Shopping in Sydney: Malls, Arcades and Markets

The city centre: Sydney’s shopping heart

Most visitors start in the city centre, where the big shopping streets, arcades and department stores sit close together. It is easy to walk between them, and Town Hall and St James stations are close by.

• Pitt Street Mall – a car-free shopping street between Market Street and King Street, with Westfield Sydney and The Strand Arcade.
• Queen Victoria Building (QVB) – a grand 1898 building on George Street, free to walk through, with shops, cafes and high tea.
• Sydney CBD guide – what else to see between shops, from parks to lookouts.

Markets and local makers

Sydney’s neighbourhood markets are where you find local design, art, vintage clothing and good food. Buying from local makers keeps money in the community and gives you a gift with a story.

• Paddington – terraces, galleries and Saturday markets.
• Glebe – bookshops, cafes and the Saturday market.
• Balmain – a harbour village with markets and heritage pubs.
• Kirribilli – harbour views and a monthly market.

Shopping tips for visitors

• Getting the GST back: the Tourist Refund Scheme lets departing travellers claim back GST when they spend $300 or more (including GST) with one business within 60 days of leaving Australia. Keep your tax invoices and allow time at the airport.
• Getting there: use trains and light rail rather than driving. See Getting around Sydney.
• Shopping on a budget: markets and free sights make a great day out. See Sydney on a budget.
• Staying nearby: compare city hotels on the map in Where to stay in Sydney.

Questions visitors ask

We only have one afternoon to shop in Sydney. Where should we go?

Head to the city centre. Pitt Street Mall, Westfield Sydney, The Strand Arcade and the Queen Victoria Building are all within a few minutes’ walk of each other, close to Town Hall and St James stations.

Can international visitors get the GST back on shopping?

Yes, through the Tourist Refund Scheme. You need to spend $300 or more (including GST) with one business, buy within 60 days of leaving Australia, and claim at the airport when you depart. Check the Australian Border Force website for the full rules.

Where can we find local makers and markets?

Try the weekend markets in Paddington, Glebe, Balmain and Kirribilli. They are great for local design, art, food and gifts.

Is the Queen Victoria Building worth visiting if we are not shopping?

Yes. It is free to walk through, and the 1898 building, its dome and its hanging clocks are worth seeing on their own.