Food Scene
Our top pick. We are always there. It has great food and nice atmosphere, and is truly local.
15
íbúar mæla meðBar Zini
78 Harris St15
íbúar mæla meðOur top pick. We are always there. It has great food and nice atmosphere, and is truly local.
Picturesque waterside location, on an old wharf, and it's open from 7am for the cool people who grab brekkie on the way to the desk. Early mornings are especially attractive on the water.
10
íbúar mæla meðCafe Morso
10
íbúar mæla meðPicturesque waterside location, on an old wharf, and it's open from 7am for the cool people who grab brekkie on the way to the desk. Early mornings are especially attractive on the water.
It's a good yum cha lunch spot for a weekend in easy walking distance and upstairs from the busy fish markets.
Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant
It's a good yum cha lunch spot for a weekend in easy walking distance and upstairs from the busy fish markets.
Recommended by some Indian guests who were keen to find some good Indian food. The food and atmosphere are great, staff are friendly and it's full of cricketing memorabilia!
Surjit's Indian Restaurant
215 Parramatta RdRecommended by some Indian guests who were keen to find some good Indian food. The food and atmosphere are great, staff are friendly and it's full of cricketing memorabilia!
It's one of a kind. It's not in the immediate neighbourhood, but if you want to stop off on the way to or from Bondi, this place is fantastic. Choose from the classically simple bagel, a variety of amazing pastries including perfect strudels, and an array of ice-creams made there including the uniquely refreshing rose and pomegranate.
19
íbúar mæla meðWellington Cake Shop
157 Bondi Rd19
íbúar mæla meðIt's one of a kind. It's not in the immediate neighbourhood, but if you want to stop off on the way to or from Bondi, this place is fantastic. Choose from the classically simple bagel, a variety of amazing pastries including perfect strudels, and an array of ice-creams made there including the uniquely refreshing rose and pomegranate.
Outstanding Taiwanese restaurant, in a charcterful old church hall an easy walk from home.
9
íbúar mæla meðBlue Eye Dragon
37 Pyrmont St9
íbúar mæla meðOutstanding Taiwanese restaurant, in a charcterful old church hall an easy walk from home.
Finest, innovative Aussie dining in a truly beautiful modern setting. Everything about Lumi is superb. Check out their website for the menu and to see how lovely the room is. Very special.
9
íbúar mæla meðLuMi Bar and Dining
56 Pirrama Rd9
íbúar mæla meðFinest, innovative Aussie dining in a truly beautiful modern setting. Everything about Lumi is superb. Check out their website for the menu and to see how lovely the room is. Very special.
This is a $$$$ spot for a special dinner BUT you can also just have a drink at the bar on the wharf's end. We take the dog and have a wine while the sun goes down - it's a treat.
13
íbúar mæla meðFlying Fish
80 Pyrmont St13
íbúar mæla meðThis is a $$$$ spot for a special dinner BUT you can also just have a drink at the bar on the wharf's end. We take the dog and have a wine while the sun goes down - it's a treat.
Large cheerful family friendly Italian eatery, always good for a carb hit. It's great traditional Italian food. Avoid the high chair session at 6pm if you want to be romantic. Otherwise, enjoy the warm atmosphere and the tasty meals. A reliable and satisfying stalwart.
16
íbúar mæla meðMade In Italy Pyrmont
55 Miller St16
íbúar mæla meðLarge cheerful family friendly Italian eatery, always good for a carb hit. It's great traditional Italian food. Avoid the high chair session at 6pm if you want to be romantic. Otherwise, enjoy the warm atmosphere and the tasty meals. A reliable and satisfying stalwart.
This is a classy local bakery that does high end delicious bread and cakes, which you can take away or eat in the shop
12
íbúar mæla meðPioik Bakery
176-178 Harris St12
íbúar mæla meðThis is a classy local bakery that does high end delicious bread and cakes, which you can take away or eat in the shop
There's no way to describe Sydney's Chinatown. Just go there! It's busy, especially early evenings and weekends. It's jam packed with millions of people, and restaurants of such a huge variety you will always be wondering if this is THE one. It's hard not to have a good time here.
74
íbúar mæla meðChinatown Sydney
82-84 Dixon St74
íbúar mæla meðThere's no way to describe Sydney's Chinatown. Just go there! It's busy, especially early evenings and weekends. It's jam packed with millions of people, and restaurants of such a huge variety you will always be wondering if this is THE one. It's hard not to have a good time here.
