Last Updated: 04/13/2022 | April 13th, 2022
Sydney is one of the greatest cities in the world. It has outstanding beaches, beautiful shorelines, world Heritage sites, and first-class dining. It’s a large city, and it’s very spread out.
So what are the best neighborhoods to stay in?
That depends on what you look for in a destination!
Each area of Sydney has its own vibe and highlights.
In this post, I’ll break each neighborhood down and give you suggested places to stay for each of them. But, first, some frequently asked questions I get about Sydney:
What is the best neighborhood budget travelers?
Kings cross is home to many of the city’s most affordable hostels and is popular with backpackers and budget travelers.
What is the best neighborhood in Sydney for families?
Darling Harbour is the best neighborhood in Sydney for families because there are a lot of kid-friendly attractions nearby. Coogee also has a very family-friendly vibe. It’s home to a beach but without all the company and partying of Bondi.
What is the best neighborhood in Sydney for first-time visitors?
I suggest first-time visitors stay near Bondi beach because it’s one of the city’s most significant draws and a really fun area to stay in.
What is the best neighborhood in Sydney for partying?
Kings cross is where the action is if you’re searching for bars and night clubs. It’s the city’s party area. You can also have a lot of fun staying near Bondi beach as well.
What is the best neighborhood in Sydney overall?
There’s no wrong answer here because every neighborhood has something to offer. However, I personally like to stay in Paddington because it’s in a good location but doesn’t have a non-stop party vibe.
So, with that said, here’s a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown for you:
Neighborhood Guide
Best neighborhood for Views: The Rocks
Best neighborhood for local Life: Surry Hills
Best neighborhood for a local Beach: Coogee
Best neighborhood for Touristy Stuff: darling Harbour
Best neighborhood for beach Fun: Bondi Beach
Best neighborhood for Being Central: CBD
Best neighborhood for Shopping: Paddington
Best Non-Central Neighborhood: Manly
Best neighborhood for Nightlife: Kings Cross
Best neighborhood for Views: The Rocks
Just north of Sydney’s central company district and on the harbor, this neighborhood provides great views along the waterfront. There are various historic buildings in the area, including several pubs.
The Rocks Markets is open each weekend, selling all kinds of treasures, including arts and crafts, jewelry and tasty treats. The area has tons of stellar restaurants, museums, and home entertainment venues, which helps discuss its popularity with tourists.
If you stay in The Rocks, make sure you dine along the waterfront!
Best places to stay in The Rocks
BUDGET: Sydney Harbour YHA – This hostel is in a great location, providing views of the harbour and the Opera House. The hostel is built in the old colonial area of the city, but has all the modern comforts of a good hostel. This isn’t really a party hostel, though, but rather a great place for travelers searching for a quiet stay. It’s great for families too!
MID-RANGE: Mercantile hotel – providing live music, totally free Wi-Fi, and all the standard amenities you’d expect from a mid-range hotel. The Mercantile is located best near the Opera House, the Rocks Markets, and the Harbour Bridge. To top it all off, it’s also home to Australia’s longest-running Irish pub!
LUXURY: four seasons Sydney – providing amazing views of the harbor and the city — as well as amazing luxury — this is a great choice for anybody wanting to visit Sydney in style. With a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness center and spa, you’ll be able to get pampered while you delight in all that Sydney has to offer.
Best neighborhood for local Life: Surry Hills
Southeast of the central company District, Surry Hills has typically been known as the best place in Sydney for fashion. The area is ideal for travelers who want to shop ‘til they drop, but its appeal is much broader than that. There are lots of unique, creative dining options, and numerous old warehouses have been transformed into stylish art galleries and beautiful homes.
The area is ideal for young travelers, foodies, and those wanting to experience Oxford Street, the longtime Gay capital of Sydney.
Best places to stay in Surry Hills
BUDGET: big Hostel – This hostel provides totally free breakfast, totally free Wi-Fi, totally free luggage storage, and late checkout — everything the budget traveler needs! They also have a fully equipped kitchen and promote environmentally friendly practices (they have a service for donating old clothing and promote energy conservation and recycling).
MID-RANGE: Manor boutique hotel – This lovely boutique hotel is located in a heritage building with antique furnishings. It’s conveniently located just 5 minutes from Oxford street where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. totally free breakfast is included too!
LUXURY: Crystalbrook Albion – This luxury hotel is actually located in a heritage building that was once a former convent. It’s best near central station and only a short drive from Chinatown and Paddy’s Market. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, lounge, totally free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast each morning.
Best neighborhood for a local Beach: Coogee
This little area with the funny name is ideal for travelers who want a beach vibe but not all the craziness of Bondi Beach. The area is very beautiful and the ocean is calm and safe for swimming. This neighborhood is an eastern suburb of Sydney, but you can get to town on public transit in less than half an hour.
Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Coogee has a youthful and family-friendly feel. If your trip calls for a lot of beach time, this is a great option. There’s very snorkeling nearby at Gordons Bay, and be sure to check out the Wylie Baths — outstanding rock pools ideal for swimming. The seaside town is known for its fish and chips, so be sure to give them a try too!
Best places to stay in Coogee
BUDGET: mad Monkey Coogee beach – This is a great budget hostel located best on the beach. They have a cool co-working space and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around as well. It’s not fancy by any means, but it gets the job done! just keep in mind that it can get a little noisy, so don’t stay here if you’re searching for some peace and quiet!
MID-RANGE: Coogee Bay hotel (Boutique) – This beautiful boutique hotel is in a great location, located only 20 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the airport. It’s best beside the ocean, as well, and there is a restaurant and beer garden on-site.
