1. Glebe Markets

They’re bohemian, they’re creative and they perfectly embody the artistic vibe of Glebe. Held every week on the grounds of Glebe Public School on Saturdays, they’re among the most prestigious and well-known markets in Sydney. Even better, they’re totally ‘green’, epitomising recycling as a way of life. You’ll find everything from vintaged gardens to second-hand books.

The current owner is David McCumstie, keeping it in the family since his mother Judy opened the first markets in March 1990. Why not make some extra dough and hold your own stall? You can stroll amongst the stalls and chat to the makers of exclusive hand-made products and soak up the bright colours and laidback atmosphere on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
www.glebemarkets.com.au/ Facebook: Glebe Markets Twitter: @GlebeMarkets

2. The Works

The Works is a creative hub. It provides a space where young creatives from all streams can design, create and sell their ideas all in one place. Operating under the aim of crafting ‘ideas for the future based on a respect for the past’, The Works boasts an eclectic range of rustic, vintage, retro and industrial wares.

You’ll find cutting edge fashion, lighting and artwork for sale, as well as the opportunity to participate in workshops for budding young artists and designers. Get in touch with your inner creative – learn how to repurpose your old furniture or just linger in the beautiful space and be inspired.
www.theworksglebe.com.au Facebook: The Works Glebe Twitter: @theworksglebe

3. Yuga Café & Gallery
Fancy a coffee with a side of floral arrangements? Yuga owner Setsuko Yanagisawa wants nothing more than to bring happiness into people’s lives by teaching the art of flower arrangements as a creative outlet. The interior of the café is beautiful, too.

There are courses for everyone from the flower novice to the floral aficionado, or you can just relax and enjoy the scented atmosphere and drink your coffee surrounded by beautiful blossoms. Italian gourmet meals are on offer in the café to satisfy your appetite from all that flower arranging.
www.yugaflora.com.au Facebook: Yuga Floral Design by Setsuko Twitter: @yugaflora

4. Gleebooks

See the discerning university intellectual in its natural habitat, keeping its head down as it uses its hands to forage for bargains. In Winter, Gleebooks becomes their hibernation zone, and in summer is overrun with a the new generation of intellectuals. This bookstore is the intellectual centre of Glebe – Sydney’s leading independent bookstore with two locations on Glebe Point Road. Since it opened its doors in 1975, it’s been awarded the Best Book Shop in Australia five times, hosted numerous book launches and hosts literary events every week.

www.gleebooks.com.au Facebook: Gleebooks Twitter: @Gleebooks

5. The Cruelty Free Shop

Indulge your shopping addiction with a clear conscience while learning that vegan can be delicious! Browse shoes, belts, wallets and handbags as well as a huge range of vegan food products. Indulge in a delicious vegan meal to refuel after you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped!

On the back of the success of the Glebe store, owner Jess Bailey has just opened a second store in Melbourne – providing Australians with a holistic cruelty-free experience. Even the paint is non-toxic.
www.crueltyfreeshop.com.au Facebook: The Cruelty Free Shop