Deciding where to stay in Sydney, Australia’s nicest city, is not as easy as it sounds. The city is huge! That said, Sydney has incredible neighborhoods for every kick and fancy. All you have to do is choose the one that’s right for you.
The country’s biggest city is set along the ocean and the Parramatta River. That’s why it’s gorgeous and full of nature. Everywhere you look, you’ll see something beautiful. Besides, the architecture is fantastic and blends perfectly with the surroundings.
We believe Sydney has the best hotels in the country. Every time we visit, we try a new one and go back to our favorites. There’s something unique about Sydneysiders. Relaxed and easygoing, they know how to have a good time!
City Center – CBD
Our favorite place to stay is the city center. Locals call it the Central Business District, CBD. The area begins on Bridge Street and includes Hyde Park. Historic buildings populate the center. You’ve got old churches, museums, and governmental buildings to discover.
The CBD is the commercial hub of the city. Sydney’s most important drags are here. All types of shops, restaurants, and bars line Market and George Streets. Locals and tourists flock here to socialize, shop, and have fun.
You can walk for hours in the Royal Botanical Gardens admiring the trees and the views over the ocean. Contemporary buildings tower above the city. There isn’t a single one that’s ugly. The entire ensemble of the old and the new looks fantastic.
We Recommend These Hotels in the City Center:
The Grace Sydney
The gothic art deco Grace Building opened in 1930 to instant acclaim. The listed building was meticulously refurbished and features original fixtures, marble floors, and iron railings. The lobby is stunning and the rooms extra comfy. It’s got an indoor pool and a gym.
Megaboom City Hotel
You won’t find a better room at this price in Sydney than at the Megaboom City Hotel. The contemporary tower is in the heart of the CBD, within walking distance of everything. The rooms are spacious, clean, and have everything you need.
The Rocks and Circular Quay
The Rocks and Circular Quay are our favorite places in the city. We never get tired of spending time there. We are talking about the area over Sydney harbor, from the Opera House to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
It’s the nicest area in the city center. You will gravitate towards it anyway, so book a room here, and you will never forget your time in the city. The views are epic, and the vibe is relaxed and contagious.
Ferries to seaside neighborhoods and the river depart from Circular Quay. A walk from the Opera House to the Bridge is mandatory. The Rocks is full of history, culture, museums, markets, bars, and restaurants. You will never have a dull moment here.
We Recommend These Hotels in The Rocks and Circular Quay:
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay
We love the historic Sir Stamford Hotel. The 1898 beauty used to be the Health Department Building. Today, it’s an old-class hotel with modern-day conveniences in an unbeatable location. The big rooms have balconies and views. There’s a pool!
The Sebel Quay West Suites
The massive units at the Sebel Quay come with a kitchen, views, and luxurious bathrooms. The indoor heated rooftop pool with a hot tub and deck offers jaw-dropping views over the entire city. There’s a gym and a hip restaurant too.
Haymarket and Darling Harbour
Haymarket is south of the CBD. Darling Harbor is a bay west of the CBD. Both areas are full of life, museums, parks, and culture. Chinatown and Thai Town are here too. It’s probably the most cosmopolitan and multicultural area in Sydney.
Foodies will be in heaven here. Restaurants from every corner of the world line the streets. For seafood with views, head to Darling Harbour. From there, walk to Tumbalong Park. The giant park has it all: museums, theatres, a Chinese garden, and lots of bars and restaurants.
Walk to Hay Street to admire some of the oldest buildings in the city. Look for the Old Corporation Building, recently restored to its former glory. Hotels near the Central Station of Sydney are great value for money.
We Recommend These Hotels in Haymarket and Darling Harbour:
Novotel Darling Harbour Sydney
If you know the French brand, you know what to expect: big comfortable rooms and big bathrooms. Novotel Darling Harbour Sydney has an outdoor pool and a gym. The hotel is next to the train station and within walking distance of Darling harbor.
Parkroyal Darling Harbour
The contemporary Parkroyal is in the heart of Darling Harbor. Thus the fantastic views of Sydney’s skyline and the ocean. The rooms are extra big and come with a comfortable bathroom with a tub. It’s got onsite parking and a restaurant.
Darlinghurst
If you want to party, stay in Darlinghurst. The neighborhood is full of cool coffee houses, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and cultural centers. Oxford Street is the city’s LGBT Mecca.
