The Iglu Guide | Blog
Melbourne’s best markets on a student budget
Moving to a new city is exciting, but let’s be real: student life often means keeping a close eye on your budget. With cost of living pressures on every student’s mind, knowing where to save money is crucial. The good news? Melbourne is a city built for savvy shoppers and food lovers! Forget expensive shopping centres and costly grocery stores; the city’s vibrant market scene is your secret weapon for finding cheap eats, fresh produce, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind vintage treasures.
Whether you’re living at Iglu Melbourne City, Iglu Melbourne Central, Iglu South Yarra, or Iglu Flagstaff Gardens, you’re never far from a bargain.
Here are four must-visit markets that hit the trifecta of food, vintage, and unique finds—all easily accessible on public transport.
1. Queen Victoria Market (QVM)
The “Queen Vic,” as it’s affectionately known, is an absolute Melbourne icon and a student staple. It’s centrally located, making it an easy walk or tram ride from our CBD properties.
Budget Hack: QVM is the best place in the city to stock up your fridge. Head there just before closing time on a Sunday for deeply discounted produce, often a fraction of supermarket prices. The Deli Hall and Dairy Hall also offer amazing smallgoods and gourmet finds.
Unique Items: Don’t miss the General Merchandise section for souvenirs, cheap phone accessories, and eclectic homewares. During the summer and winter, the Night Market transforms the space into a street-food paradise with food trucks and live music.
How to get there: QVM is a 3-minute walk across the road from Iglu Melbourne City, 10-minute walk from Iglu Flagstaff Gardens, and a 15-minute walk from Iglu Melbourne Central.
2. South Melbourne Market
Best for: Foodie treats, unique homewares, and amazing atmosphere.
A little more boutique than QVM, South Melbourne Market offers a more curated experience but still fits the student budget, especially for lunch!
Food focus: This market is famous for its dim sims. Grab a legendary, giant steamed or fried dim sim for a cheap, satisfying lunch. They also have excellent gourmet doughnut stalls, fresh seafood, and fantastic coffee.
Unique finds: The perimeter shops are great for gifts and quirky items. You’ll find unique jewellery, handcrafted goods, and stylish, affordable décor to make your Iglu room feel like home.
How to get there: Easily reached via the 96 tram from the CBD, or a quick tram/bus trip from Iglu South Yarra.
3. Camberwell Sunday Market
Best for: Vintage clothing, second-hand furniture, and collector’s items.
If you love sustainable shopping, thrifting, and hunting for vintage fashion, Camberwell is your Sunday destination. Run by the local Rotary club, this market is exclusively second-hand, meaning every find is both unique and easy on the wallet.
Vintage Finds: From old-school denim and graphic tees to designer bags and retro furniture, Camberwell is a massive treasure hunt. Set aside a few hours, grab a cheap coffee and a donut, and dig through the stalls to score a major fashion win.
Budget Hack: Always carry cash (often preferred by stallholders) and don’t be afraid to politely haggle—it’s part of the fun!
How to get there: Take the train from the CBD or the tram from South Yarra directly to Camberwell Shopping Centre.
4. Rose St Artists’ Market (Fitzroy)
Best for: Artisan goods, local art, and supporting independent Melbourne creators.
For items that are genuinely unique—things you absolutely won’t find in a department store—head to the creative hub of Fitzroy for the Rose St Artists’ Market. It’s smaller, but packed with incredible talent every weekend.
Unique Items: Browse stalls selling handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, original prints, unique clothing designs, and quirky stationery. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for a friend or a piece of local art for your wall.
Food Focus: Being in Fitzroy, the surrounding streets are full of amazing, affordable cafes and food spots. You’ll often find a food truck or two nearby as well.
How to get there: Easily accessible via the tram network from all CBD Iglu properties. Just jump on the 11 or 96 tram towards Fitzroy/Collingwood.
