Beat’s guide to Sydney

We’re not going to waste any more precious internet space on diatribes about Sydney’s surface beauty and Melbourne’s depth of personality.

The first few days you spend in Sydney, you’ll be busy marvelling at how big a difference a couple of degrees can make. You’ll be blown over by the stunning harbour, how impressive hills can be, how green and vibrant their city streets are, the enviably-Eurpoean vibe of The Rocks district and how cool it is to catch a ferry around the bay for the same price as a train ticket (not to mention the bloody train ride from the airport…).

After that, you’ll begin to get a real sense for why so many people prefer Melbourne instead, beyond just the cheaper property prices. The lack of trams (an hour and half bus ride to get to Bondi?) and the congested city traffic are a bummer. The hills, while cool, make the city a tad confusing to navigate, which really means you relish Melbourne’s accessibility.

Then you get out of the harbour and you realise the likes of Marrickville, while lovely, can’t hold a candle to Fitzroy. They just don’t have that vibrant buzzy youth culture in their inner suburbs, the way Melbourne has. Finally, you spend a weekend trying to go out there and you realise they just don’t have a nightlife that can compete with Melbourne’s scene, at all.

The truth is, Melbourne’s the better place to grow up and Sydney’s the better place to grow old. So, with that out of the way, here’s our little love letter to a weekend in Sydney.

P.S – we pack a lot into each day because we can’t afford Sydney Airbnb prices. The lists are organised in a fairly linear Google Maps fashion, but spread this out as much as you like.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

Day One & Two

Opera House

One of the most fitting pieces of architecture in the world – as uniquely Sydney as a Ken Done or Brett Whitley painting, which all featured it – the Opera House is the perfect way to start your Sydney experience. The kicker is you can enjoy the building alongside the world-class performances and stunning harbour views. Its iconic sails house diverse cultural events, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The Opera House also provides tours, dining experiences, and photo opportunities, showcasing Sydney’s vibrant cultural scene.

Botanic Gardens

The best Royal Botanic Gardens in the world is a lush oasis in the heart of the city, offering a serene escape with stunning views of Sydney Harbour, themed gardens, historical landmarks, and guided tours. The Garden is also home to events, workshops, and art exhibitions, making it a hub for cultural and educational experiences. Whether you’re picnicking on the lawns, exploring the Calyx, or simply unwinding in nature, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney provides a refreshing retreat for all ages.

Queen Victoria Building

Stroll up the hills and into the CBD and then take a walk through this heritage-listed shopping complex in Sydney, renowned for its Romanesque architecture and elegant interior. Built in 1898, the QVB spans an entire city block and features stunning stained glass windows, intricate tile work, and an iconic central dome. Shoppers can explore an array of high-end boutiques, specialty stores, and dining options, blending contemporary retail with historic charm.

Darlinghurst 

This whole day is going to be in and around Darlinghurst, a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney known for its eclectic mix of culture, dining, and trillion-dollar terraces that your grandparents could have picked up for 400 pounds. With its historic terraced houses and trendy cafes, Darlinghurst offers a unique blend of old and new. Art enthusiasts can explore contemporary galleries, while food lovers enjoy a diverse range of restaurants and bars. Oxford Street, the heart of Darlinghurst, is famous for its lively atmosphere and annual Mardi Gras parade. The suburb also boasts beautiful green spaces like Harmony Park. A visit to Darlinghurst promises an exciting experience filled with art, culture, and entertainment in a bustling urban setting.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour (even bloody Barangaroo these days) is a reminder of what Docklands should have been. It’s the premier waterfront destination in Sydney, offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly attractions like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. The precinct is also home to vibrant restaurants, cafes, and bars with stunning harbour views. With its scenic promenades, playgrounds, and fireworks displays, Darling Harbour provides a dynamic and picturesque experience, perfect for leisurely strolls and exciting outings.

Surry Hills

Surry Hills is kinda Sydney’s version of a trendy suburb in Sydney, known for its ‘vibrant’ café culture, boutique shopping, shopping and did we mention shopping? The area boasts an array of gourmet restaurants, hip bars, and cosy cafes, making it a foodie haven. Surry Hills is also home to numerous art galleries, theatres, and creative spaces, reflecting its strong cultural vibe. The tree-lined streets feature charming terrace houses and bustling markets, adding to its unique character.

The Domain

The Domain is a central green space in Sydney, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. It hosts killer festivals, an absolutely brilliant spot if you’re there at the right time of year. Adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden, it provides expansive lawns perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. The Domain hosts various events and concerts throughout the year, including the popular Sydney Festival. With its convenient location and open spaces, The Domain serves as a versatile spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Hyde Park

A small oldie, but a goodie, Hyde Park is Sydney’s oldest public park, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Worth detouring through just for the size of those trees. Located in the city centre, it features tree-lined avenues, well-maintained gardens, and notable monuments like the Archibald Fountain and ANZAC War Memorial. Hyde Park is a popular spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and community events. Its tranquil setting provides a welcome escape from the urban environment, making it a cherished green space for both locals and visitors.

St Mary’s Cathedral

While you’re there, poke your head into St Mary’s Cathedral, an extremely impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture and a significant landmark. It’s a cathedral, so it’s free to enter as long as you hide your pentagram necklace and cover that Marilyn Manson t-shirt. Located near Hyde Park, the cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate stonework, and towering spires. As the largest cathedral in Australia, it serves as the heart of Catholic worship in the city and just edges out St Paul’s for wow factor. Visitors can explore its beautiful interior, attend services, or simply admire the architecture.

