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Victoria
The best markets to visit in Melbourne
Jessica Taylor Yates
October 25, 2023
Whether you’re looking for international cuisine, vintage clothing, music memorabilia or hand crafted goods, there’s something for everyone at these bustling markets around Melbourne.
From finding fresh produce at a country farmers’ market to a hunt for treasure at a quirky Victorian flea market, there’s no shortage of crafty, unique, or delicious finds around Victoria's market scene.
Melbourne's best and most famous markets are not only places to shop and enjoy a day trip, but also cultural landmarks that highlight the city's magnificent diversity, uniqueness, creativity and sense of community.
Getting to a bustling market in Melbourne is easy, with many of the city's markets well serviced by trains, trams and bus routes. Plan an efficient route to a market near you via public transport with the free arevo journey planner.
Prahran Market is a popular foodie haven off the iconic Chapel Street shopping strip. Image: Visit Victoria
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.
Stall holders are known for their delectable and fresh produce at South Melbourne Market. Image: Visit Victoria
Prahran Market has an abundance of fresh goods on offer. Image: Visit Victoria
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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.
The indoor Footscray Market is a melting pot of international flavours and cuisines. Image: Visit Victoria
A visit to the St Kilda Market is a lovely way to cruise the coastline of this bayside suburb. Image: Visit Victoria
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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.
