A good market is an excellent way to spend a day (and your rent money if you aren’t careful), but sometimes getting up early on a weekend is a bit of a struggle. If this sentiment rings true, the Fortitude Valley Markets are the markets for you. They start at a very relaxed 8am, and continue until 4pm, on both Saturdays and Sundays. There is no need to be an early riser to get the best out of these markets; in fact, on some weekends, they really don’t get going until after lunch.
The Valley Markets, as they are known, are one of the best places in Brisbane to find unique fashions, jewellery and gifts. Many local designers and artists use the stalls to showcase their craft, which means you can find things here that you won’t see anywhere else. After a visit to these markets, you will be able to impress your friends with your original fashions and, at the same time, feel good about having supported local Brisbane talent. On sale is a mix of new and second-hand goods, as well as plants, music, books and heaps of funky accessories.
For the budget-conscious among us, don’t worry, there is much more to these markets than the goods on sale. The atmosphere alone makes just browsing exciting (and by browsing I obviously mean taking mental notes of things to buy when money isn’t so tight). As you stroll through the stalls, you can listen to local bands performing, or sit at one of the adjoining cafes and observe the pedestrian traffic – some of the most interesting and eclectic in Brisbane.
The markets are located in the Brunswick Street Mall, which allows you to take advantage of the multitude of bars and cafes that
Fortitude Valley is famous for. Stop mid-market for a refreshing ale at
Ric's Bar, or go next door to Fatboys Café for one of their famous all-day breakfasts. Alternatively, make the most of the Markets’ proximity to
Chinatown by eating at one of the many Asian restaurants in the area - you’ll find Chinese food aplenty, as well as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean.
Visiting the Valley Markets is a great day out. The only problem is that one visit is not enough to soak it all in – best make this one a regular event!
