If Sydney was somewhere other than Australia, its locals would be insufferable—high on their good fortune for living in one of the world’s loveliest cities, where surfers and top chefs rub elbows at the farmers’ markets, and seemingly everyone has a water view. But, of course, these are laid-back Aussies, who will happily share their long summers and mild winters, rock pools and beaches, incredible restaurants, and vibrant arts and culture scene with the rest of the world.
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Sydney Travel Guide
Plan Your Sydney Trip
- At One of Australia's Oldest Museums, A New Emphasis on Indigenous ArtistsThe groundbreaking Sydney Modern Project boldly redevelops and expands the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
- This WorldPride Flight From L.A. to Sydney Comes Packed With In-Flight Experiences—and Starts at Just $727It also comes with a ticket to a sold-out concert with Kylie Minogue and Charlie XCX.
- How Australia’s Historic Landback Efforts Are Reshaping Travel—On a Global ScaleReturning land to Indigenous communities allows them to take back their narratives and tell their own stories, making for richer, deeper travel experiences.
- A Coast-to-Coast Guide to the Best New Things to Do in AustraliaAustralia re-opened to American travelers on February 21 with a host of new restaurants, hotels, museums, and more.
Featured
To Experience Australia’s Best New Food Scene, Leave Sydney Behind for These Country Towns
In the flood- and bushfire-ravaged Northern Rivers of New South Wales, pandemic-era domestic tourism turned a burgeoning regional dining scene into a must-visit culinary destination.
In Manly, Australia, Love for the Surf Goes Deep
Though Manly, just a quick ferry ride from Central Sydney, has morphed in the last two decades from a scruffy commuter hub into the picture of antipodean easy living, it's still defined by the people who thrive along its shores.
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A Local's Guide to Australia
Model Nathan McGuire on his love of Western Australia and the rise of Indigenous fashion.
25 Best Hotels in Sydney
Our picks for where to stay during your next visit.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Ace Hotel Sydney$ | 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney 2000Read full reviewThe focus on both the creative and First Nation communities of Sydney place this designer outpost of Ace above the rest.
Hot List - Larmont Sydney by Lancemore$ | SydneyRead full reviewInviting, contemporary design in a super-central high-rise mixes business with pleasure for most guests.
Readers Choice Awards - The Langham, Sydney$$$ | 89-113 Kent St., Millers Point, Sydney, New South Wales 2000Read full reviewA luxe sanctuary for the well-dressed and well-off, including a renowned spa, delicious dining, and even an urban tennis court.Readers Choice Awards
- Park Hyatt Sydney$$$ | 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks NSW 2000, SydneyRead full reviewLocation meets luxury at Park Hyatt Sydney with subtle sophistication and rooms with stellar views.
Gold List - Spicers Sangoma Retreat$$$ | SydneyRead full reviewNamed after the Zulu word for ‘healer,’ this cocooning sanctuary sits in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, over an hour away from regional hub Katoomba's tourist-flocked trails.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Hotel Sydney$$$ | 199 George St., Sydney 2000Read full reviewA sophisticated skyscraper for the international jet-set with top-notch views and Sydney's largest heated outdoor pool.Readers Choice Awards
- InterContinental Sydney Double Bay$$ | SydneyRead full reviewYou’re close to the city centre but away from the madding crowds at this graceful retreat a skip from the harbour, ideal for fashionistas keen to shop, sip and sup.
- Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney$$$ | 176 Cumberland St., The Rocks, Sydney 2000Read full reviewBrilliant views, a blissful spa, seamless service, and a clientele of international elite, the Shangri-La delivers in spades.Readers Choice Awards
- Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor$$$ | SydneyRead full reviewChill out at the infinity pool, with jaw-dropping city views from the water and day-beds. Even the modern gym has million dollar vistas.
- Medusa Hotel$ | SydneyRead full reviewSassy, passionate concierges compliment this colourful charmer of a hotel in Darlinghurst.
- Jonah's, Whale Beach$$$ | SydneyRead full reviewA clifftop oceanfront retreat, an hour's drive north of Sydney, or 20-minutes by seaplane, appeals to chic weekenders and lucky foodies.
