Want to do a Sydney long weekend like a local? We’ve got you covered. All you need are these insider tips on what to eat, drink, see, and do. You’re welcome 😉
Eat
Walk down any street in Sydney and you’ll find fantastic eats. For a quick bite, local faves like Humble, Cairo Takeaway, Yulli’s, Good Ways Deli, and Blackwood Bondi are all winners. But you’re on holiday, right? And what’s a holiday without a good long lunch or fancy dinner? Head to Ragazzi for unbelievable pasta, Ester for inspired modern Australian, Bloodwood for one of the most gluten-friendly (and delicious!) menus in town, Good Luck Restaurant Lounge for creative and eclectic Asian fusion, or Yellow – the first vegan restaurant in Sydney to be awarded two Chef Hats. Sweet tooths, don’t go home without trying a scoop of Anita gelato or one of Flour and Stone’s unreal pannacotta lamingtons. Your tastebuds will thank you 🤤
Drink
Beer, wine, spirits, mocktails, caffeine – whatever your tipple, you’re sorted in Sydney. If you’re a fan of the suds, you’ll love the craft beer scene in Marrickville – check out Wildflower, The Grifter, and The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre for a start. When it comes to wine, 10 William Street and Poly are classics, but for something a little different make sure you hit up Love, Tilly Devine (named for infamous Darlinghurst local Matlida Devine) and Odd Culture (your go-to for natural wines and wild ales) as well. For spirits, we love JAM Record Bar’s Japanese-inspired cocktails and nibbles, Shady Pines Saloon’s cowboy vibes and small-batch whiskey, Maybe Sammy’s multiple-award-winning cocktails and mocktails (each cocktail is crafted with an alcohol-free doppelgänger in mind), Shell House Sky Bar’s stunning panoramic views, and Seadrift Distillery and So-Bar – Australia’s first non-alcoholic distillery.
Phew! We’re exhausted after that round-up. Lucky Sydney’s also home to exceptional coffee spots, like Single O Café and Sideshow, Primary Roasters, Mecca Coffee Alexandria, and Edition Roasters.
See
Let’s be real – with its stunning coastlines and world-famous landmarks, Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. But there’s more to see than just the Bridge and the Opera House. Go for a stroll through the CBD and you’ll find lots of wonderful public art, including the oh-so-photogenic Angel Place Birdcages. Hop on a bus to Paddington to check out the surprising Paddington Reservoir Gardens – you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled on Roman ruins. If you’re looking for an excuse to go on a ferry, take a ride to Milson’s Point and explore Wendy’s Secret Garden. It’s hands-down the best lunch spot in North Sydney, and – bonus – you can have a wander through Luna Park on the way. There’s also Cockatoo Island Wareamah – another short ferry trip from Circular Quay, and a must-visit for Aussie history buffs. Or if you’re looking for a full-day adventure, you can’t beat one of Sydney’s epic coastal walks. We love the Balls Head and Berry Island Loop – the views are fantastic and the area is rich in Cammeraygal history. Keep your eyes peeled for an ancient carving of a giant whale 😮
Do
What to do? More like where to start? Sydney is home to phenomenal museums and galleries. Classics like The Art Gallery of NSW, the MCA, and the Australian Museum are always worth a visit, but be sure to check out some of the smaller galleries, like White Rabbit, too. For live music, there’s iconic venues like the State Theatre, The Enmore and The Hordern, as well as more intimate spots like The Oxford Art Factory and Mary’s Underground. If you’re a bit of a cinephile, make sure you catch a flick at the Golden Age Cinema and Bar. They take ‘dinner and movie’ to a whole other level.
Get outdoors and you’ll find some incredible gardens and parks. The Royal Botanic Gardens are stunning and play host to loads of fantastic exhibitions, tours and events, while Centennial Parklands is just a massive slice of the country in the heart of the city (and home to the The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden – one of the coolest playgrounds you’ll ever see). And don’t forget the Royal National Park – the second oldest national park in the world.
But what’s a good holiday without some shopping? Head to Pitt Street Mall for all the big brands, then take a stroll through the arcades and galleries for smaller, specialty stores. There’s The Strand (home to Strand Hatters), the QVB (where you’ll find Haigh’s Chocolates – yum!), The Galeries (and the incredible Kinokuniya book store), and more. Keep wandering and you’ll find amazing boutiques like Chinatown Country Club, NOLM, and Incu all over the city. If your trip falls over a weekend, be sure to hit up a market as well – some of our faves include The Rocks Markets, Carriageworks Farmers Market, Rozelle Collectors Markets, and Le Marche. Hope you left room in your suitcase!
Feeling adventurous? There are HEAPS of awesome Sydney day trips, tours and experiences, tours and experiences. If you’re really brave, why not try a winter dip at Bondi Icebergs? They’re not joking when they say it’s cold, but the views – especially at sunrise – are worth it.
Stay
Sydney is full of brilliant stays to suit any budget. Some top picks include Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour for awesome value and comfort, Little National Hotel Sydney for effortless style and an unbeatable location, Hotel Indigo Potts Point for boutique luxury in one of Sydney’s coolest neighbourhoods, Capella Sydney for its GORGEOUS on-site spa, and Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney for a serious home-away-from-home (hello, full-sized fridge and kitchen!).
*Image Credit: Little National Hotel Sydney CBD
PLAN YOUR SYDNEY GETAWAY
