Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne - a row of books sitting on top of a table
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Queen Victoria Market Melbourne

4.5
·56k reviews·Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne's historic heart for fresh produce, gourmet delights, unique crafts, and vibrant night markets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons (around 3 PM)

End-of-day specials

CrowdMedium
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Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne - a row of books sitting on top of a table

Queen Victoria Market Melbourne

Best Time

Sunday afternoons (around 3 PM)

End-of-day specials

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Melbourne's historic heart for fresh produce, gourmet delights, unique crafts, and vibrant night markets.

4.5
(56k reviews)

"A must-visit for fresh groceries, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Grab a Borek!

Don't miss the delicious Borek from the Deli enclosure. Be quick with your order!

🍩 Sweet Treat: Donuts

The hot jam doughnuts are legendary! Grab them from the American Donut Kitchen .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hot Jam Doughnuts

Hot Jam Doughnuts

American Donut Kitchen

Warm, doughy balls of heaven coated in sugar with a jam center. A must-try classic!

Borek

Borek

Deli Hall

Savory pastries with various fillings like cheese or lamb. Be decisive to avoid the 'evil eye' from staff!

Bratwurst

Bratwurst

Deli Hall

Hearty sausages with a selection of condiments. A popular and satisfying market staple.

Night Market Delights

Night Market Delights

Various stalls during Night Markets

Global street food, warming drinks, and artisan crafts create a vibrant evening atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visit on a Sunday afternoon around 3 PM for potential end-of-day specials on produce and meat.Reddit For the Winter/Summer Night Markets, arriving earlier (around 5 PM) means fewer crowds, while later (6/6:30 PM) offers more hustle and bustle.TikTok

Market Essentials

Queen Victoria Market is vast! Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.TikTok Bring reusable bags for your purchases, and consider downloading the 'Skip' app to pre-order and potentially jump queues for popular food stalls.Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons (around 3 PM)
Why
End-of-day specials
Crowd
Medium
When
Wednesday evenings (5 PM)
Why
Quieter Night Market
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings (9 AM)
Why
Good for grazing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How to spend 48 hours in Melbourne! #melbourne #australia #whattodo #whv #travel #recommendations #food #cafe
@amy.in.dorset
22.8K likes • 451.5K views

🎯 Grab a Borek!

Don't miss the delicious Borek from the Deli enclosure. Be quick with your order! Reddit

🍩 Sweet Treat: Donuts

The hot jam doughnuts are legendary! Grab them from the American Donut Kitchen.Reddit

We just stumbled across the market and so glad we did, a must try for when your in Melbourne next 🤤 #queenvicmarket #queenvictoriamarket #summernightmarket #nightmarket #foodiemelbourne
@ellore.com
19.3K likes • 396.8K views
Did you hear the great news? Queen Victoria Market has launched a new pre-order & pickup service, so we can keep shopping and supporting our favourite market stallholders from the comfort of our car. Check out the link below to see the list of fabulous stallholders available for this service #buylocal #shoplocal #marketproduce #marketshopping @vicmarket http://qvm.com.au/pickup/. Image thanks g...
karen_martini
672 likes • 0 views

💰 End-of-Day Deals

Sunday afternoons can offer great specials on produce and meat.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this huge market.TikTok

Introducing one of our most popular @thenightmarket dishes: GNOCCHI SORRENTINA!⁠ Fluffy ricotta gnocchi baked in a hearty Napoli sauce and tossed in a 40kg cheese wheel 🤤 Say no more!⁠ ⁠ #thatsamorefriends #thatsamorecheese #gnocchi #ricottagnocchi #summernightmarket #queenvictoriamarket #gnocchisorrentina #cheesewheelpasta #italiancheese #artisancheese #cheesemaking #melbournefoodblogger #melbour...
thatsamorecheese
77 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Grab a Borek!

Don't miss the delicious Borek from the Deli enclosure. Be quick with your order! Reddit

🍩 Sweet Treat: Donuts

The hot jam doughnuts are legendary! Grab them from the American Donut Kitchen.Reddit

💰 End-of-Day Deals

Sunday afternoons can offer great specials on produce and meat.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this huge market.TikTok

📱 Use the Skip App

Pre-order food to potentially skip long queues at popular stalls.Reddit

🌙 Night Market Vibes

Experience global street food and live entertainment on Wednesday nights.TikTok+1

🥩 Quality Meats

Consider stalls like Victoria Quality Meats for good cuts at reasonable prices.Reddit

☕ Market Lane Coffee

Enjoy a quality coffee while soaking in the market atmosphere.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(56k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Queen Victoria Market's vibrant atmosphere, extensive selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, and the delicious hot jam doughnuts. The Night Markets are a particular highlight for their international food and lively entertainment. Some find the market can be overwhelmingly crowded and certain food items pricey.

