Paddy's Markets has been Sydney's bargain bazaar for more than a century, now housed in the cavernous lower floors of the Market City complex at the southern end of Chinatown. Hundreds of stalls sell souvenirs, cheap clothing, phone cases, fresh produce, flowers and the kind of miscellany that defies categorisation. It is not refined, but it is an institution, and a good place to pick up inexpensive gifts and watch a cross-section of the city shop.
The fresh-produce and seafood sections at the back are the most authentic part, busiest on weekends. Above the market, Market City holds a food court of Asian eateries that is one of the better cheap-eats options in the neighbourhood. Open Wednesday to Sunday.