Where to hunt for cheap souvenirs? Sydney Paddy’s Market Haymarket

There are several important markets in Sydney, the Fish Market, and next must-visit is Paddy’s Market. Paddy’s market is located very opposite to Sydney Chinatown. If you are coming by train, Central Station is the stop and walk for 10 mins to reach Paddy’s market. It is Sydney’s biggest markets with over thousands of stalls in two locations, Haymarket and Flemington. Flemington paddy’s Market is a large site with more vegetables and fruits. Over here in Haymarket which is opposite of Sydney China town, it has more of souvenirs, such as sheepskin, Aboriginal arts, Australian nugget sweet, nuts, key chains, handicrafts, sunglasses, and clothes.  The selections of things are so huge.  You name it and they have it.

When I was working in Sydney years ago, the markets only open three days a week, that is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but now the markets open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 6:00pm.  I guess business is good and more tourists know where to hunt the cheap souvenirs to bring back home.

Paddy Market is located in the basement of Market City building. The first, second and third floors are retail shop and restaurants.  If you want more expensive stuff, then visit the higher floor in Market city with a more posh layout.  Over here in Paddy’s market at the basement, hundreds of stalls selling cheap and affordable stuff.

Paddy’s Market is also one of Sydney’s most famous indoor markets for fresh vegetables, fish and meat! Price is cheap compared to the supermarket.  We use to get our fresh vegetable, meat and fish here but my mom complains that the food was getting more expensive recent few years so she goes to Campsie to get her fresh food instead.

Some history background, the Market City (“Paddy’s Market”) and site is considered to be of heritage significance for its historical and social values. The site and facades (refer to below picture) of the buildings look stunning and listed n the National Estate. It was first used as first steam machinery in Australia installed in mills previously on the site.  It started as early as 1834 when Governor Bourke decided to move traders in hay and grain to a site next to the new cattle market in Campbell Street, Sydney.

 

Final thoughts:

Sydney Paddy’s market is a great place to hunt for the Australia souvenirs. You never know what you will find here.  It has hundreds of stalls for you to dig and hunt for a very reasonable price. Do include Paddy’s Market in your itinerary as it is only opposite of Sydney Chinatown.