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Where to Stay in Sydney

By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Sydney Hotels

5-Star Hotel: Kimpton Margot
4-Star Hotel: Spicers
3-Star Hotel: ibis Styles
Apartment: Quest
Boutique: Establishment
New: Hotel Morris
Cheap: Darlo Bar
For Family: Adina Bondi Beach
Couples: Ovolo
Views: Pullman Quay Grand
Beach: Crowne Plaza
Pool: Manly Pacific
City Center: Sir Stamford
Hostel: The Branksome

Recreational boats sit in a marina with a view of a city skyline.

Alongside the Ovolo hotel at Woolloomooloo is a lovely marina with spectacular views of the city.

The Best Areas to Stay in Sydney

Boasting one of the most glorious locations on earth, Sydney is the most populated city in Australia (although it is due to be overtaken by its fierce rival, Melbourne, in the coming decade). Visitors – and proud locals – can relish the history and charm of The Rocks, explore seemingly endless inner-city parks, and splash about stunning beaches only a 15-minute drive from the City Center. Moreover, everyone can use the excellent public transport and enjoy the (usually) sunny weather. On every corner and beyond is somewhere to eat, drink, and shop, and the range of accommodations is vast and varied.

Sydney Neighborhoods

The City Center from Sydney Harbour to Central Station seems to be extending outwards and upwards by the minute. The CBD can be neatly (but unofficially) divided into several areas – each with unique attractions and different facilities. The City Center North is crammed with delightful historic buildings, mega-shopping centers, and luxury hotels, while the City Center South offers more vibrancy and charm because some people live there. Circular Quay is not a quay or circular but is the transport hub for the entire city. Adjacent to Circular Quay, The Rocks oozes history and elegance and is packed with old pubs and modern bistros.

Via the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney is a mini-city with many reasons to visit and stay. Just west of the City Center is the leisure and shopping district of Darling Harbour, where everyone overspends. Across a vast stretch of parks and gardens, the likable suburbs in Eastern Sydney include posh areas like Potts Point and Woolloomooloo and the working-class suburbs of Darlinghurst and Kings Cross (the center for nightlife). For good reasons, many prefer to base themselves at the inner-city beaches of Bondi or Coogee or be near the airport for affordability, convenience, and parking. Otherwise, Manly is the perfect beachside getaway barely 20 minutes across the glorious harbor by ferry.

The Best Places to Stay in Sydney

A tall curved hotel with blue windows overlooks a harbor.

The new and extraordinary W Sydney overlooks Darling Harbour.

Best Areas in Sydney for…

  • Best Areas in Sydney for First-Time Visitors: Potts Point and Woolloomooloo
    Sydney is huge and can be overwhelming even for locals, and the transport, while generally excellent, can be confusing. Stay at Potts Point or Woolloomooloo to escape the relentless crowds, noise, and traffic without being too far from the sights and transport around the City Center. Potts Point is within a 5-10 minute walk of Kings Cross for nightclubs, restaurants, and train line to the City Centre and beyond. Even quieter and trendier, Woolloomooloo is within a 10-15 minute stroll of the City Center (north and south) via the majestic Royal Botanic Garden.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Sightseeing: Circular Quay
    People stand waiting for the ferry to take off.

    Our public ferry ride for a few dollars from Circular Quay to Manly was a terrific way to see the sights along Sydney Harbour.

    Circular Quay is at the far northern end of the city center and alongside Sydney Harbour. It is home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, dominated by the towering Sydney Harbour Bridge, and alongside The Rocks (which needs to be visited several times). Circular Quay is also extremely useful for visiting other attractions in and around Sydney because of the extensive network of trains, light rail trams, and ferries. Moreover, it’s so easy to organize tours and boat trips from kiosks around the ferry wharves (see later). The Visitor Information Centre and its roaming volunteers in red shirts are valuable sources of information.
  • Best Areas in Sydney for Boat Trips: Circular Quay and Darling Harbour
    A small harbor cruise boat sits docked by large buildings.

    An organized cruise across the harbor always includes commentary and, often, food and drink.

