The Best Things To Eat, See & Do In Sydney, According To A Local
Whether you’re planning a trip to Sydney or are already on the ground, I’m sharing my top tips and recommendations as someone who spent most of their life there (and pops back as often as possible).SScroll down to see the restaurants to book, insider spots worth seeing, and savvy insider tips for enjoying the city like a local.
What sets it apart
For many, Sydney needs little to no introduction. With more Aussies than ever seemingly moving to London, you’re either friends with someone from the Harbour City, or know of someone who is.
Sure, there are the regular tourist spots that you’ve undoubtedly heard of (Coogee Pavillion, Taronga Zoo, etc.) but this is your guide to what the locals do should you want to break away from the crowd and do something a bit more, well, authentic.
This is your guide to what the locals do should you want to break away from the crowd and do something a bit more, well, authentic.
Before we get into the recommendations, let’s get our bearings. To the East, you have the famous beaches like Bondi, fancy brunch spots and boutiques. The West, particularly the Inner West, is a bit trendier – it’s like Sydney’s answer to Shoreditch, offering indie gigs and vintage shops in spades. As for North and South, you can head there for more laid-back towns and a fair share of local beach spots.
Best things to do
Enjoy the coastline
Aussies love a walk – whether it’s at sunrise, mid-morning on the weekend with coffee in hand, or as the sun sets. And in Sydney, you’re spoilt for choice. The Bondi to Bronte walk is a route every Sydneysider knows well. Hugging the picturesque stretch connecting the two iconic beaches, this walk will take you an hour or two, or longer if you decide to stop for a paddle along the way. I recommend setting off earlier in the morning (before the crowds hit) and finishing with brunch at the other end. Starting in Bondi, it’s no surprise that you’ll also pass a few tourists along the way, but locals (and their dogs) are far from outnumbered.
The Bondi to Bronte walk is a route every Sydneysider knows well.
If you’re staying in the city’s CBD (that’s Central Business District, for those playing at home), the Barangaroo Reserve has recently reopened, meaning you can walk all the way around from Darling Harbour to where you can see the Harbour Bridge.
The Royal Botanic Gardens also plays home to one of the most iconic views in the city: Mrs Macquarie’s chair. Pack a picnic, or see if there’s an outdoor cinema set up and spend an evening outside under the stars.
Tick off some retail therapy
For high street and high-end shopping, Pitt Street Mall is the place to go. Featuring all the biggest local brands and, of course, more recognisable chains, this hub has most of your bases covered. Alternatively, for a more historical, charming environment, head to the nearby QVB and The Strand Arcade for smaller shops and ornate architecture. If smaller Australian boutiques and local designers are what you’re after, head over to Oxford Street in Paddington. As for vintage-lovers, they’re spoilt for choice in Newtown and Surry Hills.
If smaller Australian boutiques and local designers are what you’re after, head over to Oxford Street in Paddington.
For something more unique, check out Kirribilli Markets, located right next to the Harbour Bridge. Expect secondhand designer goods, artisinal crafts and fresh produce – and while you might be paying a premium for the location, it’s a beautiful place to visit. The market’s focus changes depending on the weekend, so be sure to look ahead for opening dates and times.
If you want to dive head-first into local products, the Farmers Markets at Carriageworks are for you. Dogs, fresh coffee and tasty baked treats will be waiting for you.
Catch a gig
Creative types will want to look up who’s playing at local music spots like Enmore Theatre, Metro Theatre, and The Hordern Pavilion for upcoming gigs. Some local artists to look out for include Tame Impala, Vera Blue, Royel Otis, and Rüfüs Du Sol, along with many, many others. triple j Unearthed is a local radio station and digital platform committed to discovering new Australian names, if you’re on a road trip and need something fresh to listen to.
Where to stay
Luxury: Shangri-La
If it’s your first time in Sydney and you’re after a hotel with a view, look no further than the Shangri-La Sydney. Nestled in the historic Rocks district, the hotel offers unparalleled views of both the bridge and the iconic Opera House, making it the place to stay for a truly memorable stay.
Sunset is definitely the best time to head up to the bar, as the habour starts to shimmer at the sun descends
The award-winning restaurant, Altitude, offers the finest local produce from land and by sea. Expect dishes such as tuna sashimi, seared ora king salmon and BBQ pulled brisket, created by Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi and his talented team. The 5-course tasting menu is also available for $175 AUD (approx. £89), making it a more affordable dining experience with a view.
For an incredible backdrop, head up to the sky-high bar, Blu Bar on 36, which serves both theatrical cocktails and timeless classics while overlooking the Opera House – sunset is definitely the best time to head up here, as the harbour starts to shimmer at the sun descends.
Knead out any post-flight knots with a trip to Chi, The Spa – an urban sanctuary inspired by ancient Asian wellness traditions, featuring six luxe suites and over 20 specialised treatments. Guests can also enjoy the Health Club, complete with an indoor pool, gym, and sundeck for healthy bites on sunny days.
