On the Market

Whatever part of Sydney you're in (or even if you're in Melbourne or another big city), if it's Saturday there's a market nearby. On Saturday mornings vendors set up early to display everything from discount socks to organic produce to these windchime thingys made out of silverware. Each venue is slightly different and will suit a different interest and budget.

The more $'s a place has, the more cash you'll need to bring along:

Paddy's Market/Market City $$
In Chinatown on Hay Street, just off of George Street and next to Darling Harbour.

Paddy's is the mother of all markets and it's open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday - Sunday. One large section of Paddy's is strictly produce, fish, nuts, dried fruit and other reasonably-priced edibles that will help you save a little grocery money.

The rest of the market is a tourist's souvenir hunting extravaganza. Pick up cheap coffee mugs, boomerangs, stuffed animals, t-shirts, playing cards, calendars and more. Backpackers can find socks, alarm clocks, watches, shoes, toiletries, towels and other necessities, including backpacks if yours is getting too cramped or worn. Not all prices are bargains though, so it might be worth a trip to Woolworth's (corner of George and Park Street) or Kmart (in the Broadway mall) to see if you can get the same basic items for less.

Paddington $$$$
395 Oxford St; take the 380 bus from Hyde Park or Oxford Street.

The Paddington market is sort of the Rodeo Drive of outdoor shopping. It caters more to locals and upscale tourists and features art, fine jewellery, handmade clothes and purses and plenty of expensive knick-knacks. The best part of the market, for your wallet and your tummy, is the food. The Belgian waffles dipped in caramel and chocolate are well worth $2 and you'll have a tough time deciding between the Indian, Himilayan, or Turkish combinations and sandwiches.

Glebe $
Glebe Point Road; take the 423, 426, or 428 bus to the Broadway mall then walk around the corner.

This is how real flea markets should be done. Held in the student/artsy/alternative neighborhood of Glebe there are plenty of cheap buys to be found. Second-hand clothes, books, shoes and housewares are plentiful, but there's also an array of designer t-shirts, skirts and handbags if you don't mind spending a little more. The food is diverse and cheap and there are plenty of cafes and eateries nearby if you prefer something indoors.

The Rocks $$$
Take the bus or train to Circular Quay then walk to the end of George Street.

This entire area is focused on tourism so you won't find many bargains. There is, however, a nice selection of souvenirs and other goods that you won't necessarily see in a regular gift shop, like glittery lip gloss in a walnut. If you're looking to take home a professional photograph or print of Sydney this would be a good place to look for it. There are several pubs and cafes nearby for a quick bite and the Opera House is just a ten minute walk, so you would be foolish not to stop by this market.

Balmain $$
Darling Street; take the ferry from Circular Quay to Balmain East then walk a few blocks through the quaint residential area.

It's a ritzy area but the market is quite bohemian - handmade jewellery, baby clothes, organic produce and booths for causes and non-profit groups. Inside the old church at the center of the market there are several yummy food stands. The only problem is figuring out what to eat first: Thai, Himalayan rice and noodles, sushi, or Brazilian chocolates. The longest line is for the gozleme, a flat bread with cheese and spinach inside, rolled by hand right in front of you by old women, then fried. You can eat cheap but if you plan to get anything else, like the organic soaps, tribal masks, or hippie skirts, bring an extra $50.

When you finish with the market, continue up Darling Street to check out the many cafes, patisseries and the great harbor views down the side streets.

Fox Studios $$$
There's not much else to see here unless you're going to one of the movie theaters or sporting venues, so you may as well go on market day for some food and shopping. Produce is plentiful and the tasty Belgian waffles they sell at Paddington can be found here as well.