Sydney, one of Australia's best-known cities, is especially popular with young people and backpackers, who find art, culture, green spaces, surfing beaches and a vibrant nightlife here. Typical Australian pubs, discos, theatres, cabarets and live music: Australian nightlife here is very diverse.
Here's a guide to experiencing Sydney's nightlife at its best.
First time in Sydney? Take a tour of the most popular pubs with a local!
Throw yourself into the nightlife of Sydney's The Rock district with a tour of the oldest pubs, with free drinks. Info and cost here.
Where to go at night: streets, areas and neighbourhoods
Sydney is a city full of life, chosen by most young people who decide to move to Australia in search of their Australian dream. This is because, in addition to the many offers and job opportunities, Sydney offers plenty of things to do, beaches and great nightlife. The nightlife hotspots are Potts Point, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, with plenty of clubs and popular with young people. Another landmark is definitely the CBD, especially in the areas of The Rocks and Darling Harbour, with lots of clubs. Finally, Sydney is also rich in wonderful beaches and in the summer season Bondi is one of the most crowded districts, especially by young people who, after the beaches and surfing, meet up for a drink in one of the many clubs. Also, you shouldn't miss Byron Bay Hotels at newsouthwaleshotels.net for a great stay on your visits.
Be careful though, in Sydney there are strict rules governing nightlife: during the week most clubs must close at 1:30am, while on weekends the limit is moved to 3am; it is also forbidden to drink alcohol on the street and in public areas, only inside the premises, under penalty of heavy fines, and the drinking age is 18. Also, make sure you carry your passport with you at all times: in many clubs you cannot enter without an ID. Given these rules, especially those on closing times, it follows that nightlife starts early and clubs open as early as 8 or 9pm, except in a few cases.
While in Sydney, convenience and comfort are key. Hence, choosing the best accommodations in strategic locations is imperative. You can find a comprehensive list of the top hotels at tophotels.com to make your search way easier and convenient.
Is Sydney dangerous at night? Sydney is an extremely safe city, especially in the more central areas such as the CBD. Best to avoid areas such as Blacktown, Redfern, Bakstown, Cabramatta, Fairfield, Perith and Liverpool, but these are suburbs a long way from the centre that you'll have no way of getting to.
CBD: The Rocks and Darling Harbour
The CBD is Sydney's commercial and financial heart, the city centre, packed with skyscrapers, attractions and clubs. If you are staying in Sydney for a short period it is also the best neighbourhood to stay in. Here you can get around on foot or use Uber, the convenient app to book your own taxi.
The CBD is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods at night, thanks in part to its central location. The hottest nightlife areas are The Rocks and Darling Harbour. The former lies between Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge and here you will find mainly traditional Australian pubs and restaurants. Darling Harbour, on the other hand, is one of Sydney's trendiest spots. Here, the nightlife lights up after sunset and there are plenty of cocktail bars and stylish clubs. In the CBD, you can find tourists and locals, young and old, and the nightlife starts as early as 8pm.
The cult venues in the area are the renowned Chinese Laundry and Opera Bar. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommendHome The Venue, The Basement and Candelaria. For a quieter evening we recommend The Argyle andHyde Hacienda Sydney, for a drink or romantic dinner The Glenmore Hotel. If you're going at dinnertime, opt for the disco pub Scruffy Murphy' s, which also offers live music and gigs.
Potts Point and Kings Cross
Photo by Sardaka. Potts Point is Sydney's quintessential nightlife district, along with Darlinghurst. It is located right next to the CBD, from which it is divided by the famous Royal Botanic Gardens. Again, you can get around on foot or by Uber, much depends on where you are staying. If you are staying in the CBD, the neighbourhood is within walking distance.
In Potts Point, the hub of nightlife is Kings Cross, the city's old red light district. The area is mainly frequented by young people and many backpackers stay here. You will also easily find many young Italians. Here there are mainly pubs and discos, which open around 9 or 10 p.m., but you can also spend a quiet evening in a stylish cocktail bar.
The cult venues in the area are the renowned The Club and Kings Cross Hotel. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend Flamingo Lounge and Jangling Jack's. For a quieter evening we recommend The Roosevelt, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner The Butler. If you go at dinnertime, opt for The Bourbon Hotel, which also offers concerts, cocktails and live music.
