Every Sunday in Sydney, you’ll find various Sunday markets scattered across the city’s suburbs. Popular with both tourists and locals, you’re sure to find lots of people there enjoying their weekends. Each has its own unique vibe and is held in different locations—from parks and schoolyards to seaside plazas. One of the biggest draws is that they are frequently held under blue skies, adding a leisurely, relaxed feel to the shopping experience.

You can find nearly anything at the stalls, from jewelry and offbeat treasures to cosmetics, clothing, handmade crafts, art, antiques—even fresh vegetables, bread, and sweets. Even the same market will have slightly different vendors each time, ensuring that you’ll make fresh discoveries whenever you go. I usually visit once or twice a month, and because there’s a different vibe every time, I never tire of them.

Many of the markets also feature live music, so you can listen to singing guitarists or jazz performances as you shop around. Strolling at a leisurely pace while listening to the music, coffee in hand, makes for such a rich weekend experience. It’s the kind of relaxation that so typifies this city to me, and one of the main reasons people love the markets so much.

When I go to the markets, I find myself buying things I would never normally buy. If I find a cute piece of jewelry or a unique item, I’ll often justify it by thinking of what a rare and special opportunity it is—but even that is one of the attractions of going there. Unlike large shopping centers, you get a chance to interact closely with the vendors, hearing directly from them about the care they’ve put into their products or how they’ve made them. You can’t help but fall for their offerings.

The other day, I stopped by a market in Jervis Bay. The weather was perfect, making for a delightful day wandering around the shops under clear skies. The mood was so laid back—partly because of the location near the sea—that just walking around put me in a better mood. I bought some jewelry, clothing, nuts, curios—it was more than I normally buy, but I just couldn’t help being drawn to the products while talking to the vendors. Before I knew it, I was picking up all kinds of things to take home with me.

Of course, no Sunday market visit is complete without coffee, street food, and some delicious desserts. Just walking around means being surrounded by the delicious aromas of freshly-baked bread, hamburgers, food from all over the world, sweets, and more. I love taking a break from shopping to sit on a bench and just relax while I enjoy the market food.

Sunday markets offer new discoveries every month, making them one of my favorite shopping spots. It’s not just about buying things—you get to talk to people, enjoy the music, and really soak up the wonderful atmosphere of these special events.