Where to Stay in Sydney, Australia

Sydney is Australia’s oldest and largest city and has a population of around 4 million. Australia’s largest and busiest city features plenty of tourist attractions, beaches, national parks and bays. Sydney is a place that should be on your must-visit list at least once in a lifetime.

Sydney is the most beautiful and captivating city you will ever come across if you know where to stay in Sydney, and it’s not just me who thinks that way.

A famous English novelist and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz also shared his experience once and said:

“During a book signing in Sydney, I met an old school friend, someone I hadn’t seen for 45 years, and together we headed off to Manly from Circular Quay. Much of the coastline is unchanged, the beaches inviting, the land covered in dense bush forest. Looking out to the gap between North Head and South Head, you can imagine what the settlers must have thought when they first arrived after their long journey across the oceans and what a treasure they were about to find. We had lunch together, oysters and fried fish at the 16-Footer Club in Manly. Then we strolled across to the beach to watch the surfers tackling the waves, a vast colony of them, like seals in their black Neoprene wetsuits. In that hour I was as happy as it is possible to be – and that is what Sydney will always represent for me. Happiness. There really is nowhere quite like it.”

Sydney is heaven for foodies and soul-soothing for nature lovers. With its spectacular mountains and beaches and the views they offer, you’ll wish to live here forever. This has so much to offer that you will lose count of your days once you start exploring.

You can spend days, weeks and even months here exploring places, and restaurants and cafes. All and that too, without getting bored. But for that, you’ll need a proper guide and full possible knowledge of its whereabouts or else, your trip will become an absolute mess.

This guide is going to help you with all that you must know! I’m going to share all the important information about Sydney from my personal experience, so you can enjoy your trip to Sydney, Australia as much as you can with this guide that will help you with all that you must know..

Best Places to Stay in Sydney, Australia

Now, you must be wondering about where to stay in Sydney, Australia. This city has some neighbourhoods with each of them having its own unique vibes and attractions.

I’ve listed down 10 of my favourite neighbourhoods in Sydney, what you should expect from them and the best hotels you can find when there!

Neighbourhood #01 – CBD

Central Business District or CBD is the main commercial centre of Sydney. It is the perfect place to stay in Sydney especially if you’re travelling with family or with kids and want to experience all the famous attractions without spending too much time travelling.

You will also find plenty of cafes and restaurants around. This place is just 15 minutes away from Chinatown and Darling Harbor; you can also find a train or bus stops at walking distance.

The CBD is also the best place to stay if you’re here for a business trip or if you’re here for a short stay. Knowing comfort is important for you, CBD hotels offers you amazing service and spacious rooms, a place that will make you feel like you’re home.

Where to stay in Sydney CBD

Here are some recommendations for your peaceful stay when in the CBD of Sydney.

Neighbourhood  #02 – Darling Harbour

Pretty close to CBD but totally disconnected, Darling Harbour is a place that offers you a relaxing and fresh atmosphere. The Town Hall metro is just 20-minute walk away from Darling Harbour.
This place has many restaurants, cafes and bars where you can easily spend your time and taste what Sydney feels like! If you happen to be with your family, worry not! This place has some cool free playgrounds and many attractions for kids as well.

It wouldn’t be wrong to count your stay here as the most convenient and relaxed one, even with or without family. You’ve got many places to check out and hotels to provide nothing but their best!

Where to stay in Darling Harbour, Sydney

 Neighbourhood #03 – Darlinghurst

This one is for night owls! If you’re someone who enjoys being up all night and exploring the nightlife, Darlinghurst is a perfect choice. This is a place where you will often find streets all quiet during the day but where the fun begins at night.

If you’re a light sleeper, you might find it impossible to sleep at night near some streets because of the noise. The bars are open till 4 am in the morning!

There is a street called Oxford Street. This is the area with the highest number of bars and pubs you will find in Australia. You won’t find yourself bored and out of places to enjoy. Hotels here are all cool, featuring the best of facilities and staff.

Where to stay in Darlinghurst, Sydney

Neighbourhood #04 – Surry Hills

Surry Hills was once considered to be an area where it was too easy to buy a property because it was so cheap and today, well, it is the most expensive neighbourhood you will come across. Surry Hills has gone through a huge change in previous years. Central station is at walking distance from this place. This place has lovely restaurants, bars and cafes. The beautiful parks and refreshing green streets are treats to watch.

