The place where you can pack more fun and vastly varied activities into one day than the average person enjoys in a year. Because where else can you ride a surfboard in the morning. Admire iconic architecture before lunch. Enjoy an exquisite meal while overlooking the harbor. Stop by a museum to see iconic artworks. Walk through a national park in the afternoon and take some photos with exotic animals. End the day on a high note by sipping cocktails in a stylish bar. To make the most of what this fantastic city has to offer, simply browse through our guide and pick your favorites. You’ll thank us later.
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Jonah’s
Jonah’s is the epitome of “special” and it doesn’t shy away from flaunting it. Recently refurbished, the boutique hotel’s rooms are stylish and sophisticated. The decor plays upon the colors found in the surrounding natural landscape, bringing together neutral hues and golden accents that remind of the sun. Windows that open towards Whale Beach and ocean views are the cherry on top. A perfect choice for a romantic getaway, the hotel also features a high-end and incredibly popular restaurant. So popular, in fact, that urban dwellers from Sydney travel here for the exquisite food.
As its name suggests, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is located right near the popular Watsons Bay area, where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy walks, picnics, bike rides, or simply to admire the marina life. The 31 rooms and suites have a minimal decor and seaside-inspired colors Floor-to-ceiling windows not only fill the interiors with natural light, but also offer fantastic harbor or park views. A free Australian continental breakfast and bike rentals are included in the room’s price.
If you’re visiting Sydney, you can make the trip extra special with a stay in a 5-star hotel. And it doesn’t get better than the award-winning The Langham, a stylish hotel located in a historic building in The Rocks area. Ultra-refined yet also intimate and welcoming, the hotel features beautifully decorated and sophisticated rooms. Views span the Western Harbor, Observatory Hill, and Sydney’s skyline. The Terrace Room is ideal for those who love to eat their breakfast al fresco while admiring a stunning panorama.
Shades of blue, green and gray dominate the interior design scheme of Spicers Potts Point, making this boutique hotel look not only stylish but also serene and relaxing. The chic decor features natural fabrics with beautiful textures and modern, minimalist furniture. Here and there, heritage elements remind of the building’s origins, which go back to 1880. Guests who stay in one of the 20 rooms have access to a garden courtyard and terrace. Of course, restaurants, cafes, and busy local shops are also close by, along with transport access to the best attractions in Sydney.
1831 Boutique Hotel (the former Pensione Hotel) provides a balance between comfort, elegance, and convenience. The location is also a major plus, as this hotel is set in the Central Business District, a 2-minute walk from Chinatown and a 15-minute stroll from Hyde Park and the popular Oxford Street. A shared lounge and TV area allows guests to socialize, while the communal kitchenette offers a great solution to prepare breakfast in the morning before heading out to explore Sydney.
Spread over two 1920s buildings, QT Sydney’s 200 rooms welcome guests into a design wonderland where old-world features and modern elements come together in complete harmony. Think vintage solid wood floors, a blend of subdued and bright colors as well as a contrast between minimalist furniture and eccentric elements. The lavish rooms also have workspaces and free Wi-Fi, making QT Sydney an attractive option for those on business trips.
The Hughenden is housed in an 1870s Victorian home and still maintains some of its old-world character, complemented by modern touches. A perfect choice for travelers who are looking for a quiet, laid-back place, the boutique hotel is located a few minutes away from Centennial Park and a short bike ride away from Bondi Beach. With a Victorian lounge, French restaurant, a sunny rooftop terrace, and a reading room, guests may not even want to leave the hotel. To top it all off, this place offers free breakfast and is pet-friendly.
Located in Sydney’s historic neighborhood The Rocks, Harbour Rocks Hotel is the kind of hotel you photograph before entering. The red brick building dates back to 1887 and features a distinct industrial-chic vibe which prevails throughout the interior. Exposed brick walls, warm wood surfaces, bold accents, and historical details make the rooms feel cozy and welcoming. For those who love admiring beautiful views every morning, the harbor-facing suite with a terrace is a must.
The name may be a mouthful, but Ovolo Woolloomooloo offers something quite simple: comfort in a refined setting. Blending heritage features with contemporary design, this boutique hotel is one of the most stylish in the city. And that’s not all. Here you can stay in a stunning split-level loft if you want more space or choose a room with garden views. Free WiFi and iPod docking stations along with pool and gym access also sweeten the deal.
6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Upscale and chic, The Old Clare manages to look refined and laid-back at the same time. This charming hotel is located in a former 19th-century pub and features remnants of the building’s past. These include vintage fixtures, heritage features and timber panels as well as the pub’s original boardroom. Updated for the modern traveler, the hotel features a contemporary and eclectic decor. Apart from The Old Clare’s world-class restaurant, guests can also enjoy the rooftop pool that offers gorgeous views of the city.
As its name suggests, Sasaki is a Japanese restaurant. A fantastic one, looking at its popularity. Compact and cozy, the restaurant is ideal for intimate dinners and get-togethers with friends. The menu pays homage to owner/chef Yu Sasaki’s hometown of Shimane, with dishes inspired by the Japanese countryside. Even the architect responsible for the minimalist design hails from the area, making Sasaki an authentic and special dining experience.
No.1 Bent Street by Mike is Mike McEnearney’s new restaurant which provides a more traditional dining experience compared to the canteen-style Kitchen by Mike. The restaurant’s menu focuses on simplicity, sustainability, and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers. The wood-fired oven and grill are the soul of the dishes, whether it’s the house baked bread or spit roasted meat.
