Queen Victoria Market - A Feast for the Senses in the Heart of Melbourne

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 11, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Queen Victoria Market - A Feast for the Senses in the Heart of Melbourne

The Queen Victoria Market — or “Vic Market” as locals affectionately call it — is one of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions. Spread across two city blocks on the northern edge of Melbourne’s Central Business District, this historic market is a vibrant and bustling hub full of colour, flavour and atmosphere.

With more than 600 stalls, you can shop for everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood and gourmet produce to clothing, artisan crafts, flowers and souvenirs.

The Queen Victoria Market officially opened on 20 March 1878 and is now open five days a week — Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and a must-visit when exploring Melbourne.

Fresh Produce, Delis and Market Hall Highlights

Out in the Big Shed, you’ll find an incredible range of fresh, seasonal produce, including fruit and vegetables, flowers, eggs, honey, freshly squeezed juices and much more.

Many Queen Victoria Market businesses are family-owned, with stalls passed down through second and third generations. Around a quarter of traders have operated at the market for more than 21 years, with some celebrating over 50 years of trade.

The Dairy Produce Hall is where you’ll find the deli section, offering a mouth-watering selection of local and international cheeses, smoked and cured meats, olives, dips, antipasto, fresh bread and specialty foods.

The Meat & Fish Hall is equally impressive, with skilled butchers, poultry specialists and fishmongers offering fresh meat, gourmet chicken, organic products and a diverse range of seafood.

A Foodie’s Paradise

The Queen Victoria Market is a paradise for food lovers. As you wander through the stalls, you’ll spot food trucks serving excellent Melbourne coffee alongside a wide variety of delicious street food from around the world.

One of the biggest highlights is the iconic American Doughnut Kitchen, a Melbourne institution that has been serving hot, jam-filled doughnuts from its vintage van since the 1950s.

You’ll easily recognise the van by the long line of eager customers waiting for these sweet treats. Perfectly crisp on the outside and filled with warm raspberry jam, the doughnuts are absolutely worth the wait.

There’s also a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafés throughout the food hall, as well as several al fresco dining areas where you can sit back and enjoy everything you’ve sampled.

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More Than Just Food

While food is a major drawcard, the Queen Victoria Market offers so much more. Wander through stalls selling handcrafted jewellery and leather goods, new and vintage clothing, colourful homewares and gifts, pet products and fun souvenirs.

A visit to Melbourne isn’t complete without spending time at the Queen Victoria Market. More than just a place to shop, it’s a cultural experience filled with sights, sounds and flavours that perfectly capture the heart and soul of this dynamic city.

A True Taste of Melbourne

The Queen Victoria Market is more than just a place to shop — it’s a lively celebration of Melbourne’s food culture, diversity and community spirit. From fresh local produce and iconic market institutions to hidden foodie gems and family-run stalls, every visit offers something new to discover.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, hunting for the perfect souvenir or indulging in a hot jam doughnut, Vic Market delivers an authentic Melbourne experience that stays with you long after you leave.