The 7 Best Markets in Melbourne (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best markets in Melbourne in 2026 are the Queen Victoria Market, the CBD's 19th-century market and summer night market; South Melbourne Market for dim sims and produce; Prahran Market for gourmet food; the Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy for local design; and Preston and Dandenong markets for multicultural food at local prices.

Melbourne is a market city. Its big fresh-food markets are run by councils and open several days a week (most close on Mondays and Tuesdays), while design and craft markets run on weekends. Go early for produce and late for bargains as stalls pack up. For more of the city, see our Melbourne attractions guide.

1. Queen Victoria Market — Melbourne CBD

Melbourne's landmark market since 1878, with a summer night market.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for First-timers · Families

The Queen Victoria Market spreads over several city blocks on the northern edge of the CBD, with heritage meat and fish halls, a deli hall, fruit and vegetable sheds and general merchandise.

In summer, its Wednesday night market adds street food, bars and live music.

Good to know: Closed Mondays and Wednesdays during the day; check the site for night market dates.

Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Google Maps Website

2. South Melbourne Market — South Melbourne

Dim sims, oysters and a famously good food hall.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · First-timers

South Melbourne Market is a beloved neighbourhood market with excellent produce, specialty food stalls and its famous dim sims, eaten standing up, plus oysters and seafood.

It is a short tram ride from the CBD.

Good to know: Try the dim sims; it is busiest on weekend mornings.

322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205

Google Maps Website

3. Prahran Market — South Yarra

Melbourne's gourmet market, with top-quality produce and specialty shops.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples

Prahran Market has been trading on Commercial Road since the 1890s and is known as Melbourne's premier food market, with high-quality produce, butchers, cheese and specialty grocers.

It suits a slow browse and brunch nearby on Chapel Street.

Good to know: Combine it with Chapel Street's shops and cafés.

163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

Google Maps Website

4. Rose Street Artists' Market — Fitzroy

Melbourne's weekend market for local art, design and craft.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples

The Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy brings together dozens of local artists, designers and makers every weekend, with jewellery, prints, ceramics and homewares, and a rooftop café.

It is the best place in Melbourne for an original souvenir.

Good to know: Weekends only; Brunswick Street's cafés are around the corner.

60 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Google Maps Website

5. Preston Market — Preston

A big multicultural market of produce, delis and food stalls at local prices.

$ BudgetBest for Budget · Families

Preston Market in Melbourne's north has served a multicultural community for decades, with fresh produce, Italian and Greek delis, Asian grocers and food stalls.

It is a real local market rather than a tourist sight.

Good to know: Take the train to Preston station, a short walk away.

Cramer St, Preston VIC 3072

Google Maps Website

6. Dandenong Market — Dandenong

Melbourne's most multicultural market, with food from around the world.

$ BudgetBest for Budget

Dandenong Market is one of Melbourne's oldest markets and its most multicultural, with Afghan, Indian, Sudanese and Asian food stalls alongside cheap produce.

It is a long way from the centre but worth it for food lovers.

Good to know: Come hungry and try the Afghan and Indian food stalls.

Cnr Clow St & Cleeland St, Dandenong VIC 3175

Google Maps Website

7. St Kilda Esplanade Market — St Kilda

A Sunday art and craft market on the seafront.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

The St Kilda Esplanade Market runs every Sunday along the Upper Esplanade, with local artists and makers selling their work along the seafront.

Pair it with the pier, Acland Street's cake shops and a beach walk.

Good to know: Sundays only; stay for sunset on St Kilda Pier.

Upper Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous market in Melbourne?

The Queen Victoria Market, open since 1878 on the edge of the CBD, is the most famous, with fresh food halls, general merchandise and a night market in summer.

When is Queen Victoria Market open?

It is open several days a week but closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Check its website for current hours, and for the dates of its seasonal night markets.

What is South Melbourne Market famous for?

Its dim sims, a Melbourne snack, and its oysters, plus an excellent range of produce and specialty food stalls.

Where can I buy local art and design in Melbourne?

The Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy, held every weekend, is the best place for local designers, artists and makers.

Which Melbourne markets are best for cheap food?

Preston Market and Dandenong Market, both multicultural markets with some of the best-value produce and food stalls in Melbourne.