Like people, different markets have different personalities. So it’s hard to choose one above another and we admit our selection of the city’s ‘best’ markets is purely subjective. Two cents won’t get you much these days (even at markets), but we want you to share ‘your two cents worth’ with an opinion on Brisbane’s best market - leave your comments below.
Regardless of which markets make the list, I reckon we all agree that the thriving markets of Brisbane are a real highlight.
Here’s our pick:
For fresh food…
Fresh flowers, gourmet cheeses, creamy yoghurt and homemade bread, sauces and spreads – these are just a few of the gastronomic delights offered at Brisbane’s fresh food markets.
For a feel-good, grass-roots experience, head to Jan Power’s Farmers Markets – at the Brisbane Powerhouse, Mitchelton or Manly. The stalls offer an A to Z of delectable goodies – all made, caught, dug, plucked, picked, bottled or baked by the person serving you.
At Northey Street Organic Market you can buy fresh certified organic produce, dairy and dry goods, right beside Brisbane’s own city-farm.
The Saturday Fresh Market at Rocklea is a great place to experience a lively markets atmosphere and pick up your weekly fruit and vegies. During the week, this place is the centre of the wholesale fruit and vegetable trade of our city. But on Saturday it opens to the public and is huge, boasting hundreds of stalls.
For fashion…
We love the Valley Markets, long the showcase for Brisbane’s young and talented designers as well as a firm favourite for vintage apparel. A bonus of this market, which runs through Brunswick Street and Chinatown malls, is the opportunity to experience pre- or post-market yum-cha.
For arts and crafts…
Surrounded by some of Brisbane’s trendiest boutiques, stores and restaurants, the weekly South Bank Lifestyle Market offers an eclectic array of beautiful crafts, fashion, health and lifestyle products, jewellery and homewares. After you’re done shopping, take a stroll along the riverside pathway.
And the Riverside Markets is one of Brisbane’s first markets and still one of the best places to find well-priced original pieces of jewellery, paintings, and other local and imported handicrafts.
For kids…
From cots and prams to quality toys and pre-loved clothes, the Baby & Kids Market is a one-stop-shop recycling venue for everything baby- and child-related. If you’re an expectant mum, don’t go spending a fortune at the shops until you’ve checked out this market’s offerings.
For a bit of everything…
Our vote goes to cosmopolitan West End Markets, which has organic produce, fresh and homemade food along with a wonderful mix of stalls offering everything from pre-loved clothing to bric-a-brac. The market not only provides an excuse to chill out in a beautiful park by the Brisbane River, and browse through stalls selling almost everything your heart desires, it’s also one of Brisbane’s friendliest markets.
Find out which market was voted Brisbane's best market in our Best of Brisbane poll.
Which Brisbane market do you love best? Add your comments below.
What about the Broadway markets at the Gabba? Less people, heaps of car parking and all the usual fruit, veg, flowers etc you get at the bigger markets. The West End markets are just way too much effort these days.