    The city is stunningly positioned around the magnificent Sydney Harbour, so a trip along the water is almost obligatory. All public ferries and most boat tours leave from Circular Quay. It’s within a few minutes’ walking distance of the city center and is connected by train and light rail (tram). Companies like Captain Cook Cruises and Fantasea offer standard sightseeing trips from Circular Quay. Others provide something different, like Tribal Warrior (for Aboriginal culture/history) and Journey Beyond Cruises (small and luxurious). The handy Sydney Harbour Hopper boat stops at Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Manly and leaves from Darling Harbour. And remember: it’s easy to enjoy the harbor and visit delightful areas like Watsons Bay and Manly by public ferry for just a few dollars.
  • Best Area in Sydney for History & Culture: The Rocks
    Sydney was first settled almost 250 years ago in a swampy area now known as The Rocks. Wonderfully restored with cobblestoned lanes chiseled by hand and linked by steep rocky steps, the area exudes so much history. Beautifully renovated colonial-era buildings often house boutiques or restaurants, with explanation signs posted about their past. To fully appreciate the dark history of the exploitation of convicts and Indigenous people, visit the family-friendly The Rocks Discovery Museum (free entry) or join a guided walking tour. The weekend markets (10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays) add to the vibrancy, but crowds can be overwhelming, especially in summer, so try a few visits instead of tackling it all at once.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Vibe: Darlinghurst (Eastern Sydney)
    Tables from a restaurant crowd onto the sidewalk.

    Footpaths along Victoria Street through Darlinghurst are jam-packed with cafes – ideal for coffee-drinking and people-watching.

    To experience the “real” Sydney – where people live and enjoy life – get into the suburbs. Just a few minutes’ walk from Kings Cross (only two train stops from the City Center) is the likeably down-to-earth suburb of Darlinghurst. Along both main roads, Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road, which splinters from the junction at Kings Cross, are seemingly endless cafés where locals spend hours sipping coffee and chatting at street-side tables. The parks, churches, and corner shops add to the pleasing inner-city appeal.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Nightlife: Kings Cross
    While there are theaters in the City Center and old-fashioned pubs at The Rocks, many still head to Kings Cross, where it’s busier at midnight than midday. Still trying to shrug off its trashy reputation, Kings Cross is usually quite pleasant during the day but gets more energized, rowdy, and potentially unsafe as the night wears on. Aussie-style pubs serve hearty meals, noisy bars feature live music, and strip clubs that don’t open until 9 pm. Every place to eat, drink, and watch women dance and undress is packed into a tight area. Kings Cross can get quite crowded and, sometimes, unruly late on Friday and Saturday nights and after major sporting events. Take the usual precautions (see later).
  • Best Area in Sydney for Bars and Breweries: The Rocks
    People walk on sidewalks next to an old brewery.

    Many prefer a meal and drink at one of the historic pubs around The Rocks. Get there early in summer for an outside table, especially on weekends.

    It seems every corner along the cobblestoned lanes at The Rocks is occupied by an old-fashioned pub beautifully restored in its original building. Each serves meals like ploughman’s lunch and pork pies at outdoor tables (which may need reservations on sunny weekends) and sells ales, lagers, and stouts with names like Nelsons Blood and Old Admiral. Some of the best and, therefore, most popular are the Orient Hotel (renowned for its beer garden and live music), Endeavour Tap Rooms (with its micro-brewery), and The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel (which claims to be the oldest in the country). Fans of tasty beer and colorful history may want to join a pub walking tour
  • Best Area in Sydney for Restaurants: The Rocks
    The range of places to wine and dine at The Rocks is extraordinary, and many are less pricey than perhaps expected. If dining at posh places like Ploόs (Greek cuisine) and 6HEAD Sydney (steak and wine), both part of a warehouse facing the harbor, book way ahead. Otherwise, finding a table at an eatery in the backstreets is easy. Many visitors prefer eating at a glorious old-fashioned pub (see above) but get there early (or book) for a coveted outside table. A few old cottages have also been lovingly converted into the sort of taverna imagined in the Mediterranean, with far more tables outside than inside.
  • Best Areas in Sydney for City Views: Circular Quay
    The City Center (especially the northern section) is so overbuilt that views from some hotel windows consist of walls and windows of other hotels. To appreciate the ever-increasing skyline, get out of downtown and stay at Circular Quay. Most hotels tower over low-level buildings, especially those in the historic Rocks area. If you’re lucky, views can also include the Sydney Harbour with its iconic bridge and opera house and the mini-city of North Sydney across the water. Hotels with prime city views are the InterContinental and Sydney Harbour Marriott.
  • Best Areas in Sydney for Sea Views: Circular Quay and Manly
    Tall evergreen trees stand before an ocean.

