The Insider’s Guide To Sydney
By
2 weeks ago
Where to stay, eat and drink in Australia's glimmering city
Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities – for good reason – Sydney truly has it all. From iconic landmarks and stunning beaches to a culinary scene that rivals any in the world, Sydney makes the long-haul flight from Europe totally worth it. But where are the best places to stay? Where can you dine with a view? And where do you find those hidden gems away from the crowds? Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned Sydneysider, here’s the ultimate guide to where to eat, stay, and explore this dazzling harbour city.
Sydney Travel Guide: Stay, Eat, Explore
Where To Stay In Sydney
Crown Towers Sydney
If you want a room with a view, it doesn’t get more decadent than Crown Towers. The pinnacle of overnight indulgence, this ritzy five-star hotel in Barangaroo has unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the water, and some seriously good restaurants. Woodcut showcases open-flame cooking with premium Australian produce, while A’Mare offers a refined take on Italian cuisine, complete with tableside pasta service. Try the lobster spaghetti if you’re feeling fancy. And for the ultimate in relaxation, head to Crown Towers spa for their Shirodhara treatment – a stress-relieving experience where warm oil is gently poured over the third eye – perfect for anyone in need of a pick-me-up after the marathon journey down under.
Manly Pacific
A suburb north of the harbour bridge that has a tree-fringed beach and a scrappy, surfy charm, Manly is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the laid-back vibes that Sydney is known and loved for. Fancy a sleepover? Try the Manly Pacific – a beachside escape just a short stroll from the ocean’s blue waters. With a rooftop pool, ocean-view rooms, and the newly opened Cibaria – a chic Italian restaurant led by world-class chefs that serves the finest squid ink pasta in town – it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the surf.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Nestled in the picturesque waterfront suburb of Watsons Bay, this boutique hotel is the epitome of laid-back luxury. With panoramic harbour views, pastel-hued sunsets, and a breezy beachside vibe, it’s a favourite for long lunches and weekend getaways. Fancy a stay? The hotel’s chic, coastal-inspired rooms make for the perfect retreat after a day by the water. Don’t miss the iconic Beach Club: a lively spot where seafood platters and chilled rosé are the order of the day.
Where To Eat In Sydney
(© Steven Woodburn)
Catalina, Rose Bay
A quintessentially Sydney dining experience, Catalina is a waterfront restaurant in bougie Rose Bay, perched right on the harbour with incredible water views. Start your visit with a champagne strawberry cocktail mixed tableside from an old-school drinks trolley, then sample Catalina’s seven-course menu paired with wine—featuring everything from oysters to cuttlefish risotto. With romantic white linen tablecloths, the food is rivalled only by the shimmering water views, bathed in gold under the afternoon sun.
Lyne Park, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029; catalinarosebay.com.au
(© Steven Woodburn)
Totti’s, Bondi
The place to see and be seen in Bondi, Totti’s is the go-to spot for rustic Italian fare with a side of prime people-watching. For the full la dolce vita experience, try the famous burrata with wood-fired bread, followed by the snapper, all washed down with a glass (or two) of prosecco. With a leafy, Mediterranean-inspired courtyard and a vibe that feels like an endless summer, it’s no wonder tables book out months in advance – so plan ahead to join the locals for a long and leisurely lunch.
283 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026; merivale.com
Bennelong
Bennelong is a restaurant with serious wow factor, tucked inside the iconic Sydney Opera House. With its breathtaking views and decadent dishes, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Sydney. Expect modern Australian fare with a twist, and don’t miss the Bennelong Pavlova for dessert. Shaped like the Opera House itself, this poached meringue is filled with passionfruit curd, topped with whipped double cream, fluffy flecks of Italian meringue, and finished with crisp meringue sails. Because, when in Rome…
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000; bennelong.com.au
Chiswick, Woollahra
Chiswick is a Hamptons-esque restaurant tucked away on a quiet street in leafy Woollahra – an affluent neighbourhood that’s a world away from Sydney’s bustling tourist hotspots. Here, it’s all about that farm-to-table magic, with seasonal produce sourced straight from their very own on-site garden. The result? Fresh, vibrant dishes that taste as good as they look. Bathed in natural light, the space is elegant yet laid-back, creating a perfect balance of relaxed sophistication. Excellent share plates, like the wood-roasted prawns and ocean trout, are perfect for enjoying with friends.
65 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW 2025; chiswickwoollahra.com.au
Things To Do In Sydney
Catch A Wave On Bondi Beach
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to its most iconic beach for a surf lesson. If you’re a beginner, Let’s Go Surfing is the go-to spot, with top-notch instructors and small groups that give you the best shot at riding your first wave. Fingers crossed for ideal surf breaks: you might be catching waves with the best of them before you know it.
Spit To Manly Walk
For a mix of bushland and coastal views, the Spit to Manly walk is a must. The 10 km trek weaves through national parkland, secluded beaches, and panoramic lookout points, ending at the lively Manly Beach. Reward yourself with fish and chips or an açai bowl and a dip in the ocean when you get there.
SpaQ
Located within QT Sydney – a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city – SpaQ offers a quirky yet indulgent retreat. The Metamorphis package is the epitome of relaxation, featuring a hammam-inspired steam, a soothing body exfoliation and wrap, and a full-body massage, perfect for those who’ve been clocking up the steps on Sydney’s coastal walks.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk
If you want harbour views without the crowds, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a hidden gem beloved by locals. Starting in Rose Bay, this short but stunning trail offers postcard-perfect views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You’ll finish at Shark Beach, where The Nielsen serves up fresh fish tacos and fruity cocktails, perfect to enjoy as the sun sets over Sydney.
Venustus, Paddington
A well-kept secret among Sydney’s wellness set, Venustus in Paddington is the ultimate destination for those seeking pure pampering. The signature treatment, the Sculpting Lymphatic Package, works wonders by kickstarting your lymphatic system and sculpting long-lost cheekbones and jawlines. Grounded in manual lymphatic drainage, this treatment delivers instant visual results with lasting benefits. It’s also the perfect pick-me-up for anyone battling swollen legs after a long flight down under.
Lucy Pearson is a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia.
