Sydneys coolest suburbs - Where to Stay

Sydney, the Coolest Suburbs Where to Stay

With its intricate shoreline, kaleidoscopic territory, and architectural wonders, Sydney is the capital to which all the other Australian cities aspire. It houses superb Aussie icons- the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. It also hosts magnificent museums and restaurants, a vivacious performing-arts scene and yet more pristine beaches.

Your choice of neighborhood will greatly influence the tone of your Sydney experience. Australia’s show pony offers a myriad of accommodations with solid options in every price range. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Sydney. Let’s dive right in!

Central Business District – Darling Harbor

Lying adjacent to the city center of Sydney is the luxurious Darling Harbor. It was named after Lieutenant-General Ralph Darling, who was the Governor of the New South Wales region between 1825 to 1831. There are countless adventures to embark upon on this buzzing and bustling center of Sydney. Travelers could scour within this neighborhood on their whole trip and only catch a glimpse of the surface.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Top Tourist Attractions: The Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Square, Australian Maritime Museum, Tumbalong Park, ICC Sydney, ICC Sydney Theatre, Powerhouse Museum, Reflection Park, Harborview Shopping Centre, Cockle Bay Wharf, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Pyrmont Bridge, Sydney Heritage Fleet, Chinatown Sydney, Australian Chinese Ex-Services Monument

Hotel Recommendations:

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor – Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor is one of the best hotels in all of Sydney. Up on the rooftop, guests are welcome to indulge in the infinity swimming pool and enjoy an amazing view of the cityscape. The rooms are elegant yet simple in design and offer high levels of comfort.
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbor – Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbor is a fantastic hotel in Sydney. Set a 5-minute walk from the harbor itself, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbor is a top pick in the district. There is an urban feel to the hotel and plenty of art to enjoy throughout the property. There is a flexible check out service.
Novotel Sydney Darling Harbor – Novotel Sydney Darling Harbor is an excellent hotel in Sydney offering an impressive set of facilities. There is a fitness center, outdoor tennis courts, and an outdoor swimming pool. The Ternary Restaurant has a wonderful menu and is well worth ‘staying in’ for. There are only 30-minutes of free WiFi daily.

The Rocks

Among Sydney’s most vibrant tourist precincts, The Rocks is home to a vibrant and trendy community of locals and a never-ending flow of tourists. It also showcases some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and diners. The whole area has undergone a period of urban revival and gentrification and there are now dozens of harborside bistros and upmarket bars to explore.

Top Tourist Attractions: The Museum of Contemporary Art. Sydney Harbor Bridge, Pylon Lookout, Bridge Climb Sydney, First Fleet Park, Cadman’s Cottage, Harborview Room at the MCA, Spirit Gallery – Aboriginal Art & Didgeridoos, The Rocks Discovery Museum, The Rocks Walking Tours, Susannah Place Museum, Sirius Building, Dawes Point Battery

Hotel Recommendations:

Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks – Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks is a very good hotel in Sydney. The rooms are modern yet homely and many offer incredible views of the Sydney Opera House. There are an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub too. Guests have free but limited WiFi access. The staff are wonderful and always happy to help.
Harbor Rocks Hotel Sydney – MGallery by Sofitel – Harbor Rocks Hotel Sydney is one of the most popular hotels in The Rocks. Super modern, with an urban and minimalist feel, Harbor Rocks Hotel Sydney is perfect for hipster travelers who appreciate interior design. There is an iPod docking station in every room in addition to a minibar.
Holiday Inn Old Sydney – Holiday Inn Old Sydney is a more affordable option in The Rocks neighborhood. Featuring a rooftop swimming pool and views of the Sydney Opera House, Holiday Inn Old Sydney is a real winner. Guests have a choice of soft or firm pillows. The rooms are modern and spacious.

Surry Hills

Best known for its artsy culture, gay and lesbian community and heavily liberal views, Surry Hills is the perfect place for traveling hipsters, budget backpackers and coffee-shop connoisseurs. Moreover, there is a booming art scene in Surry Hills that encompasses the full spectrum of creativity. The coffee shops and brew pubs often host live music nights with local musicians. There is a great selection of art galleries and creative community spaces to explore too. The Brett Whiteley Studio is one of the most established galleries in the neighborhood, as is the Australian Center for Photography.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Coffee Lovers, Culture Vultures, Foodies, Local Travelers, Off-The-Beaten Track Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Top Tourist Attractions: Prince Alfred Park, Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills Markets, Australian Centre for Photography, Michael Reid Gallery Sydney, Ward Park, Belvoir St Theatre, The Wanderer Bar, Li’l Darlin Surry Hills Restaurant, Catmosphere Cat Cafe, The Reformatory Caffeine Lab, Fatima’s Lebanese Restaurant, The Beresford Pub