    The Manly Pacific faces the main ocean beach.

    Circular Quay is on the edge of Sydney Harbour, so the views from the huddle of lofty and luxurious hotels can be extraordinary. Vistas can take in The Rocks (a historic area of bars and boutiques), Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden, and North Sydney with its Luna Park amusement ground just across the water. The finest hotels in Circular Quay for sea views are the The Sebel Quay West and Pullman. Most hotels in Bondi and Coogee are low-level or in the backstreets, but a few in Manly do directly face the ocean, like Peppers and Manly Pacific.

  • Best Area in Sydney for Peace and Quiet: Potts Point
    Within a few minutes’ stroll of all the bars, cafés, and clubs at Kings Cross is the delightfully tranquil suburb of Potts Point. Imagine leafy streets with minimal traffic, terraced cottages with wrought-iron fences, and adorable restaurants and bars with street-side tables. Potts Point is handy to the Kings Cross train station for services to the City, airport, and beyond. This suburb is also within an easy walk of the waterside cafés at Woolloomooloo and only 10-15 minutes on foot from downtown via the vast Royal Botanic Garden.
  • Best Areas in Sydney for Walking: Bondi and Coogee
    Why not join the locals for a stroll along the beach, park, and esplanade at the prime inner-city beaches of Bondi and Coogee? Even better, these terrific beaches (see later) are connected by the wonderful Bondi to Coogee Walk. This clifftop coastal path is easy to follow and only 6km long – but rated “medium grade with some steep sections.” Stop at lookouts for dramatic views, explore remnants of colonial-era beach days, dip in the ocean (where safe), and sip a latte at a beachside café. This path passes the beaches at Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly, which are far smaller and lesser known than Bondi and Coogee and more inviting for these reasons.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Cycling (e-bikes): Darling Harbour
    A row of purple e-bikes.

    Beam e-bike rental.

    Every area mentioned is littered (sometimes, quite literally) with e-bikes. Surprisingly, there are no e-scooters anywhere. Operated by app-based companies Beam (the purple ones), Lime (green), and HelloRide (blue), e-bikes aren’t that popular – perhaps, because rental isn’t so user-friendly or cheap. Also, traffic, parked cars, and maniacal Uber Eats drivers make e-biking less enjoyable. Not so, however, around the Darling Harbour district, which includes Darling Square and Tumbalong Park. With so much to see across such a wide, flat area with no traffic, whizzing around on an e-bike will bring a smile to your face.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Cycling (bicycles): Manly
    One of the few remaining places in Sydney to rent a bicycle (rather than an e-bike) is Manly Bikes (named after the suburb, not the type of bikes offered). Conveniently located along The Corso – the main street/walkway between the ferry wharf and the main (ocean) beach – this shop rents out bicycles needing leg power and those with batteries by the hour or day. Staff can also suggest self-guided tours for all levels. Otherwise, one terrific (and moderately challenging) excursion is the Manly Scenic Walkway (10kms) through a national park with Aboriginal rock paintings to Spit Bridge.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Beaches: Coogee
    As one of the most famous beaches in the country, Bondi is overdeveloped and often crowded, so we prefer Coogee, a much smaller and more appealing version of Bondi. Connected to the City Center by bus and Bondi by a coastal path (see earlier), Coogee also boasts a clean, white, sandy beach with blue water, often not as wavy or rough as Bondi. Adding to the appeal is the old-fashioned pavilion, shaded parks of pine trees, walking paths, and all those tempting places selling fish and chips and ice-creams.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Parks and Gardens: City Center (North)
    Along the eastern edge of the City Center (particularly the northern part) is a vast stretch of parks and gardens (all free to enter). It’s 3km from the Sydney Opera House to Central Station, passing greenery and breathing clean air. The extraordinary Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a serene oasis with 9000 plant species, a café, and the old Government House (free to explore). This garden, which is also home to the Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, merges into The Domain with vast lawns, a running trail, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Through the adjoining Cook + Phillip Park and past the swimming pool, this glorious expanse of lawns, gardens, and plants finishes at Hyde Park with its old fountain and war memorial.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Watching Sports: Darlinghurst
    Sydney is not the least embarrassed to admit that its fierce rival, Melbourne, is the world’s sporting capital. Sydney-siders claim that with better weather (debatable) and superior location (definitely) there is more fun to be had sailing, paddle-boarding, or swimming rather than watching sports. To prove the point, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) holds less than half the number of people as the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The main sports in Sydney are cricket, rugby league, rugby union, and, to a lesser degree, soccer and Australian Rules football (a unique code). Most of these are played at the SCG or the nearby Sydney Football (Allianz) Stadium in the inner southeastern suburbs within 2km of Darlinghurst.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Outdoor Activities: Manly
    A row of red and yellow kayaks float in a green harbor.

