One of the best holidays I've ever had. Sydney is a relatively small seaside city know for their beach side lifestyle along with a handful of iconic architectures. However what Sydney lacks in cliche tourist sights, the warmth of its citizens more than makes up for it. As most of my locations on this trip were also very food based, I will be combining my reviews so the information is less clustered.
Accommodation
Veriu Broadway is part of the Veriu brand who has multiple locations around the city. I have chose this location for its close proximity to my friend's work place and also for the reasonable pricing I got for the 50 sqm room. It was more than enough for a solo traveller and I was even able to host a drink reception for 7 people during my 8 day stay.
The room was spacious and had everything you need from dish washer to washing machine and dryer. They even provide you with washing powder which I though was a nice touch.
The location of the hotel is situated between the hipster Glebe and China Town with walkable distances to most attractions in Sydney.
(Updated Feb 2024)
For this trip I have decided to stay a bit closer to my friends so I have booked the Oxford House in Pott's Point. I must say it was pretty disappointed in the hotel. Everything was form over function and it just raised so many design questions. There was so much space and no storage or functional furniture. At best this is good for a couple for one night and not for any long stay.
Restaurants
The Apollo (Updated Feb 2024)
Modern Greek dishes cooked over wood & charcoal in an industrial-chic space with a marble bar. Upscale restaurant with al-fresco dining.
Chin Chin (Updated Feb 2024)
Pan-Asian Hipster joint. As an asian the food was ok but tend to be on the salty side.
Indian Home Diner Kebab (Updated Feb 2024)
Honestly this was the best find of the trip. It is right across the Oxford House Hotel and their buttered chicken kebab is the bomb.
Chaco Ramen (Updated Feb 2024)
Run by Japanese people and prob one of the best ramen I had out of Asia.
Bloody Mary's Gazebo (Updated Feb 2024)
Fancy cocktail bar diner.
Zushi Surry Hills - Japanese Restaurant (Updated Feb 2024)
Modern Japanese Restaurant. It was OK,
Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill Updated Feb 2024)
Famous Oyster and Seafood bar in CBD.
The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
Alexandria is not really for tourists. It is an industrial neighbourhood with a lot of young families residing here. I found myself here for work reason and was recommended this place. The Grounds is an amalgamation of a handful of restaurants and bars along with some market stalls. It has a secret garden vibe to this place and I went to the Potting Shed, which is the indoor restaurant, for lunch. The food was simple and I had nothing to complain about. It's worth a visit only if you are in the hood.
Spice Alley, Chippendale
As the name suggests this modern alley hosts a variety of asian takeaway stalls. It does seems the stalls are run by competent chefs with their respective nationalities. The food quality is assured by the amount of asians AND westerners frequenting this little lane.
Uliveto, King's Cross
A nice cafe with alfresco seating, my friends and I came here after our bootcamp session. Although they kept bringing our order to the wrong tables the food quality here is decent. It is a great place to people watch too.
Coogee Pavilion, Coogee Beach
This is some what an institute at Coogee Beach serving mediterranean flairs. We had the lamb and the hummus and they were both delicious. This is also a great place to have lunch before you start the coastal walk between Coogee and Bondi.
Garfish, Manly Beach / Wharf
Recommended by my new friend from SBS this seafood restaurant also serves Kangaroo which was a delightful surprised for me, since I have been wanting to try it for a while. Service was tat bit on the slow side but the food was worth the wait. We had the Barramundi and also the Kangaroo Fillet with Prawns for mains and Oysters to share as starters.
There is a nice shopping district sitting between the Manly Wharf and the beach. People say Manly has more of a local vibe than Bondi and there is a nice range of restaurants on the wharf side.
Fonda, Bondi Beach
This is a nice Mexican place with a very cool pastel interior a bit away from the beach. Certainly very instagramable and I was surprised by their contemporary twist on their menu which made it filling yet lighter.
