No trip to Adelaide is complete without stopping by the iconic Adelaide Central Market. With more than eight million visitors each year, it’s one of the city’s most loved destinations.
As local Adelaidians, we’re there often — and we’ve put together this complete guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Make sure you arrive hungry, there is so much food to try!
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What Adelaide Central Market Is — and How It Became an Icon
The Adelaide Central Market has been a cornerstone of the city’s food culture for more than 150 years. It began in 1869 when local growers sold produce directly to the community, officially opening the following year with up to 100 stalls.
In 1900, the Market gained its first permanent building, improving comfort for traders and shoppers. Despite setbacks—including fires in 1925 and 1977—it continued to grow and modernise. The 1960s redevelopment introduced a rooftop car park and the name ‘Adelaide Central Market’.
Today, the Market is one of Australia’s largest fresh produce hubs, home to more than 70 traders and welcoming millions of visitors each year. It remains a beloved Adelaide institution, celebrated for its fresh produce, artisan foods, multicultural flavours, and strong community heritage.
Best Adelaide Central Market Tours
Getting to the Market
By Tram
The City to Bay line stops at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, just a short stroll from the Market. If your staying near Rundle Mall, there is a stop right outside the mall near Haigh’s Chocolate and the best bit, trams within the city terraces are always free of charge!
By Bus
Getting here by bus is simple. The free City Connector bus stops along Grote Street, making it easy to hop on and off while exploring the city. The service runs regularly and connects the market with destinations throughout the CBD and North Adelaide. For route information and up-to-date timetables, visit Adelaide Metro.
By Car
Parking is convenient with more than 1,000 undercover spaces available at the Central Market UPark, located directly above the Market. The car park can be accessed via both Gouger Street and Grote Street, and visitors can enjoy the first hour of parking free during Market trading hours.
When To Visit The Market
The Adelaide Central Market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with each trading day offering its own unique experience.
If you prefer a quieter visit, Tuesday to Thursday are ideal. The Market is open from 7:00am to 5:30pm on these days, making it easy to browse at your own pace, chat with traders, and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
Fridays bring a lively change of pace, with the Market staying open until 9:00pm. The popular Friday evening trading session features live entertainment, delicious street food, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Saturday is the Market’s busiest and most energetic day, with trading from 7:00am to 3:00pm. Arriving before 9:00am gives you the widest selection of fresh produce while avoiding the biggest crowds. If you’re looking for a bargain, visiting after 1:00pm can be worthwhile, as some traders begin discounting stock before closing.
The Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
What to See at Adelaide Central Market
Visit the Oldest Stall
Make sure you take a step back in time at Blackeby’s – The Old Lolly Shop, the oldest remaining stall in the Adelaide Central Market and a nostalgic favourite for generations of visitors. Located at Stall 33, Blackeby’s has been delighting market‑goers since 1906, meaning it’s 120 years old!
Enjoy Coffee at a True Adelaide Institution
Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar is an iconic South Australian institution. Founded in 1957 by Italian migrant Lucia Rosella, it proudly holds the title of Adelaide’s very first pizza bar. It’s also one of the best spots in the Market to grab a coffee or breakfast and watch the lively market world pass by.
Discover Native Australian Flavours
Make sure you stop by Something Wild for a true taste of Australia. Specialising in native ingredients — from game meats to bush herbs, spices, and locally crafted spirits — it’s the perfect spot to explore unique flavours if you’re feeling adventurous.
Indulge in Sweet Market Classics
Satisfy your sweet tooth with handmade delights from The Turkish Delight, or treat yourself to a traditional Portuguese custard tart from Saudade — both offering irresistible flavours you won’t want to miss!
Taste Your Way Through Global Market Flavours
If Middle Eastern cuisine is your style, Real Falafel is loved for its authentic, freshly made falafel, while Le Souk serves flavour‑packed North African dishes inspired by traditional Algerian recipes.
Meet South Australia’s Cheese Specialists
The Smelly Cheese Co is South Australia’s premier artisanal cheese destination. Their team travels the world to source exceptional cheeses rarely seen in Australia, while also working directly with local and national cheesemakers. Founded in 2001 by Valerie Henbest, who grew up in Normandy, the shop is known for its unique, expertly curated selection.