    The calmer (harbor) beach at Manly is ideal for kayaking. Contact the Manly Kayak Centre.

    Sydney can boast what is probably the most spectacular waterside setting of any city, so it’s not surprising that most outdoor activities are on, under, or near the water. And there is no better place to enjoy this than Manly, which has two beaches. One is alongside the harbor, which is calm and ideal for swimming and kayaking; the other faces the ocean and is perfect for surfing and sailing. So, check out the fun stuff these places can offer: Manly Sailing, Manly Surf School, and Manly Kayak Centre. Away from the water, try cycling and walking the Manly Scenic Walkway or arrange something fun with Manly Bike Tours.
  • Best Area in Sydney to Organize Tours: Circular Quay
    A red bus with yellow writing says, "Big bus Sydney."

    One terrific way to see – and stop at – the many sights in and around the City Center is on the Big Bus hop-on/hop-off service.

    At the entrance to most of the ferry piers at Circular Quay, a kiosk or two sells tours in and around Sydney and elsewhere in New South Wales. These include Experience Oz, the Big Bus tour company, and agencies selling tickets for their boat tours (see earlier). Also, try to find time to day trip by bus to the Blue Mountains with a company like Sightseeing Tours Australia, or visit the Sydney Zoo (on the way to the Blue Mountains) or the wine region of the Hunter Valley.
    Adding to the convenience of organizing tours at Circular Quay is the ease of getting there by train, light rail (tram), or ferry, and the The Visitor Information Centre opposite the train station with its roaming volunteers in red shirts.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Malls and Department Stores: City Centre (North)
    People walk in a shopping arcade.

    Our stop at an arcade off the Pitt Street Mall walkway.