North Bondi Fish, Bondi Beach
Situated on the north side of the beach this place is great for people watching and a nice sun-dower to wash down some oysters.
Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel, Watson's Bay
This is an institute in the area which is available to hire for private events and weddings. It has a great seaside living vibe and it certainly attracts a cool crowd and tourists alike. However we were disappointed in their food. With this in mind I would recommend another institute Doyle next door which is more famous for their food.
As a solo traveller I find the place very pleasant as it is clearly a very well to do area with nice parks and trails around. This would be more ideal for a family day out to relax rather than a solo exploration trip.
Salt Meats Cheese, Broadway
This is a small Italian chain in Sydney specialises in stone oven Pizza. I had their signature BBQ Meat Lover Pizza and all I can say is #noregrets.
The Winery, Durlinghurst
Another instagramable interior with great food and occasional live acoustic music. It is a great place for a Sunday afternoon.
Attractions
Sydney Opera House
The famous landmark makes no introduction. I would say you should go and check out the actual roof. It has a nice detail than not many people can see from your classic Opera House pictures.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The best way to see the bridge and Opera House is to actually take a ferry from Circular Quays. The ferries really take you up close to these iconic buildings without any tourists ruining your pictures.
The Rocks
This is one of the oldest neighbourhood in Sydney and it's a cluster of tourist shops and pubs. It is nice to walk around the area.
Darling Harbour
This is a relatively new development hosting an array of of facilities such as concert halls and F&B venues. They have a great park for kids and it is close to the Power House Museum if thats something you are interested in.
Bondi Beach / Iceberg Pool
Another iconic landmark of Sydney this beach is full of surfers and tourist trying to soak up the sun. It is very interesting to walk up and down to see a range of characters on the beach. If you want to swim at the Iceberg please do choose your timing wisely. The Iceberg is a sea water pool and it can get quite cold even in the summer time. You will also need coins to use the lockers.
Little Bay
I was invited to join a Christmas gathering here at a friends place. It is a quaint neighbourhood with a nice secluded beach. I also hear the restaurants here are not too bad either.
Taronga Zoo
The famous Zoo situated not too far from the city centre. Only 20 mins away and it's a great place to see the animals indigenous to Australia! Side notes if you have more than 2 people it is actually just to take an Uber to Manly than to take the ferry back to Circular Quays and back out again.
Glebe Market (Saturday Only)
Glebe Markets is one of Sydney’s most well known Saturday markets with diversity, character and style. Come meet and chat with the makers and be part of the scene. It is also situated on a Glebe Point Road with tons of hipster shops and cafes, which can be a nice break from the city centre.
Sydney Fish Market
As much as this is a tourist trap this is an interesting place to visit. It is chaotic but the seafood is undeniably fresh. I would recommend you to order food from the stalls instead of heading to a restaurant.
Nightlife and Social
Barry's Bootcamp
With multiple location in Asia and around Europe this place is great if you want to keep in shape during your holidays. As a first timer they often offer you a reduced rate package. More information can be found on their website.
Ivy Pool Bar
This is one of the fancy bar with a pool. Not normally my scene but it could be fun if you are coming with a bunch of friends.
Beresford Hotel, Surrey Hills (New Images Updated Feb 2024)
This is a nice bar with a great alfresco area. They host a happy hour for the LGBT community at 6:00pm every Sunday which is a great place to meet people. Later on in the night they will also open the club floor upstairs should you wish to dance. This place does get busy.
Poof Doff @ Ivy
Poof Doff is a night that Ivy puts on every Saturday at their club floors below the pool. The venue is massive and it has multiple rooms with different music.
ARQ
I have only come here once after Beresfold on a Sunday. It has a grungy and trashy vibe to it should this be your scene. Think old school Soho in London with Drag Queens.
The Imperial Erskineville, New Town
Enduring, vibrant pub and bar, for drag and cabaret shows, plus a cocktail lounge and terrace. Favoured by the lesbian community they occasionally hosts events which attracts all genders.
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