Nestled along Australias dazzling east coast, Sydney has been the continents number one travel destination for decades. From the glistening harbor and its Sydney Opera House to the sun-kissed shores of Bondi Beach - the city effortlessly blends natural wonders with a thriving cultural scene. Keep reading to find out about our favorite luxury hotels, must-visit galleries and some of the best places to shop. In addition, we feature a variety of restaurants and cafés, including well-known classics, hidden gems and locals go-to spots.
Hotels
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Four Seasons Sydney
If you are looking for a luxurious spa retreat with one of the best locations in town, the Four Seasons is the right choice for you. The rooms and suites are elegantly designed and offer unbeatable views over Sydneys Harbour. After a long day of exploring the city, relax on a lounge chair at The Cabana, the hotels outdoor terrace with a seasonal poolside restaurant and swimming pool. Besides offering 24-hours in-room dining, don't miss out on their in-house restaurant Mode Kitchen & Bar, serving contemporary Australian cuisine.
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Capella Sydney
The newly opened Capella Sydney by the prestigious Capella Hotels & Resorts is a five star luxury hotel in the heart of the city and absolutely stunning. Each room and suite is decorated in natural beige and brown tones which creates a soothing atmosphere. One of the hotels highlights is its spa and wellness space, exclusively for in-house guests. Due to its central location in the CBD, you can walk just 10 minutes to Sydneys most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House.
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Crystalbrook Albion
One of our favorite boutique hotels in all of Sydney is the Crystalbrook Albion. Located in Surry Hills, the creative district of the city, the hotel has the perfect location to explore its art galleries, cafés and restaurants. Every room and suite is individually furnished with Art-Deco elements and sophisticated furniture, which makes every stay at this hidden gem extra unique.
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Restaurants & Cafés
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Breakfast & Brunch
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bills Surry Hills
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Modern breakfast spot in Surry Hills loved by locals.
Location | 359 Crown St Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales 2010 Australia
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Single O Surry Hills
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Neighborhood café serving high quality coffee since 2003.
Location | 60-64 Reservoir St, Sydney, New South Wales 2010 Australia
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The Walrus Cafe
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Lovely atmosphere and signature dishes. Find their new 2nd cafè in Waverley.
Location | Polding House 276 Pitt St, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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Four Ate Five
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Cool brunch spot in Surry Hills adored by locals.
Location | 485 Crown St Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales 2010 Australia
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Basket Brothers
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Delicious breakfast dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Location | 184 Elizabeth St Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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Valentinas Sydney
Known for: All-day American-style diner serving classic American breakfast dishes.
Location | 132 Livingstone Road, Marrickville, New South Wales 2204 Australia
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Sammy Junior
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options
Known for: Sister venue of popular cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, loved for their breakfast and focaccia. On Thursday evenings, don't miss 'Jazz Thursday' with live jazz band and happy/aperitivo hour.
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Lunch
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Rafi
Cuisine: Australian | Contemporary
Known for: Vibrant interior and exterior design and menu focused on seafood.
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Pilu At Freshwater
Cuisine: Italian | Sardinian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Stunning views over the ocean and regional Italian dishes.
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St Siandra
Cuisine: Mediterranean | Seafood
Known for: Mediterranean restaurant with private beach at The Spit serving local seafood and more.
Location |75 Lower Parriwi Road The Spit, Mosman, New South Wales 2088 Australia
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Grana
Cuisine: Italian | Australian
Known for: Diverse menu featuring sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
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Londres 126
Cuisine: Mexican
Known for: Centrally located restaurant with cozy interior and exciting Mexican menu.
Location | 8 Loftus Street, Quay Quarters, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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Mr. Wong
Cuisine: Chinese | Asian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Modern Cantonese-style cuisine on two levels. Must-Try: Dim Sum (lunch only).
Location | 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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Catalina
Cuisine: Contemporary | Seafood
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Fresh upscale seafood dishes and waterfront location with panoramic views.
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Clove Lane
Cuisine: Australian
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Chic modern bistro near Queens Park with daily changing menu.
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Sala
Cuisine: Italian | Seafood
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Waterfront dining with harbor views and menu focused on Italian cuisine and fresh seafood.
Location | 26-32 Pirrama Rd Lower Deck Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales 2009 Australia
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Snacks
Mapo Newtown
Cuisine: Dessert | Italian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: One of Sydneys best gelaterias. Freshly made and sustainable.
Location | 123 King street, Newtown, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042 Australia
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Dinner
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Parlar
Cuisine: Spanish
Known for: Fine dining restaurant with Catalonian-inspired menu, including tapas, seafood and seasonal cocktails.