    There are plenty of places to max out a credit card or two in Sydney, especially along Pitt Street Mall (an outdoor walkway) and George Street, which runs parallel and is more pleasant for strolling now that trams have replaced cars. Serious shopaholics will flock to the MidCity and Westfield Sydney shopping centers, or linger at the delightfully old-fashioned Strand Arcade. But one of the most pleasurable places on earth to shop is undoubtedly the Queen Victoria Building, known simply as the QVB. Built in 1898, it offers five levels of about 200 fashionable boutiques and elegant restaurants in a gorgeous old building with original stained-glass windows and mosaic floors. It is a definite attraction even if you’re not a shopper.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Markets and Boutiques: The Rocks
    One of the largest – and certainly the most beautifully positioned – outdoor markets in the country is held at The Rocks. It has extended well beyond the sheltered area down the main street, so it’s virtually impossible to see all the 200+ stalls and charming boutiques in historic cottages selling everything from jewelry to paintings and perfumes to candles. The Rocks Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, but only a tiny section is undercover.
  • Best Area in Sydney for the Airport: Mascot
    It’s hard to imagine any area in any city so dedicated to transport than Circular Quay. The elevated train station is part of the City Loop, which connects to North Sydney, the airport, and Bondi Junction (for buses to the eastern beaches). The new light rail tram service links Circular Quay with Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and Pitt Street Mall. Ferries surge across the harbor to the world-class Manly Beach and posh waterside suburbs with beachfront bistros like Watsons Bay and Neutral Bay.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Transport: Circular Quay
    The separate but adjoining domestic and international airports are reasonably close to the City Center and located in Mascot. This thriving suburb is much more than just a collection of hotels and other facilities geared around the airport. The train service between the airport and City Center (with connections beyond) stops at Mascot. However, some still prefer to stay near the airport because of late arrivals/early departures and rates, generally lower than the City Center. A few hotels at Mascot offer free parking, but certainly not all of them, so double-check.
  • Best Area in Sydney for Families: Darling Harbour
    Bondi and Manly seem like obvious suggestions, but recent (and continuing) developments have made Darling Harbour the number one place to stay for those traveling with children. There are so many family-fun activities such as Wild Life Sydney Zoo which provides a close-up look at the “Big 5” Australian animals (from crocs to koalas), Madame Tussauds wax museum (which does seem a little outdated), and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium where you can swim “safely” with sharks. Adding to the appeal is the intriguing Australian National Maritime Museum, cruises around Sydney Harbour (see earlier), and the playgrounds, gardens, and fountains to soak under at nearby Tumbalong Park. Many hotels at Darling Harbour are also particularly family-friendly.
  • Best Area in Sydney for a Romantic Holiday: The Rocks
    This gorgeous area is most renowned for its history (see earlier) and markets (ditto) – just two reasons to stay at The Rocks for an intimate getaway. Just meters from romantic hotels like the Pier One, The Langham, and Rendezvous is sophisticated dining, often with harbor views, waterside paths for strolling with the bridge and the Sydney Opera House in view, and old-fashioned pubs with outdoor tables. Enjoy!
  • Trendiest Area in Sydney: Woolloomooloo
    As a vibrant and prosperous city of more than five million people, there are many trendy areas around the inner city where one-bedroom units cost a fortune and pricey restaurants line the streets. Places like Watsons Bay and Neutral Bay are worth visiting by ferry for their hip boutiques, jaw-dropping views, and stylish pubs, but there are no accommodations. Hip and with hotels is the suburb of Woolloomooloo just across the Royal Botanic Garden from the City Center. Dining at a restaurant along Finger Wharf and overlooking the marina is as sophisticated as it gets, and even the old-style pubs built for wharf workers decades ago are now chic.
  • Best Places to Stay in Sydney on a Budget: Kings Cross and Darlinghurst
    There are still a few cheap lodges and backpacker hostels of varying quality among the backstreets of Kings Cross for those on a tight budget. These are convenient to everyday facilities, including the train line to the City Center and beyond, but will be crowded and often noisy. Places in the likable suburb of Darlinghurst within a few minutes walk of Kings Cross are further from the tiresome traffic and noisy nightclubs.
  • Safest Areas in Sydney: Potts Point and Woolloomooloo
    Just a few blocks from noisy Kings Cross, the sedate suburb of Potts Point is peppered with top-end apartment blocks, many facing the harbor. Down some steep steps is Woolloomooloo, a rejuvenated former port still used by the Royal Australian Navy. These two areas are populated mainly by middle- and upper-class citizens and don’t attract the sort of rowdiness at Kings Cross, as well as parts of the City Center (north and south), Bondi, and Manly.
  • Unsafe Area of Sydney: Kings Cross
    In general, Sydney is no less safe than other cities in Australia. However, take the usual precautions, especially along crowded inner-city streets and at festivals, markets, and transport terminals where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are possible – although very rare. Kings Cross may seem unassuming during the day, but it is the center for after-dark action. Bars and hard drinking can cause the usual sort of problems, which can be easily avoided by sticking to the main streets.
A building with points and petals like a flower sits on the water.

The iconic Sydney Opera House.

The 10 Best Areas in Sydney for Tourist Ordered from City Centre Out.

1. City Center (South)

A wide orange brick path with benches on the sides flows under lush tall trees.

Dominating this part of the City Center is Hyde Park, the oldest of its kind in the country.

The southern part of downtown stretches from Park Street (which divides Hyde Park) to the major train terminal at Central Station and includes Chinatown. While the City Center North is overbuilt and overpriced, the southern section offers considerably more charm and value, old-fashioned pubs, family-run Asian cafés, and a city-edge suburban feel. Hyde Park and all the shops and other attractions in the northern part of downtown are within walking distance. Several stations offer trains to Kings Cross (for nightlife), The Rocks (for history), and Circular Quay (for ferries). There are few international-brand high-rises but some lovely boutique options and acceptable, moderately-priced alternatives.

Cruise bikes with dark blue frames and wicker front baskets sit in a warm-colored lobby.

The art-deco lobby and bikes on the ground floor of our best 5-star hotel, the Kimpton Margot.

Bight pink velvet fabric walls next to a tiered orange ruffled and fringed wall with a long booth.

