Of all the Melbourne markets, the Queen Victoria Market is the most famous. In addition to the normal hours, there are special events that are highly entertaining. We believe visiting the QVM is a must-do in Melbourne, Australia!
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Queen Victoria Market Melbourne
The buzzing halls here have all the ingredients of a thriving metropolitan marketplace. While some spaces like these are geared toward tourists, there’s no doubt that urban locals still shop and socialize here.
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, it remains one of the best-preserved 19th century markets in Melbourne.
Today, it has indoor and outdoor booths taking up more than two blocks – and we’ve covered every aisle!
Visiting QVM: Tips, Info and Tours
The iconic entrance to the Queen Victoria Market Shops is at the southwest corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets.
However, the majority of the stalls are bounded by Queen, Victoria and Peel streets and the QVM car park (which is bordered by Franklin Street to the south).
The Queen Vic Market times vary by day of the week, season and it’s closed on public holidays. The regular 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
Sections are also open for special events. For example, the seasonal Queen Vic Night Market is open on Wednesdays only during summer and winter.
- 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.
While we love exploring places on our own, sometimes it is better with a guide – especially when food is involved!
The QVM Ultimate Foodie Tour is led by a local who shares personal insight. Participants get to sample delicacies and sip regional wine!
What To Do at QV Markets in Melbourne
Those planning to visit the Melbourne QV Markets should determine which one is most appealing. They can all offer something quite unique.
We are highlighting the best things to do at the different markets to help you determine which to include on your Melbourne Itinerary!
Queen Victoria Traditional Day Market
During the day, the Queen Vic Market stalls are open for business and bustling! The massive space 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 is the general merchandise section. Housed along Queen Street, the maze of goods is where we started off.
You could 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.
It’s a fabulous place to pick up souvenirs. Scarves, jerseys, socks, stuffed kangaroos, sweaters and painted boomerangs are all for sale.
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 here. 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 indicates that they are open. You’ll likely locate the long line to the driver side window first.
The “5 for $10.50” or “10 for $19.50” deals are tempting, but singles cost $2.30. For us, one bite told the story; 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 produce section is another highlight. 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 here (although prices are on the rise). Personally, I took note of the inexpensive apples and pears and realized I pay double at our local 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 to see what’s on offer. The thick slabs of meat and whole fresh fish were displayed on trays and kept in cooled glass cases.
QVM Dairy Produce Hall
The Deli Hall – or Dairy Produce Hall – 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 Night Market
The nighttime affair is a completely different experience. Unlike the traditional market, the QVM night event is all about feasting and entertainment.
Set outdoors under the sheds, food vendors are situated around the perimeter, 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
This 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.
The food stalls offer tempting international fare as chefs cook an eclectic array of aromatic dishes. The scents mingle together and encourage you 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, we tried an array of artfully crafted dishes – from Roti Canai to grilled satay chicken skewers.
Queen Victoria Weekend Market
Additionally, there are other special programs on Saturday and/or Sundays. From book fairs to festivals to workshops, the QV Market is especially fun to visit on weekends!
Queen Victoria Sunday Market
Our Melbourne visit coincided with the Euro Union Sunday Market – which included a mix of elements from both the day and night markets.
The regular day market was operating, but on Queen Street between the merchandise and produce, 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. It was the perfect way to idle away an afternoon!
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!
- 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
- Walk the coastal paths from Bondi to Coogee or Spit to Manly
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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