Sydney is one of those incredible places that just has it all. The city is packed with culture, nature, architecture, beaches, you name it, and the same goes for shopping too. For bargain hunters and luxury lovers alike, the city is a shopper’s paradise: vibrant, varied and bang on trend. With a huge choice of shops and shopping destinations, read on to find out more about shopping in Sydney’s CBD.
Jump to:
- SHOPPING MALLS AND CENTRES
- BEST LOCATIONS TO SHOP WITH DIFFERENT VIBES
- LOCAL MARKETS
- SECOND-HAND SHOPPING
- TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN SYDNEY
- IN SUMMARY
- FAQS
Shopping Malls and Centres
When it comes to shopping in Sydney, you’re spoilt for choice. With centres in both the CBD and Chatswood, Westfield is packed with high-street faves, department stores, and luxury boutiques. Browse at your leisure, stop for coffee or lunch and just take it all in. It’s the perfect way to indulge in some retail therapy.
If you're shopping in Sydney, you simply can’t miss out on a trip to the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) on George Street in the heart of the CBD. Housed in a stunning building, this iconic landmark is the place to go for high-end jewellery, luxury fashion, and fine dining.
Pitt Street Mall, between Market Street and King Street, is a pedestrianised Sydney shopping street lined with department stores and flagship global brands and a staple for both locals and visitors. Ideal for trend lovers, laid-back Pitt Street has something for everyone.
If you love a fashion bargain, the recently opened Sydney Outlet Village is the place to go for designer deals, while Birkenhead Point, on the beautiful waterfront, is perfect for discounted sportswear and homeware.
Shopping Districts with different vibes
If you want to head out of the CBD and enjoy shopping areas with different vibes, there’s plenty to get excited about within easy reach of the centre. Just east of Sydney’s CBD, Paddington is where locals and tourists go to browse luxury boutiques and enjoy the area’s excellent art galleries. If you want to check out up and coming Aussie designers, this is the place to come.
Beloved by shoppers with a creative eye, bohemian Surry Hills is packed with vintage stores, cool independent boutiques, and places to get your vinyl fix. Great if you like your shopping a little bit different plus there's tonnes for foodies too.
Packed with character, Newtown has a slightly grittier feel and is where to head for a counterculture shopping vibe, or if you want to get a tattoo or stock up on vinyl too. Lots of fun and great people watching!
Local Markets in Sydney
Sydney has so many markets to explore! The Rocks Markets on the weekends, in the historic heart of the city, is perfect for grabbing a coffee while browsing artisanal delights, handmade jewellery, and local art.
For unique accessories and gifts, plus some true designer finds you can skip across the harbour to Kirribilli Markets, but make sure you check the market dates beforehand because you won’t find it every weekend. And if you love a bargain by the beach, take a trip on a Sunday morning to the famous Bondi Markets, packed with handmade garments, organic goodies, stunning beachwear, arts and crafts, bric-a-brac and so much more.
The iconic Glebe Markets, held at Glebe Public School every Saturday, is a treasure trove of vintage finds, vinyl records, second-hand books, and surprises. For a family-friendly vibe, Marrickville Markets at the Addison Road Community Centre every Sunday, is perfect for stocking up on sustainable products, organic produce, and spotting handmade goodies.
Sydney’s number one spot for pre-loved treasures is Rozelle Markets. Held in the grounds of Rozelle Public School on Saturdays, the markets have an eclectic mix of just about anything you can think of. Browse at your leisure and enjoy the live music and international food stalls there.
One of the city's oldest and most well-known spots, Paddy’s Markets, on the corner of Haymarket and Chinatown is also Sydney’s biggest. Selling just about everything you can think of, this place is great for grabbing those last-minute souvenirs. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop by before you leave.
Second-hand shopping: best op shops and thrift stores
Sydney is a pre-loved paradise. As a city, there is a great deal of focus on conscious consumption, reducing waste, and giving back to the community, which means that the second-hand culture here is thriving. To get in on the action, start at Savers, a thrift store that sells just about everything.
U-Turn has multiple locations around the city, including Bondi and Newtown, and is the place to go for recycled fashion. If you want to buy vintage or second-hand, sell items, or swap your stuff for something newish, SWOP in Darlinghurst is the place to go.
Salvos Stores can be found across Sydney, and they’ve got everything: clothes and books, furniture, toys, and more. Vinnies is another classic op-shop, packed with clothing, accessories, and things for the home.
For serious fans of pre-loved clothing, Zoo Vintage Emporium in Surry Hills spans two floors with an incredible range of clothing and accessories, from affordable second-hand fun to high-end designer pieces.
Tips for Shopping in Sydney
Sydney is a fantastic shopping destination, that’s why it’s so important that you use your time wisely and you bear these few tips in mind
1. Use public transport to commute. From buses to ferries, trams, and even the metro, Sydney has you covered. You can pay with your own credit or debit card, or use an Opal card. An Opal card will allow you to track your balance and protect it if you lose it, and it also offers concessions for children and seniors. You can get them at any convenience store and then you just need to top it up from the Opal app.
2. Bring your own shopping bag. You’ll find plenty of local markets, especially on weekends. Carrying a small tote bag will help you avoid using plastic bags for those spontaneous purchases.
3. Buy local: from small vendors to major international brands. World-renowned brands like Zimmermann and Aesop are aussies, so take advantage of your visit and shop while you’re here. Prices are usually lower since you’re buying directly in their home market. These are great ideas for unique souvenirs for family and friends.
In Summary
Sydney is an incredible shopping destination in a stunning location. Whether you’re looking to spend large at the designer boutiques, grab a few bargains, discover unique vintage treasures or just soak up the incredible vibe, the city has you covered. Enjoy!
FAQs
What is famous in Sydney CBD for shopping?
Sydney CBD has a multitude of places to shop. The beautiful Queen Victoria Building on George Street is one of the city’s shopping icons. Pedestrianised Pitt Street Mall is packed with well-known high-street names and great department stores, and is connected to the Westfield Sydney, which has everything from designer labels to well-known chains, beauty emporiums and top tech destinations.
Which is the biggest shopping market in Sydney?
It would have to be Paddy's Markets, for sheer size, with hundreds of stalls, it’s bustling, easy on the wallet and tourist-friendly.
Are there any luxury shopping districts in Sydney?
Sydney has several luxury shopping destinations within the CBD. The Queen Victoria Building is filled with designer names, as is Westfield, featuring international luxury icons like Chanel and Prada. Paddington is the place to go for Australian designer brands and gorgeous luxury boutiques.
What payment methods are accepted in Sydney?
Just about all payment methods are accepted in Sydney. Visa and Mastercard are widely-accepted everywhere, including in the smaller stores and markets. Tap and go is most used for in-store shopping, as are Digital Wallets, like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Just take into account that a card payment surcharge will be applied if you pay by card, and I’ll be even higher during Sundays and Public Holidays.
Cash is also widely accepted, though Sydney is moving toward becoming a cashless society. It’s a good idea to take some cash with you if you’re heading to the markets or buying from smaller street vendors.
