Best food markets in Sydney
We've rounded up a list of our favourite food markets in Sydney that even the most fervent of foodies will love.
Balmain Markets
217-223 Darling Street, Balmain | 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, 8.30am - 4pm
Established in 1977 in the historic grounds of St Andrews Congregational Church, the Balmain Market holds the moniker of Sydney’s third oldest market. And with its 150 stalls offering handmade arts and crafts, jewellery and giftware, contemporary and vintage fashion and homeware, as well as artisan goods, chutneys and cheese, the market will especially delight the creatives and historians among us.
Bondi Farmers Markets
Bondi Beach Public School, Bondi | Saturdays 9am - 5pm
Just metres away from one of the world's most famous beaches, you'll find locals and tourists alike flock to Bondi Beach Public School over the weekend, inbetween dips in the ocean. On Saturdays, the Bondi Farmers Market holds fort. Grab breakfast from one of the many food stalls, and eat on the lawn while listening to live music, before browsing the stalls for fresh seasonal produce and flowers, organic meat and poultry, and artisan breads and homemade jams, to farmstead cheeses, olive oils, and herbs and spices.
Carriageworks Farmers Markets
245 Wilson St, Eveleigh (cnr. Codrington St) | Saturdays 8am - 1pm
Previously known as Eveleigh Farmer's Markets, the award-winning Carriageworks Farmers Market is home to more than 70 stallholders, where shoppers can stock up on seasonal fresh produce including organic, bio-dynamic foods, freshly baked breads, boutique wines and flowers from farmers and producers across NSW.
Chinatown Night Markets
Dixon St, Haymarket | Fridays, 4pm - 11pm
Head to Haymarket on Friday night and find yourself immersed in an authentic atmosphere of the Far East at the Chinatown Night Markets. The neon-lit precinct is a feast for the senses, with up to 65 stalls running down Dixon Street Mall selling delicacies such as Japanese Colo Takos, steaming hot pork dumplings and Dragon’s Beard Candy. Once you’ve had your fill of street food, browse through the many fashion, arts and crafts, bonsai and kitschy stalls, all reflecting the creativity, culture and energy of Asia.
Paddy's Markets
Haymarket and Flemington locations |Thursday – Sunday, 9pm - 5pm (Haymarket)/ Friday – Sunday, 10pm - 4.30pm (Flemington)
As Sydney's biggest markets, with two sites -- one in Haymarket near Chinatown, the other in Flemington near Sydney Olympic Park, and over 1,000 stalls, whatever you're looking for, there's most likely a stall at Paddy's Market that sells it. From fashion and accessories, sporting and electrical goods, to fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts and pet supplies. Hot tip: Pay a visit on the weekends when fresh fruit and vegetable vendors sell their produce at wholesale prices.
Parramatta Farmers Markets
Centenary Square, Church St, Parramatta | Fridays, 8am - 2pm
Situated on the site of Australia's longest running fresh food market – dating back to 1791, the humble title of Farmer's Market doesn't wholly represent the range and diversity of the products available in Centenary Square today. Here you will find farmers and producers from the Sydney basin and regional NSW selling high quality seasonal produce, bread and pastries, eggs and meats, and plants and flowers. The many gourmet food stalls also make Parramatta Farmers Markets the perfect place for a spot of breakfast or lunch.
Sydney Fish Market
Bank St & Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont | Mondays – Thursdays, 7am - 4pm and Friday – Sundays, 7am - 5pm
The largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest seafood market, in terms of variety, in the world, Sydney Fish Market sources product both nationally and internationally, and trades of 13,500 tonnes of seafood annually. Weave your way through working fishermen and buyers, and stock up on reasonably priced, fresh seafood, or have your lunch cooked ready to eat at the market itself.
For those interested in learning more about this Sydney institution, book a Behind the Scenes tour (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - public holidays excepted), where you be educated on the history of the market, Australian seafood, the different facets of the market, and the auction system -- which starts at 5.30am daily where you'll see chefs and locals alike haggling for a range of seafood including mud crab, salmon and lobster.
The Rocks Friday Foodie Market
Jack Mundey Place, Playfair Street, The Rocks | Fridays, 9am - 3pm
Amble along the cobblestone laneway of Jack Mundey Place where your senses will be greeted first by the aroma of international delicacies, and second by sight of vendors curing, marinating and roasting, while customers savour the BBQ skewers and roast pork rolls, to gözleme and German hot dogs on offer at The Rocks Friday Foodie Market.
For those sweet of tooth, take your pick of handmade chocolates, decadent cupcakes or gelato, which you can enjoy by the picturesque Harbour – did we mention the market is nestled between Sydney Harbour and the historic area of The Rocks. You can also pick up smoked meats, preserves and cheeses, unique jewellery and homeware.
Visiting from out of town? Plan your trip to Sydney
Accommodation: Nearby and central Sydney accommodation options, inclusive of Member discount so you can spend more money at the markets shopping and dining out, and exploring the Sydney’s attractions.
Car rental: Planning to zip around the city between or discover the many beaches? Members receive 15 percent on the daily rental rate with SIXT Car Hire.
my nrma app: Find and save on your nearest fuel and parking, and discover nearby NRMA Blue Member benefits on the my nrma app.
