Restaurant in Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Paddy's Markets Sydney
Historic Haymarket institution with fresh produce, souvenirs, and Asian street food. Weekend destination for affordable eats.
Paddy's Markets is Sydney's oldest and most historically significant open-air market, with a presence in Haymarket dating back to the 1830s, making it one of Australia's longest continuously operating retail markets. The current Haymarket facility — housed within the Market City building at the corner of Hay and Thomas streets — operates Wednesday through Sunday and sits at the edge of the Chinatown precinct, adjacent to Central Station and the Dixon Street mall.
The Haymarket market accommodates approximately 800 to 1,000 stalls selling fresh produce, Asian groceries, clothing, housewares, toys, electronics accessories, and a wide range of Australian-branded souvenirs. The food offering is a significant draw. Given the market's position within the Chinatown precinct, the stalls and surrounding food court lean heavily into Asian cuisine: dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, bubble tea, and Vietnamese bánh mì are among the most frequently purchased prepared food items, all at prices considerably below those in the adjacent restaurants.
Fresh produce is available at competitive prices, though the range is narrower than at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market. The greater proportion of the market's volume is in general merchandise and souvenirs — Australian-branded gifts, casual apparel, and novelty items — which attract both tourists and local shoppers from the surrounding inner-city suburbs.
The surrounding Chinatown precinct extends the food experience considerably. The Dixon Street pedestrian mall and the wider Haymarket area house a dense concentration of Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese restaurants within a two-block radius, and visitors often combine a market visit with a nearby meal. The Market City building's upper-level food court offers a broader range of sit-down Asian dining.
Signature dishes
- Dumplings — $5
- Bubble tea — $6
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Reservations: Not applicable
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +61 2 9325 6200
Location
9-13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
-33.8789, 151.2028 — View on map
Highlights
- Sydney's oldest market, with a Haymarket presence dating to the 1830s, in the heart of the Chinatown precinct
- Approximately 800–1,000 stalls covering fresh produce, Asian groceries, souvenirs, apparel, and housewares
- Affordable Asian street food within and adjacent to the market: dumplings, bánh mì, hand-pulled noodles, and bubble tea
- Conveniently located adjacent to Central Station and the Dixon Street Chinatown mall
- The surrounding Haymarket and Chinatown precinct extends the food offering across dozens of nearby restaurants
Tips
- The market opens at 10 AM Wednesday through Sunday — arriving early gets the best produce before stocks run down.
- Souvenir shopping here is considerably cheaper than at airport retailers or CBD tourist shops for Australia-branded goods.
- The Flemington location (Sydney Markets) operates separately and is primarily a wholesale produce market — not the same experience.
- The Market City food court on the upper levels of the building offers a wide range of sit-down Asian cuisines at affordable prices.
- Combining the market visit with a meal at one of the surrounding Chinatown restaurants makes for a full half-day in the precinct.
FAQ
When does Paddy's Markets Haymarket operate?
Paddy's Markets Haymarket opens Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. The Flemington market operates on different days and is primarily a wholesale produce market.
Where exactly is Paddy's Markets Haymarket?
The Haymarket location is at 9–13 Hay Street, Haymarket, Sydney — within the Market City building at the edge of Chinatown, adjacent to Central Station and the Dixon Street mall. It is easily reached by train, bus, or light rail.
Is Paddy's Markets mainly a tourist attraction or a working market?
Paddy's Markets is both. Local shoppers use it regularly for affordable produce, Asian groceries, and general merchandise, while visitors come for souvenirs and the food offering. The market functions as an everyday retail destination for the surrounding Haymarket and Chinatown community.
What food can visitors buy at Paddy's Markets?
Fresh produce, Asian groceries, and prepared foods are available. Dumplings, bubble tea, and bánh mì are among the most popular items. The Market City building's food court on the upper levels offers a wider range of sit-down Asian dining.
Accessibility
Paddy's Markets Haymarket is housed within the Market City building and is accessible by lift from street level. The market floor is flat and wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available within the building. Entry from Hay Street involves no steps.