- Spicers Vineyards Estate$$ | SydneyRead full reviewJust a two hours’ drive north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley wine region, this small-scale retreat is just far enough for a long weekend away.
- The Old Clare Hotel$$ | 1 Kensington St., Sydney, New South Wales 2008Read full reviewThis is the first Australian hotel by stylish Singaporean hospitality player Unlisted Collection, and its two bold restaurants are a major draw.Hot List
The Best Things to Do in Sydney
- 22 Best Things to Do in SydneyWhat to do when you're in town, from the best neighborhoods to wander to the coolest seaside strolls.
- 15 Best Beaches in SydneySure, you know Bondi—but there's way more sun and sand to be had in this beach-crazy metropolis.
- 15 Best Museums in SydneyThere's more to Sydney than beachfront stretches and bright cafés—just consult this list of the city's best museums for proof.
- 16 Best Parks in SydneyWhere to walk, ride, cycle, stroll, and relax in town.
- 3 Best Day Trips from SydneyHit the road for Blue Mountain vistas, beachy hikes, and world-class boozing—in that order.
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Editor Recommendations
- Sydney Modern ProjectArt Gallery Rd, Sydney, NSWRead full reviewThe Art Gallery of New South Wales' newest addition doubles the museum's square footage.Hot List
- Surry HillsSydney, NSW 2010Read full reviewSurry Hills is one of Sydney’s most charming inner-city neighborhoods, with tree-fringed terrace houses, sociable cafés, and stylish stores attracting a creative crowd.
- Golden Age Cinema and Bar80 Commonwealth St, Sydney, NSW 2009Read full reviewTravel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached.
- Sydney Opera HouseBennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales 2000Read full reviewWith its sweeping sails, the iconic Sydney Opera House is the symbol of the city, set front and center on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point.
- Bondi BeachSydney, New South Wales 2026Read full reviewSydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz.
- Spa Anise at Spicers Vineyards EstateSydneyRead full reviewYou're probably already unwinding at Spicers—but a trip to the spa never hurt.
- Brett Whiteley Studio2 Raper St., Sydney, New South Wales 2010Read full reviewFor insight into one of Australia’s most talented contemporary artists, discover the home and studio of the late Brett Whiteley, one of Sydney’s best-kept (free-to-visit) secrets.
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Musician Tkay Maidza on Carving Space for Herself in Australian Hip-Hop: Women Who Travel Podcast
We catch up with the singer on the latest episode of the podcast.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Sydney
- 29 Best Restaurants in SydneyOur picks for where to eat when you're in town.
- 21 Best Bars in SydneyA new wave of bars have added international flavor to the city's once-stodgy bar scene.
- 15 Best Coffee Shops in SydneyIn case you haven't already heard, the sunny city's brews are arguably some of the best in the world.
- 15 Best Breakfasts in SydneyBecause a day at Bondi Beach requires serious fuel.
- Your Ultimate Guide to Sydney DiningEating your way through a new city can be exciting, sometimes strange, and overwhelming, yet it’s always an interesting way to discover a new destination. Aubrey from The Love Assembly shares few Sydney food favorites to try on your next visit down under.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Malay Chinese Takeaway1/50-58 Hunter St, Sydney, NSW 2000
- Yum Cha at Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant$ | Sydney Fish Market, Bank Street, Sydney, NSW 2009Going for yum cha is a Sydney tradition, with locals and visitors alike savoring delicious Cantonese treats with tea.
- The Newport$$ | SydneyThis iconic Northern Beaches spot began as a humble pub—it's now a sprawling indoor-outdoor restaurant with an embarrassment of dining options.
- Circa 1876$$$ | SydneyA farm-to-fork philosophy rules at Circa 1876, the rustic-romantic restaurant at the Convent Hunter Valley Hotel.
- Muse Restaurant$$$ | SydneyThis destination restaurant at the mouth of Pokolbin, in the heart of Hunter Valley, draws foodies from near and far to sample its pretty plates of indigenous-meets-Asian food.
