Where To Stay In Sydney: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Figuring out where to stay when you are planning a trip to Sydney is a fun part of the planning. Whether you are looking for a neighborhood with lots of shops or touristy attractions, a quiet neighborhood, or a neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife, there is definitely a great neighborhood in Sydney just waiting to be discovered.
While deciding where to stay in Sydney, make a list of what you hope to see and do. There are several awesome places to stay in the city, many within walking distance of several shops, malls, restaurants, and attractions. Make your reservations early if you are staying in the more popular areas, especially near the city centre.
Traveler tip: When arriving in a city, we often have a hotel check-in late in the afternoon. If you arrive early in the day, drop your bags with a Sydney luggage storage service and start your tour of this terrific destination!
Where to stay in Circular Quay and The Rocks
Both areas are perfect for those who are first time visitors to Sydney. The most popular tourist attractions in the city are here and within walking distance of the hotels in the area. You can easily visit the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House when you stay in Circular Quay or The Rocks.
The architecture of the neighborhoods is absolutely amazing and one of the best parts about staying here is that public transportation is easily accessible so you can fully explore different parts of Sydney. Hop on the train or take the ferry and set out to explore all the city has to offer.
The Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection is a luxury hotel in Circular Quay offering incredible views of the harbor and just steps from marvelous dining and shopping. The spacious rooms have plenty of space to spread out and relax after spending a day sightseeing.
Another luxury hotel in Sydney is the Four Seasons Hotel which is only steps to both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Enjoy fine dining, trendy boutiques, and popular attractions as well as being close to public transportation.
When looking for moderately priced hotels, make reservations at The Tank Stream which has fabulous amenities, elegant and spacious rooms, and is located in The Rocks area. It is under a ten-minute walk to Circular Quay and several more fabulous attractions.
Another wonderful hotel that is moderately priced is the Hotel Palisade. With terrific views, large rooms, and modern amenities, it is a good choice when staying in Sydney. Located just west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can enjoy a drink at the on-site bar and look out over the bridge.
For those on a budget, check out the Sydney Harbour YHA, a wonderful hostel that offers budget-friendly dorm rooms as well as slightly more expensive private rooms. The hostel is located in The Rocks and looks out over the Harbour Bridge and is a nice place to stay without breaking the bank.
Where to stay in Paddington and Surry Hills
Spend a week in one of the coolest areas in Sydney; Paddington and Surry Hills are two of the trendiest neighborhoods and are filled with hidden gems. Shop some of the most interesting vintage shops, stroll along Crown Street, and check out wonderful art galleries.
While you will be slightly out of the main stream of the city, both areas are quieter and do not see as many tourists. Sydney Central Station is in Surry Hills which makes it super easy to move throughout the city without wearing out your shoes.
While here, wander through the Victoria Barracks, Paddington Reservoir Gardens, and a funky flea market called the Surry Hills Market. You are just over a mile from the Central Business District so you can easily check out some of the more touristy things and still spend quiet evenings in Paddington or Surry Hills.
Make reservations at the Crystalbrook Albion, one of the loveliest boutique hotels located in Surry Hills. This five-star hotel offers wonderful amenities and is only a short walk to Belmore Park and Sydney Central Train Station.
Surry Hills is also home to some moderately priced hotels such as the Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Surry Hills and the Crown Hotel Surry Hills. Adina Apartment Hotel offers a refreshing swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, and barbecue area. The Crown Hotel is near Taylor Square, Oxford Street, and Central Station.
When looking for a budget hotel, the 57 Hotel is a great choice. It offers free Wi-Fi and has spacious, air-conditioned rooms. This hotel is also only about five minutes from Sydney Central Station. Another good choice when on a budget is the Shakespeare Hotel which is located near Belmore Park and Oxford Street. There is even a lovely bistro and on-site bar at the Shakespeare Hotel.
Where to stay in Kings Cross
The Kings Cross neighborhood is the best Sydney neighborhood for those looking for a hopping nightlife. It is also a fine choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly area. From restaurants to shops, prices in Kings Cross tend to be lower than in the city centre.
Locals call Kings Cross the Red-Light District but it is really becoming more of an up-and-coming neighborhood with trendy bars and nightclubs, adorable shops, wonderful cafes and restaurants, and comfortable lodging. When looking for something to do at night in Sydney, head to Kings Cross.
With several hostels, backpackers tend to make their way to Kings Cross looking for cheap accommodation. The area is filled with incredible Victorian architecture and is surrounded by Elizabeth Bay for spectacular views.