Bar Morris Italian restaurant in our Best New Hotel in Sydney, the fantastic Hotel Morris.

2. City Center (North)

A large pool of water at the base of a fountain.

The Archibald Memorial Fountain dominates the top (northern) section of Hyde Park. In the background is the Gothic-style Saint Mary’s Cathedral.

The northern part of downtown stretches from Circular Quay to Park Street (which divides Hyde Park) and is easily the most (over)developed area of Sydney. The streets are jam-packed with places to eat, drink, shop, and stay (primarily upscale and pricey).

Shoppers walk the many levels of a historic hall filled with shops.

The historic, five-level QVB Shopping Center occupies an entire block in the middle of downtown.

There are also a few major attractions such as the Queen Victoria Building, the ultimate shopping experience, the Museum of Sydney, and the 300-metre-high Sydney Tower (Eye) with its observation deck, restaurants, and breathtaking Skywalk. This area, which can be eerily quiet on weekends, is also within a short walk of all the transport options at Circular Quay and expansive inner-city greenery that includes the Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park.

People sit at tables in a airy restaurant with mechanical flowers overhead that drop and open.

We enjoyed Aperture restaurant and the mechanical flower installation titled “Meadow” by DRIFT in the ultra-luxurious Capella Sydney Hotel inside the former Department of Education building.

Guest sit in plush velvet chairs in a hotel lobby.

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney is along a quiet side street but is still very convenient to all the shops and attractions in the City Center (north or south).

3. Circular Quay

An arched bridge holds the weight of the road that crossed the water.

Our view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay.

This compact area just north of the City Center is beautifully positioned alongside the harbor and dominated by the twin icons: the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House Despite being now overdeveloped, Circular Quay retains some charm, if only because it’s just a few minutes’ stroll from The Rocks, a historic area packed with inviting bars and boutiques.

A green and yellow ferry maneuvers into position on the cities waterfront.

We loved to watch the various ferries jostle for position.

But Circular Quay is mainly about transport – trains, light rail trams, and ferries that service harborside attractions like Manly, Watsons Bay, and Taronga Zoo. Booking organized tours and boat trips is also much easier with help from the The Visitor Information Centre.

Most accommodations are high-rise and high-priced, with stunning city and harbor views. There is nothing in the moderate range and few options for families.

A bar sits in the center of a lobby with orange brick arched walkways piled three levels up.

The InterContinental is inside the restored 1850’s Treasury Building.

A multi-level hotel has balconies with glass railings to allow for a view of the harbor.

The Pullman Quay Grand Hotel directly overlooks the famous harbor and bridge and is our favorite hotel with views.

4. The Rocks

Crowds of people sit on sidewalk picnic tables and benches to watch the people go by.

We stopped at The Endeavour Tap Rooms brewery and restaurant and sat outside to people-watch.

The Rocks, the original site of Sydney town almost 250 years ago, is now a beautifully rejuvenated area of cobblestoned lanes lined with restaurants in renovated cottages, old-fashioned pubs with outdoor seating and live music, and boutiques selling appealing mementos. With awe-inspiring views of the opera house and harbor bridge at every turn, The Rocks is within walking distance of all the high-end shopping around City Center North and the excellent transport options at Circular Quay. The Rocks is vibrant (and crowded) during the weekend markets.

A row of pink, green, yellow, and orange paintings line a wall at an art museum.

There are some colorful exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and entrance is free.

There are primarily high-end hotels with million-dollar views, but there are also a couple of excellent boutique options that are ideal for a romantic holiday. Surprisingly, there is also a serviceable backpacker hostel.

A wood table on a pier has views of water and a city skyline.

We stayed elsewhere, but visiting the Pier One Hotel was worth it for wine, dinner, and the views.

A pedestrian path sits along the water next to a hotel.

The Park Hyatt hotel sits along the headland and has a rooftop pool. Some rooms have gorgeous views of the Opera house.

5. North Sydney

A wood-backed bar with stained-glass insets.

The Rag & Famish Bar and upstairs restaurant was established in 1860 and is North Sydney’s oldest pub.