No.1 Bent Street by Mike, Bent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Fratelli Fresh in Sydney’s Crows Nest is perfect for those who love authentic Italian food made with simple ingredients and served in a relaxed, no-frills, laid-back atmosphere. This restaurant opened its doors to customers in 2016 and it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite among locals. And it’s not difficult to see why. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days per week, it has a tasty menu that offers the best of rustic Italian cooking, and provides both indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
Feel like you’re on vacation on a Greek island by stopping by 1821. This cozy and welcoming restaurant recreates the look and feel of a traditional eatery from Greece. Everything here is Greek, from the food to the building materials (yes, seriously), furniture and decor. The menu features a modern take on classic Greek dishes as well as Mediterranean flavors. On the lower level, the restaurant’s high-end bar offers the perfect opportunity to take a break from exploring Sydney and relax with friends.
Ripples Milsons Point wins (many) extra points for its waterfront location under the iconic Harbor Bridge. Apart from the picturesque views, the award-winning restaurant also offers an inventive Italian menu that features seasonal, high-quality ingredients that enhance beloved classics. And if you don’t have the time for a long lunch or dinner, you can enjoy your breakfast here while admiring the Sydney Harbor.
A veritable oasis in the middle of Sydney, The Butler Potts Point features a spacious terrace surrounded by lush vegetation, framing the stunning city views with greenery. The restaurant pays homage to the historic The Butler restaurant which used to occupy the same space, bringing a fresh twist to the classic Ibero-American menu. Delicious cocktails and an extensive wine list that takes customers on sensory trips to Australian and French vineyards complete the restaurant’s offerings.
The stunning waterfront location alone makes Hugos Manly a must-visit place, but this restaurant also serves fantastic food that has won the hearts of both local diners and food industry specialists. Set on the iconic Manly Wharf, the high-end restaurant transforms dinners into a magic experience bathed in the warm glow of the sunset. The menu is contemporary Italian and you can add the perfect finishing touch with a cocktail from the award-winning bar.
Manly Wharf, 1 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
NOLA Smokehouse and Bar celebrates the rich culinary history of New Orleans and complements its menu with a range of American whiskeys. The menu features contemporary takes on traditional dishes, while the whiskey collection has 500+ labels, including limited-edition and hard-to-find bottles. Southern hospitality, hearty dishes, and good whiskey – a winning combination if there ever was one. Of course, the interior also brings the soul of New Orleans to Sydney, Australia. A perfect choice for a lunch or dinner with friends.
Tower 1, 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo South NSW 2000, Australia
Opened in May 2018, The Bavarian Rouse Hill has a spacious dining area with 350 seats as well as a welcoming outdoor space for around 30 seats. The Bavarian menu features hearty dishes and modernized classics along with hot dogs, schnitzels, and popular craft beers. Good tip: on Thursdays, you can get 2-for-1 cocktails here.
You can enjoy the atmosphere, good food and great drinks of an Oktoberfest celebration -all year round – by dropping by Munich Brauhaus The Rocks. Step inside, order a schnitzel and a German beer from the lederhosen-wearing waiting staff and enjoy the cheerful music played by the oompah pah band. Prost!* *“Cheers!” in German
Playfair St & Argyle Street, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Perfect for a lunch or dinner with friends, El Camino Cantina offers a blend of Tex-Mex food, margaritas, and rock’n’roll classics. This fun and vibrant restaurant complements its fajitas, quesadillas and tacos with tequilas, mezcals, the aforementioned margaritas, and a range of local and imported craft beers. And since this is not an ordinary place, customers can also enjoy the complimentary hot chips and salsas, served from two restored 1957 Chevy trunks.
Seafood lovers will probably fall in love with Catalina Rose Bay. Opened in 1994, this family-owned restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-inspired food, with sustainable seafood and free range meat sourced from Australia’s best producers. The dining area is also a thing to behold: floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the harbor and flood the room with natural light.
The Meat & Wine Co Barangaroo welcomes diners with an interior that blends tribal influences, bright color accents, bold patterns, and an abundance of wooden surfaces. As the name suggests, you can get some awesome steaks here, including kangaroo and premium beef exclusively sourced for the restaurant, as well as wine from Australian or international producers.
International Tower One, 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
If you’re looking for something more special, stop by Firedoor. This Sydney restaurant puts fire at the foundation of its menu, even using different types of wood to highlight the flavors of the ingredients. The open kitchen gives the perfect view of the custom wood-fired ovens, Australian-made hearth, and grills, for a truly sizzling dining out experience!
Stepping inside Automata, one can’t help but admire the industrial-chic and ultra-refined interior. And the exquisite dishes look just as gorgeous. Apart from the seriously photogenic design, the food also takes fine dining to another level. The menu changes regularly with the seasons and the dishes come with recommended drinks that enhance the flavors further to make a visit to Automata one to remember.
50 Drumalbyn Rd, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023, Australia
Elegant and romantic, Restaurant Hubert is a perfect choice for a date night. The decor features wood paneling on the walls, soft and warm lighting, wooden chairs, red drapes, candles, and a large piano. The epitome of fine dining, the menu includes many French cuisine classics made with creative twists. A major plus for wine lovers, the wine list includes bottles of the same type of wine, but sourced from different vineyards to allow the customers to appreciate the diverse flavor profiles.