This place is said to be best for couples and reasons are obvious right? Romantic dinner in a relaxing restaurant after a long day, a good coffee, or just a casual walk in lush green sights, are something you should not miss! Nightlife here is quiet and respectful. Everyone likes to enjoy peace in their own zones.

Where to stay in Surry Hills, Sydney

Neighbourhood #05 – Newtown

Newton is one of the coolest places to stay to explore local Sydney life. This place has plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the local Sydney life and culture.  Newton is so close to the airport that it’s a popular place to stay in Sydney for those who have an early flight or are in Sydney on short stopovers. There is a street with restaurants that offer amazing Thai or Asian food; it’s called King Street.

They serve mouthwatering food that leaves you craving for more. Local bands in pubs are also there all night to entertain you with live music. After all, good music and good food are all you can ask for to chill in your vacay mode!

Where to stay in Newtown, Sydney

Neighbourhood #06 – Paddington

Another best neighbourhood to stay in Sydney is Paddington. Full of art and peace, this area has some fascinating terrace houses, trendy boutiques, cafes and cosy restaurants. You will also find art galleries and bookshops around.

This place is best for couples to enjoy their peaceful yet amazing stay in Sydney while exploring local Sydney life. This is also where you can find Sydney’s biggest park, the Centennial Park, here. Its lush green streets make this neighbourhood even more attractive.

There are also some nice houses for rent for people who want to stay for awhile with families. You can find buses around, but they might be as reliable as transport here is not that convenient. Even then, as this place is located between Bondi and CBD, you can easily visit both places easily!

Where to stay in Paddington, Sydney

Neighbourhood #07 – Bondi

If you’re someone who wants to visit Sydney to enjoy its beach life, this is your hood. Your stay in Bondi can make you live the best of the beach life. You can make the most of your day whether you spend it surfing, simply enjoying the views. You will find many swimming pools that are built into rocks in small bays located so close to Bondi. Don’t forget to take the best coastal walks from Bondi to Coogee beach.

Your stay in Sydney is not complete without spending at least one day at the beach. You can also reach the famous Bondi Beach easily from the CBD by catching a bus. You can also try restaurants and delicious dishes they offer or explore little shops nearby. Though this place is outside of the city centre, it is close to the ocean. This is the best option if you’re looking for a place to stay near a Sydney beach.

Where to stay in Bondi, Sydney

 Neighbourhood #08 – Kings Cross

Looking for an affordable and budget-friendly place? Kings Cross is the best neighbourhood if you’re here in Sydney on a budget. This place is still evolving itself to the best. Formerly, this place was known as a red-light district. Today, it has plenty of cafes that are all trendy and cool, along with boutique pop-ups to make you spend most of your time in Sydney.

Kings Cross is the centre of Sydney nightlife, where you can party till late at night. This place is just one train stop away from Martin Place. Hotels here are very well maintained and the staff are all super friendly.

Where to stay in Kings Cross, Sydney

Neighbourhood #09 – Circular Quay

Circular Quay, situated in the north of Sydney’s CBD on Sydney Cove, is at a distance of just 5-7 minute walk away from some hotels you can easily find for your stay. It is a colourful port where you will find plenty of ferries and cruise ships. You can also just walk along the foreshore and enjoy amazing views. This is the main activity hub in Sydney that’s located in the city centre.

Circular Quay is one of the most famous and bustling places to visit in Sydney. As Circular Quay is filled with top attractions, there is a lot to see and do here. It might get hard for you to decide what you should do first. Don’t forget to check out the famous Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the tourist shops to shop your heart out!

Where to stay in Circular Quay, Sydney

Neighbourhood #10 – The Rocks

This neighbourhood is personally my favourite because it has an interesting history and some amazing old buildings. The streets are lively on The Rocks and you can also enjoy local weekend markets if you like. The Rocks is probably the best neighbourhood in Sydney to stay at.

Enjoy street food, great restaurants and your coffee in some of the best cafes around. This place is walkable to many attractions easily and you can easily find public transport. Hotels here are some of the most convenient ones. They offer their best to guests, so you can be assured you’ll enjoy your trip in Sydney to your fullest!

Where to stay in The Rocks, Sydney

Sydney is a great city to visit whenever you want. The weather here is always pleasant. Summers are usually warm and winters are mild, so pack accordingly.

This city is hottest in January and December while coldest in June and July. There are many apartments for rent in Sydney, find yourself the best neighbourhood to stay and make some memories that you’ll cherish your whole life!