The market’s massive size and selection attracts visitors from all walks of life, with traders selling everything from meats, cheeses, and vegetables to vintage clothing, cell phones, and authentic Australian artifacts. You can find most anything here, but shopping isn’t the market’s only draw - the market hosts various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, and thematic market tours shore up Queen Victoria Market’s role as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s social history and happenings.

Vic Market is normally open five days a week (closed Monday and Wednesday), but the Night Market opens on Wednesday evenings for the Summer season (November to March) and the Winter season (June to August), affording visitors a more social environment to sample an array of eclectic small plates and wines, while enjoying local entertainment. With the market’s location just a short walk away from Melbourne Central Station, there is frequent tram and bus service in the area, along with ample bike and car parking in and around the market.

Queen Victoria Market, also referred to as “Queen Vic” or “Vic Market,” is one of Melbourne’s most visited attractions and the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning over 17 acres and boasting over a staggering 1000 vendors. Before the market officially opened in 1878, much of the land on which it stands was the site of the city’s oldest cemetery. The market is made up of ten distinct “market precincts,” including the deli, meat, fruit and vegetable, and organic halls, as well as retail shops on Victoria and Elizabeth Streets.

Image Credits: Lars Pels via Flickr, Michelle Bartsch via Flickr, Alpha via Flickr

Website: http://www.qvm.com.au/

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