Melbourne is often referred to as the food and fashion capital of Australia. Backing up these claims are some indisputable facts: Melbs is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest open-air market and its café culture rivals those of Paris and Milan.
But beyond sheer size and cultural clout, there’s no denying that Melbourne has a LOT of markets. From fresh produce to vintage sunglasses, vinyl records to mid-century modern chairs, Melbourne’s markets have a little bit of something for everyone.
Here’s CityDays’ guide to bargain hunting and claiming a diamond from the rough at 15 of the best markets in Melbourne for clothes, crafts, food and where to shop on weekends!
Psst: Interested in Melbourne? Read our 20+ Facts About Melbourne You Probably Didn’t Know!
Best Markets in Melbourne
Don’t want the finer details? No problem! Here are our top picks for the best markets in Melbourne!
Queen Victoria Market
True to its name, the Queen Victoria Market (or ‘Queen Vic’ / ‘Vic Market’) was established in the 19th century during Queen Victoria’s reign.
As the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market is packed with a variety of finds to suit all tastes and interests.
Why We Love It:
There’s something for everyone and it’s open 6 days a week.
What Can I Buy:
Fresh Produce, Meats, Seafood, Gourmet Foods, Clothing, Jewellery,
When’s It Open?
Opens every day except Mondays.
The Wednesday Night Market (season) has global street food, live music and events.
Read more here.
South Melbourne Market
As Melbourne’s oldest continually operating market, South Melbourne Market holds a unique place in the city’s history and its residents’ hearts. Tourists and locals alike flock here to bag some daily treats or pick up actually good holiday souvenirs.
Special mention: South Melbourne Market is especially great for its dedication to animal welfare and stamping out inauthentic indigenous artwork.
Why We Love It:
It’s historical, the sheer variety of stalls and the market’s ethical ethos make it a place to make mindful purchases. It also has incredible Dim Sims!
What Can I Buy:
If you can imagine it, you’ll probably find it here. There are delis, grocery stalls, health and beauty stalls, street food stalls, stalls for pets, stalls for kids, clothing and shoes stalls, even a tarot reading stall!
When’s It Open?
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8am.
Read more here.
Prahran Market
Only a few years behind South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market is one of the oldest and best markets in Melbourne for culinary connoisseurs! Stuffed with artisan food stalls and the delicious aroma of freshly-brewed coffee, Prahran serves up hundreds of treats to its patrons that look almost too good to eat!
Why We Love It:
It’s historical, unique to the south-eastern suburb of Prahran, has a lovely flower market and even provides tours
What Can I Buy:
Freshly picked fruits and veggies, meats, seafood, deli items, plates of delicious foods from the many eateries, organic foods, poultry and game, coffee
When’s It Open?
Every day except Mondays and Wednesdays, 7am-5pm (except Sundays, 10am-3pm).
Read more here.
Kensington Market
Although it’s a younger addition to the Melbourne markets scene, Kensington Market is astonishingly well-prepped and cemented as one of the city’s favourites. A great place to buy gifts or a much-needed treat, visitors to Kensington Market will not leave disappointed with their purchases.
Why We Love It:
It showcases the very best of locally-made items and fantastic homeware goods
What Can I Buy:
Designer fashion pieces, homemade foods, coffee, homewares, ceramics, clothes for kids, artwork
When’s It Open?
Once a month, on the third Sunday of every month.
Browse Kensington Market’s Instagram here.
Footscray Market
Nestled in the fabulous suburb of Footscray in Melbourne’s West, Footscray Market boasts 65 stores all selling fresh produce and a diverse range of foods, all of which reflect the area’s multicultural community. Perfect for gathering ingredients for Asian-inspired recipes or just getting some wholesome food on the table, Footscray Markets is a chef’s dream.
Why We Love It:
It stocks even the most unusual of fruits and veggies and at reasonable prices, as well as rare herbs and spices, fresh seafood and quality meats
What Can I Buy:
Fruits, veggies, meat, seafood, herbs and spices & more
When’s It Open?
Only closed Sundays and Mondays.
Read more here.
Dandenong Market
Don’t be put off by its distance from Melbourne CBD: Dandenong Market brings the variety and quality of produce in the city to its outer suburb in Dandenong. Packed with food and ingredients from all over the world, Dandenong Market is a great place to stock up on a whole host of ingredients in Melbourne’s southeast.
Why We Love It:
Great availability and breadth of choice for fresh foods, hosts a fantastic Curry Festival
What Can I Buy:
Fruits, veggies, meat, seafood, herbs and spices & more
When’s It Open?
Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Read more here.
Best Clothes and Craft Markets in Melbourne
Whether you just love shopping for vintage clothes or you want to stock up on some handmade goodies to decorate your favourite room, these are the best clothes and craft markets in Melbourne!
Rose Street Artists’ Market:
For fashion and interior lovers, there can (almost) only be Rose Street Artists’ Market. Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or you just want to add some unique pieces to your collection, Rose Street Artists’ Market will provide. Many of the goods on sale here are locally designed and made, so you know you’re giving a bit back to the local community in exchange for top-quality items.
