Whether you’re thrifting royalty, a bargain hunter or an organic foodie locavore, a must-do activity in Sydney is spending a Saturday at one of the city’s many markets. Sydneysiders from north to south, east to west, all make their way out on Saturday mornings to hit the trendy markets dotting the map full of fabulous vintage finds, intriguing homemade wares and fresh grub. Here’s your guide to the area’s best bazaars:
Stomping grounds for the young, trendy types that hang around Surry Hills, this market only sets up its stalls once a month. So, market-goers wait in anticipation for every first Saturday, dreaming of the next cool vintage duds, captivating old books and innovative creations they may discover. Browse the tightly packed stalls offering unique secondhand threads or amazing vintage designer finds. Stop to admire the many scents wafting from the Blubirdsoy candle stall – the owner hand makes every candle. And that jazz you hear in the background? Turn around and check out the vintage suitcase speakers playing music at a neighboring stall. Along with these great finds, the market also offers some impressive people watching. It actually isn’t uncommon to find several street style photographers snapping the stylish shoppers browsing the stalls. Before you leave, don’t forget to nosh on some Turkish gözleme – pan-fried, flat dough bread with savory fillings that’s a Sydney market favorite. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., every first Saturday of the month
The Glebe Markets have become a routine Saturday destination for most residents of the area and a favorite haunt of other Sydney residents. The vibe here differs from the Surry Hills Markets, in that you’ll find free spirits splitting their time between rummaging through thrift items and handmade jewelry, and hula hooping or playing with devil sticks on the central lawn. Make your trip to Glebe an all day affair so you can fully browse everything that’s on offer. Check out the local designers and artists who set up shop, and when your stomach starts to grumble, take a lunch break and order a giant veggie patty with salad and a fresh pressed lemonade. There’s no way you’ll make it through the entire market before lunch, so after enjoying a picnic on the lawn, start all over again in the second half of the markets. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., every Saturday
If you’re looking for a change of pace and wanting to discover the foodie, locavore Sydney scene, then head here. Every Saturday, area hipsters make their way off the beach for a little while to enjoy some quality food browsing at the Bondi Farmers Markets. Offering seasonal produce, organically grown meats, freshly picked flowers, artisanal breads and so much more, every stallholder at the market either grows or makes their product. Be pleasantly serenaded as you peruse the tables by a man with his guitar singing about how “coffee makes him feel so good,” and without a doubt, make sure to visit the sugar cane juicing stall. Not only is it interesting to see how the process is done, the fresh cane juice, pineapple and mint frappe is beyond refreshing and perfect for a warm, sunny day. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday
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