LUXURY: Crowne Plaza Coogee beach – This amazing hotel boasts panoramic views of the ocean, a heated swimming pool, 2 bars, tennis courts, and a fully-equipped fitness center. It’s a spacious hotel with ultra-modern rooms, and there are lots of great seafood restaurants nearby as well.
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Best neighborhood for Tourism: darling Harbour
This area of town is best for families. This lively neighborhood is a huge traveler draw, as there are tons of attractions along the waterfront. The Sydney Aquarium and IMAX are here, and there’s all kinds of dining. The area’s clubs come alive at night and there’s lots of shopping. There’s also a Madame Tussauds, if that tells you anything.
If you’re traveling with kids, consider this neighborhood. If not, I probably wouldn’t stay in this Disney-like environment.
Best places to stay in darling Harbour
BUDGET: Siesta Sydney – This budget-friendly hostel is clean, located in a great location, and has really friendly staff. They have totally free towels, totally free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.
MID-RANGE: Glasgow Arms hotel – This lovely hotel is located above a beautiful old pub. totally free breakfast is served all day long and the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from darling Harbour.
LUXURY: The darling at The Star– This is a massive, luxurious hotel home to a spa, casino, and over 20 bars and restaurants. Pamper yourself in their Turkish bath or delight in a swim in their scented outdoor swimming pool — that also has its own bar!
Best neighborhood for beach Fun: Bondi Beach
Bondi beach is world famous. once you see the renowned beach, you’ll understand why: The outstanding views of the Pacific, the seafood restaurants along Campbell Parade, the happening nightlife! This is a great place for backpackers and those wanting to party.
But it’s also a good base for beach couples, as well. Bondi is not best in the heart of the city, but public transit is a piece of cake. This area appeals to a younger crowd, and you’re sure to see surfers in the water, sun worshippers on the sand, and adventurous sorts hiking the beautiful coastal trails.
Best places to stay in Bondi Beach
BUDGET: Wake Up! Bondi beach – If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place! There’s a great rooftop space overlooking Bondi beach and the hostel provides totally free surfboards. There are also totally free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. If you’re there on a Friday night, don’t miss the BBQ party on the rooftop!
MID-RANGE: supreme Apartments (Bondi Beach) – located just a 7-minute walk from the beach, supreme Apartments provides studio apartments with totally free parking. They have kitchenettes so you can cook some of your own food, as well as an outdoor pool onsite. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfy!
LUXURY: hotel Bondi – With views overlooking the beach, this boutique-style hotel has both private and shared balconies, as well as some deluxe rooms with kitchen facilities if you want to cook your own meals. There is a restaurant onsite, the showers are great, and the staff is extremely helpful.
Best neighborhood for Being Central: central company District
Sydney’s CBD is the heart of it all. It’s a huge area filled with skyscrapers, business, banking, and commerce. but it’s not only for the suit and tie set. This area has tons of attractions, including the Opera house and royal Botanic Garden.
The neighborhood is typically pretty pricey, but the location may be worth it. The city’s best dining is here, as are the poshest hotels and chicest art galleries. You won’t find a lot of quirky shops, flea markets, or vintage treasures, but you will feel the excitement of big-city living!
Best places to stay in the central company District
BUDGET: Nomads Sydney – There aren’t numerous budget options in this part of the city when it concerns accommodation, so Nomads will likely be your best choice. They have totally free Wi-Fi and an on-site bar, making it a great place to have fun and meet people.
MID-RANGE: Park Regis City Centre – With a rooftop pool and views overlooking the city, this is a great mid-range hotel providing value above and beyond the pricetag. The location is ideal and allows you easy access to all of the main attractions in the city, and they also offer a totally free airport shuttle as well.
LUXURY: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – This hotel overlooks Hyde Park and boasts an indoor swimming pool, rooftop fitness center, a great breakfast buffet, as well as outstanding restaurants and room service. It’s the ideal place to pamper yourself in the heart of the city.
Best neighborhood for Shopping: Paddington
If you’re searching for a quiet place to stay in Sydney, Paddington is one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s between the CBD and the beaches, so you can get anywhere pretty rapidly through bus. This eastern suburb is primarily residential, with beautiful tree-lined streets and Victorian homes with cute balconies. There are upscale restaurants, lively pubs, and prestigious art galleries as well as funky shops.
The area is known for the Saturday Paddington Markets at the Uniting Church. Centennial Park is a great place to unwind in the outdoors. This isn’t the best neighborhood if you are searching for comprehensive nightlife and party options, though.
Best places to stay in Paddington
BUDGET: Airbnb – budget options in this area are few and far between, so Airbnb might be your best choice.
MID-RANGE: Airbnb – There aren’t any great mid-range options in this area either, so I’d try Airbnb for a middle-of-the-road option. just be sure to book in advancement as the best places disappear fast!
LUXURY: Mrs Banks hotel – This hotel is actually located in a former bank. It has a very chic vibe and the rooms are all well designed. There are totally free Wi-Fi and breakfast included as well.
Best Non-Central Neighborhood: Manly
Manly is a suburb of Sydney located just north of the city. It is well-known for its outstanding beach, huge waves, surfing, and wild nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city; it’s a part of town that knows how to have a good time. A lot of tourists actually miss that part of the city as it is a bit out of the way. but don’t let that stop you — it’s worth the short ride to get here. In fact, it’s one of my favorite areas of the city! You’ll also find some beautiful coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.
Best places to stay in Manly
BUDGET: Manly Bunkhouse – This is a great hostel located just a five-minu