That said, Darlinghurst is also a leafy residential neighborhood. It’s not that touristy, and you can always find peace and quiet. The neighborhood is southeast of Hyde Park. Thus, you can walk or take a short train ride everywhere.
The neighborhood has attracted a lot of artists. Some of the best art galleries in Sydney are here. Art galleries populate the area south of Williams Street. The Australian Museum of Natural History and the Jewish Museum are here too.
We Recommend These Hotels in Darlinghurst:
The Sydney Boulevard Hotel
Our favorite hotel in Darlinghurst is The Sydney Boulevard. It’s a contemporary tall tower with huge rooms. For epic views over the city, book a Deluxe Harbour View Room. It’s got onsite parking, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar.
Medusa Hotel Sydney
If you are into chic elegant boutique hotels, book a room at the Medusa Sydney. It’s an old authentic building on a quiet street in the heart of Darlinghurst. Fully restored, it’s all about class. The service is impeccable and warm.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills offers the best accommodation options with great prices. The neighborhood is east of the train station and south of Darlinghurst. We’ve seen it change over the years. From mostly residential to fancy and cool.
The restaurant and bar scene in Surry Hills is hip and trendy. If you are into art, visit Bret WhiteleyStudio in what used to be his home. We believe he is Australia’s best artist. Cool parks dot Surry Hills.
Moore Park is southeast. You can see the Memorial to the Korean War. Prince Albert Park is west. The Olympic size public pool is perfect for chilling with views. Every first Saturday of each month Surry Hills Markets occupy Shannon Reserve.
We Recommend These Hotels in Surry Hills:
57 Hotel
The modern 57 Hotel has plush rooms with extra comfy beds in the heart of Surry. You can’t get a boutique fancy hotel at this price anywhere in the city. It’s got a 24/7 espresso bar and lots of personal touches.
The Rydges Sydney Central
Considering its class and location, The Rydges Sydney Central is a steal. The hotel has an indoor pool with a spa and a gym. It’s got a rooftop terrace with awesome views. The rooms are massive and have premium beds.
Woolloomooloo
Woolloomooloo is a tiny neighborhood east of St. Mary’s Cathedral, south of Finger Wharf, west of King Cross, and north of Darlinghurst. It may be tiny, but it packs a lot of attractions. Besides, it’s just a step away from the center.
The fantastic Art Gallery of New South Wales is here. It’s our favorite museum in the country. The exhibition inside the 1879 building includes modern and indigenous art. The new expansion of the art gallery will take your breath away.
The building is as incredible as the art inside. The star of the neighborhood is the old cargo dock known as Finger Wharf. Today, some of the finest restaurants and bars in the city are here.
We Recommend These Hotels in Woolloomooloo:
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is one of the best luxury hotels in the city. It’s in the historic Finger Wharf and features original details and lots of art. The rooms are huge, and come with luxurious bathrooms. It’s got a heated indoor pool and a gym.
Nesuto
If you are looking for an apartment, book one in the Nesuto. The historic and listed property is in the heart of Woolloomooloo. The fully equipped studios and apartments have everything you need, including a balcony. It’s got onsite parking.
Kings Cross and Potts Point
The best area to stay for nightlife is Kings Cross and Potts Point. The area is east of Wolloomooloo. Elizabeth Bay is north. You can walk to the center in half an hour. Trains connect you to the entire city in no time.
The neighborhood is mostly residential. However, its party central. Locals flock to Kings Cross and Potts Point to have a drink, socialize, and dance the night away. In particular around El Alamain Fountain. The square is a memorial honoring Australian soldiers in World War II.
If you are into the performance arts, you are going to love the neighborhood. The Hayes Theatre Co is an institution in Sydney. Kings Cross Theatre is a small theatre with edgy productions. Red Line Productions is in charge of the historic Old Fitz theatre.
We Recommend These Hotels in Kings Cross and Potts Point:
Macleay Hotel
Due to its location, the Macleay Hotel offers epic views over the city and the port. It’s got an outdoor pool. As a guest, you can access a fantastic health club nearby. It’s got a restaurant and onsite parking.
Spicers Potts Point
The Spicers Potts Point Hotel is perfect for couples. It’s an old Victorian terrace mansion from 1888. The meticulously refurbished boutique hotel is all about taste and class. The complimentary breakfast is served in a splendid courtyard. It’s delicious too!
