Sydney surrounds the world’s largest natural harbor, so it’s no surprise that it’s often referred to as The Harbor City. Its residents, called “Sydneysiders,” are also proud of the fact that their home Down Under is one of the 15 most-visited cities in the world.
For a such a big city, with a couple of million residents, the pace is easy-going. Tourists flock to see the gorgeous harbor and its striking jewel, the Sydney Opera House. If you aren’t ready to commit to a full opera, try a 90-minute Great Opera Hits concert instead. These relaxing concerts take place on summer afternoons as the sun sets across the harbor. Listen to famous arias from Bizet, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi performed by some of Opera Australia’s finest performers. While the beaches are also great spots to surf, tan and people-watch, exploring a little more will give you a better understanding and feel for this thrilling city and its people.
Here are a few great neighborhoods to explore for a real taste of life in Sydney:
NEWTOWN, AND THE NEIGHBORING INNER-CITY SUBURBS OF ENMORE AND ERSKINEVILLE
These boroughs are magnets for the cool, quirky and edgy in the areas of design, food and entertainment. Wear your best thrift store finds and ride a bike to fit right n. It’s in these hoods that Sydney offers up its best bohemian and shabby-chic finery and all things alternative. In fact, with over 600 cafés, galleries, tiny theaters, boutiques and intimate venues, you’ll never be able to squeeze it all in just one visit. Culture Scouts Walking Tours can provide the perfect guide to the best spots to feast and shop. King Street and Enmore Road are home to a great mix of artisans and innovative professionals – giving the neighborhood a genuine community atmosphere. The streets are packed with small specialty stores that offer everything from antiques to books to designer gadgets. For a flat white (still the Aussie’s dearest) stop at Black Market Roaster (2/86 Enmore Rd).
In terms of dining, this is the mecca of all tastes trendy. Follow Michael Nicolian, who is genius, and have exciting things to feast on Enmore Road with Bar Louise. And then, be sure to eat at Continental Deli, a deli during the day, a cool as Marlene Dietrich bar in the evenings.
Oh and by the way, Paisano & Daughters, the growing hospitality group behind this beloved Continental Deli, is opening not four new concepts—three restaurants and boutique accommodation—that promise to turn Australia Street into Newtown’s most exciting strip
Now, if you want something sweet, like a gelato in flavors like ginger bread, avocado, popcorn, and even licorice, try family-run Cow & the Moon (181 Enmore Rd). When the sun goes down, this is the place to indulge in some avant-garde performances. Check out the Enmore Theatre (118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown) and prepare to be surprised. And when you eventually want to get some sleep, the Newtown Hotel is a slice of design heaven 174 King St).
CHIPPENDALE
Considered Sydney’s new downtown, Chippendale’s home to laneways, high-end eateries, and art galleries. Historically significant as a former 19th-century industrial precinct, the area’s known for its well-preserved, high-quality 19th-century architecture, particularly the terraced houses. They’re a treat to see in the “new world.” Stay at the nicely renovated Old Clare Hotel (1 Kensington St). Foodie darling Jason Atherton has a restaurant here, but be sure to book in advance to get the best seats. This small inner-city suburb, just south-west of Sydney’s city centre, is the metro’s creative hub. White Rabbit (30 Balfour St) is the best-known gallery in the area, with a focus on groundbreaking contemporary and conceptual Asian art. Ambush Gallery (Central Park Mall, Central Park, 28 Broadway) shows everything from photography to street art and prides itself on “site-specific, project-based art activations.” If your timing’s right, you can sign up for a free walking tour of Chippendale’s galleries, held on the first Saturday of every month. Don’t forget to eat and grab a drink in the midst of all this art appreciation. The hippest spot soon to open is the return of Freda’s (new address is: Ground Floor of Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia), with its expertly made cocktails and delicious plates to share. Automata (5 Kensington St), run by ex-Momofuku Seiobo chef Clayton Wells, and Din Tai Fung, has amazing xiao long bao (soup-filled dumplings) you simply have to try.
MANLY
Photo by Tommy Pequinot on Unsplash
Manly’s located just 20 minutes from the city centre and it’s where Sydney’s laid-back lifestyle is most evident. Apart from the upmarket dining spots and chic boutiques, there are also many more relaxed places to eat and shop. Water babies can seek out sheltered swimming in ocean pools, or go surfing on the famous waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, rollerblades are for hire on the beachfront, and you can play beach volleyball every afternoon of the week – just join in, the Aussies love that. Henry G’s Wine Parlour (11 The Corso, Manly, NSW 2095) is a timeless escape into a world of fine wines and carefully crafted pintxos. Plus there are live pianists every weekend – oh-so perfect after a sun-filled day. Or, for a truly fun try Queen Chow Manly (2 Manly Wharf, 22/23 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095) as it combines the best of Hong Kong with a touch of nostalgia – think honey king prawns and deep-fried ice cream.
When you’ve had enough fun in the sun and delicious food, rest your head at fun-loving QT Sydney (49 Market St). This uber-cool venue also has a top-class spa.