Why We Love It:
Most items are locally made and designed, many are handmade and unique
What Can I Buy:
Jewellery, photography, clothing, accessories & more
When’s It Open?
Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm
Read more here.
Fitzroy Market
The ultimate destination for Melbourne’s fashionistas, Fitzroy Market is a whirlwind of all things handcrafted, vintage, second hand and local. With 70 stalls to pick from, lined with everything from graphic tees to vintage boots, anyone intent on sprucing up their wardrobe is sure to find great new additions at Fitzroy Market.
Why We Love It:
There’s a good chance you’ll find rare pieces at bargain prices, and it doesn’t just sell clothes and crafts either!
What Can I Buy:
Grocery produce, food, artisan items, handcrafted pieces, plenty of clothes
When’s It Open?
Saturday from 9am-2pm.
Find out more here.
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Bursting with all things arts and crafts, St Kilda Esplanade Market is set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most picturesque areas. Perfect for those wishing to pick up some handmade jewellery or get their hands on some home décor.
Why We Love It:
The handmade jewellery is exceptional both in beauty and quality - plus you get to get a dose of healthy sea air while you’re there!
What Can I Buy:
Clothes, home décor, jewellery, fantastic food
When’s It Open?
Sundays 10am-5pm.
Find out more here.
Best Weekend Markets in Melbourne
The best markets to visit in Melbourne if you’re only around for the weekend!
Camberwell Sunday Market
Casual browsers might feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stalls and people that flock to Camberwell Sunday Market, but we urge you to persevere. The stalls are crammed with incredible items, from records to leather jackets, and there’s even a few local celebrities (we’re looking at you, Ray Nicholls, who has an unmissable and astonishing newspaper collection).
Why We Love It:
It’s a blend of eccentric items and rare finds, the hot jam doughnuts are incredible and there’s a great friendly atmosphere
What Can I Buy:
Clothes, records, jewellery, food, furniture, expect the unexpected!
When’s It Open?
Sundays from 7.30am-12.30pm.
Read more here.
Gleadell Street Market
For a Saturday market with a community feel, be sure to visit Gleadell Street Market in Richmond. Boasting a wide array of foodie items, including seafood, local honey, flowers and kombucha, the Gleadell Street Market is a cosy, family-feel affair that any market lover will adore.
Why We Love It:
Wide range of produce and regular visitors rave about the sausage rolls!
What Can I Buy:
Fresh food, baked goods, flowers, groceries
When’s It Open?
Saturdays 7am-1pm
Read more here.
Carlton Farmers' Market
Carlton Farmers’ Market only takes place on the first and third Saturdays of each month, so you have to book it in your diary and get up early if you want to bag the best bits. It’s a sought-after affair due to the abundant availability of fresh, seasonal produce, perfect for stocking up on fruits and veggies at bargain prices.
Why We Love It:
Has a lovely community atmosphere, ideal for a morning stroll and gathering ingredients to make a fresh, delicious lunch
What Can I Buy:
Baked goods, flowers, groceries, condiments, pantry items, meat and eggs
When’s It Open?
Saturdays 8am-1pm
Read more here.
Docklands Sunday Community Craft & Food Market
Situated against the incredible views of the New Quay Promenade, Docklands Sunday Community Craft and Food Market sells a variety of handmade crafts, vintage items and delectable food stalls.
Why We Love It:
Excellent variety of items available, community atmosphere, perfect for picking up handmade gifts, free to access by tram from the CBD
What Can I Buy:
Hair accessories, home décor, scarves, hand poured candles & more!
When’s It Open?
The second Sunday of every month, 10am-3pm
Read more here.
Fitzroy Mills Market
Run by three local siblings, Fitzroy Mills Market is one of the best Melbourne markets with a focus on health and wellness. Expect stalls crammed with delicious food, coffee, vintage items of clothing and some live music to invigorate your weekend!
Why We Love It:
Eating healthy, fresh local food, family-friendly atmosphere, excellent craft stalls
What Can I Buy:
Retro clothing, books, jewellery, fresh produce, grocery items, candles
When’s It Open?
Sundays, 9am-2pm
Read more here.
Alphington Farmers’ Market
Last but certainly not least, Alphington Farmers’ Market is the ideal market in Melbourne for doing some top-quality food shopping. The emphasis on buying locally and sustainably is echoed throughout the many stalls bursting with everything from pantry goods to seedlings for making your own backyard a little greener.
Why We Love It:
Eating healthy, fresh local food, family-friendly atmosphere, excellent craft stalls
What Can I Buy:
Retro clothing, books, jewellery, fresh produce, grocery items, candles
When’s It Open?
Sundays, 9am-2pm
Read more here.
Discover More about Melbourne with CityDays
Want to discover more ways you can explore Melbourne?
We know that eating great food and sipping delicious drinks is what really cements a perfect day out.
That’s why we always recommend places for you to take breaks during our treasure hunts, walking tours, outdoor escape rooms and urban adventure games across 3 continents, 6 countries and 33 cities all over the world.
CityDays have FOUR treasure and scavenger hunts in Melbourne to choose from, all of which combine the fun of an escape room with the historic facts and whimsical trivia of a walking tour!
Take the stress out of planning your visit to Melbourne and book your adventure today!
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