This refurbished industrial site is now a lively foodie's hub, with a huge range of restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and bars, jumping with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. It's urban and hip with a great vibe. You can have a drink, or a coffee or breakfast, or tapas, or a sit down meal in style. Go early evening to get a table. Easily reached on the Light Rail.
76
íbúar mæla meðTramsheds
1 Dalgal Way76
íbúar mæla meðThis refurbished industrial site is now a lively foodie's hub, with a huge range of restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and bars, jumping with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. It's urban and hip with a great vibe. You can have a drink, or a coffee or breakfast, or tapas, or a sit down meal in style. Go early evening to get a table. Easily reached on the Light Rail.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Casino is NOT the reason I recommend this. Try instead the array of restaurants and the amazing food court, where you'll get dumplings like no others at Dai Tin Fung, ice cream that redefines the species at Messina, Macaroons and tasty sweet treats made before your eyes at Zumbo...and that's just the start. There are fine dining restaurants and bars with live music as well as the Lyric Theatre, where award winning musiclas are staged.
92
íbúar mæla meðThe Star
80 Pyrmont St92
íbúar mæla meðThe Casino is NOT the reason I recommend this. Try instead the array of restaurants and the amazing food court, where you'll get dumplings like no others at Dai Tin Fung, ice cream that redefines the species at Messina, Macaroons and tasty sweet treats made before your eyes at Zumbo...and that's just the start. There are fine dining restaurants and bars with live music as well as the Lyric Theatre, where award winning musiclas are staged.
Top class jazz venue and bar just down the road, live music most nights. Book ahead if there's a big name or just wander in and take a chance.
Foundry 616
616 Harris StTop class jazz venue and bar just down the road, live music most nights. Book ahead if there's a big name or just wander in and take a chance.
Funky local wine bar, in an old sandstone building, with a courtyard. Great for all ages, busy busy after work scene on Fridays. Sit out with your beer or wine and watch the world pass at quieter times.
26
íbúar mæla meðGallon
117 Harris St26
íbúar mæla meðFunky local wine bar, in an old sandstone building, with a courtyard. Great for all ages, busy busy after work scene on Fridays. Sit out with your beer or wine and watch the world pass at quieter times.
Sightseeing
It's ALIVE. It's busy and crowded and noisy and exciting, and just five minutes away. The array of fish is unbelievable. You can admire the produce then join the throng on the outdoor tables by the water, or choose sushi, or go upstairs for magnificent yum cha.It's got one of the best delis in Sydney, a great baker, a liquor store. Cross the carpark to the most glamous butcher in the world where (after admiring the meat as if it was a department store), you can have an burger from their smokehouse. If your jet lag means you're up early, this place is a must.
182
íbúar mæla meðSydney Fish Market
182
íbúar mæla meðIt's ALIVE. It's busy and crowded and noisy and exciting, and just five minutes away. The array of fish is unbelievable. You can admire the produce then join the throng on the outdoor tables by the water, or choose sushi, or go upstairs for magnificent yum cha.It's got one of the best delis in Sydney, a great baker, a liquor store. Cross the carpark to the most glamous butcher in the world where (after admiring the meat as if it was a department store), you can have an burger from their smokehouse. If your jet lag means you're up early, this place is a must.
This is our top secret Sydney treat. Everyone knows The Bridge, and lots of visitors do Bridge Climb, but we prefer this. There's almost never anyone there, it's a bit quaint and old style. The view is intimate and comfortable. The surrounding area is very interesting with lots of sights to see. Get yourself to The Rocks (tourist Central) and find Observatory Hill. Find 'Bridge Stairs' in Cumberland St and you're on your way. Observatory Hill has a nice little art gallery with a cafe. The Observatory itself is worth a visit. You can also walk across the Harbour Bridge from here, and at the other end take a ferry back from Kirribilli if you want a round trip.
24
íbúar mæla meðPylon Lookout
24
íbúar mæla meðThis is our top secret Sydney treat. Everyone knows The Bridge, and lots of visitors do Bridge Climb, but we prefer this. There's almost never anyone there, it's a bit quaint and old style. The view is intimate and comfortable. The surrounding area is very interesting with lots of sights to see. Get yourself to The Rocks (tourist Central) and find Observatory Hill. Find 'Bridge Stairs' in Cumberland St and you're on your way. Observatory Hill has a nice little art gallery with a cafe. The Observatory itself is worth a visit. You can also walk across the Harbour Bridge from here, and at the other end take a ferry back from Kirribilli if you want a round trip.
