Sydney pocket guide.
Evening views of the Sydney Opera House (📷)
Sydney is so much more than the sum of its parts. This sprawling metropolis is home to a copious amount of natural beauty and an incredible temperate climate to boot.
However, Sydney really shines through the cultural renaissance that grips the city. A laid-back lifestyle emenates, propelled forward into new territory thanks to the unwavering optimism and creativity of the local population.
Drawn to Sydney by magnificent beaches, it would be safe to assume that you will leave the city with life-long friends and unforgettable experiences — after surviving countless hangovers spurred on by the fantastic bar scene and your new found friends.
⛱ Sights, Culture + Experiences.
An urban haven for beach lovers, the stretch of coastline surrounding the centre of Sydney is home to beautiful sun-kissed sandy beaches. Ranging from sandy coves encircled by bustling coastal towns to more rugged and secluded stretches that demand more effort to visit, Sydney provides the perfect coastal getaway for travellers of all persuasions.
A vibrant hive of activity, coastal town Bondi Beach (📷) takes its name from the expansive crescent beach around which it is based. The close vicinity and abundant connections to central Sydney mean the town is always bustling with locals. During the summer, expect the beach to be absolutely jam-packed with a diverse crowd of surfers, hipsters and families — with tonnes of fun events such as an open-air film screening festival going down frequently.
From Circular Quarry in the heart of the city centre, the F1 ferry frequently conducts trips to the suburb of Manly — half-an-hour to the north. Manly Beach at the centre of town is a magnet for local surfers who flock here to catch a wave.
Aside from being the best place to try your hand at surfing for the first time, the stunning white sand and aquamarine waters make this beach a great place to chill out and enjoy the year-round sunshine blessing this part of the world.
For the adventurous travellers, make note of Store Beach located in the centre of the peninsula to the south of Manly. Accessible only by water, rent a kayak and discover this peaceful beach nestled on the fringes of a dense forest.
A building so iconic and unique that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it goes without saying that any trip to Sydney is incomplete without snapping your own shot of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. If that's not enough, the extensive and diverse schedule of events that are hosted across the multiple venues draw millions of yearly visitors to spend an evening at the complex.
After a few nights of living the party lifestyle that Sydney emanates, you may feel the need to take a bit of time to recuperate. Seek respite in one of the charming urban gardens dotted across Sydney — such as the tranquil Chinese Friendship Garden (📷) — complete with faithful replicas of Chinese pagodas and an enchanting lotus pond.
Nestled on the shores of Lavender Bay in the north, Wendy’s Secret Garden (📷) is an idyllic and enchanting hideaway. There is a beautiful back-story to this magical garden that you will likely discover on your visit.
🍹 Bars + Nightlife.
It's no secret that Australians have earned a reputation for fully embracing the party life — and make no mistake — their friendly, welcoming nature often results in visitors being taken along for the ride. The bar scene in Sydney is exuberant and exciting, with locals adopting an affinity for craft beer and open-air settings with a twist of urban re-rejuvenation.
A unique aspect to the bar scene in Sydney is the concept of renovating crumbling hotels into prospering bars that appeal to local clientele. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Chippendale, Lord Gladstone Hotel retains a ramshackle charm after years of disuse. Bouncing back from degradation, the venue now offers an atmospheric open-air terrace that facilitates fantastic evenings.
Open late every day of the week — except Sundays —the bustling Websters Bar is situated in the space of what was once the legendary Zanzibar Club. Spread across three floors and including a roof terrace, this club is a popular local venue that is always a safe bet for a lively night out. Another option to consider for late-nights is the exquisite and expansive Ivy Complex. A sprawling venue that encompasses Italian, Spanish tapas and more. Alongside a live burlesque venue, the main attraction is Club Ivy itself, offering a pool-side club drawing a sophisticated crowd.
There are plenty of excellent laid-back bars around Sydney, and with each one offering something special, there are a fair few which are worth your time. Continuing the trend of renovating defunct hotels, Taphouse Darlinghurst (pictured) has opted for a dash of elegance instead of grime and grit. Spread across three floors, the main draw of this joint is the relaxing mood-lit patio.
Named after the classic debut album from Australian group The Avalanches, central Sydney staple Since I Left You (📷) manages to capture and replicate the joyful euphoria of the music for which it was named. The chilled-out courtyard is adorned with fairy-lights, colourful wall art, and often hosts live music.
💡 Looking for something more intimate? The dimly lit basement of Uncle Mings is cosy. Attentive bar staff shake-up selections from its varied cocktail menu whilst you enjoy the radiating red shimmer from the funky Oriental decor.
🥑 Food + Drink.
Finding the perfect fuel for your day of swimming, surfing or sightseeing is all down to value for money. Sydney isn't the cheapest place in the world to eat out, but there are plenty of places that dish out hearty, fulfilling meals for an agreeable price. From local Australian health food cafés to American inspired soul food, Sydney’s got you covered.
In the aforementioned trendy hub of Chippendale, visit Spice Alley. Whether you are here for lunch or dinner, the food on offer is budget friendly without skimping on quality. With tasteful wall art painted across this small brick lane, the spot is even more atmospheric at night. Chow down on some tasty snacks under a blanket of Chinese lanterns.
Walls plastered with rock and roll memorabilia, Frankie's Pizza has carved itself a place as one of Sydney's prized pizzerias. Located on the premises of the premises of the Marlborough Hotel—another example of the prevailing hotel bar scene—the cute wooden shack of Miss Peaches (📷) would not be out of place in the Louisiana bayous that inspire its mouth-watering menu. Drawing inspiration from soul food restaurants in the Southern US. Come here for burgers, fries and homemade sodas.
💤 Accommodation.
Dorms from £23.27 per night.
Dorms from £13.85 per night.
Rooms from £133.00 per night.
Rooms from £153.00 per night.
