Eat, Drink, Play and Stay in Sydney
- Georgia Ristivojevic
- Aug 7, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Australia’s capital of fun is filled to the brim with places to eat, drink, play and stay during your visit. From Circular Quay to Darling Harbour and everything in between, this list is sure to inspire you for your next visit to Sydney.
Eat in Sydney
Being an international city, Sydney is full of culinary delights from all corners of the world. Here are three places to enjoy a bite to eat in between all the fun.
You might be able to guess what kind of cuisine this restaurant serves based on its name —French fanfare at this quaint restaurant overlooking Darling Harbour.
For a traditional experience, try the snails drenched in garlic butter, or, if you aren’t feeling like snacking on a garden slug for lunch, try a French favourite - the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
For a meal with a side of a million-dollar view, try Opera Kitchen. Serving up cuisine from east to west, take your tastebuds around the world without leaving Sydney Harbour!
Get a European flavour fix and indulge in some pasta from the pasta bar or savour Asian flavour with ramen and karaage.
Hot tip: try to get there before sunset to get a seat or you might need to eat your dinner standing up!
The Grounds of Alexandria might be Sydney’s answer to Disneyland (in my opinion at least!) and it’s well worth the visit. Venture out to Alexandria and spend the day exploring the themed grounds.
Most people will tell you to try The Grounds of Alexandria cafe but expect long lines — as this place is extremely popular! Instead, you can enjoy The Grounds without the crowds and munch on brunch in The Potting Shed. True to its name, this cafe is decked out in plants and greenery so it’s the perfect spot for the perfect Instagram shot and some zen vibes.
Drink in Sydney
Sydney-siders sure know how to have a drink. Luckily for us (and them), there are plenty of awesome spots to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Remember Opera Kitchen? Once you are full to the brim on pasta and ramen, swap seats for next door at Opera Bar and sip on cocktails as you watch the sunset over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is one bar not to be missed!
Watch the city lights dazzle at Zephyr Bar, perched atop the Hyatt Regency Sydney. This swanky bar will have you feeling a million bucks.
Try a bespoke cocktail from their expertly curated cocktail list. I recommend the Chocolate Caramel Espresso for an Espresso Martini with a sweet twist.
Opened in 1893, Marble Bar has been a Sydney hotspot since. Be transported back to the speakeasy days with live jazz music as you indulge in a cocktail or two in this exquisite place.
Play in Sydney
Being Australia’s largest city, fun’s first stop when arriving in Australia is Sydney. Home to world-renowned culture, arts, attractions and more, you won’t be bored when you visit.
Get a glimpse of one of the most epic views in the world at Bridge Climb Sydney. In case you can’t guess the nature of this activity from the name, this involves climbing to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge with a trained guide for epic views and an even more epic Instagram snap. If you’re afraid of heights this may not be the activity for you as climbers will trek 134m above the harbour.
Pitt Street Mall
Shopping lovers rejoice! Sydney is home to some of Australia’s best shopping and Pitt Street Mall is the place to be. This place houses some major international fashion houses as well as your beloved regular brands.
Taronga Zoo is perhaps the most scenic zoo in the entire world, boasting views of Sydney Harbour from many of the animal enclosures (the giraffes have no idea how much rent they should be paying!). Take the ferry across the harbour to Taronga Zoo and enjoy a day out with the animals.
Stay in Sydney
After all this adventuring, you’ll need somewhere to put your feet up and relax. Try one of these highly recommended hotels to get cosy in after a long day.
For a five-star stay with million-dollar views that won’t completely deplete your bank account, try the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. The hotel is located in Circular Quay overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is within walking distance from the Circular Quay train station making it easily accessible.
If you like fun, QT is the place to be. This hotel is decked out in art deco so you can expect colour and classic design in this unique homage to the roaring 20s. Better yet, QT Sydney is located right in the heart of downtown so you’ll be amongst all the action.
Darling Harbour is not a place to be overlooked. With plenty of dining options and close to the SeaLife Aquarium, Barangaroo and a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour is a great locay, especially for families!
Try the Novotel Darling Harbour for comfortable accommodation that boasts an epic view of the city skyline.
With this list in hand, you should have the time of your life while in Sydney. Whether you're there for three hours, three days or three weeks, there's plenty to do and see in Sydney.
Plan your next trip to Sydney and Australia with The Departure Desk — where every trip takes off. See more travel blogs, itineraries and planning over at thedeparturedesk.com