That's the proper name for Sydney Harbour. It's breathtakingly lovely and there are many was to 'do' it: but nothing is nicer than sitting on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach. Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks. Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
6
íbúar mæla meðPort Jackson
6
íbúar mæla meðThat's the proper name for Sydney Harbour. It's breathtakingly lovely and there are many was to 'do' it: but nothing is nicer than sitting on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach. Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks. Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
Arts & Culture
MUST DO!! Go to a concert (there are all genres), a play or the Opera. If that's not your bag, focus on the building. Take a tour and then enjoy the ambience at one of the outdoor restaurants and bars on the Concourse. At night and on weekend afternoons there's live music and the joint gets jumpin'. Its also a big cocktail scene for the after work crowd.
Insider hint: Visitors with an interest in the performing arts will get a kick out of a Backstage Tour. Seeing behind the scenes is a special thing. If there's a rehearsal in progress you are allowed to watch.
Sydney
MUST DO!! Go to a concert (there are all genres), a play or the Opera. If that's not your bag, focus on the building. Take a tour and then enjoy the ambience at one of the outdoor restaurants and bars on the Concourse. At night and on weekend afternoons there's live music and the joint gets jumpin'. Its also a big cocktail scene for the after work crowd.
Insider hint: Visitors with an interest in the performing arts will get a kick out of a Backstage Tour. Seeing behind the scenes is a special thing. If there's a rehearsal in progress you are allowed to watch.
It's just a walk away, and as well as the internal exhibitions also has a variety of vessels on the wharves outside.
25
íbúar mæla meðAustralian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray St25
íbúar mæla meðIt's just a walk away, and as well as the internal exhibitions also has a variety of vessels on the wharves outside.
Top pick. Superb NSW State Art collection, in a grand building located in a scenic spot. Enjoy the art, the restaurant and cafes, and take a walk outside in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or by Woolloomooloo Bay. Quintessential Sydney.
321
íbúar mæla meðArt Gallery of New South Wales
321
íbúar mæla meðTop pick. Superb NSW State Art collection, in a grand building located in a scenic spot. Enjoy the art, the restaurant and cafes, and take a walk outside in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or by Woolloomooloo Bay. Quintessential Sydney.
The coolest, most interesting and enlivening gallery to hit Sydney for years. Great area for a walkaround.
173
íbúar mæla meðWhite Rabbit Gallery
30 Balfour St173
íbúar mæla meðThe coolest, most interesting and enlivening gallery to hit Sydney for years. Great area for a walkaround.
This Contemporary Art gallery is exciting, edgy and brilliantly located on the harbour shore between Circular Quay and The Rocks. It has two smart eateries as well.
304
íbúar mæla meðMuseum of Contemporary Art Australia
140 George St304
íbúar mæla meðThis Contemporary Art gallery is exciting, edgy and brilliantly located on the harbour shore between Circular Quay and The Rocks. It has two smart eateries as well.
Parks & Nature
It's world famous and it should be. Don't miss it, and allow a half day or more. You can catch the 389 bus from the corner of Harris St, or hitch a ride any Saturday morning with Michael, who is a dedicated ocean swimmer. If you want a dip we'll lend you towels. There's a good headland walk from Bondi heading south to the next beaches, Tamarama, Bronte and on to Coogee, but if you can swim (between the flags!) then it's a wonderful place to go from dawn to dusk any time of the year, whether there's a wave on or not. And it's as magical in the rain and wind as it is on a beautiful sunny day.
32
íbúar mæla meðBondi Beach
32
íbúar mæla meðIt's world famous and it should be. Don't miss it, and allow a half day or more. You can catch the 389 bus from the corner of Harris St, or hitch a ride any Saturday morning with Michael, who is a dedicated ocean swimmer. If you want a dip we'll lend you towels. There's a good headland walk from Bondi heading south to the next beaches, Tamarama, Bronte and on to Coogee, but if you can swim (between the flags!) then it's a wonderful place to go from dawn to dusk any time of the year, whether there's a wave on or not. And it's as magical in the rain and wind as it is on a beautiful sunny day.
Exceptionally lovely gardens on the shore of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), opposite the Art Gallery, adjacent to the Opera House and Circular Quay. The Gardens shop is excellent for tasteful souvenirs, and the restaurant is a great choice for a slow lunch. In Summer there's an outdoor cinema.