A mini version of downtown Sydney with its cluster of skyscrapers, North Sydney is a suburb just across the iconic bridge from The Rocks and Circular Quay but also, confusingly, the general name for an area that incorporates suburbs like Milsons Point and Crows Nest. North Sydney (the suburb) offers sophisticated dining, lovely parks with a suburban vibe, outstanding views of the city, harbor, and bridge, and convenience to the Luna Park amusement complex for youngsters and world-class Taronga Zoo. Despite being an upscale area, there are no boutique hotels, but there are more moderately priced places than expected.

A view of water, buildings, a bridge, and boats sitting in a harbor.

The view from our Harbour Bridge view room at the View Sydney Hotel.

6. Darling Harbour

A walking bridge with blue flags.

Darling Harbour is ideal for walking and e-biking, including along the pedestrian-only Pyrmont Bridge which links both sides of Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbour is a leisure area only a few stops on the light rail (tram) service from the City Center. This huge district incorporates Darling Square and Tumbalong Park. It continues to develop, adding more hotels and attractions within a limited space that encroaches on the adjoining suburb of Pyrmont. Spend a day (or two) visiting attractions like Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life (see earlier), sightseeing on a harbor cruise, and enjoying sophisticated dining along the water’s edge. Particularly appealing to families, Darling Harbour is also ideal for e-biking: no cars, lots to see, and flat, wide paths. Most accommodations are lofty 5-stars, although there are a couple of lovely boutique hotels in the backstreets and a few moderately priced options.

Two velvet blue and orange swivel chairs sit by a window of the harbor.

Our harbor views from the cafe/bar at W. In the background is Pyrmont Bridge.

A hotel reception area filled with ceiling to floor gold rings.

Everything about The Star Grand Hotel – especially the reception area – is extravagant.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Darling Harbour
    W • The Darling • Sofitel • The Star Grand • Novotel Darling Harbour
  • Best Apartments
    Adina Darling Harbour • Oaks Goldsbrough
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Aiden Darling Harbour • Hotel Woolstore 1888
  • Best Hotels for Families
    The Star Grand • Novotel Darling Harbour
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Kith • The Terminus • Dunkirk Hotel

    • 7. Eastern Sydney

    The entrance to a sports bar.

    Kings Cross is the main center for after-dark action in the inner city with its numerous bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs.

    East of Hyde Park and south of William Street, the inner-eastern suburbs are a mixed bag. Kings Cross is the center for after-dark action, although relatively sedate – and safe – during the day, less so at night.

    Just down the street is Darlinghurst, a popular working-class area where footpaths are peppered with coffee shops. Only a couple of blocks north of Kings Cross, Potts Point has leafy streets, terraced cottages, and trendy restaurants – ideal for first-time visitors.

    Down some alarmingly steep steps, Woolloomooloo (far easier to say than spell) is home to a marina and pier with exquisite waterside dining. Choice of accommodation reflects the suburbs: cheap places around Kings Cross, boutique hotels in Darlinghurst, apartments at Potts Point, and the magnificent Ovolo hotel in Woolloomooloo. Some places in Kings Cross include the more inviting name, “Potts Point,” in their name, address, and description.

A long pier holds a teal and pale yellow painted multi-level hotel.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo Hotel is in a converted, heritage-listed wharf in the harbor. We rate it as the best hotel for couples.

A round green painting of Medusa with snakes in her hair looks over the hotel lobby.

One of our favorite boutique hotels in Sydney is the Medusa Hotel, along a leafy street in Darlinghurst and only a short stroll from the night-time action at Kings Cross.

A bench sits on a balcony behind a white painted wrought-iron fence.

In Potts Point, the Spicers boutique hotel is charming, historic, elegant, and well-managed. It is our favorite 4-star Hotel in Sydney.

8. Bondi and Coogee

Two people sit on a retaining wall on a white-sand beach with blue ocean waves in the distance.

The beach at Bondi is famous nationwide and known to many worldwide. The sand is white and clean, and the sea is blue—but often wavy—so take care when swimming.

Only a 10-15 minute drive east of the City Center are several world-class beaches – perhaps none more famous than Bondi. The beach is sandy, white, and clean, and the water is blue – but a little rough sometimes, so take care. Some locals argue that Bondi has been overbuilt and overcrowded for too long, so they prefer Coogee, which also has a fine (but much smaller) beach, shaded parks, and plenty of places to eat and drink. Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly residents probably think their beach is even better, and all three can be visited via the glorious walking path along the coast between Bondi and Coogee (see earlier). The only downside is the lack of trains between the eastern beaches and the City Center. There are only buses, which seem to take forever. Most accommodations are in Bondi and Coogee, while a few other places can be found at Tamarama and Clovelly.

