Melbourne markets are a window into Melbourne's life and culture. This is a fascinating place with an interesting mix of numerous ethnic communities, fashion-styles, sub-cultures and community groups. What unites them is the passion with which Melburnians pursue life. Combine this with Melbourne's outdoor climate and you get a rich market culture.

Going to the markets is part of life. Here are my insider's tips to markets around Melbourne:

1. My favourite is the Rose Street Artists Market. It is open every Saturday in Fitzroy, the heart of the bohemian and creative Melbourne. This market is modeled after similar markets in New York, London and Berlin. It enables artists and crafts people to sell their creations directly, without the commercial middlemen.

   Each week, it showcases over 70 of Melbourne's best designers and artists, displaying their quirky, interesting and genuine goods. Throughout the year there are over 400 contributing artists and designers, making it worthwhile revisiting at another time. Rose Street market impresses with the original high quality work. I find it engaging, tend to linger and feel recharged by conversations with artists and their creations.

   There is also a gourmet café for lunch or coffee and often live entertainment

2. For trash and treasure, the Camberwell Sunday Market is a must. It operates from stalls and car boots in the car park behind the main street shops. Camberwell is in the eastern suburbs and the market is only a short walk from the train station.

   This Melbourne market is a hot local tip - you can find treasures, collectibles, bric a brac, recycled designer and vintage clothing - and often something you did not knew you needed.

   It is organized by the local Rotary club and raises monies for charities. It is extremely popular with both sellers and buyers alike.
   

3. A visit to Melbourne is not complete without calling in on the Queen Victoria Markets, which operate out of the original city market buildings established in the 1870's. It is a great place for fresh food - meat, fish, fruit and vegetables as well as European cheeses, sausages, bread and delicatessen.

   It's worthwhile to go there just for the experience and the hustle and bustle of traders in the food halls yelling out their prices - a truly multicultural Melbourne meeting place! It is also the place for a bargain. If you want a didgeridoo, sporting memorabilia, Italian 'designer' bags or leather jackets... this is where you pay a fraction of what it's worth in regular shops. A Melbourne market insiders tip is the Wednesday night market. It operates in the summer months from December to February.

   There is live entertainment and a focus on natural health and craft stalls - as well as a lot of good food and wine.

4. The Esplanade Market in St Kilda is a great market to visit on a beautiful Sunday. It is located along the St Kilda Esplanade with views over the bay and easily combined with a trip to the beach or a walk along St Kilda pier.

   It is an outlet for almost 200 original artists and crafts people, and you will find a diverse range of quality handmade artworks made from wood, glass, paper, resin, recycled materials.

5. For an alternative market, visit St Andrew's Market. It is about one hour's drive north east of Melbourne. It's a Saturday market with a focus on 'handmade' and 'home grown'.

   It even has a Chai tent, people jamming, home made food and produce. You can get everything from tie-died clothes, to jewellery, to toys and plants, and all sorts of handmade gifts and treats.