Enjoy Free Friday Night Entertainment
Catch free live music every Friday night at the Market from 6pm, showcasing some of South Australia’s best local talent. The Adelaide Central Market stays open until 9pm, making it the perfect way to end your week.
Explore the Market’s Hidden Laneways
Don’t forget to wander through the laneways surrounding the Market — some of the best hidden gems, small eateries, and boutique finds are tucked just beyond the main arcade.
Explore Kangaroo Island’s Local Goodies
Before you head off, take a moment to browse the Kangaroo Island Shop, where you’ll find locally made gourmet products, premium honey, artisan spirits, and unique gifts that showcase one of South Australia’s most iconic destinations.
Adelaide Central Market — FAQ
1. What is the Adelaide Central Market?
The Adelaide Central Market is one of Australia’s largest fresh‑produce markets, home to more than 70 traders offering fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, baked goods, artisan foods, and multicultural cuisine. Operating since 1869, it’s considered a major cultural landmark in South Australia.
2. Why is the Adelaide Central Market an Adelaide icon?
The Market has been a cornerstone of Adelaide’s food culture for more than 150 years. Its long history, community roots, diverse traders, and commitment to fresh, local produce have made it a beloved institution for both locals and visitors.
3. Where is the Adelaide Central Market located?
The Market is located at 44–60 Gouger Street, Adelaide, within the CBD and just steps from Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga.
4. How do I get to the Adelaide Central Market?
You can reach the Market easily by tram, bus, or car. The Victoria Square tram stop is a short walk away, the free City Connector bus stops along Grote Street, and more than 1,000 undercover parking spaces are available at the Central Market UPark.
5. Is the tram free to the Adelaide Central Market?
Yes — tram travel within the Adelaide city centre (between the city terraces) is free. This includes the Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga stop near the Market.
6. What days is the Adelaide Central Market open?
The Market is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Tue–Thu: 7:00am–5:30pm
Fri: 7:00am–9:00pm
Sat: 7:00am–3:00pm It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
7. When is the best time to visit the Adelaide Central Market?
For a quieter experience, visit Tuesday to Thursday. Fridays offer a lively evening atmosphere with live music, while Saturdays are the busiest — ideal for early‑morning produce shopping or late‑day bargains.
8. What can I see and do at the Adelaide Central Market?
Visitors can explore fresh produce, artisan foods, multicultural eateries, specialty stalls, and hidden laneways. Highlights include Blackeby’s Old Lolly Shop, Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar, Something Wild, The Smelly Cheese Co, and Friday night entertainment.
9. What is the oldest stall in the Adelaide Central Market?
Blackeby’s – The Old Lolly Shop is the Market’s oldest remaining stall, operating since 1906 and located at Stall 33.
10. Where can I get coffee or breakfast at the Market?
Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar is one of the Market’s most iconic spots for coffee, breakfast, and classic Italian fare.
11. Does the Adelaide Central Market offer native Australian ingredients?
Yes — Something Wild specialises in native game meats, bush herbs, spices, and locally crafted spirits.
12. Are there international food options at the Market?
Absolutely. The Market features global flavours including Middle Eastern cuisine at Real Falafel, North African dishes at Le Souk, Portuguese tarts at Saudade, and Turkish sweets at The Turkish Delight.
13. Where can I find artisan cheese at the Adelaide Central Market?
The Smelly Cheese Co is South Australia’s leading artisanal cheese specialist, offering local and international varieties curated by experts.
14. Is there entertainment at the Adelaide Central Market?
Yes — free live music is held every Friday night from 6pm during extended trading until 9pm.
15. Does the Market have parking?
Yes — the Central Market UPark offers more than 1,000 undercover spaces, with the first hour free during Market trading hours. Entrances are located on Gouger Street and Grote Street.
16. Are there any hidden laneways or nearby attractions?
The laneways surrounding the Market are filled with small eateries, boutique shops, and local gems worth exploring.
17. Can I buy Kangaroo Island products at the Market?
Yes — the Kangaroo Island Shop offers premium honey, gourmet foods, artisan spirits, and unique gifts from Kangaroo Island.