North Sydney
Stay in North Sydney if you are looking for something different. Not many tourists stay here. It’s the area in front of Sydney Harbor. That’s why the views from here over the city will take your breath away.
To get to North Sydney, you have to cross Sydney Harbor Bridge. You can walk the entire length of the bridge or take a train. We love the area because of its oceanfront parks. Walk from Mary Booth Lookout beneath the bridge to Bradfield Park.
Sydney’s Luna Park is there. You can take a short ferry from Milsons Point Wharf to McMahons Point. Continue walking and loop around Blues Point. From there, you can reach Balls Head Reserve. You won’t believe the views!
We Recommend These Hotels in North Sydney:
View Sydney
Book a superior room with harbor views at the View Sydney, and you will never want to leave. The hotel is next to the bridge and close to the North Sydney train station. The plush rooms are big and extra comfy.
Meriton Suites North Sydney
The units at the Meriton Suites are perfect for friends and families. All the suites are big and come with one or two separate rooms, fully equipped kitchens, laundry, and a seating area. The best ones are on the top floors with harbor views.
Bondi
Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach. The entire world knows about it! And for good reason: It’s simply stunning. The iconic neighborhood is southeast of the center. Buses connect it with the center in some 45 minutes.
Bondi combines sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, parks, and cool architecture. You will love its relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. Bars, shops, and restaurants of all types line the seaside promenade. Hall and Roscoe Streets are its main drags.
Bondi Pavilion sits on the coast. The 1929 building is an institution. Today, it features a theatre and an art gallery. Walk along the coast south to Tamarama Beach and east to Sam Fiszman Park. The best beach hotels in Sydney are in Bondi.
We Recommend These Hotels in Bondi:
Hotel Ravesis
Stay in Hotel Ravesis if you are a beach bunny. The beachfront property is a historic building with lots of character. Every room has a balcony. The best ones are huge and face the sea.
Hotel Bondi
Hotel Bondi is also a historic beachfront property. They have hotel rooms and apartments perfect for families. The best ones come with a fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony overlooking the beach. The hotel’s bar is very popular in Bondi.
Manly
We spent 15 days in Manly and loved it! It’s one of the best suburbs to stay. Especially if you visit in the summer. A scenic ferry connects it to Circular Quay in half an hour. There are buses too.
The beaches in Manly are the best in the city. You have long sandy beaches with waves perfect for surfers and cute little coves where you can float. Walkabout and pick your favorite. Even in winter, you can enjoy leisurely walks along the coast.
In Manly, you can walk on top of tall cliffs and lush green nature for hours. Sydney Harbor National Park is in the south. For priceless views, walk 7 miles (10 km) from Manly to the Spit along the coast.
We Recommend These Hotels in Manly:
Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments
The Manly Paradise is directly on Manly Beach and within walking distance of the ferry pier. It has hotel rooms and apartments. All come with a kitchenette. The best ones have two rooms and a big balcony with sea views.
Quest Manly
You can’t get closer to the ferry pier and the beach than at the Quest Manly. The contemporary building is in front of both. It offers extra-sized studios and apartments. All are fully equipped and come with balconies.
How Long to Stay in Sydney
Sydney is so beautiful that you can stay for weeks and never get bored. We just spent 3 weeks there and felt it wasn’t enough! Besides, it’s far, so you better enjoy it for as long as you can.
However, we all have time constraints and a big world to discover. Therefore you are probably wondering how many days are needed in Sydney to cover the basics. We believe that you should spend at least 4 nights in the city.
You will rush, but you will get to enjoy its breathtaking scenery. We strongly recommend going to the Blue Mountains National Park. The UNESCO Listed natural area is a fantasy come true just a couple of hours from the city by train.
Moving Around Sydney
The city has a state-of-the-art transportation system that includes trams, buses, ferries, and trains. You can go everywhere in no time. You don’t even need to buy tickets. You can use your credit card to pay for everything.
Taking ferries is mandatory. It’s the best way to reach the northern beaches, Parramatta River, and Watsons Bay. Every journey is an attraction in itself, so be sure to grab a window seat. Get your camera ready and enjoy the ride.
In the center, use the tram. Once you get where you want to go, all you have to do is walk. Sydney is perfect for walks along the coast and parks. You will fall in love with the city!
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