The Metro

Sydney’s less pretentious answer to The Forum, The Metro Theatre is a really funky mid-sized live music and entertainment venue, celebrated for its great viewing angles (it has a series of levels beyond a small pit, meaning everyone gets a great intimate view). Located in the heart of the city, the theatre hosts a wide range of events, from concerts and comedy shows to club nights and theatrical performances. With its versatile space and excellent acoustics, The Metro attracts both local and international acts, offering a vibrant experience for audiences. Its central location and engaging programming make it a key destination for those seeking diverse and high-quality entertainment in Sydney.

Then hop on the Manly Ferry and check out Manly Beach.

Where to eat: Jambo Jambo 

For dinner, get right out of the city centre and catch a bus (urgh) to Jambo Jambo, an inviting Ethiopian restaurant in Sydney known for its authentic cuisine and warm atmosphere. The menu features traditional dishes like injera, doro wat, and various flavorful stews, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and communal dining style create an immersive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia. Jambo Jambo is praised for its friendly service and cultural authenticity, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore diverse flavours and enjoy a unique dining experience in Sydney.

Where to drink: Shady Pines Saloon, The Ambercrombie, Old Mate’s Place, Oxford Art Factory

Is the taxidermy real? If so, how did they get it to Australia?

It’s one of very few Melbourne-esque bars in Sydney (by that we mean, it’s cool). We hate to be one of those people that goes to LA and complains there’s no New York pizza, but when it comes to bars, who wants to feel like they’re in a David Lynch set? Shady Pines Saloon is a distinctive bar in Sydney known for its relaxed, vintage American vibe, think Leonard’s House of Love. The saloon offers a unique selection of craft beers, classic cocktails, and a rotating menu of American comfort food. Its rustic decor, including retro signage and cosy booths, creates a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of old-school bars.

Day Three & Four

Chinese Garden 

Here you’ll become acquainted with the Water Dragon, just one of the aspects of Sydney that’s Totally Wild! and a reminder of how beautiful the whole place would have been before they knocked up 150 skyscrapers. The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney is a serene oasis that blends traditional Chinese design with natural beauty. Located in Darling Harbour, the garden features tranquil ponds, lush greenery, and elegant pavilions. Its design reflects classic Chinese landscaping principles, creating a peaceful retreat from the city. Visitors can explore winding paths, enjoy the calming sounds of waterfalls, and appreciate the meticulously maintained gardens.

Chinatown

Good for lunch. Chinatown in Sydney doesn’t quite have the scale of Melbourne’s, but it does have this superb overhanging canopy of trees that shade the strip and give it a really beautiful atmosphere, check it out on a map. It’s a vibrant cultural precinct located in the heart of the city that offers a lively mix of restaurants, shops, and markets, showcasing everything from traditional Chinese ingredients to unique gifts. The area is also home to various cultural festivals and events, including the Lunar New Year celebrations.

The Rocks

Our favourite man-made part of Sydney and perhaps the only (man-made) place in Australia that can rival anywhere in Europe for that feeling of having stepped back in time. Cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and a vibrant cultural scene (by that we mean, there’s a Ken Done gallery across the road from a burger joint).

Located near Circular Quay, it offers a mix of museums, galleries, and markets, reflecting its rich colonial past. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Sydney Observatory and the historic pubs that line its streets. The Rocks is also famous for its weekend markets, which feature a range of artisanal goods, food stalls, and unique souvenirs. If you head there on a Saturday night, you’ll get all of the old-time sensibility but still have the undying pleasure of listening to some gin-nosed bloke belt out Them Boys Light Up.

Harbour Bridge

From The Rocks, you walk across the Harbour Bridge and then down to Wendy’s Secret Garden and you can thank us later.

Spanning Sydney Harbour, it connects the central business district with the North Shore. The bridge offers spectacular views of the city and the harbour, which can be enjoyed from various vantage points, including the pedestrian walkway and the BridgeClimb experience, which costs a shitload so we didn’t do it. Its distinctive steel arch design and impressive engineering make it a prominent feature of Sydney’s skyline. The Harbour Bridge also hosts major events such as New Year’s Eve fireworks, making it a central part of the city’s celebrations and a must-see attraction.

Wendy’s Secret Garden

Ensure you traverse every bit of this gorgeous garden and then take the time to walk around Lavender Bay at the bottom, that view spanning Luna Park and the Harbour Bridge is just divine.

Wendy’s Secret Garden is a not-so-hidden gem in Sydney’s Lavender Bay, offering a tranquil escape with its lush, meticulously landscaped grounds. Created by artist Wendy Whiteley, the garden features winding pathways, vibrant plantings, and serene seating areas, reflecting her vision of a personal sanctuary. Open to the public, it provides a peaceful retreat with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The garden’s intimate atmosphere and artistic touches make it a unique and cherished space, ideal for relaxation and contemplation amid the city’s bustling environment.

Martin Place

Sydney Town Hall

While you’re there, check out Sydney Town Hall, a grand historic building located in the heart of the city. Completed in 1890, it is known for its impressive Victorian architecture, featuring ornate details and a prominent clock tower.

• Sydney Fish Market 
• Brett Whitely Studio
• Bondi Beach
• Bondi Icebergs Pool
• House of Doss
• Redfern Murals
• Carriageworks

Where to eat: AP Bakery

Good for brekky. Sydney shares Melbourne’s obsession for the latest en-vogue patisserie. AP Bakery has stood the test of time though, it offers a range of freshly baked products, including sourdough, pastries, and cakes, all crafted with a focus on traditional techniques and quality ingredients.

Where to drink: Cricketers Arms, Caterpillar Club, Club 77