Named after Queen Victoria, ruler of the British Empire (1837 – 1901), the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a thriving and vibrant market that is open every day other than Mondays and Wednesdays.
Melbourne has always been a city that has been big on markets and has seen its fair share of wholesale, retail and other types of markets come and go. Despite controversy the Queen Vic Market, as it is known, opened in 1878 and it has gradually expanded over the years and incorporated new ventures, activities and facilities that have revolutionized the overall experience.

This shopping venue has been a wholesale and retail market, however in the recent past it has mainly leaned towards retail. It is segregated into several sectors, namely, Fruit and Vegetables, Deli Hall, Organics, the Meat Hall, Fished Laneway, Elizabeth Street Shops, a food court, general merchandise, wine market and the Victoria street shops. However the market is mostly renowned for its fresh produce.

On Sundays the bustling market takes on a more leisurely pace and a section of it turns into a café area with activities for children as well. On Wednesdays during the summertime, the market sometimes hosts a night market with entertainment items that attract a fairly large crowd.

The open atmosphere, the friendly banter between shop vendors, the laid back style of the market are all addictive elements that draw in endless crowds. This shopping venue, as one of the few remaining Victorian markets, and which also sprawls out across 17 acres of land, is a landmark and historical site registered on the Victorian Heritage registry.

Today the venue offers a wide range of items from produce, clothes, jewellery, homeware, deli products, to arts and crafts and much more. It has become a household name for many in Melbourne. As a historic site it is a must visit and is an ideal place to get all you need if you are based at one of the Melbourne serviced apartments. For long stay options the Melbourne furnished apartments at Somerset on Elizabeth Melbourne are the ideal solution, as they are complete with chic designs and modern amenities.