Each of Sydney’s markets has its own personality, and Paddington markets Sydney is really good for quality clothes, craft and jewellery. Things for sale are either designed and made by the stallholders or curated by them, by and large from artisanal sources.
You’re very unlikely to find junk. Nor do I recall seeing second hand clothes here either, and I’ve been going to Paddington market for years. Many of Australia’s well known fashion designers started here so you could just discover the next big thing during your visit.
It’s a bit of a Saturday morning ritual, visiting Paddington markets. Sydney goes there to meet friends, have a coffee and a bite to eat and to check out fashion trends. The markets open at 1000, rain, hail or shine.
What to Look For
I’ve bought lots of jewellery here – it’s really good for that. Semi-precious stones are often imaginatively set and the prices are very reasonable.
There are always leather goods – bags, belts and so on. Men’s things too, not just women’s.
A certain amount of antique stuff.
Homewares made with lovely natural fibres, maybe hand dyed or printed.
Soaps, candles, artworks, the list goes on.
And fashion. Men, women and children are all catered for.
Food at the Market
There’s plenty of fresh, healthy and delicious food to be had here.
Bread, cakes and snacks to take with you and a decent variety of food to eat on the spot.
Paddington markets Sydney has both an indoor and an outdoor sitting area, the latter with a children’s playground.
Logical, because the markets spread around the outside of the church and through the grounds of Paddington school.
Food at the market is multicultural. You can find almost any country’s cuisine there, depending on the day (they’re not all there every time). So Turkish Gozleme, Vietnamese Phō or an Aussie burger will all be rubbing shoulders. Along with Dutch poffertjes, Hungarian sausage and Italian coffee.
Around Paddington Markets Sydney
What to do after you’ve strolled around, listened to the live music and had your tarot cards read?
Maybe you’ve talked to local artists who have shown you their work, and picked up some seasonal plants and flowers to delight the senses (or give as a hostess gift).
Well, after that there’s Oxford Street to explore.
The markets are bang in the middle of Paddington shopping centre and the area comes alive on a Saturday.
Up and down the street there are wall to wall coffee shops and fashion boutiques. Lots of people and quite a buzz.
And don’t neglect to explore the little side streets off Oxford St. Many of the smaller independent makers are in these.
It’s very easy to get to Paddington markets Sydney. Use your Opal Card and jump on any bus to Bondi or Bronte. It will take you through Paddington and there’s a bus stop just up from the markets.