"Queen Victoria Night Market is famous for its live music and international street food. The Night Market is usually held on Wednesday nights in winter and summer, from 5 pm to 10pm, with food, entertainment and handicraft stalls. I went here during the winter festival which was held from 04/06-27/08 on Wednesday nights, it had a vivacious atmosphere, friendly vendors, delicious food, many stalls to choose from and good value for money on fresh quality food, they have a wide range of stalls from food, drinks, to clothes, jewelry, entertainment, handicrafts. The experience of coming here is extremely wonderful. Highly recommended 😊"

Sophia Y Binh

"I absolutely loved this market! It’s the best place to find fresh groceries seafood, meats, and vegetables. It’s easy to walk around with plenty of shops to explore. I ended up going two days in a row because it’s so big and full of amazing finds. I just had to see every corner!"

Melissa Choice

"Friendly staff. Welcoming atmosphere.
Good for coffee, chocolate, Italian delicacy and of course the seafood. Qualities if oysters are much much better than those in most restaurants in the city i tried.
Very reasonable price too.

The outdoor dry goods are relatively less attractive compared to the fresh ingredients in the wet market."

Rico Li

What People Like

Vibrant atmosphere
Fresh produce & meats
Delicious hot jam donuts

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Some food is expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Queen Victoria Market is easily accessible from the Melbourne CBD. You can take a short tram ride on routes 19, 57, or 59, which stop right outside the market on Elizabeth Street.TikTok It's also a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby.

Yes, there are several parking options. The main car park is located on Queen Street, with additional parking available on Franklin Street. Be aware that parking fees apply, and it can get busy, especially on weekends.Reddit

The closest train station to Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne Central Station. From there, it's a short tram ride or a 15-20 minute walk to the market.

For the Winter and Summer Night Markets, public transport is highly recommended due to increased crowds. Trams are the most convenient option, with many routes stopping near the market. Check the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) website for the latest route information.

The market is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available in some areas. However, due to its historic nature, some sections might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check with the market management for specific accessibility details.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general entry to Queen Victoria Market is free. You only pay for the goods you purchase from the various stalls.TikTok

Queen Victoria Market is typically open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Specific opening hours vary by section, but generally, the fresh produce areas open early, and the general merchandise sections open later. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.TikTok

The popular Summer Night Market and Winter Night Market are usually held on Wednesday evenings from 5 pm to 10 pm during their respective seasons. Check the market's official schedule for exact dates.TikTok+1

Yes, Queen Victoria Market frequently hosts special events, festivals, and themed markets throughout the year, including the Night Markets, Food Truck Stop Fest, and seasonal celebrations.Instagram It's worth checking their website for upcoming events.

Yes, Queen Victoria Market offers a pre-order and pickup service for many stallholders, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your car or collect items easily. Check their website for participating vendors.Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stalls

You can find a huge variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, gourmet foods, deli items, clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, and unique gifts.TikTok+2 Popular food items include borek, bratwurst, hot jam doughnuts, and artisanal cheeses.Reddit

The open-air sheds are dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables. For the best value, explore stalls further from Elizabeth Street, as they tend to be cheaper.Reddit Stalls like 'So Fresh Grocery', 'Market Boys', and 'The Berry Corner' are often recommended.Reddit

Yes, many visitors report good value for money on meat and seafood. Look for specials, especially towards the end of the day on Sundays or Tuesdays.Reddit Some Redditors mention specific butchers for quality cuts and affordable options like pork shoulder or wagyu offcuts.Reddit

Absolutely! Queen Victoria Market is a great place to find Australian-themed souvenirs, from classic t-shirts to unique handcrafted items and local artisan products.TikTok+1

While not a primary focus, you can sometimes find second-hand book fairs in the A and B sheds.Reddit Some TikTok creators have also highlighted finding unique clothing items and vintage finds.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Don't miss the hot jam doughnuts, borek, bratwurst, and the various deli items like olives and dips.Reddit During the Night Markets, explore the diverse international street food options.TikTokInstagram

Market Lane Coffee is a highly recommended spot for quality coffee within the market.Reddit

Yes, with the wide array of international food stalls, especially during the Night Markets, you'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, including gozleme, tacos, and various international dishes.Instagram

While some food can be pricey, especially at the Night Markets, you can find good value. Look for specials towards closing time, or opt for items like borek, bratwurst, or fresh produce for a more budget-friendly meal.Reddit

The Dairy Hall and the main food court offer a variety of food stalls, from traditional market fare to international cuisines. Some food in the food court can be half-price an hour before closing.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic sheds themselves offer great architectural shots. Capture the vibrant colors of the fresh produce, the bustling crowds during peak hours, and the lively atmosphere of the Night Markets.TikTok+1

It's generally appreciated to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products, especially if they are the main subject. However, general shots of the market atmosphere are usually fine.