A hot tub shares a wall to an outdoor pool by the sea.

The pool at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach hotel at Coogee Beach provides views of the sea.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Bondi and Coogee
    Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach • QT
  • Best Apartments
    Adina Bondi Beach • Tamarama • Coogee Sands • Ultimate Apartments
  • Best Boutique Hotel
    Coogee Bay Boutique
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Adina Bondi Beach • Tamarama • Coogee Sands • Adina Coogee
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    The Blue Hotel • The Clovelly • Hotel Bondi • Little Coogee • Beach Road

    • 9. Near the Airport

    An asian food market with the front doors wide open has crates of food.

    Most hotels near the airport are within a 10-minute walk of Mascot, which includes places to eat, drink, and shop.

    Given the incredible number of flights to/from the separate but adjoining domestic and international airports, some prefer the convenience of staying nearby. The terminals are only 4-5 stops by train from the City Center via Mascot, the adjacent suburb. Surprisingly, Mascot is not too affected by plane noise; it is much more than just a collection of airport hotels and other related facilities. Around the Mascot train station, there are some appealing places to eat and drink and a substantial supermarket, but they are only within walking distance (with large suitcases) of the Adina, Holiday Inn, and Pullman hotels. If staying elsewhere in Mascot, you will probably end up eating at your hotel (or another one nearby) and using shuttle buses to/from the airport.

Lounge chairs and sofas sit on a colorful rug with windows overlooking the runway.

It’s worth stopping at the Citadines Connect Airport hotel for a drink or meal at the top-floor cafe/bar, which faces the airport.

A large red sculpture of a man with a rabbit head sits between two chairs in a lobby.

The Pullman Airport hotel at Mascot, very close to the airport, is funky and stands out from nearby rivals.

Guests sit on bright blue sofas with orange pillows in a hotel lobby.

The vibrant Moxy Airport hotel.

10. Manly

A sailboat drifts by a beach.

Manly has two beaches: this one inside Sydney Harbour is much calmer and ideal for youngsters.

While the eastern beaches (see earlier) are poorly connected by public transport, Manly is only 20 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay – and getting there is half the fun. Manly boasts two beaches. The first faces the harbor, and the second one is alongside the ferry pier, which has calm water and is ideal for swimming (especially for youngsters).

People play in rows of beach volleyball games down the shore.

The main beach at Manly faces the ocean and is much rougher – more suitable for surfing than swimming.

The beach fronting the ocean is much rougher and perfect for surfing. It is potentially dangerous for swimming, so always swim between the flags where lifeguards operate during daylight hours in summer. Both beaches offer numerous activities like sailing, kayaking, and surfing, while cycling is also a joy along the coastal paths.

A table sits next to a large window next to a beach.

Our view from one of the eateries along the esplanade at the main (ocean) beach.

Between the two beaches, The Corso is a pleasant pedestrian-only walkway packed with places to eat, drink, and shop that adds to the seaside holiday vibe. There are limited accommodations in the boutique or moderate range, but some terrific family options exist.

A couple hug in a roof-top pool overlooking evergreen trees and an ocean.

The rooftop pool and deck facing the beach are a welcome surprise at the Manly Pacific Hotel. We regard this as the best Hotel Pool in Sydney.

Sydney Travel Tips

  • With such a majestic waterside setting, boat tours of Sydney Harbour are a major attraction. However, you can also appreciate the harbor and stop at wonderful places like Watsons Bay and Manly by public ferry. No food or drinks are offered, but a ferry trip will only cost a few dollars.
  • Unlike other Australian cities where everyone must buy a transport card, travelers can use Visa/MasterCard on all public transport. Just touch on and off, and it’s no cheaper per trip than buying a public transport Opal Card.
  • Avoid Central Station, the major train terminal, because of its inexplicably confusing signs. The other downtown stations are far more manageable: Wynyard, Martin Place, St James, Circular Quay (in the northern part of the City Center), and Town Hall and Museum (City Center South). Use Wynyard or Town Hall stations for North Sydney, Town Hall and Martin Place for Bondi Junction (and then buses to Bondi Beach), and any station (except Martin Place) for the domestic and international airports.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.