air markets showcase an array of emerging designers and artists, and it’s great for the whole family.
Where: Sydney Road, Manly When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 5pm
RANDWICK ARTISAN MARKETS
Don’t let the weather get in the way of your market-browsing plans. This indoor artisan market is filled with plenty of handmade goodies to brighten any day.
Where: Royal Randwick Shopping Centre When: First Sunday of the month, 10am-4pm
TGM EAST LINDFIELD MARKETS
This family-run market celebrates and encourages community connection on the North side, so come along for the best coffee and live music around, along with a bit of shopping (obvs).
Where: East Lindfield Community Hall, East Lindfield When: Third Sunday of the month, 10am-2pm
ROZELLE COLLECTORS’ MARKET
The Rozelle Collectors’ Market is a biggie for every small find you could hope for. Think second-hand bric-a-bracs, collectables, fashion and antiques.
Where: Rozelle Public School, 663 Darling Street When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am—3pm
BALMAIN MARKET
These markets are the stomping ground for all things homemade. Here is where you’ll find those little gems that will have everyone asking where on earth you scored such a find, and you get to reply with a smug smile on your face, “Balmain Markets”.
Where: St Andrews Congregational Church When: Every Saturday, 9am—3pm
GLEBE MARKETS
If gourmet food, live music and basking on the lawn after some serious retail therapy sounds like your thing, then the Glebe Market is your jam.
Where: Glebe Public School When: Every Saturday,10am—4pm
THE GROUNDS MARKETS
Bakers, creators and all of the clever little makers assemble each week at the markets at The Grounds of Alexandria, so head here to stock up for the week and pick yourself up something pretty while you're there.
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria When: Every Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 3.30pm
BONDI MARKETS
Seaside shopping anyone? The Bondi Markets host the ultimate lazy market atmosphere with bits and bobs so good it’s like raiding your Mum’s wardrobe.
Where: Bondi Beach Public School When: Every Sunday, 10am—5pm January.
PADDINGTON MARKETS
Home creatives, this market plays host to local fashion designers, craftspeople, jewellery makers and artists with many products exclusive to this retail haven.
Where: Paddington Public School, 395 Oxford Street When: Every Sunday,10am—4pm
THE MAKERS MARKET LANE COVE
Nestled in the centre of Lane Cove comes the Makers Market, complete with hand-made everything and a whole lot of market spirit.
Where: Lane Cove Plaza When: Third Sunday of the month, 9am—3pm
KIRRIBILLI ART, DESIGN & FASHION MARKET
With a title like that, you just know that these markets are bursting at the seams with, well, pretty much everything. With 100 vintage fashion stores as well as the art, designs and ceramics, there is plenty to see and way more to buy. Walk over the Harbour Bridge for that guilty pleasure thrill of being a tourist again, and you’ll land smack bang into this hub. You’re welcome.
Where: Alfred Street and Burton Street, Milsons Point When: Second Sunday of the month,9am – 3pm
KIRRIBILLI GENERAL MARKET
New businesses, second-hand fashion, homewares, collectables and antiques all for affordable prices live here. As the name suggests, this market has a bit of everything and we guarantee you won’t leave empty-handed.
Where: Alfred Street and Burton Street, Milsons Point When: Fourth Saturday of the month, 8.30am-3pm
Looking for somewhere to head for an OTT burger? Read this.
The Grounds Markets | Image credit: Jackielyn Powell