- The Lookout Echo Point$$ | Blue MountainsTreat yourself post-trek at one of the Lookout's three dining venues overlooking the Blue Mountains—we like Restaurant 1128 for the stellar views from its wraparound terrace.
- Valley Bar & Terrace Lounge$$ | Blue MountainsThe bar may be intimate and cosy, but the views are epic and sweeping at Valley Bar & Terrace Lounge, part of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Grab a glass of Australian white from the 150-bottle strong cellar and head straight for the veranda.
- Rising Sun Workshop$ | SydneyCatch up with friends at this funky second-story cafe, where every “coffee drunk, cookie dunked, and noodle slurped” supports the ground-floor motorcycle club.
- Celsius Coffee Co.$ | KirribilliJust a seven-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and set above the aquamarine waters of Kirribilli Wharf, Celsius is the perfect way to start your morning, Sydney-style.
- Showbox Coffee Brewers$ | ManlyThe tourist hordes heading to Manly’s ocean beaches don’t pass by this way, so expect an intimate crowd of hip young locals and caffeinated Sydneysiders sipping beans at this small, industrial-style café.
- MCA Cafe & Sculpture Terrace$$ | The RocksFor snap-happy views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, it’s hard to beat rooftop MCA Cafe, a light, airy indoor-outdoor spot at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia overlooking Circular Quay.
- Porch and Parlour$ | North BondiDelightfully distressed walls, peeling green paint, and industrial tiles create a romantic, shabby-chic atmosphere at this intimate two-room café in North Bondi, a skip from the shore.
- Brewtown Coffee Roasters$ | NewtownRegulars come for the cracking coffee, tasty food, and cool interiors, including eye-catching hexagonal white-tiled tabletops.
- Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar & Roastery$ | Surry HillsSurry Hills is full of media, hospitality, and fashion types—and they're all hooked on this next-level caffeine.
- Mecca Coffee$ | AlexandriaThis industrial-chic warehouse is frequented by serious coffee drinkers, who drop by to refuel on seasonal house blends, espresso blends, and coffees sourced from Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
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What to Do in Sydney: The Black Book
How to vacation in the city with a lifestyle you'd move across oceans for.
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Inspiration
Ask a Local: Artist Gabrielle Penfold Shares Her Favorite Weekend Hangouts in Sydney
From ocean-pool swimming to secondhand shopping—and the best gelato in the city.
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My Favorite Airbnb: A Three-Bedroom Apartment in Sydney's Ultimate Surf 'Burb
The beachside abode had a wraparound balcony and incredible ocean views.
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An LGBTQ+ Guide to Sydney's Best New Dining, Hotels, and Clubs for World Pride 2023
Cool new hotels, accessible dining, and a revived nightlife scene are making Sydney the Southern Hemisphere's hottest city.
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Qantas Considers In-Flight Cafes, Meditation Zones on Its Future Planes
The Australian airline asked passengers what perks they wanted to make a 20-hour flight more comfortable. People got creative.
Destinations
How Sydney Became an LGBTQ Destination
An inspiring story that starts with convicts and ends with Cher.
News & Advice
Flight Deal: Half Off Business Class to Sydney
It's worth the $4,000 to not waste your time abroad with jet lag.
Destinations
Beyond the Basics: Australia
Where to eat, stay, and play on your big trip Down Under, compiled by Condé Nast Traveler editors.
Destinations
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Sydney
Follow these tips, and you may be mistaken for a local.
News & Advice
The Sydney Airport Auction Is Selling Thousands of Lost Items for $1
So this is what happens when you leave your duty-free bag behind.
Inspiration
René Redzepi Adds Another Twist to His Trip Down Under
The Noma chef will revive his MAD food festival for one day at the Sydney Opera House.
Shopping
10 Shops You Need to Visit in Sydney
Sydney style queens Megan Morton and Sibella Court share their favorite Harbour City haunts.
Places to Stay
Two New Sydney Hotels Are Redefining Chic
In 2015, a pair of world-beating properties turned the Harbour City’s hotel scene on its head—and put their neighborhoods squarely on the style set’s radar.
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