A new night market has launched in Haymarket

• A brand-new night market launched in Haymarket’s Belmore Park last Friday.
• The market will take place throughout Spring, opening every Friday at 5pm until 9pm.
• However, it is located just a short walk from the iconic Chinatown Night Markets.

With spring in the air, longer evenings and warmer weather, what better time to launch a new night market in the heart of the city?

Last Friday, Belmore Park in Haymarket debuted a new night market, titled Sydney City Night Markets. The open-air marketplace featured an array of international street food vendors, boutique clothing stalls and unique handmade gifts.

With convenient access to public toilets, ample seating, and proximity to Central Station, Belmore Park is an ideal spot for the new night markets. Whether visitors are simply browsing before dinner or planning to dine straight from the stalls, the surrounding area is packed with restaurants and bars perfect for continuing a night out.

The markets aim to organically draw in corporate crowds from the city, offering a way to wrap up the work week by grabbing a bite from one of the many food stalls. However, it is hoped that the international street food offerings will also attract tourists staying in the city who want to explore Sydney’s diverse culinary scene.

At its debut, 25 market stalls attended, selling a wide range of items, from handmade candles to Mongolian pancakes and ceremonial matcha. Monique Annetts, Event Director of AMA Event Management (who is behind the new markets), suggested that Sydney needs to follow suit with other global cities and establish more night markets.

“Cities around the world—from Hong Kong to New York—are famous for their night markets.” She stated, “This pilot season is a stepping stone toward creating a signature weekly night market for Sydney by 2026, one that locals and tourists alike will look forward to.”

To get locals and tourists excited and included in the new markets, they’re offering a variety of giveaways and competitions to enter throughout the course of the month. This includes a Cheeseburger Eating Competition on September 26, where the first to finish 5 cheeseburgers takes home $500 cash, and a TikTok Challenge, where the entrant who gets the most TikTok views on a video with the tag @MyMarketVibes wins $5000 cash.

READ MORE: I ran a stall at Glebe Markets — here’s how I made a profit

Battle of the Haymarket night markets

That being said, the new markets face some serious competition. The ever-popular Chinatown Night Market is just a short stroll from Belmore Park, now temporarily set up at the corner of Harbour Street and Hay Street.

Traditionally held along Dixon Street and Little Hay Street, the markets have been relocated due to major infrastructure upgrades in the area. Coincidentally, on the same day the Sydney City Markets launched (September 5) the Chinatown Night Market made its move to its new temporary location.

Chinatown Night Market typically operates from 4pm to 11pm every Friday, with more than 50 market stalls popping up along the strip. Although the lineup regularly changes, visitors can expect to see cuisine from all over Asia, such as dumplings, roti, noodles, pho and ramen.

With cuisine from all over Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China and more, a diverse selection of desserts, meats, snacks, and seafood is available.

READ MORE: Things to do in Chinatown: where to eat, drink, play and stay

Which night market should you go to?

The Chinatown Night Market is not one to miss, with its rich history, incredible showcase of culture and traditions and lively, buzzing atmosphere. For authentic Asian cuisine and to discover local artisans, up-and-coming designers and artists showcasing their work, it’s definitely an incredible way to spend your Friday evening.

However, if you’re craving a more global culinary experience, head to the Sydney City Night Markets, with Mexican food, burgers, Gozleme, Kofte, goulash and more up for grabs. There will also be fewer crowds than the bustling Chinatown Night Market, making it the more relaxed option, especially for families with young children looking for space to sit and unwind, or for professionals finishing their workday, looking to grab a quick bite.

Torn between the two? Start your night with a glass of wine and some live music at the Sydney City Night Markets before heading over to the Chinatown Night Markets to keep the evening going and to sample some flavourful Asian dishes.

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