Top 6 Must Visit Neighborhoods in Sydney

People say that it takes only one trip to Sydney to fall in love with this Australian metropolis. And it’s no wonder, after all, since it has a rich offer of contents and fusion of different cultures that everyone will fit right in. The city has over 600 neighborhoods divided among 38 local government areas which make Sydney a challenging place for the tourists.

However, if you are heading to Sydney, these are the top neighborhoods you must visit for the ideal travel experience.

Bondi

Bondi is a globally known neighborhood and home to some of the best real estate in Sydney and that is mostly the case due to the long, sandy beaches. However, this is where most of the cultural events take place, as well as where you will find the sophisticated spots to dine and drink. Besides watersports, you can attend yoga classes and then go for a healthy green smoothie in one of the cafés.

Sculpture by the Sea is an annual outdoor exhibition which features the works of Australian artists but also the international ones as well. This something that happens during spring for three weeks and is definitely a must see attraction when in Sydney.

Surry Hills

If you want to meet the hipster community of Sydney, then Surry Hills neighborhood is the place to start. Additionally, this is a go-to spot for all the coffee lovers whether locals or tourists where they can relax at places like Single O and even have something to eat.

Elekhh [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons

You won’t find flashy signs here pointing you what to try and where to go, but you will rather subtly get the hint where to go. Play Bar is a great way to start experiencing Surry Hills with local artists of the hip-hop scene performing here. If you like vintage clothes, then you will find it here and for affordable prices.

Paddington

Paddington is a perfect neighborhood for those interested in shopping and checking out the offer at the local pubs. This is a popular Sydney suburb for another reason entirely – galleries. It’s impossible to walk around here without spotting one or even buying a piece since many contemporary artists showcase here.

User:Twistie.man [CC BY-SA 3.0]

If you are interested in local designer items, jewelry, and independent fashion, then stay on Oxford Street. Every weekend local designers attend the Saturday market and offer their products so you can leave Australia with something interesting.

Crows Nest

Lower North Shore of Sydney is home to one of the up and trendy neighborhoods in the city – Crows Nest. With high-quality accommodations like Good Life Suites you can even stay in this suburb and try the wide offer of Asian cuisine in its many restaurants. If you want to experience Sydney nightlife then Crows Nest is a perfect spot with places like the Foxtrot and Bavarian Bier Café.

J Bar [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons

An independent bookstore The Constant Reader should certainly end up on your list of places to visit. And if you are also into art, stop by Cork and Canvas studio where you can learn to paint while sipping a glass of fine wine.

The Rocks

Before the Rocks became such a prominent neighborhood of Sydney, it was a convict settlement. Now, this is an astonishing example of colonial-era architecture and you can easily find out more about its history if you apply for an evening tour. The Rocks Markets offer street food and handmade products that breathe the culture of the neighborhood.

Take a break under the Harbour Bridge in one of the many cafés or visit the Museum of Contemporary Arts which is also situated in the Rocks. It’s a good chance that you will find an exhibition by some world-renowned contemporary artist there or some similar high-profile event.

St Leonards

Not so far away from CBD, St Leonards is another lower North Shore neighborhood of Sydney. The Forum is a group of buildings built over the railroad station consisting of three commercial structures, two residential ones and many retail shops. The tallest one Forum Tower has over 450 apartments, while Forum West is lower with around 300 apartments.

Adam.J.W.C. [CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons

Newlands Park is situated within the walking distance from the train station and its many trees offer a nice shade on a sunny day. This is a perfect place to take your kids since it offers completely equipped playgrounds and games which even the adults can try. To try some Eastern European food and Czech beer, visit the Bazaar Beer Café but make sure you make the reservations first since this is a very trendy place.

All in all

These are the top must-visit neighborhoods in Sydney that will definitely inspire you to come back again. With so many different cultures and traditions intertwined in the city, visitors always have a good time and take home wonderful memories. And some even buy a piece of art made by local artists as a gift or a memento of Sydney’s design scene.