Early mornings (around 9 AM) offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it easier to capture details. Evenings during the Night Markets provide a unique, atmospheric lighting for vibrant photos.TikTok

Look for the intricate details of the historic architecture, the colorful displays of produce, and the diverse range of people and products. The Night Markets offer opportunities for capturing food preparation and live entertainment.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A prime lens can be useful for low-light conditions during the Night Markets. A wide-angle lens can help capture the scale of the market.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Queen Victoria Market is a fantastic outing for families. The sheer variety of sights, sounds, and smells will captivate children. Let them pick out some colorful fruits, try a famous hot jam doughnut,Reddit or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Night Markets.TikTok

Consider visiting during the day when it's less crowded than the evening markets. The open spaces in the sheds allow kids to move around, and there are plenty of kid-friendly food options. The market also hosts various family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, so check their schedule before you go.

💰 Budget Travelers

Queen Victoria Market is a budget traveler's dream for groceries and affordable eats. Stock up on fresh produce, meats, and deli items to prepare your own meals and save on dining out.TikTokReddit Look for end-of-day specials on Sundays Reddit and explore the less touristy stalls for better prices.

For meals, the borek and bratwurst are filling and reasonably priced options.Reddit During the Night Markets, while some food can be expensive, you can often find more affordable street food if you explore thoroughly. Downloading the 'Skip' app might also help you snag deals or avoid impulse buys by pre-ordering.Reddit

couples

The Queen Victoria Market offers a charming experience for couples. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic sheds, hand-in-hand, sampling delicious treats like hot jam doughnuts or artisanal cheeses.Reddit The market is a great place to pick up ingredients for a romantic picnic or a home-cooked meal.

For a special evening, the Wednesday Night Markets are perfect for a date night. Share a variety of international street foods, enjoy live music, and soak in the vibrant, cozy atmosphere.TikTok+1 It's a fun and interactive way to explore Melbourne's culinary scene together.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Night Markets

Queen Victoria Market comes alive on select Wednesday nights with its famous Summer and Winter Night Markets.TikTok+1 These events transform the market into a bustling hub of global street food, live music, and artisan stalls. It's a fantastic opportunity to sample diverse cuisines, from Tex-Mex tacos to Jamaican jerk chicken and Italian gnocchi baked in a 40kg cheese wheel.Instagram+1 The atmosphere is electric, with roving performers and sometimes even silent discos adding to the entertainment.TikTok

To make the most of your Night Market experience, consider arriving earlier, around 5 PM, if you prefer a less crowded environment and more time to browse.TikTok If you enjoy the vibrant hustle and bustle, 6 PM to 6:30 PM is ideal.TikTok Remember to dress warmly for the Winter Night Market, as Melbourne evenings can be chilly.TikTok Check the market's schedule online to see which acts and live music performances are featured each week.TikTok

While the food can be a highlight, some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side.Reddit It's a good idea to walk around and survey all the food options before committing to a purchase.TikTok For those looking to save, keep an eye out for potential end-of-day specials, though these are more common during the daytime markets.

Grocery Shopping Hacks & Savings

Queen Victoria Market is a treasure trove for budget-conscious shoppers looking for fresh produce and quality meats.TikTokReddit Many locals swear by it for reducing their grocery bills. A key tip for saving money is to shop towards the end of the day, particularly on a Sunday afternoon around 3 PM, when vendors may offer discounts to clear stock.Reddit

When it comes to produce, explore the stalls further away from the main entrances, as they often have lower prices.Reddit While some items like carrots might be cheaper at supermarkets like Aldi, the variety and freshness of fruits and vegetables at Queen Vic Market are often superior.TikTokReddit For meat and seafood, Redditors suggest looking for good value cuts like pork shoulder or oyster blade steak, and even buying whole fish to fillet yourself for savings.Reddit

Beyond produce and meat, the market offers a wide range of deli items, cheeses, and baked goods. Don't forget to explore the Turkish Borek stalls for a delicious and filling meal.Reddit For coffee lovers, Market Lane Coffee is a popular choice for a quality brew.Reddit Remember to bring your own reusable bags to be more eco-friendly and avoid purchasing them at the market.

Beyond the Food: Unique Finds & Crafts

While Queen Victoria Market is renowned for its fresh produce and delicious food, it also offers a fantastic array of unique crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.TikTok+2 You can discover handmade jewelry, artisanal soaps, leather goods, and quirky Australian-themed gifts that make for perfect mementos or presents.TikTok

For those who love a good bargain hunt, keep an eye out for second-hand book fairs that are often held in the A and B sheds.Reddit TikTok creators have also shared their excitement about finding trendy and affordable clothing items, with some scoring incredible deals on unique pieces.TikTok It's a great place to support small businesses and local artisans, offering a more personal shopping experience than typical retail stores.TikTok

Whether you're looking for a specific souvenir or just enjoy browsing for hidden gems, dedicate some time to explore the general merchandise sections. You might be surprised by the quality and variety of non-food items available, from stylish accessories to unique home decor.

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