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Of all the Melbourne markets, the Queen Victoria Market is the most famous. In addition to the normal Queen Victoria Market hours, there are special event Queen Vic Market days and nights that are highly entertaining. Visiting the QVM – whether during the day, night or on a weekend – is a must-do in Melbourne, Australia!
Queen Victoria Market Melbourne, Australia
The buzzing halls of the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne have all the ingredients of a thriving metropolitan marketplace – meat, fish, produce, prepared food, clothing and gadgets. While some spaces like these have become geared toward tourists, there is no doubt that Queen Victoria Market is where urban locals do their shopping and their socializing.
Queen Victoria Market History
The Queen Victoria Market has a long history in Melbourne. The QVM officially opened in 1878, but trading took place on the same site prior to that. Although the bazaar has seen numerous changes and renovations during its existence, it remains one of the best-preserved 19th century markets in Melbourne.
Visiting QVM: Tips and Info
Today, the Queen Victoria Market has indoor and outdoor booths taking up more than two blocks – and we’ve covered every aisle! Kris, who normally isn’t nearly as enamored with these spaces as I am, was quite entertained at the Queen Victoria Market!
Where is Queen Vic Market?
The Melbourne Queen Victoria Market isn’t limited to a single address. However, the iconic entrance to the Queen Victoria Market Shops is at the southwest corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets. We’ve marked the entrance on this Queen Victoria Market Map.
However, the majority of the Queen Victoria Market stalls are bounded by Queen Street, Victoria Street, Peel Street and the QVM car park (which is bordered by Franklin Street to the south).
Use this pin drop for the Queen Victoria Market Address and directions from your location.
When is Queen Vic Market Open?
Figuring out the Queen Victoria Market opening hours can be a bit confusing. The Queen Vic Market times vary by day of the week, season and is closed on public holidays. The regular Queen Victoria Market days of operation are as follows:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – Open 6am to 3pm
- Wednesday – Closed
- Thursday – Open 6am to 3pm
- Friday – Open 6am to 3pm
- Saturday – Open 6am to 4pm
- Sunday – Open 9am to 4pm
Special QVM Market Functions and Event Hours
Sections of the QV Markets are also open for special events. For example, the seasonal Queen Vic Night Market is open on Wednesdays only during summer and winter. Also, the QV in Melbourne hosts a multitude of festivals, which typically take place on the weekends.
- Seasonal Night Market – Wednesday; 5pm to 10pm
- Specialty Shopping Events – Begin at 9am
Top Tip: Confirm current hours and special events on the QVM official website.
What are Queen Victoria Market Events?
QVM ranks as one of the best markets in Melbourne – and it’s not just for the shopping opportunities! During special events at Queen Victoria Market visitors are able to partake in a range of programs, tours, festivals and entertainment.
We were so enthralled by the QV Market events that in addition to visiting the regular market during the day, we also went to the Winter Night Market and Euro Union Sunday Market.
What To Do at QV Markets in Melbourne
Those planning to visit the Melbourne QV Markets should determine which one is most appealing – as the Traditional Day Market, Night Market and Weekend Events Markets can all offer something quite unique.
We are highlighting the best things to do at the different markets to help fellow travelers determine which to include in their Melbourne Itinerary.
Queen Victoria Market: Traditional Day Market
During the day, the Queen Vic Market stalls are open for business and bustling! The massive market can feel overwhelming, but it is actually all extremely organized and easy to navigate. Just let yourself wander and take in the atmosphere!
Specialty Shopping and General Merchandise
One of the most interesting places in the Melbourne Queen Victoria Market in the general merchandise section. Housed along Queen Street, the maze of goods is where we started our first exploration of QVM. Guests can spend hours strolling through the seemingly endless aisles of clothing, purses and kitschy trinkets. The individual trading booths spread out like a grid in the warehouse-like setting.
The market is a fabulous place to pick up souvenirs – and anything else that you might need for your Melbourne trip. Scarves, jerseys, socks, stuffed kangaroos, sweaters and painted boomerangs are all for sale. But, wait, there’s more! Traders also sell heaps of jewelry, a variety of coats, useful kitchen utensils, an abundance of shoes and a diverse collection of hats.
Queen Victoria Market Doughnuts
The American Doughnut Kitchen is a mainstay at the QV Market in Melbourne. Serving up Hot Jam Doughnuts since the 1950s, indulging in the sugary treat during your visit is a must!
The bus-turned-kitchen sits between the Specialty Merchandise Shed and the Produce Shed. A sign in the windshield of the American Doughnut Kitchen bus, “Hot Doughnuts Now Ready”, indicates that they are open. You’ll likely locate the long line to the driver side window first.
The “5 for $5.50” deal is now “10 for $20” but each doughnut costs $2 regardless, unless you order 200 or more! For us, one bite told the story of the queue; the warm cherry-filled, sugar-covered nugget was probably the best doughnut we’ve had in years.
Top Tip: Don’t lollygag, these delectable donuts are typically sold out by 2pm!
