Peruse 5 of the best markets in Sydney

What’s the best way to get to know a new city? Well, this might come as a surprise to you, but a really unique way to interact with a new community – not to mention a new culture – is by visiting the local markets.

In many ways, markets are the beating heart of any city. You’re exposed to the city’s locals who produce the artwork, jewellery, food, clothing – anything, you name it. Sydney’s markets are no different, better even seeing as it’s one of the greatest cities in the world. Some of these markets are just down the road from your cosy lodgings at The Macleay Hotel. Check them out and see which you’ll want to peruse on your trip.

1. Balmain Market 

First, set your sights on Sydney’s third oldest market: Balmain Market. Every Saturday from January to July, you can meander your way through about 140 stalls of all sorts of unique goods. Participate in original arts and crafts, collectable antique pieces, then cruise over to a fruits and veggies vendor before sifting through various bric-a-brac. Don’t forget to chat with the booth owners themselves! They’re likely to be brimming with interesting stories about their creations or how they came into the collection themselves. Be sure you go on a nice, sunny day because this market is weather permitting.

2. Bondi Farmers Market 

Hard to beat a beachside market, isn’t it? Once you’ve gathered all the produce you can possibly carry, head on over to the beach and have yourself a scrumptious picnic filled with some of Australia’s fresh fruits and Sydney’s local brands. Of course, produce aren’t the only delicious food stalls you can pop by. They have everything from baked goods to cheese and, as one might expect a beachside market would have, some seafood stalls as well.

3. Kings Cross Farmers Market 

Kings Cross Farmers Market is one of those markets that is just too good to be true, especially considering it is a short three minute walk from The Macleay Hotel in Potts Point. Every Sunday, you can indulge in some of the area’s best organic fruits and vegetables and gourmet foods from local vendors and chefs. Other booths will let visitors flip through cookbooks instructing you how to use said organic produce. Before you go, you need to paw through some of the local fabrics and resulting designs, as well as gawk at the beautifully crafted handmade jewellery collections.

The area is all inclusive, as you can also pop into nearby shops, restaurants or bars, or, if you’re rather tuckered out from an afternoon of exploring, you can always head back to your hotel suite!

4. Rozelle Markets

Indulge the culture and history of Sydney when you dig into the second hand treasures at Rozelle Markets. Open on Saturday and Sunday, it’s the perfect weekend getaway for bargain hunters and curious tourists alike. If you love the smell of old book pages, the sound of a ticking pocket watch yellowed with time, or the feel of clothing and accessories previously worn by who knows who and who knows where, then this is the stop for you. This market is a bit further out, but it makes for the perfect day trip if you’d like to get out of the city for an afternoon.

5. Glebe Markets 

Need some tunes? Head to Glebe Markets where you can listen to live music and entertainment like jugglers as you go from stall to stall tasting the various multicultural foods and trying on all the vintage clothes and baubles. This is one of the most well-known markets in Sydney, so you know you can’t go wrong. It’s open every Saturday therefore you absolutely can’t miss it! Be sure to check out who is performing before you go to ensure you don’t miss out.

There are tons of markets that you can peruse when you visit Sydney. Just make sure you have a place to crash after all the excitement. Book a room with The Macleay Hotel today and have fun at the many markets.