Where To Stay In Sydney - Best 5 Areas To Stay

Deciding where to stay in Sydney can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! In this post, we’ll explore the best areas to stay, including what to expect in terms of the atmosphere, nearby attractions, transportation options, and budget considerations. So if you’re planning a trip to Sydney and wondering where to stay, keep reading!

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where to stay in sydney ? top 5 best areas to stay

Circular Quay and The Rocks

If you’re a tourist visiting Sydney, one of the best areas to stay is Circular Quay and The Rocks. Located in the northwest part of the Sydney CBD, this area offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with a historic charm. The vibe here is a mix of tourists, locals, and professionals, and it’s known for its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. You’ll find upscale dining options and plenty to explore in the area, making it a great spot to stay during your visit.

When it comes to things to do and places to explore in this area, there are several top tourist attractions you won’t want to miss. Of course, there’s the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, but also consider checking out the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks Markets, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Sydney Observatory. Everything is within walking distance, so I highly recommend taking a stroll, soaking in the sunshine, and enjoying the beautiful waterfront views. Every time I visit, I feel so happy—it’s such a stunning place to be.

Now, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of staying in this area. Accommodation tends to be on the pricier side, and it can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons. For instance, if you’re visiting in the summer or during New Year’s, this area is where everyone gathers for the celebrations, so you can expect large crowds. While it can get hectic, the trade-off is that you’ll have amazing views of the Opera House and the fireworks, making it all worth it.

In terms of getting around, Circular Quay is a major transport hub, with trains, buses, ferries, and taxis all easily accessible. You’ll have plenty of options for getting around, so transportation won’t be an issue.

As for the budget, Circular Quay and The Rocks area are generally more expensive, so it’s good to plan ahead if you’re on a tighter budget.

As I mentioned earlier, accommodation and dining options in this area can be on the pricier side, but there are also some mid-range options available. The key is to take a walk around and explore. My best advice is to use Google Maps to help you find places that fit your tastes, preferences, and budget. Checking out reviews can also be helpful to find the best options that suit your needs.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a great place to stay if you want to be close to popular tourist attractions and enjoy a beautiful waterfront experience. It’s the second-best area to stay in Sydney. Located in the city center, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Town Hall Station. Darling Harbour is known for its entertainment, waterfront dining, and family-friendly attractions. It’s a busy, touristy area, but it’s also very scenic and vibrant.

If you’re visiting Sydney for work, this area is also popular for short stays, especially for business trips. It’s ideal if you’re only in the city for a day or two. Nearby attractions include Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

However, there are a few things to consider. Accommodation can be pricey, especially if you want a waterfront view, and the area can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Darling Harbour is surrounded by many bars, restaurants, and cafes, so it’s lively and bustling throughout the day.

Getting around Darling Harbour is easy. You can use the light rail, ferry, bus, or even walk, as it’s close to the CBD. In terms of accommodation, it can be pricey, but there are some mid-range hotels and budget-friendly options available in the area.

Whether you’re a tourist, on a business trip, or with your family, Darling Harbour is a great place to stay. It offers plenty of entertainment and is conveniently close to the CBD for easy access to everything you need.

Bondi Beach

One of the most popular areas to stay in is Bondi Beach. Located in Sydney’s East, Bondi Beach is famous for its beautiful beach, surfing culture, and lively coastal lifestyle.If you’re a beach lover, this is the perfect destination for you.. Bondi is one of the most well-known beaches in Australia, perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying great food.

The vibe in Bondi is different from the busy city center. It has a more relaxed, beachy feel with a mix of locals, tourists, surfers, and backpackers. It gets especially lively in the summer and is very popular with backpackers, particularly those on working holiday visas. Many people flock to Bondi Beach to embrace the beach lifestyle and enjoy the opportunity to live just steps away from the ocean. It’s a fun, vibrant spot that’s perfect for those looking to experience Sydney’s beach culture.

Bondi Beach has plenty to offer, including the famous Bondi to Coogee walk, the Bondi Icebergs Pool, and the Bondi Markets. I highly recommend doing the Bondi to Coogee walk—it’s right by the water and absolutely stunning.

