While we all love an overseas vacay, when budgets—and annual leave—are limited, staycations and interstate travel are the way to go.
Given all its year-round delights, new developments, endless restaurants and internationally famous beaches, perhaps Sydney should be your next domestic holiday spot—whether you live there or not.
Australia’s golden child boasts a plethora of chic bars to sip a cocktail or two, five-star restaurants with gorgeous food and views, immersive cultural activities to ground travellers and of course, luxurious hotels to rest once the day is done.
Whether you’re a Sydneysider or an out-of-state tourist, it’s time to put Sydney back on your radar and enjoy the stunning sights and sounds that our country has to offer.
Luckily for you, we’ve spent a weekend in Sydney to hand-select the best places to eat, drink, sleep and play, whenever you’re ready for your next mini break.
STAY: Little National Hotel
One of Sydney’s newest additions, Little National Hotel is a lesson in elegance, convenience and straight-up luxury. Located at the Clarence Street exit of Wynyard train station, travelling from the plane to your new abode has never been so easy. With a super simple self check-in, each room boasts every amenity you could ever need and more. The best bit? The ceiling to floor window overlooking the city means that you can wake up to glorious natural light and sky-views. For fans of sunless mornings, the black-out blinds almost do their job too well.
If you’re in need of a bite to eat, some of Sydney’s best restaurants, bars and cafés are just a stone’s throw away—or stay in bed and get UberEats delivered straight to your hotel room door. It truly doesn’t get better than that.
BRUNCH: Devon Café
A mere five-minute walk from the Little National, Devon Cafe at Barangaroo is an absolute must. Aside from its incredibly chic interiors, it is a must-have for a spot of brunch. From luxurious brunch plates to Japanese Katsu sandwiches, there’s plenty to satisfy the mid-morning hunger pains.
LUNCH: Spice Temple
For your next lunch moment, be it for work or social, opt for a bite at the Spice Temple in Sydney (they also have a Melbourne location). The highlight of the menu: a $25 dish of noodles wit Blackmore Wagyu and cucumbers, served with a glass of wine.
Alibi Bar & Dining
If vegan or vegetarian food is more your thing, Alibi Bar & Dining is here majorly bring the flavour.
Nestled within Woolloomooloo Wharf as part of the Ovolo Hotel, this restaurant makes vegan dining approachable but also exceptionally delicious, regardless of your usual culinary inclinations.
The dishes are designed to replicate meat favourites, you’ll find meatballs and and parmigiana on the menu, but rest assured they’re made without animal products. You must try the mushrooms and deserts, and take the time after your meal to take a stroll around the harbour wharves which are iconic in Sydney.
VISIT: Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
Whether you’re an art aficionado or a neo-impressionist novice, then a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art is a must. Wander the calming white halls and witness a display in extraordinary art, alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
And better yet, if you happen to be in town mid-week, be sure to check out the museum’s weekly after-hours program, aptly dubbed MCA Late. From 5–9pm every Friday, you can stroll through the gallery, see performances from artists, poets and musicians, and grab a drink at the rooftop cafe, thanks to beloved bar Maybe Sammy.
DINNER: Ragazzi
Located in Angel Place, Ragazzi is one of Sydney’s favourite cool pasta havens. Known for their ever-changing but always top notch menu, the restaurant never fails to offer some of the city’s tastiest pasta dishes, alongside a supreme wine list. Only a five-minute walk from the Little National Hotel, Ragazzi is the perfect dinner venue for any occasion. Just make sure you book well in advance, otherwise you’ll miss out.
DRINK: Little National Rooftop Bar
You’re already staying there, so why not head straight up to Little National’s rooftop bar for a pre-dinner drink, and immerse yourself in the stunning skyline view. Whether you want to get ready for the night or unwind after a long day, their Terrace Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail. With a relaxing ambience and a large open fireplace, you can even order food delivery from your favourite Sydney restaurants online and never have to leave your seat.
Aster Rooftop
Send off your day with a rooftop bar-hop, enjoying a night cap at the suave Aster Rooftop. Set atop the highest floor of InterContinental Sydney, with sparkling views of the city skyline at night and the pristine harbour during the day, drink in the views alongside a bevy of bespoke cocktails. Enjoy your drinks with artful small plates, amid the luxury, New York-style decor.
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