Paddington

A white shop, Banjo & Matilda, sits between two other buildings

One of Sydneyโ€™s most elegant areas, where leafy streets are lined with grand homes, private art galleries and expensive boutiques. Sitting just to the east of the city, the chic suburb of Paddington will give you a taste of how Sydneyโ€™s elite like to live. The main thoroughfare, Oxford Street, is always busy, but venture … Read more

Barangaroo & Darling Harbour

Three cyclists ride along a waterfront path

Itโ€™s all about good times by the water in these buzzy suburbs, tucked just inside the inner harbour to the west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydneyโ€™s newest harbourside precinct, Barangaroo, is known for its glittering skyscrapers, stylish restaurants and leafy parkland. Formerly an industrial area and shipping terminal, the huge redevelopment began in 2012 … Read more

Sydney Harbour and the City

The top 20 things to do in Sydney, Sydney Harbour

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Sydney. Starting at Sydney Harbour, the CBD runs south in a straight line towards Central Railway Station. In recent years, Sydney city has undergone a dramatic transformation. Car traffic has been removed from many streets, creating a safe, walkable city threaded with wide boulevards and outdoor attractions. Though itโ€™s … Read more

Woollahra

Knit dresses displayed on mannequins in a gallery setting, showcasing various patterns and textures

This elegant suburb is dotted with heritage-listed mansions, English-style upscale pubs and tree-lined streets. Woollahraโ€™s Queen Street is the place to nab designer threads for the whole family. Go to Armani Junior and Jacadi Paris for on-trend youngsters, Ruby & Min or Riada Concept for international designers, and M.J. Bale for tailor-made menโ€™s suits.

Surry Hills

A barista holds a blue cup of latte art; they are pouring from a metal pitcher; the setting appears to be a coffee shop

This vibrant inner-city neighbourhood has evolved from working-class beginnings to a thriving hub of fashion, art and food. Crown Street is a popular shopping strip and Bourke Street is well worth a stroll too. Find handcrafted ceramics, designer stationery, pre-loved vinyl records, and international brands from Denmark and New York.

Paddington

A white shop, Banjo & Matilda, sits between two darker buildings

Paddington, in Sydneyโ€™s east, has long been known for its fashion credentials. Oxford Street is the main thoroughfare, and lined with alluring boutiques, designer furniture stores and upmarket pubs. The Intersection, where Glenmore Road meets Oxford Street, has an array of high-end Australian designers such as Scanlan Theodore and Lee Mathews.

Newtown

Two people browse and work amidst numerous books and records in a well-stocked record store

The eclectic urban village of Newtown, home to Sydney University, is bursting with funky style, bohemian vibes and colourful street art. Here, in the shops that line Newtownโ€™s main drag of King Street, discover one-off vintage finds, curious coffee table books and original fashion.

Bondi

Two women stand outside a shop called COMMUNE BONDI, holding shopping bags

Boutiques in Bondi capture the laid back, coastal style of this famous beachside suburb. Spend time on Gould Street, which is lined with uber-cool boutiques โ€“ pick up playful jewellery from Lucy Folk, fashion staples elevated in premium fabrics like linen and cashmere from Jac + Jack or on-trend eco-friendly cleaning products from Bondi Wash.

Sydney Harbour and the City

People dine at outdoor tables, overlooking the Sydney Opera House on a sunny day

Top 6ย  Places to eat & drink Londres 126. Mexican cuisine, mezcal and a touch of surrealism in the new Quay Quarter Lanes precinct. londres126.com.au Opera Bar. Enjoy oysters, seafood, pizza and an all-Aussie wine list at this famed waterfront dining spot. operabar.com.au YCK Laneways. A dedicated precinct of small bars tucked in laneways, basements … Read more

Chinatown

A weathered stone lion sits beneath a vibrant red and gold Chinese archway; people stroll through a bustling Chinatown street

This area dates from the 1920s and offers a bustling array of shops and restaurants, plus bargain shopper heaven in Paddyโ€™s Market and a Chinese Garden.ย