Sydney Shopping Tips by xuessium

Paddy'sMarket

Name of Shop: Paddy's Market

150 years old and still going strong.

The origin of Paddy's as a distinct market can be traced back to 1834. Throwing heavy history aside, today, it is a rowdy place full of touristy knick-knacks attracting a globe full of tourists trying to hunt down the best deals in souvenirs.

The exterior looks inviting enough. It certainly looks much more stately than Melbourne's very own Victoria Market, set along the same theme. However, Victoria Market's open concept actually works to its advantage as it allows natural light and fresh air to flow through. The interior is dark and heavy and reminds me more of a warehouse, if not for the swirls of people eddying from stall to stall.

Well, I suppose if it's cheap thrills (pun intended) one is after, then I guess one can forgive it all. On that note though, I actually found better prices elsewhere so I am not too sure where the advantage lies.

HOURS
Thu-Sun, Mon & Public Holidays
9:00am - 5:00pm; Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

To get there:
By train: Catch the train to Town Hall or Central Stations. It's only a five minute walk to Paddy's!
By bus: The Sydney Explorer stops right outside the door.
By Monorail: Alight at Haymarket station, right at the door of Paddy's!
By LightRail: Alight at Haymarket, right at the door of Paddy's.

What To Buy: Anything money can buy

What To Pay: Anything money can buy

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Theme: Other
Directions: Near Chinatown
Website: http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/

The Rocks: Shopping at The Rocks!

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Written by xuessium

on Jun 19, 2005

TheRocksMarket

Name of Shop: The Rocks Market

Quite a funky gathering of stalls selling plenty of interesting local arts & crafts, homewares, furnitures, jewelries and food items. Not too bad a way to wear away an afternoon. Compared to a mall, I always prefer these markets much better since they usually display more funk and character. Yes, this one is quite tourist-orientated, but I still like the slightly edgier items that are put on sale. Many of the stall owners took pain to impart their own personality into their products. Use your discerning eyes to pick out items you want or just simply window-shop through for amusement.

The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

What To Buy: My sis went for funky cosmetic jewelries. I bought honeyed macadamias to munch on (not bad!!) and watch out for this stall selling edgy pillow-cases showing a cartoonised naked couple (man and woman separately) running towards each other. (They have sets for gay couples too)

What To Pay: Really depends on how many items you intend to buy. You could spend A$0 or towards A$100. I bought a pair of the pillowcases and they cost me A$25.

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 92408717 Fax: 92408777
Address: Northern end of George Street, The Rocks.
Directions: Behind The Rocks, right under Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Website: http://www.therocksmarket.com.au/
Other Contact: email: market@shfa.nsw.gov.au

Malls.: An entire street dedicated to shopping

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Written by xuessium

on Jun 19, 2005

PittStreetMall

Name of Shop: Pitt Street Mall

Every major city in Australia has a street dedicated to the art of shopping. In Sydney, it's Pitt Street Mall. I brought my mum and sis here and let them loose. Buzzing; people crisscrossed your path; packed with locals and visitors alike. Arcades aplenty; bursting with branded goods boutiques, clothing chains, restaurants & cafes, chocolate shops, bookshops, CD shops etc etc. One of the arcades, Centrepoint which houses over 130 specialty stores, forms the foyer to the 305 metre high AMP tower.

Just walk, look, amuse and buy!

What To Buy: Most things, as long as you have money to spend and the will to spend it!

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Theme: Other
Address: Pitt Street
Directions: Nearest Cityrail station: Town Hall

Queen Victoria Building: The Grand Old Dame of Shopping

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Written by xuessium

on Jun 19, 2005

QueenVictoriaBuilding