Darlinghurst
Photo by Sardaka. Darlinghurst, along with Potts Point, is the second largest nightlife district, thanks to development in recent decades. It is also located right next to Potts Point, from which it is divided by the long William Street. Again, you can get around on foot or by Uber, much depends on where you are staying. If you are staying in the CBD, the neighbourhood is also within walking distance.
The nightlife hotspots are William Street, Oxford Street and Victoria Street: the latter street is also home to many hostels where young people and backpackers from all over the world stay. In addition, Darlinghurst is the neighbourhood of the LGBT community and you'll find a diverse range of nightclubs to dance and party in, elegant refurbishments, traditional Australian pubs and live music venues. The nightlife here starts with happy hour, which takes place between 17:00 and 19:00, and continues until closing time.
The cult venues in the area are the renowned Darlo Bar and Oxford Art Factory. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend Club 77,ARQ Sydney and The Cliff Dive. For a quieter evening, we recommend the Shady Pines Saloon, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner, the Love Tilly Devine. If you're going at dinnertime, opt for the Kinselas Hotel, which also offers cocktails and music.
Surry Hills
Photo by Bidgee. Surry Hills is a neighbourhood with a somewhat bohemian and artsy feel that is constantly changing. It's south of the CBD and Darlinghurst, so the best way to get there and get around is by Uber, which is active any time of day or night. If you're staying here you can get around on foot instead.
As mentioned, Surry Hills is Sydney's arts district and its bohemian vibe attracts mostly young people, both locals and foreigners. In addition, Sydney's University of Technology is also nearby and therefore attracts many university students. Here, too, you will find a wide range of offerings, from hidden bars to live music venues to traditional pubs, but also quieter, more elegant venues: the area around Surry Hills Library, for example, is full of wine bars. The nightlife starts with happy hour around 5 p.m. and continues until closing time on weekends around 3 a.m.
The cult venues in the area are the renowned The Soda Factory and The Winery. For those who tend more towards live music venues, we recommend The Beresford and The White Horse. For a quieter evening, we recommend The Clock and Keg & Brew, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner, The Bartolo. If you go at dinnertime, opt for Goros, which also offers music, karaoke and board games.
Bondi
'/>"/> Finally, we can't not mention Sydney's great beaches, which in warm weather are very busy day and night. And one of these is Bondi Beach, Sydney's most famous. It is located far from the CBD, about 30 min by bus. It is therefore best to get around by Uber, especially if you are staying in the CBD.
In summer, Bondi Beach is the hangout for young people and the beach is very crowded during the day, while in the evenings you can hang out at the local clubs. After a surfing lesson you can catch up with friends in one of the many clubs overlooking the beach, but you will also find many restaurants and bars to spend the evening in. In fine weather it also hosts events and concerts.
The cult venues in the area are the renowned Beach Road Hotel and Bondi Icebergs Club. For a quieter evening, we recommend Neighbourhood Bondi, Salty's Bondi, Bondi Hardware and Speakeasy Bar, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner, La Palma Cocktail Bar Bondi. If you're going at dinnertime, opt for The Royal Bondi pub, which also offers theme nights and DJ sets.
Sydney's most popular pubs, clubs and nightclubs
Marquee Sydney (Pyrmont, Pirrama Road - Get directions)
One of Sydney's most famous nightclubs. Located inside the Star Casino, it hosts international artists such as Calvin Harris, Drake, Avicii, Tiesto and Hardwel. Frequented by people of all ages. Admission varies depending on events and guests, on average €25.00;Opera Bar (CBD, Macquarie Street - Get directions)
One of Sydney's finest venues, located just below the Opera House. Open from morning till 00:30, great drinks, great harbour views. Popular with locals and tourists of all ages. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;The Club (Potts Point, Bayswater Road - Get directions)
Simple, informal disco in Kings Cross, no dress code or special requirements. Ideal for meeting locals. Mainly frequented by under-25s. Average cost of admission €10.00;Darlo Bar (Darlinghurst, Liverpool Street - Get Directions)
A real institution in Darlinghurst. Retro decor, outdoor terrace, craft beers and great cocktails. Live music and theme nights. Popular with a varied clientele. Free entry, cocktails from €15;Oxford Art Factory (Darlinghurst, Oxfordd Street - Get Directions)
One of Sydney's most popular live music venues. International guests and artists, indie and electronic DJs, gigs with local artists. Popular with a diverse clientele. Admission charges depending on the event, from €10.00;Chinese Laundry (CBD, Sussex Street - Get Directions)
One of the best underground clubs in town. House, techno and hip hop music, international DJs, great cocktails. Elegant ambience, with selection at the entrance. Nice and elegant dress code recommended. Average cost of admission €40.00;The Soda Factory (Surry Hills, Wentworth Avenue - Get directions)
Popular American-style venue. Different evenings depending on the day, live music, DJ nights or movie nights. Mainly frequented by young people. Free entry, cocktails from €10.00;Kings Cross Hotel (Potts Point, William Street - Get directions)
One of Potts Point's most popular bars. Outdoor terrace overlooking the city, food service, great beers and cocktails. Popular with a varied clientele. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;The Winery (Surry Hills, Crown Street - Get directions).