Location | 81 Macleay Street Shop 1, Sydney, New South Wales 2011 Australia
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AALIA
Cuisine: Lebanese | Mediterranean | Middle Eastern
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Creative middle eastern cuisine and futuristic interior design.
Location | Mlc Centre 25 Martin Pl Shop 7.07 + 7.08, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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Bentley
Cuisine: Australian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Award-winning modern Australian cuisine and industrial-chic interior.
Location | Radisson Blu Hotel 27 O'Connell St, Sydney CBD, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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sixpenny
Cuisine: Australian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Contemporary Australian cuisine with always-changing menu.
Location | 83 Percival Rd, Stanmore, Sydney, New South Wales 2048 Australia
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Cho Cho San
Cuisine: Japanese | Asian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Minimalistic interior and creative approach to the traditions and heritage of Japanese cuisine.
Location | 73 Macleay St, Sydney, New South Wales 2011 Australia
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NOMAD
Cuisine: Mediterranean | Australian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Large wine list and menu with ingredients sourced from local farmers.
Location | 16 Foster St Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales 2010 Australia
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El Indio Bondi Beach
Cuisine: South American | Colombian | Street Food
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Authentic, local street food restaurant serving high quality food. All dishes on their menu are gluten free.
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Fred's
Cuisine: Australian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Rustic restaurant with welcoming atmosphere and open kitchen.
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Esteban
Cuisine: Mexican
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Dishes are made with traditional Mexican cooking techniques with a modern Australian twist.
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The Apollo
Cuisine: Greek | Mediterranean
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Contemporary Greek taverna loved by locals in the heart of Potts Point.
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Bistro 916
Cuisine: French
Vegetarian Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: French-style bistro in Potts Point open seven days a week. Tip: Visit for lunch from Friday - Sunday for a great atmosphere.
Location | 22 Challis Ave, Sydney, New South Wales 2011 Australia
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Cafe Paci
Cuisine: International
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Creative dishes and airy, bistro-chic interior with midnight blue booth.
Location | 131 King St, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042 Australia
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Ester
Cuisine: Australian | International
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Casual fine dining restaurant with two unique set menus and a one-page a la carte menu.
Location | 46 -52 Meagher St Chippendale, Sydney, New South Wales 2008 Australia
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Bars & Drinks
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Archie Rose Distilling & Co.
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Award-winning distillery and bar offering tasting sessions, masterclasses and more experiences. (Sold out fast!)
Location | 85 Dunning Ave, Sydney, New South Wales 2018 Australia
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10 William St
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Wine bar with great atmosphere and large wine list.
Location | 10 William St, Sydney, New South Wales 2021 Australia
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Little Felix
Known for: French-Style cocktail bar with moody lighting and leather seating. Are you looking for a restaurant nearby? Visit the French brasserie Felix right next door.
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Bar Topa
Known for: Spanish tapas bar with vibrant atmosphere in CBD.
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Dear Sainte Éloise
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Cozy wine bar with seasonal changing menu.
Location | 5/29 Orwell Street Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales 2011 Australia
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Activities
Museums & Art Galleries
One of the most known museum in Sydney is the Art Gallery of News South Wales, which showcases the work of important International and Australian artists. The museum is open daily and admissions are free. Right next to the Art Gallery of NSW, visit the newly opened Sydney Modern Project designed by Japanese architects SANAA (The Rolex Learning Center, Switzerland; New Museum of Contemporary Art, NYC). At the entrance of the new building, visitors are welcomed by a huge sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. More noteworthy galleries with focus on contemporary art are Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) and White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale.
Shopping
At The Intersection in Paddington you'll find all high-end Australian fashion brands, including Zimmerman and Dion Lee. The shopping district can be found at the corner of Paddington's Oxford Street and and Glenmore Road. All boutiques are located between charming cafés and galleries, creating a lavish shopping atmosphere.
If you prefer to browse through multiple high-end brands in one and the same store, check out the designer concept & retail stores Incu (A.P.C., Acne Studios, Comme des Garçons & more), Parlour X (Alaïa, Chloe, Valentino & more).
Bondi Beach
One of the prettiest beaches, if not the prettiest beach in Sydney, is Bondi Beach. A great way to spend the day in Bondi would be a hike from here to Coogee beach: First, go to lunch at one of our listed lunch spots in town. Then walk along the beach towards restaurant Icebergs. Here you'll find the legendary swimming pool on the cliffs directly by the ocean. After going for a swim at Bondi Icebergs Club, keep walking down the coast where you'll come across smaller beaches including Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach. While making your way to Coogee beach, keep your eyes open for breaching whales in the distance.
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