Boutique: QT Sydney
If you’re seeking a stay at one of Sydney’s most stylish boutique hotels, look no further than QT Sydney. Housed in the historic State Theatre and former Gowings department store buildings, this spot offers a perfect blend of retro architecture with quirky, contemporary interiors. Located in the city’s central shopping district, getting around town is a cinch.
This spot offers a perfect blend of retro architecture with quirky, contemporary interiors.
The hotel’s 200 sumptuous rooms and suites combine historic features with modern design, featuring QT’s bespoke luxurious king-size gel mattresses and eclectic decor. For dining, head to Gowings Bar and Grill, where you can savour dishes cooked in wood-fired rotisseries and ovens, emphasising locally sourced meats and seafood. The bustling Parlour Lane Roasters Café transforms into an aperitivo wine bar in the late afternoon, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the nearby attractions.
Pamper yourself at Spa Q with its Hammam-inspired steam room and six stylish treatment rooms. For night owls, the Gilt Lounge offers creative cocktails and lounge music until the early hours.
Where to eat
For a fancy dinner
Pellegrino 2000 was top of my list for my latest trip home – if it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, then who am I to question it? The Italian Trattoria is hidden on a back street in Surry Hills, and all my friends rave about it. Top dishes include the sashimi to start, followed by the ravioli di gamberi.
One of the coolest new openings to know is the Sydney outpost of Soho hotspot, The Palomar. Under the guidance of Cuinary Director Mitch Orr, this is a buzzy new addition to the local food scene with chic but relaxed interiors, tasty cocktails, and brilliant small plates to share.
Kittyhawk is another spot to check out for French favourites served in tandem with beautiful interiors, while Ms. G’s has incredible Asian fusion cuisine.
For laid-back eats
Emma’s Snack Bar is rapidly becoming one of the most popular spots in the city for those after fuss-free Lebanese street food and a lively atmosphere.
Head to Chinatown for dumplings that will make your heart sing (without breaking the bank).
Asian food is first-class in Sydney. Head to Chinatown for dumplings that will make your heart sing (without breaking the bank). You can’t judge a book by its cover here, but you’re in for a culinary treat. My go-to spot is Chinese Noodle House (trust me, it’s worth it for the handmade, pan-fried dumplings and spring pancakes). If you visit on Friday nights, you’ll also be able to soak up the best of the night market.
For good cocktails
One of the worst-kept secrets in the city is Old Mate’s Place (for the uninitiated, ‘old mate’ is affectionate Aussie slang for anybody whose identity is clear given the context), a hidden library-inspired bar at the top of an unsuspecting set of stairs, which also features a small but cool rooftop. While you’re there, pop into Old Love’s place downstairs to see the new sibling Tiki bar.
If you’re in the Inner West, then pop into Newtown’s Bar Planet. With on-trend kitschy-meets-artsy interiors and free popcorn on arrival (coated in chicken salt, another local delicacy), the menu at this martini bar is small, but the experience is very personable. Alternatively, let your hair down on the dancefloor at late-night music bar, The Caterpillar Club.
For great brunch
The Grounds of Alexandria is one of the first places on people’s lips when you ask for a good brunch place in Sydney. And despite opening multiple other branches to match the local hype, you can still expect a decent wait for a feed here – one that’s just about worth it.
For something more low-key, visit A.P Bakery and try one of their incredible, freshly baked croissants and a cup of Italian-style coffee.
For a sweet treat
Fun fact: we’re big fans of gelato in Australia, and you can’t go wrong with a few scoops from Messina.
Last but not least is dessert. Fun fact: we’re big fans of gelato in Australia, and you can’t go wrong with a few scoops from Messina. With a few locations around town, you can either opt for their classic flavours (I recommend the white chocolate & salted caramel) or choose from their changing seasonal specials board.
Tips/advice
While the most important piece of advice is to plan the holiday that suits you most, rather than feeling pressured to see things you’re not that interested in, I’ve got a few Sydney-specific tips for you:
1. Wear sunscreen. Yes, this is first on the list because being a burnt Brit is a cliché you really don’t want to fall into. The sun is much harsher in Australia than it is in the UK, and a burn can really damage your skin while hindering any beach plans.
2. While I think the city comes alive during summer, if you want to avoid peak season (and heat) go in spring (September-November) or autumn (March-May) for milder weather/fewer crowds.
3. Getting around town is getting easier as the city opens up more public transport links. To get around town, pick up an Opal card (similar to London’s Oyster card) where you can pre-load money onto it. Equally, you can tap on and off with a regular debit or credit card, but beware of currency conversion fees, which can quickly start adding up. If you want to go beyond the city and see what greater Sydney has to offer, I recommend hiring a car.
Getting there from London
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: the trip from London to Sydney is long. We’re talking 24 hours long from Heathrow into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (followed by a 30-minute taxi or train ride into the city). With that in mind, I’d definitely recommend setting aside a few weeks for a trip to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip. After you’ve explored Sydney, folks tend to tag on visits to places like Byron Bay, along with the country’s other major city, Melbourne, or head North to Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef plus Hamilton Island. If you want to fly with a local carrier, Qantas and Jetstar are worth looking into, but they’re definitely not the only ones flying so make sure to compare prices and timings.
