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Best Weekend Markets in Adelaide: 7 Top Spots for Students to Explore
May 14 2025
Written by Ysuites
best weekend markets in adelaide

If you’re living in an apartment near Adelaide, you’re literally home to some of the best markets in South Australia.

Markets in this area are packed with fresh food, vintage treasures, handmade crafts, unique fashions, and more. They’re the perfect escape for students looking to unwind from the pressure of projects and academics.

These markets offer a fantastic mix of affordability, great food, and a fun weekend break.

Whether you’re shopping on a budget or searching for a new hangout spot, Adelaide’s markets have something for you.

Keep reading to discover the top spots you’ll want to explore across Adelaide Hills and beyond!

7 Top Spots for Students to Explore

1. Adelaide Central Market: Best for Cheap & Fresh Food

Olive oil producers and  growers

Image source: Adelaide Central Market

  • Location: Gouger St, Adelaide
  • How to Get There: 5-min walk from Victoria Square Tram Stop
  • When: Tuesday – Saturday (Closed Sunday & Monday)

If you need fresh food on a budget, this is your place to go. From seasonal produce and meats to baked goods, everything is affordable and of top quality.

Staying at Y Suites (near the University of Adelaide) makes visiting even more convenient. With our apartment’s fully equipped kitchen, you can cook fresh, healthy meals anytime, saving you serious dollars compared to eating out.

Plus, the market’s range of international ingredients means you can easily recreate home-style dishes or try exciting new recipes.

Student Tip: For those keen on a bargain, visit just before closing to score markdowns on fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and more.

2. Gilles at the Grounds: Best for Vintage Fashion & Handmade Goods

Australia jewellery market

Image source: Gilles at the Grounds Instagram

  • Location: Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville
  • How to Get There: 5-min walk from Goodwood Train Station
  • When: Selected Sundays

Love all things vintage? This trendy market is made for you! You’ll find thrifted gems, indie fashion, and handmade accessories—all at student-friendly prices.

It’s also a fantastic place on this side of South Australia to catch up with friends, with live music, food trucks, and pop-up bars creating a buzzing atmosphere.

It’s not just shopping—it’s a whole vibe. Spend a lazy Sunday hunting with your friends for one-of-a-kind pieces and soaking up the creative energy around you!

Student Tip: Events are held on selected Sundays, so it’s best to check their social media (especially Facebook) to plan your visit!

3. Plant 4 Bowden: Best for Food & Live Music

Bowden place

Image source: Plant 4 Bowden

  • Location: Third St, Bowden
  • How to Get There: 10-min tram ride from UniSA City West Campus
  • When: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

Looking for good food and great vibes to chill? This eco-friendly market offers organic eats, artisan stalls, flowers, and live music—perfect for a relaxing brunch with friends!

What’s more? There’s also a beer garden and regular community events, ensuring you’ll never get bored as there’s always something happening. Plus, healthy food options are both delicious and affordable!

It’s the perfect spot to hang out after uni or kickstart your weekend with live tunes, chill vibes, and seriously good eats.

Student Tip: Don’t miss the food stalls—they’re budget-friendly and absolutely tasty!

4. Gepps Cross Treasure Market: Best for Bargain Shopping & Collectibles

Fresh veggies from local producers and growers

Image source: Gepps Cross Treasure Market

  • Location: Main North Rd, Gepps Cross
  • How to Get There: 10-min drive or accessible via bus from Adelaide CBD
  • When: Sundays

If you’re into bargain hunting and quirky finds, this massive open-air market is a must-visit! From second-hand clothes and vintage furniture to electronics and tools, there’s something for everyone.

And the best part? Price haggling is part of the fun! You’ll also find fresh produce, food trucks, and snack vendors, so you can fuel up while browsing.

Whether you’re after affordable home essentials for your student flat in Adelaide or simply want a fun weekend activity,this market ticks all the boxes.

Student Tip: Get there early for the best finds before they’re gone!

5. Semaphore Street Fair: Best for Beachside Markets & Festival Vibes

Customers buying from local artists

Image source: Semaphore Street Fair Facebook page

  • Location: Semaphore Rd, Semaphore
  • How to Get There: 25-min train ride from Adelaide CBD
  • When: Annual event (Usually in November)

Packed with the various artisan markets, food stands, and community performances, the Semaphore Street Fair is perfect for unwinding from the pressures of academics.

Expect to find handcrafted jewellery, boutique fashion, street food, and local art—all while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.

It’s the perfect mix of shopping, food, and entertainment, giving you a break from university life with a fun, festival-like atmosphere.

Student Tip: Bring a picnic mat and chill by the beach after exploring the stalls!

6. The Market Shed on Holland – Best for Organic Food & Vegan Eats

The Market Shed's customers

Image source: The Market Shed on Holland

  • Location: Holland St, Adelaide
  • How to Get There: 5-min walk from Victoria Square Tram Stop
  • When: Sundays

Whether you’re looking for flowers, honey, seafood, or an organic food, this relaxed Sunday market is the place to go.

From plant-based dishes and fresh juices to locally grown produce, everything here is wholesome and delicious.

You’ll often find live acoustic music adding to the chill vibes, and many stalls reward eco-conscious shoppers who their bring their own tote bags or reusable cups.

Student Tip: Bring your own cup and bag for eco-friendly discounts!

7. People’s Market: Best for Budget Groceries & Everyday Essentials

Budget groceries for students

Image source: People’s Market, Port Adelaide

  • Location: Port Mall, Port Adelaide
  • How to Get There: 5-min walk from Port Adelaide Train Station
  • When: Weekends

Need to stock up on essentials without draining your wallet? People’s Market offers fresh produce, everyday groceries, and home essentials at much lower prices than supermarkets.

It’s a lively spot with street performers, nearby cafes, and a weekend crowd that makes shopping more fun—perfect for students who love meal prepping without overspending.

If you’re staying at Y Suites on Waymouth, this market is an excellent spot for your weekly grocery haul. With public transport access nearby, it’s easy to shop in bulk and bring everything back to your student apartment.

Student Tip: Stock up on fresh produce and pantry staples at much better prices than big grocery chains.

Why Students Should Explore Markets

Explore market for students

Weekend markets are more than just a place to shop—they’re a full-on experience.

You’ll find brilliant bargains, delicious street food, and a lively atmosphere that beats scrolling through online shops any day.

Tips for the Best Market Experience:

  • Arrive early for the best finds or go late for discounts.
  • Bring cash—some stalls don’t accept cards.
  • Take a tote bag to avoid plastic waste.
  • Follow markets on socials to stay updated on special events.

So, grab a few friends, head out, and discover a new side of Adelaide this weekend!

 

Make Your Student Life Easier with Y Suites!

student-life with ysuite

Living near Adelaide’s best markets makes your student life more affordable, exciting, and stress-free.

Whether you’re grabbing fresh groceries for home-cooked meals, discovering unique decor for your apartment, or enjoying a weekend food trip, having these markets nearby lets you make the most of your time as a student.

At Y Suites, our student accommodationsY Suites on Waymouth and Y Suites City Gardensput you right in the heart of the city, offering you easy access to bustling markets, vibrant local events, and everything you need for a well-balanced student life.

And the best part? Our all-inclusive rent covers:

✅ Premium, fully furnished student rooms and shared apartments, inclusive of Wi-Fi and utilities

✅ Full access to various common areas for socialising, studying, exercising, playing, and resting

✅ The opportunity to connect with other like-minded students from different prestigious universities through our community events

✅ Excellent security measures that ensure your personal safety

✅ Hassle-free customer service managed by our attentive and well-trained staff

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience how student life should be!

BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY >>>



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