Nothing says sensory overload like a trip to the market. When travelling, these colourful meccas of local delicacies and wares offer the best introduction to the culture and community of a new city. From Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to London’s Borough Markets, some even justify a trip alone – including one hidden gem in Australia.
Late last year, Lonely Planet released its annual Best in Travel guide spotlighting 30 must-visit destinations across the globe. Tasmania was the only Australian state to make the list, with Launceston and the Tamar Valley ranked as the fourth-best region to visit in 2025. Along with the top places to travel, Lonely Planet’s latest guide also unveiled a list of the world’s ten best markets. Tasmania made another appearance in this ranking, with Hobart’s humble Farm Gate Market landing in eighth place.
Often overshadowed by Hobart’s buzzing Salamanca Market, the Farm Gate Market – or ‘Farmy’ to locals – offers a more relaxed Sunday morning vibe. From 8.30am to 1pm, Bathurst Street transforms into a wholesome hub, showcasing the very best of Tasmania’s local produce and artisan goods. Yep, it’s all about the edibles (and a splash of fresh flowers, too).
What started as a tiny farmers market in 2009 with just 12 producers has grown into a beloved weekend ritual for hundreds of locals and a Sunday hotspot for tourists passing through. Everything sold at the market is grown or produced in Tasmania and sold directly by the creators, growers or chefs behind them. It’s a taste of Tassie in its truest form.
Before browsing the market, fill your belly with breakfast from the food trucks at Farmy’s ‘Grub Hub’. Each weekend, you’ll find up to ten different cuisines on offer, from Indonesian murtabak (stuffed pancakes) and Indian biryani to Korean bao and Mexican burritos. Post feed, fill your bags with free-range eggs, seasonal fruits, just-picked flowers, local spirits, fresh sourdough, and the lemon curd, jam and honey to go on it. Just remember to BYO shopping bag, if not several. The Farm Gate Market banned plastic bags in 2010, long before it was ‘cool’.
Up for a market meander? Find your closest farmers market in Australia with our ultimate guide.
These are the 10 best markets in the world, according to Lonely Planet:
- Tha Kha Floating Market, Bangkok
- Marché Atwater, Montréal
- Pike Place, Seattle
- Queens Night Market, New York City
- Marché des Lices, Rennes
- Neighbourgoods Market, Cape Town
- Nishiki-kōji Ichiba, Kyoto
- Farm Gate Market, Hobart
- Mercado San Pedro, Cuzco
- Khari Baoli, Old Delhi
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.