The best markets to visit in Melbourne

Best markets in Melbourne to experience

1. Queen Victoria Market

Corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne

Established in 1878, Queen Victoria Market is not only the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, but also a significant historical landmark in Melbourne. One of Melbourne's best free attractions to visit, Queen Victoria Market regularly hosts specialised events on top of regular trading, from their vibrant summer and winter night markets, to foodie tours, festivals, live music and more.

What you can buy: Queen Victoria Market is a treasure trove of stalls including fresh produce, gourmet delights, clothing, souvenirs, restaurants and hand crafted goods.

Getting there: Serviced by the 19, 57, 58 and 59 trams, and less than a 10 minute walk from both Melbourne Central and Flagstaff stations. Free bike parking is also on site.

2. South Melbourne Market

Corner of Coventry and Cecil Streets, South Melbourne

South Melbourne Market has been serving the local community since 1867, making it one of the city’s longest running markets. It also regularly hosts community events, from live music to foodie tours and cooking demonstrations.

What you can buy: Famed for its paella made onsite, South Melbourne Market is a food lover's paradise, offering an array of fresh seafood, organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable pastries, as well as a range of unique products from clothing to beauty, floristry, and home goods.

Getting there: Serviced by several trams around the city, as well as bus route 236 and bike parking.

3. Prahran Market

163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

Prahran Market is not only a popular shopping destination, but a hub for culinary events, tastings, cooking classes, and food demonstrations. Established in 1864, this market is revered for its speciality items and community feel.

What you can buy: Prahran Market is a haven for food enthusiasts, with its wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and specialty ingredients, from wasabi leaves to authentic Turkish delights, homemade pastas, Spanish pastries and more.

Getting there: Prahran Market can be accessed from nearby Prahran Station, the 72 tram, or the 216, 219 and 220 bus routes. Bike rack stations can be found in Prahran Square. Use the arevo journey planner app to check parking prices and vacancies in this bustling area.

4. Camberwell Sunday Market

Market Place, Camberwell 

Joining the Melbourne market scene in 1976, Camberwell Market attracts both locals and day trippers seeking unique and nostalgic finds every Sunday. This market will appeal to those who enjoy a real rummage for trash and treasure.

What you can buy: Camberwell Market is renowned for its vintage treasures, jam donuts, antique finds and collectible items, from record memorabilia to retro fashions, books, shoes and more.

Getting there: Located a short walk from Camberwell Station, with easy access from the 70, 72 and 75 trams. Visitors can also take the 612 or 285 bus to the area, or bike park around both the station and Market.

5. Dandenong Market

Clow Street & Cleeland St, Dandenong 

Dandenong Market celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Melbourne, with over 150 nationalities represented amongst its 200 traders and small businesses. It's also home to experiences including foodie tours, festivals, and rotating kids’ programs.

What you can buy: Dandenong Market is a multicultural hub, offering a diverse range of fresh produce, spices, and international delicacies, as well as ‘The Bazaar,’ a home to stalls selling anything from clothing, jewellery and beauty goods, to electronics, rugs, homewares, and artisan fabrics.

Getting there: Dandenong Market can be accessed by a range of bus lines, or a 15 minute walk from Dandenong Station.

6. Preston Market

30A The Centreway, Preston

Preston Market bills itself as 'the people's market'. Running for over 50 years, the community-focused market offers fresh goods, foodie workshops, dine-in restaurants, school holiday events, and multicultural experiences. 

What you can buy: Explore a range of stalls featuring fresh deli, bakery, meat and grocer goods, speciality ingredients, clothing, beauty products, home products, florists and locally made items. 

Getting there: The market is located right next to Preston Station, where bike cages are also available. You can also get there via the 527, 552, 553 and 903 bus lines, or the 86 and 112 tram lines. Use the arevo journey planner app to find the most efficient route to this market.

7. Fitzroy Market

87 Rose St, Fitzroy 

In collaboration with The Fitzroy Mills Market, Fitzroy Market supports local artists, designers, and small businesses, fostering a vibrant and creative scene of live music, morning coffee, pre-loved items, and a strong community atmosphere.

What you can buy: Fitzroy Market is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, wellness products, fresh food and beverages, unique artworks and more.

Getting there: On public transport, you can catch the 11, 86 or 96 trams, or the 200 or 207 bus routes to the market. Many bike lanes and paths also surround the area. Use the arevo journey planner app to map a bike-friendly route to this market. 

8. St Kilda Market

Upper Esplanade, St Kilda

St Kilda Market is in the iconic beachside suburb of St Kilda. and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists since 1970. Close to Luna Park, a Sunday visit makes for a lovely morning stroll along the beachside coastline and a fun day trip.

What you can buy: St Kilda Market is a vibrant arts and crafts scene, offering handmade jewellery, clothing, artworks, souvenirs, and other locally made creations.

Getting there: Accessible from the 16 and 96 trams, with bike racks also nearby. Use arevo to map a bike-friendly route to this market.

9. Footscray Market

18 Irving Street, Footscray 

A large indoor market in Melbourne’s west, Footscray Market is famed for its wide range of fresh produce and multicultural goods from local stall holders. It is popular to have browse before a stop for a local meal at the in-house restaurants and takeaway food stalls.

What you can buy: Fresh goods from a range of international stalls featuring green groceries, meats, poultry, seafood, nuts, and exotic produce, alongside gift shops, clothing and accessory stalls, beauty products, and local services.

Getting there: Located close to Footscray Station, which also provides bike racks and is accessible by the 82 tram and a range of bus services.

10. Sunday Market

Along St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building, Melbourne

The famed Sunday Market in Melbourne’s CBD offers a unique shopping experience, combining the convenience of a bustling city centre with the charm of local markets. Set up in front of the iconic Arts Centre spire and travelling down the theatre trail, a visit makes for a great wander while perusing local goods and enjoying fresh delicacies before enjoying all the Melbourne CBD has to offer. 

What you can buy: You will find a range of handmade goods, arts and crafts, wellness products, clothing, and accessories at this market, as well as a range of international dishes, from Colombia to Southeast Asia.

Getting there: Situated just a short stroll from Flinders Street Station and serviced by several tram and bus lines. Bike racks are also available outside Hamer Hall.