Sophisticated and elegant wine bar. Over 30 wine labels, sophisticated cocktails, great food. Large cosy urban-style garden. Ideal for a quiet evening. Frequented by a varied clientele. Free admission, glass of wine €8.00;Home The Venue (CBD, Wheat Road - Get directions)
One of Sydney's most famous and largest nightclubs. On the Darling Harbour waterfront, theme nights, international DJs. Selection at entrance, smart dress required. Frequented by a varied but fashionable clientele. Average cost of admission €30.00;Club 77 (Darlinghurst, William Street - Get Directions)
One of Darlinghurst's iconic clubs. Once a rave bunker, now an elegant underground venue, techno music, red neon lights, distinctive atmosphere. Frequented mainly by young people. Average cost of admission €15.00;Flamingo Lounge (Potts Point, Bayswater Road - Get directions)
Part lounge bar and part nightclub where you can dance until late. Hosts Sydney's best DJs, great cocktails. outdoor terrace with views. Mainly frequented by young people. Average cost of admission €20.00;The Argyle (CBD, Argyle Street - Get directions)
Venue with 5 bars. Wooden furniture, soft lighting, candlelit courtyard. Good music and good drinks, ideal for a quiet evening. Frequented by a varied clientele. Entrance fee depending on events, from €10.00;The Butler (Potts Point, Victoria Street - Get Directions)
One of Sydney's most beautiful venues, ideal for a romantic evening. Spectacular views over Sydney, romantic atmosphere, soft lighting, French Caribbean cuisine. Free entry, dinner from €40.00 per person;Beach Road Hotel (Bondi, Beach Road - Get directions)
One of Bondi's most famous and popular venues. Frequented by locals and tourists of all ages, especially young people. Organises live music and DJ nights. Free entry, cocktails from €10.00;Love Tilly Devine (Darlinghurst, Crown Lane - Get directions)
Small bar offering around 300 wine labels from around the world. Great food, intimate atmosphere. Frequented by a varied clientele, mostly locals. Free entry, glass of wine €8.00;The Glenmore Hotel (CBD, Cumberland Street - Get directions)
One of Sydney's most beautiful rooftop bars, with stunning views of the Opera House and harbour. Very busy, best to arrive early. Varied clientele, mostly tourists. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;Shady Pines Saloon (Darlinghurst, Crown Street - Get directions)
Saloon-themed venue with an Old West ambience. Dim lights, wooden interior, great cocktails and craft beers. Popular with a varied clientele. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;The Beresford (Surry Hills, Bourke Street - Get Directions)
Pub with a lively atmosphere, lantern-lit patio, cosy interior. Great cocktails but also homemade pastas and pizzas. Frequented mainly by Australians. Free entry, cocktails from €10.00;Salty's Bondi (Bondi, Campbell Parade - Get directions)
Waterfront bar on Bondi Beach. Cosy interior, great cocktails, unique atmosphere. Kitchen service to stay for dinner as well. Frequented mainly by young people. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;Scruffy Murphy's (CBD, Goulburn Street - Get Directions)
One of Sydney's most popular and beloved discos. Pub where you can enjoy a burger and a good beer in good company, which also organises live music, karaoke nights, DJ nights. Free entry, dinner from €20 per person;The Factory Theatre (Marrickville, Victoria Road - Get directions)
Large venue away from the centre that hosts all kinds of events, from festivals to theatre performances, from cabaret to live music. Frequented by a varied clientele. Cost of admission depending on the event, from €10.00.