While Sydney's CBD bustles with high-street fashion, the city's true vintage soul resides in the Inner West. This guide is your key to unlocking the retro treasures of Newtown and its surrounding neighbourhoods, a world away from generic souvenirs. Here, the focus is on the thrill of the hunt—sifting through crates of vinyl records, discovering one-of-a-kind antiques, and browsing stalls filled with second-hand books and eclectic goods.

This is a journey into the heart of Sydney's alternative culture, where vibrant street life meets a passion for the past. We'll explore the markets that are a paradise for collectors and vintage enthusiasts, and then refuel with some of the neighbourhood's most iconic and delicious food. Prepare to spend a day immersed in a scene that is creative, authentic, and utterly unique.

For anyone serious about vintage finds, the Rozelle Collectors Market is an essential pilgrimage. Described as a 'vintage lover's paradise' (vintage爱好者天堂), this is the premier destination for unearthing treasures from decades past. With over 100 stalls, it's a sprawling marketplace dedicated to all things retro and collectible.

This is the place to go if you're on the hunt for classic vinyl. The market is specifically known for its vendors selling vinyl records (黑胶唱片), making it a top spot for music lovers looking to expand their collection. Alongside the records, you'll find a vast array of antiques and other collectibles, ensuring there's something for every type of treasure hunter.

Plan your visit for a Saturday morning to get the best finds.

• When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Just a stone's throw from the heart of Newtown, the Glebe Markets offer a different, but equally compelling, vintage shopping experience. Held every Saturday in the grounds of a local school, this market has a distinctly bohemian and artistic vibe, heavily influenced by its proximity to the University of Sydney and UTS.

While Rozelle is focused on hard-to-find collectibles, Glebe is the perfect place to browse for more eclectic and literary treasures. It's a fantastic spot for finding old books (古书) and a wide variety of other unique, second-hand goods (小众好物). The atmosphere is relaxed and creative, making it a wonderful place to spend a few hours soaking in the local culture. The market also features a large number of food stalls, providing plenty of options for a casual lunch.

• When: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

After a successful day of treasure hunting, Newtown offers the perfect places to refuel. The neighbourhood is a food lover's paradise, renowned for its diverse and high-quality offerings.

For a sweet treat, you can't go past Newtown's legendary gelato scene. The suburb is home to several of Sydney's best parlours, including:

• Cow & The Moon: A family-run spot that famously won the title of 'World's Best Gelato' in 2014.
• Gelato Messina: An iconic Australian brand with a cult following for its creative weekly specials.
• Hakiki Newtown: For something different, try the traditional Turkish gelato, which has a unique, chewy texture.

If you're in the mood for something more substantial, Newtown's pizza is top-notch. Bella Brutta is a local favourite for classic wood-fired pizzas, while Yummy Box serves up authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza—a rare and delicious find in Sydney. For more information on the city's markets, you can visit the official City of Sydney website.