Paddy's Market, Sydney

Paddy’s Market is one of the city's oldest and most popular marketplaces, located in Haymarket near Chinatown. Its origins date back to the early 1800s, when produce and livestock were traded near the city’s hay market, giving the area its name. Over time, it evolved into a bustling indoor market known for its variety and lively atmosphere. The current market occupies the lower floors of the Market City complex, combining the character of a traditional bazaar with the energy of a modern urban hub.

Inside, the market’s long aisles are lined with hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and handmade crafts. The produce section retains the feel of a classic Sydney market, with stallholders calling out prices and displays of seasonal goods filling the air with colour and scent. Bargain hunters and tourists weave through the crowds searching for gifts, local snacks, or vintage curiosities.

The site also reflects Sydney’s multicultural identity, with many vendors representing Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Middle Eastern communities. Food stalls offer a wide range of street-style dishes, sweets, and spices that echo the surrounding Chinatown district. Operating Wednesday through Sunday, Paddy’s Market continues to function as a busy trading space where a wide range of goods and communities come together under one roof.