Shopping opportunities are infinite in Sydney, allowing shoppers of all stripes to find the best form of retail therapy for themselves. Whatever type of shopper you are, here are some not-to-be-missed hotspots:

Shopping Precincts in Sydney

(Image source: my.sydney.com) 

The majestic Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in the central business district (CBD) offers an atmospheric and prestigious shopping experience that harks back to the 1800s. Its ornate architecture, complete with high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and an original 19th century staircase, will take you back in time as you browse through QVB's wide range of shops and boutiques.

They say shopping and dining in Australia begins at Westfield Sydney, with more than 250 fashion, food and lifestyle stores located in the centre of Sydney city. A shopaholics dream come true, it offers a mix of top Australian designers and international high street fashion across four levels and three levels dedicated to dining. 

In Paddington, cutting-edge boutiques featuring upcoming Australian designers line a strip called The Intersection. This is where the fashion forward go to shop but if the retro look is more your style, check out Grandma Takes a Trip in Surry Hills. All its vintage-style clothes and accessories are from UK and other countries in Europe so you will get to be the cool kid on the block.

For some high-end shopping, make your way to Mosman for antiques, high-street fashion and fine dining along Military Road and the surrounding streets.

Tip: For late-night shopping, shops in Sydney are usually open until 9pm on Thursday nights

Outlet Shopping Galore

(Image source: www.sydney.com) 

If you prefer shopping for good deals, you will want to visit Market City in Chinatown, the only shopping destination in the CBD, with 30 factory outlets. Market City also has retail shops on its basement level, and there is a pretty good food court there as well as Chinese restaurant The Eight.

Die-hard bargain hunters should not miss the Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre, which has more than a 100 stores featuring both Australian and international brands. The only outlet shopping located in the beautiful Sydney Harbour area, it is easily accessible, with buses running from the Queen Victoria Building in the city every five minutes during peak hour. 

Hunt Down Bargains and Novelties at Markets

(Image source: GlebeMarkets.com.au)  

If you are more of a bargain hunter and novelty-item shopper, you will enjoy exploring Sydney's precincts for some of its unique markets, many of which have historical and cultural significance. Most are held over the weekend, such as The Rocks Markets near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which offers a wide selection of arts, crafts, jewellery, fashion, leather goods and souvenirs from more than 200 stalls. Make a note in your calendar: Friday is Foodie Market day at The Rocks.

You will also discover some unique fashion finds as well as jewellery and art by local designers, artisans, and craftspeople at The Bondi Markets. The Balmain Markets, held every Saturday in the grounds of St Andrews Congregational Church, offer vintage clothing, second-hand books, recycled art, handmade crafts and the place is a foodie paradise with homemade vegetarian snacks, organic fruits and vegetables and lots more amazing food. At the Glebe Markets you can chill out after having your fill of browsing. Dig into some gourmet cuisine as you relax on the lawn and soak up the sounds of live music.