Fruit and Veg at QVM
Seeing the bright and buzzing QVM produce section is a highlight of the market. Fruits are displayed in colorful bursts. Energetic vendors shout out deals. Vegetables are weighed on old-fashioned scales and shoppers quickly fill their bags.
Traditionally, produce is quite cheap at the QV Market (although prices may be on the rise). Personally, I took note of the inexpensive prices of apples and pears and realized I pay double to triple the amount at our local Melbourne supermarket.
Meat and Fish Hall QVM
The small meat and seafood hall of the Queen Vic Market is an interesting place to see – but not likely a place for tourists to shop.
Nevertheless, we recommend strolling through the market to see the types of food on offer. The thick slabs of meat and whole fresh fish were displayed on trays and kept in cooled glass cases. The meat hall is actually quite similar to a grocery store setting and unlike other, perhaps less regulated, markets that we’ve visited around the globe.
QVM Dairy Produce Hall
The Deli Hall – or Dairy Produce Hall – at Queen Victoria Market has tantalizing displays of local cheeses, cured meats and chocolate treats. Prepared foods and fresh baked goods tempt the taste buds.
When we entered, we were overcome by the glorious scent of pastries hot-from-the-oven and savory sausages. After sampling a delicious creamy blue cheese, we couldn’t resist trying the fragrant Turkish lamb borek, followed by a decadent chocolate brownie bar!
Queen Victoria Market – Night Market
The Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is a completely different experience from the day time adventure. Unlike the traditional day market, the QVM night event is all about feasting and entertainment.
Set outdoors under the sheds, food vendors at the Queen Vic Night Markets are situated in a large ring around the perimeter of the hall, while a handful of art and craft stalls sit in the center. Meanwhile a DJ, live band or silent disco entertains the crowds.
To keep warm during the Winter Night Market at QVM, blazing fire pits are set up outside, but a glass of mulled wine could also do the trick!
Plan Your Visit to the Queen Vic Market Night Event
The Queen Victoria Night Market is a seasonal weekly event that takes place throughout the year – either as the Queen Vic Summer or Queen Vic Winter Night Market. The hours of the QVM Melbourne Wednesday Night Market are 5pm until 10pm.
What To Eat at Queen Victoria Market Night Market
The food stalls at the Queen Victoria Night Market offer tempting international fare as chefs cook an eclectic array of aromatic dishes. The smoke and scents mingle together in the enormous shed and encourage visitors to get a little bit of everything.
With so many choices – hot soup in a bread bowl, ramen burgers, grilled seafood and sizzling meat – it can be difficult to commit to just one choice. On our trip to the QVC Night Market, we tried an array of artfully crafted dishes – from Roti Canai to grilled satay chicken skewers.
Queen Victoria Market – Weekend
In addition to the Queen Victoria Market at night, there are other special programs on weekends. From book fairs to festivals to workshops, the QV Market is especially fun to visit on weekends!
Queen Victoria Market Sunday
Our Melbourne visit coincided with a special event at QVM: the Euro Union Sunday Market – which included a mix of elements from the day and night QVM markets. The regular day market was operating, but on Queen Street, between the merchandise and produce (where the American Doughnut bus sits), there was a pop-up Queen Victoria Market Food Court.
A handful of food stalls were cranking out European street food for the fun festival. Pizza, kebabs, paella, sausages and crepes were among the offerings. There was a small beer garden serving local Melbourne brews and a performer was strumming Spanish tunes. The QV Market Melbourne was the perfect way to idle away an afternoon.
Queen Victoria Market Tour
Another fabulous way to experience the market is on a guided tour. While we love exploring places on our own, sometimes it is better with a guide – especially when food is involved! Queen Victoria Market tours are an excellent way to discover the best of the QVM – with a little help from a local.
Queen Victoria Market Foodie Tour
The QVM Ultimate Foodie Tour is the official tour at the market. The 2-hour tour is led by a local guide who shares insight into the history of the market. Participants get to sample local delicacies (like grilled kangaroo and hot jam donuts) and sip regional wine. The small-group tours are limited to just 12 people per tour. Reserve Your Space!
More Food Markets in Melbourne
While the QV Market ranks supreme, there are other Melbourne food markets where travelers can get a taste of local eats and enjoy the busy atmosphere.
The South Melbourne Market is a top spot for foodies and a good pick for gourmet eats and organic food is the popular Prahran Market.
Melbourne Travel Tips and Australia Travel Guides
We have spent months traveling around the Land Down Under. There are heaps of helpful insights and honest advice in our articles to help you prepare for your vacation to Australia!
- Best Melbourne Things To Do
- Perfect 3 Days in Melbourne
- Self-Guided Melbourne Walking Tour
- Free Tours in Melbourne
- Famous Melbourne Laneways
- Great Ocean Road Tour on a Budget
- Hobart, Tasmania Itinerary
- Visit spectacular Sydney, tropical Cairns and beautiful Brisbane
- Tour pleasant Perth, hit the beaches on the Gold Coast and trek in the Blue Mountains
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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