However, there are a few things to consider. Accommodation in Bondi can be expensive, especially during peak seasons, and parking can be tough since the beach gets so busy. So, if you’re driving, be prepared for a challenge.

Getting around Bondi is easy with plenty of buses, taxis, and rideshare options available. It’s also a great area for walking, so you can easily explore on foot.

As for accommodation, it’s a mix. There are budget-friendly options, especially if you stay a bit further from the beach, but if you want to be right by the water, it can be very expensive. Dining near the beach can also be pricey, especially at the popular restaurants.

Bondi Beach is perfect for beach lovers, surfers, backpackers, and anyone looking for a lively coastal experience.

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Surry Hills

One area I highly recommend staying in, and where I stayed during my first trip to Sydney, is Surry Hills. It’s a great spot, especially if you want to spend the summer there and experience New Year’s Eve and all the amazing attractions Sydney has to offer.

Surry Hills is an inner-east suburb known for its trendy vibe, with cool cafes, boutique shops, and a lively nightlife. There are also some fantastic restaurants and bars, along with charming Victorian terraces.

The vibe in Surry Hills is cosmopolitan, with a mix of young professionals, creatives, and students. It’s artsy, diverse, and full of cultural experiences. It’s a beautiful area—close to the city, but still far enough away from the hustle and bustle. If you want a lively, yet relaxed place to stay, Surry Hills is perfect.

Surry Hills is a trendy neighborhood known for its cool cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also home to great restaurants, bars, and beautiful Victorian-style houses. The vibe here is cosmopolitan, with a mix of young professionals, creatives, and students. The area is artsy, diverse, and full of cultural experiences. It’s a lovely place—close to the city but still a bit away from all the hustle and bustle.

In terms of attractions, Surry Hills is within walking distance of popular spots like the Sydney Opera House. So, you have lots of options to explore the city. However, a few things to keep in mind: this area can be a bit noisy, especially on weekends. Some parts may feel a little chaotic, and accommodation can be pricey and limited. You’ll need to do some research to find good deals.

Getting around is easy as Surry Hills is well-connected by buses and is a short walk from the CBD. It’s also bike-friendly with bike lanes and rental options.

Accommodation here ranges from expensive to budget-friendly. You’ll find some affordable hostels and guesthouses, as well as cafes and upscale restaurants, so there’s something for everyone. Surry Hills is perfect for young travelers, foodies, and anyone wanting to experience Sydney’s vibrant culture and nightlife. It’s mainly for young people, but also for professionals living here. Just keep in mind, it can be on the expensive side.

Manly beach

Manly is a beachside suburb in the north of Sydney, just a short ferry ride from the CBD. It’s famous for its beautiful beach, outdoor activities, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. I absolutely love going to Manly—it’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s just so beautiful. The only downside is that it can be a bit expensive, but it’s definitely worth it.

Manly has a laid-back vibe, with a mix of families, surfers, and tourists. It’s a friendly place that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Some of the top tourist attractions include Manly Beach, North Head Sanctuary, the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, and the Corso.

If you’re staying in the city and don’t want to stay in Manly itself, I highly recommend taking the ferry there. The ferry ride is an experience on its own—beautiful views, the wind in your hair, and you get to see the gorgeous, expensive houses along the way. It’s a great way to enjoy the area, even if you don’t stay overnight.

A few things to consider if you’re planning to stay in Manly: accommodation near the beach can be pricey, especially during peak season. If you’re visiting in summer, expect to pay a premium. Also, the ferry can get crowded during busy times, and parking near the beach can be tricky. If you’re coming from the city, taking the ferry makes things much easier.

Manly is well-connected by ferry from Circular Quay, and there are buses available too. It’s also a great place to walk or cycle, with paths along the coast.

As for budget options, there are some, but it can still be on the pricier side, especially in the summer. If you’re looking for cheaper places to stay, it might be worth checking out hostels, hotels, or Airbnb options a little further from the beach. Dining near the beach can also be pricey, but you’ll find plenty of options.

In my opinion, Manly is an amazing place to visit—perfect for beach lovers, families, and anyone who wants to relax by the sea with easy access to other activities in Sydney.

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