Where to stay in Sydney
21.07.2023 - 08:17
/ roughguides.com
/ Sydney Harbour
Many people mistake Sydney for Australia’s capital – and it’s easy to see why. Sydney has a truly cosmopolitan air, a moving-and-shaking business district, world-class galleries, a thriving LGBTQ community, and plenty of accommodation options to boot. Here’s our pick of where to stay in Sydney.
There are a tremendous number of places to stay in Sydney, and fierce competition helps keep prices down. Finding somewhere is usually only a problem around Christmas, throughout Jan, in late Feb/early March during the Gay Mardi Gras, and at Easter: at these times, book ahead.
The Rocks, immediately beneath the Harbour Bridge, is the heart of historic Sydney. This is where you’ll find iconic sights including Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Rocks Discovery Museum, Argyle Street and Sydney Observatory. For short visits, you’ll want to stay in the city centre. A Rocks location is highly convenient, but many of its exclusive hotels have a price tag to match.
Best for hotel luxury: The Langham
A glamorous option in a quiet location, with famous afternoon teas and a spacious underground pool. Some rooms look over to Observatory Hill and Walsh Bay.
Best for historic charm: Sydney Harbour B&B
This elegant B&B is located in two historic boarding houses in the heart of The Rocks. Enjoy your substantial breakfast (included) inside or in the courtyard garden.
George Street, The Rocks © Maurizio De Mattei/Shutterstock
From Circular Quay south as far as King Street is Sydney’s CBD, with Martin Place as its commercial nerve centre, a pedestrian mall lined with imposing banks and investment companies. All year round, fruit and flower stalls line the street, and in summer, street performances are still held at the little amphitheatre.
Best for five-star service: InterContinental
The sandstone facade of the 1851 former Treasury building forms the lower floors of this five-star hotel. Expect stunning views of the Botanic Gardens, Opera House and harbour. Pool and gym on the top floor.
Best for travellers on a budget: BASE Backpackers
This huge, modern, 360-bed hostel is well set up with two TV rooms, laundry and kitchen. Well-furnished rooms and dorms all have a/c with shared bathrooms. The women-only “Sanctuary” features hairdryers in the bathrooms, Aveda haircare products and feather pillows.
Sydney's high-rise Central Business District © Olga Kashubin/Shutterstock
The section of the city centre south from Liverpool Street down to Central Station is known as Haymarket, a lively area that’s effectively a downmarket southern extension of the CBD. Between Town Hall and Central Station, George Street shifts gear as businesspeople and shoppers give way to backpackers, who jam the area’s abundant hostels. There’s also a couple of fine YHAs