Hotel Recommendations:

Shakespeare Hotel – Shakespeare Hotel is a superb hotel in terms of location in Surry Hills. Just a few steps away from some of the most popular coffee houses in the neighborhood, there is a quirky and eclectic decor to the Shakespeare Hotel and each room is a little bit different. There is an 1850’s theme throughout.
57Hotel – 57Hotel is a very good hotel in Surry Hills. There is a luxurious and modern feel to the hotel and guests get great value for money. Each room offers an iPad, a rain shower, and eco-friendly toiletries. There is a minibar in every room and a mini-fridge. There is a 24-hour front desk for guest’s convenience.
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Surry Hills – For longer-term travelers keen to feel at home in Sydney, Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Surry Hills is the best place to stay. Each apartment comes fully equipped with a living room space and a kitchen. There is free and unlimited WiFi available. The complex offers guests a swimming pool and parking facilities.

Bondi

One of the most famous beachside suburbs in the world, Bondi is a popular hangout spot for both tourists and locals. Aside from beach nuts, it also draws in surfers as well. There are also a plethora of cool cafes and glitzy bars to explore.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Beach Bums, City Slickers, Couples, Coffee Lovers, Culture Vultures, Foodies, Like a Local Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Surfers, Sun Worshippers, Whistle-Stop Travelers,

Top Tourist Attractions: Bondi Beach, Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, Monument to Black Sunday, Hunter Sculpture Park, Bondi Skate Park, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, The Bucket List – Australian Restaurant, Biddigal Reserve, Ray O’Keefe Reserve, Ben Buckler Point, Bronte Beach, Bondi Golf & Diggers Club, Aboriginal Rock Engravings on Military Road

Hotel Recommendations:

The Chee Bondi – The Chee Bondi is a superb hotel in the Bondi neighborhood just a 2-minute walk from the beach. The hotel offers both free WiFi and free parking. The rooms are simple yet homely and all offer an ensuite bathroom. All rooms have air conditioning and there is hot water available.
QT Bondi – QT Bondi is one of the most popular hotels in the Bondi area. Modern and whitewashed, the hotel feels fresh and welcoming. Guests have access to free WiFi and movies in their rooms. All apartments have air conditioning and plenty of space to unpack and relax. Some of the apartments have a balcony.
Bondi Beach House – Bondi Beach House is a favorite for return visitors to Bondi Beach. The bed and breakfast style is homely and welcoming and guests are all greeted like old friends. The patio area is a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. The rooms are spacious and offer high levels of comfort.

North Sydney

Sitting across the harbor of the Central Business District is the buzzing and bustling suburb of North Sydney. It’s the perfect place for long-term travelers seeking a temporary domicile in Sydney. It boasts a superb view of the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge and the glittering skyline of the city. There are also plenty of spots ideal for a picnic in St. Leonard’s Park. It also features sports facilities and adventure playgrounds for children.

Good For: Active Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Coffee Lovers, Culture Vultures, Foodies, Like a Local Travelers, Off-The-Beaten Track Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Urban Photographers

Top Tourist Attractions: St Leonard’s Park, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Wendy’s Secret Garden, Luna Park Sydney, Bradfield Park, Copes Lookout, North Sydney Community Centre, St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Billy Barry’s Pub, Five Points Burgers, Watt Park, Quibaree Park, The Royal Art Society Of New South Wales

Hotel Recommendations:

North Sydney Harborview Hotel – North Sydney Harborview Hotel is a gorgeous hotel that overlooks Sydney Harbor Bridge. Guests of the North Sydney Harborview Hotel have access to the North Sydney Olympic Pool for free. The majority of the rooms offer views of the harbor and bridge. All rooms have air-conditioning and access to WiFi.
Meriton Suites North Sydney – Meriton Suites North Sydney has a fantastic set of facilities. Guests have unlimited access to the 24-hour fitness center that also features a spa and sauna complex. There is a work desk in every room and free WiFi access too. The suites are generous and can sleep up to four people.
Vibe Hotel North Sydney – Vibe Hotel North Sydney is a modern and stylish hotel on Pacific Highway. The hotel lobby feels like a swanky uptown bar and the views from the rooftop swimming pool are breathtaking. It is a big hotel with 187 rooms, all of which offer air conditioning and access to WiFi.

Before leaving for Sydney, let us give you a few tips for traveling. Click HERE!