If Sydney was somewhere other than Australia, its locals would be insufferable—high on their good fortune for living in one of the world’s loveliest cities, where surfers and top chefs rub elbows at the farmers’ markets, and seemingly everyone has a water view. But, of course, these are laid-back Aussies, who will happily share their long summers and mild winters, rock pools and beaches, incredible restaurants, and vibrant arts and culture scene with the rest of the world.
Brett Stevens
Sydney Travel Guide
Plan Your Sydney Trip
Featured
In Manly, Australia, Love for the Surf Goes Deep
Though Manly, just a quick ferry ride from Central Sydney, has morphed in the last two decades from a scruffy commuter hub into the picture of antipodean easy living, it's still defined by the people who thrive along its shores.
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A Local's Guide to Australia
Model Nathan McGuire on his love of Western Australia and the rise of Indigenous fashion.
How to Responsibly Interact with Marine Life
What to keep in mind when you’re booking tours or planning other activities that involve marine life.
25 Best Hotels in Sydney
Our picks for where to stay during your next visit.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- $$
Ace Hotel Sydney
The focus on both the creative and First Nation communities of Sydney place this designer outpost of Ace above the rest.Read full review - $$$
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Named after the Zulu word for ‘healer,’ this cocooning sanctuary sits in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, over an hour away from regional hub Katoomba's tourist-flocked trails.Read full review - $$$
The Langham, Sydney
A luxe sanctuary for the well-dressed and well-off, including a renowned spa, delicious dining, and even an urban tennis court.Read full review - $$$
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
A sophisticated skyscraper for the international jet-set with top-notch views and Sydney's largest heated outdoor pool.Read full review - $$
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
You’re close to the city centre but away from the madding crowds at this graceful retreat a skip from the harbour, ideal for fashionistas keen to shop, sip and sup.Read full review - $$$
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Brilliant views, a blissful spa, seamless service, and a clientele of international elite, the Shangri-La delivers in spades.Read full review - $$$
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor
Chill out at the infinity pool, with jaw-dropping city views from the water and day-beds. Even the modern gym has million dollar vistas.Read full review - $
Medusa Hotel
Sassy, passionate concierges compliment this colourful charmer of a hotel in Darlinghurst.Read full review - $$$
Jonah's, Whale Beach
A clifftop oceanfront retreat, an hour's drive north of Sydney, or 20-minutes by seaplane, appeals to chic weekenders and lucky foodies.Read full review - $$
Spicers Vineyards Estate
Just a two hours’ drive north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley wine region, this small-scale retreat is just far enough for a long weekend away.Read full review - $$
The Old Clare Hotel
This is the first Australian hotel by stylish Singaporean hospitality player Unlisted Collection, and its two bold restaurants are a major draw.Read full review
The Best Things to Do in Sydney
22 Best Things to Do in Sydney
What to do when you're in town, from the best neighborhoods to wander to the coolest seaside strolls.15 Best Beaches in Sydney
Sure, you know Bondi—but there's way more sun and sand to be had in this beach-crazy metropolis.15 Best Museums in Sydney
There's more to Sydney than beachfront stretches and bright cafés—just consult this list of the city's best museums for proof.16 Best Parks in Sydney
Where to walk, ride, cycle, stroll, and relax in town.3 Best Day Trips from Sydney
Hit the road for Blue Mountain vistas, beachy hikes, and world-class boozing—in that order.