393
íbúar mæla meðRoyal Botanic Gardens
393
íbúar mæla meðExceptionally lovely gardens on the shore of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), opposite the Art Gallery, adjacent to the Opera House and Circular Quay. The Gardens shop is excellent for tasteful souvenirs, and the restaurant is a great choice for a slow lunch. In Summer there's an outdoor cinema.
It's just outside our door and is the perfect place for a walk, a jog, or just a sit in the sun. There's a coffee shop and a great children's playground. The park is the ideal spot to watch the New Year's fireworks. Explore the upper park as well, for even more expansive views over the harbour.
26
íbúar mæla meðPirrama Park
26
íbúar mæla meðIt's just outside our door and is the perfect place for a walk, a jog, or just a sit in the sun. There's a coffee shop and a great children's playground. The park is the ideal spot to watch the New Year's fireworks. Explore the upper park as well, for even more expansive views over the harbour.
Getting Around
John Street Square
7
íbúar mæla meðEasy and regular trip into Central station.
Nothing is nicer than sitting in the sun on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach.
Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks.
Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
7
íbúar mæla meðCircular Quay Wharf 3
7
íbúar mæla meðNothing is nicer than sitting in the sun on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach.
Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks.
Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
The corner of Harris and John St is your hub. Taxis are plentiful around the clock, Walk there and wait - this is much faster than calling one. Uber drivers are often not familiar with Pyrmont. The bus stop (Route 389, through the city to Bondi - a great route for tourists) and the Light Rail are there as well.
Harris Street
The corner of Harris and John St is your hub. Taxis are plentiful around the clock, Walk there and wait - this is much faster than calling one. Uber drivers are often not familiar with Pyrmont. The bus stop (Route 389, through the city to Bondi - a great route for tourists) and the Light Rail are there as well.
OK, it's not the New York Hi Line, but it's a short stretch of converted railway that's developed on the same lines, and it's worth using it if you're walking up to Central station or UTS.
The Goods Line
OK, it's not the New York Hi Line, but it's a short stretch of converted railway that's developed on the same lines, and it's worth using it if you're walking up to Central station or UTS.
This decommissioned 19th century swing bridge spans the mouth of Darling Harbour and it's the footway that connects us to the City. It's one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country, and you will certainly use it. Watch out for cyclists who don't obey the rules about pedestrian priority! On Sundays the bridge is opened on the hour and you can visit the old control cabin to see how it works.
7
íbúar mæla meðPyrmont Bridge
7
íbúar mæla meðThis decommissioned 19th century swing bridge spans the mouth of Darling Harbour and it's the footway that connects us to the City. It's one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country, and you will certainly use it. Watch out for cyclists who don't obey the rules about pedestrian priority! On Sundays the bridge is opened on the hour and you can visit the old control cabin to see how it works.
Entertainment & Activities
A little quirky, but if you don't mind oddball...it's Sydney's greyhound racing track. They have special student nights on Wednesdays where you can get fish and chips, a drink, and some entertainment (both the dogs and the others in the crowd!) for less than $20.
9
íbúar mæla meðWentworth Park Greyhounds
3 Wentworth Park Rd9
íbúar mæla meðA little quirky, but if you don't mind oddball...it's Sydney's greyhound racing track. They have special student nights on Wednesdays where you can get fish and chips, a drink, and some entertainment (both the dogs and the others in the crowd!) for less than $20.
Newtown is an individual hip strip of restaurants, bars, bakeries, pubs, funky clothing, tattoo parlours, theatres and a cinema. It's a great spot for anyone to browse, but proximity to Sydney Uni has always meant students make it home. If you're a young one, get on over there,
200
íbúar mæla meðNewtown
200
íbúar mæla meðNewtown is an individual hip strip of restaurants, bars, bakeries, pubs, funky clothing, tattoo parlours, theatres and a cinema. It's a great spot for anyone to browse, but proximity to Sydney Uni has always meant students make it home. If you're a young one, get on over there,
Great mix of bars restaurants, kids parks, street performers, events, fireworks every Saturday night...it's just round the corner. Don't miss the Maritime Museum, and the Aquarium. King St Wharf and Cockle Bay are just over the water - MORE fun, lively precincts with great eateries and the pick up/dropoff point for tourist ferries..
41
íbúar mæla meðDarling Harbour
41
íbúar mæla meðGreat mix of bars restaurants, kids parks, street performers, events, fireworks every Saturday night...it's just round the corner. Don't miss the Maritime Museum, and the Aquarium. King St Wharf and Cockle Bay are just over the water - MORE fun, lively precincts with great eateries and the pick up/dropoff point for tourist ferries..