There are a few luxury hotels in the neighborhood when you are looking for higher-end lodging. Spicers Potts Point is a five-star hotel with a delicious restaurant and an on-site bar. The Medusa Hotel Sydney offers luxury at its best including spacious air-conditioned rooms and several amenities.
Moderately priced hotels can be found in the neighborhood. The Annam Serviced Apartments are a four-star aparthotel that is mere minutes from restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The Regents Court Sydney is also a four-star aparthotel offering rooms with a fully equipped kitchenette and on-site laundry.
When you are on a tight budget, make reservations at the Springfield Lodge or the Mariners Court Hotel. Both are four-star budget hotels offering great accommodations and even some cool amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a breakfast buffet, and on-site parking.
Where to stay in Darling Harbour
When you are planning a holiday with your family in Sydney, you will want to find a hotel in the Darling Harbour neighborhood. While it is close to the Central Business District, it is further out so your family can relax in the more laid-back atmosphere.
While staying in the Darling Harbour area there are several green spaces to explore as well as Madame Tussauds Museum, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, and the Pyrmont Bridge. For those looking for a bit of fun without the kids, check out the Star Casino.
With two malls located in the area, it is the ideal place for when you are looking to do a little retail therapy. You will find pretty much anything you want including fascinating souvenirs and gift ideas. As you shop, you will even have wonderful views of the harbor.
Book your stay at the Star Grand Hotel and Residences Sydney, a luxury hotel that will make you feel like royalty. Rooms have plush beds and plenty of space to spread out and relax. The hotel has several restaurants and cafes as well as bars to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is another good choice with luxurious, spacious rooms with several modern amenities.
Darling Harbour also has a few mid-range hotels including Novotel Sydney Darling Square and Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour. With a delicious breakfast buffet, fitness room, and free Wi-Fi, you will want to make yourself right at home.
You can even choose a more budget-friendly or cheaper lodging option such as The Ultimo which is only a five-minute walk to the Central Train Station and has several nice amenities. The Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney is another fantastic hotel that is cheaper than most but still offers good service and amenities.
Where to stay in Sydney CBD
The best place to stay in Sydney when you visit on business is the Central Business District. The CBD is where most of the large companies can be found and Sydney is the business capital of Australia. But Sydney CBD isn’t all work and no play. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Tower Eye are located right in the heart of the CBD.
You can even walk to several interesting attractions in nearby neighborhoods including the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. Public transportation, from buses to trains, is also easy to catch when you are in the Central Business District.
Several of the big hotel chains can be found here but you will also find several mid-range hotels and hostels for those looking for cheaper accommodations. Staying in the CBD is a terrific choice as it is centrally located so you can fully explore the city.
If you are looking for a luxury hotel, you will want to make your reservations early at the Sheraton Grand Hyde Park Hotel Sydney. This five-star hotel is superb and offers several amazing amenities including a fitness room, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi.
If you need a more wallet-friendly hotel, the Meriton Suites Sussex Street or Megaboom City Hotel are mid-range hotels that will not break the bank.
Where to stay in Bondi Beach
Don't miss the chance to stay near the world famous Bondi Beach where you can lounge at the shore and still be just a few minutes from shopping and restaurants. The bright, white sand will beckon to you and you will answer the call! Be sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen; you will need both when you stay in the Bondi Beach area.
The beach itself is one of the most popular and important attractions in Sydney so it does get crowded quickly. Stake out your little piece of heaven early so you can enjoy your time on the beach and in the water without having to fight for a place to roll out your beach towel.
When staying in the area, you can still reach the city centre by using public transportation so you can explore several of the must-see attractions in the city and then relax looking out over the beach before retiring for the evening. If you are visiting in the summer, you may want to look into Manly Beach instead of Bondi Beach as it will become way too crowded for you to really get to enjoy the beach.
Book your reservations at one of the high-end hotels in Bondi including QT Sydney Bondi and the Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney. Both have luxurious rooms with fantastic amenities. You even have a fully equipped kitchenette to use when you stay at either hotel.
Looking for something a bit less expensive will lead you to the Bondi 38 Serviced Apartments where you will have some of the most breathtaking ocean views from your private balcony. Hotel Bondi is another great option and is only about two minutes to the beach.
Sydney Hotels
Whether you want to stay near the Sydney Airport or be closer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, many nice options await! You will find that each neighborhood has its own vibe and is attractive in its own way. From boutique hotels just a ferry ride away from the fun to luxury digs with a rooftop pool, all of the hotels in Sydney have special touches.
No matter if you are here for business or pleasure, be sure to see places like the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney's central business district, and Royal National Park.