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Editor Recommendations
- Landmark
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most charming inner-city neighborhoods, with tree-fringed terrace houses, sociable cafés, and stylish stores attracting a creative crowd.Read full review - Cinema
Golden Age Cinema and Bar
Travel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached.Read full review - Landmark
Sydney Opera House
With its sweeping sails, the iconic Sydney Opera House is the symbol of the city, set front and center on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point.Read full review - Beach
Bondi Beach
Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz.Read full review - Spa
Spa Anise at Spicers Vineyards Estate
You're probably already unwinding at Spicers—but a trip to the spa never hurt.Read full review - Gallery
Brett Whiteley Studio
For insight into one of Australia’s most talented contemporary artists, discover the home and studio of the late Brett Whiteley, one of Sydney’s best-kept (free-to-visit) secrets.Read full review
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Musician Tkay Maidza on Carving Space for Herself in Australian Hip-Hop: Women Who Travel Podcast
We catch up with the singer on the latest episode of the podcast.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Sydney
29 Best Restaurants in Sydney
Our picks for where to eat when you're in town.21 Best Bars in Sydney
A new wave of bars have added international flavor to the city's once-stodgy bar scene.15 Best Coffee Shops in Sydney
In case you haven't already heard, the sunny city's brews are arguably some of the best in the world.15 Best Breakfasts in Sydney
Because a day at Bondi Beach requires serious fuel.Your Ultimate Guide to Sydney Dining
Eating your way through a new city can be exciting, sometimes strange, and overwhelming, yet it’s always an interesting way to discover a new destination. Aubrey from The Love Assembly shares few Sydney food favorites to try on your next visit down under.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Restaurant
Yum Cha at Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant
Going for yum cha is a Sydney tradition, with locals and visitors alike savoring delicious Cantonese treats with tea. - Restaurant
The Newport
This iconic Northern Beaches spot began as a humble pub—it's now a sprawling indoor-outdoor restaurant with an embarrassment of dining options. - Restaurant
Circa 1876
A farm-to-fork philosophy rules at Circa 1876, the rustic-romantic restaurant at the Convent Hunter Valley Hotel. - Restaurant
Muse Restaurant
This destination restaurant at the mouth of Pokolbin, in the heart of Hunter Valley, draws foodies from near and far to sample its pretty plates of indigenous-meets-Asian food. - Restaurant
The Lookout Echo Point
Treat yourself post-trek at one of the Lookout's three dining venues overlooking the Blue Mountains—we like Restaurant 1128 for the stellar views from its wraparound terrace. - Bar
Valley Bar & Terrace Lounge
The bar may be intimate and cosy, but the views are epic and sweeping at Valley Bar & Terrace Lounge, part of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Grab a glass of Australian white from the 150-bottle strong cellar and head straight for the veranda. - Cafe
Rising Sun Workshop
Catch up with friends at this funky second-story cafe, where every “coffee drunk, cookie dunked, and noodle slurped” supports the ground-floor motorcycle club. - Cafe
Celsius Coffee Co.
Just a seven-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and set above the aquamarine waters of Kirribilli Wharf, Celsius is the perfect way to start your morning, Sydney-style. - Cafe
Showbox Coffee Brewers
The tourist hordes heading to Manly’s ocean beaches don’t pass by this way, so expect an intimate crowd of hip young locals and caffeinated Sydneysiders sipping beans at this small, industrial-style café. - Cafe
Brewtown Coffee Roasters
Regulars come for the cracking coffee, tasty food, and cool interiors, including eye-catching hexagonal white-tiled tabletops. - Cafe
Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar & Roastery
Surry Hills is full of media, hospitality, and fashion types—and they're all hooked on this next-level caffeine. - Cafe
Mecca Coffee
This industrial-chic warehouse is frequented by serious coffee drinkers, who drop by to refuel on seasonal house blends, espresso blends, and coffees sourced from Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. - Cafe
Single O Surry Hills
Formerly Single Origin Roasters, but renamed Single O after customers shortened the name, in true Aussie style, this Surry Hills corner café has been pouring quality coffees since 2003. - Cafe
Paramount Coffee Project
Sydney’s alternative movers and shakers, as well as in-the-know globetrotters, seek out PCP for its exceptional roster of both Australian and international roasters.
What to Do in Sydney: The Black Book
How to vacation in the city with a lifestyle you'd move across oceans for.
More from Sydney
Air Travel
Qantas’ New First-Class Suites Will Make Flying Nonstop From New York to Sydney a Breeze
Coming in 2025, the suites will fly nonstop from New York to Australia and feature a separate bed, lounge chair, personal closet, and more.
News & Advice
Qantas Considers In-Flight Cafes, Meditation Zones on Its Future Planes
The Australian airline asked passengers what perks they wanted to make a 20-hour flight more comfortable. People got creative.
Destinations
How Sydney Became an LGBTQ Destination
An inspiring story that starts with convicts and ends with Cher.
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