Sydney is one of the world's most famous cities in faraway Australia. It's a destination loved by everyone, from backpackers to families, thanks also to the great variety of attractions and things to do! It's a big city, so choosing where to stay is essential, especially depending on the holiday you want to experience. Here are all our tips on where to stay in Sydney!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
If this is your first time visiting Sydney or you only have a few days to spare, the best option is to stay in the CBD, the central district. In the immediate vicinity there are other suburbs to choose from depending on your needs: if you're travelling with a family, Circular Quay is also a great option, while if you're looking for a bit of nightlife, we recommend The Rocks area.
If you're looking for nightlife, other good areas to stay in are Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Potts Point, the latter of which includes the old red light district of Kings Cross. Potts Point, along with the suburb of Haymarket near the train station, is also a great option if you want to save money. If you are travelling with a family, on the other hand, better opt for the residential suburb of Paddington.
Finally, if you want to stay close to the sea, there are two options: Bondi Beach, recommended for young people, frequented by backpackers and ideal for surfing; and Manly, ideal especially for families and those who want a bit of peace and quiet. Given their distance from the centre and the main attractions, these two areas are worth considering if you are staying at least a week in town!
Recommended areas tosave money: Potts Point, Haymarket
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: CBD, Circular Quay, Paddington, Manly
Recommended areas foryoung people: The Rocks, Potts Point, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Bondi Beach
Best Accommodation: We've selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Sydney. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Sydney on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best options and selected hotels on booking.com
Sydney Area Guide
Sydney is a very big city indeed! It is home to more than 5 million people and covers an impressive 12,367 square kilometres. Understanding which is the best neighbourhood to stay in therefore becomes essential.
The metropolitan area of the city is formally divided into more than 300suburbs (suburbs in English), managed by 37 local governments ( Local Government Areas in English). The central suburb is the CBD, or Central Business District, the financial heart of the city. From here, the various suburbs branch off. This is the best area to stay in.
Areas to avoid: the more suburban areas, such as Blacktown, Redfern, Bakstown, Cabramatta, Fairfield, Perith and Liverpool. These are suburbs, however, a long way from the CBD.
CBD
The CBD is the Central Business District, the commercial and financial heart of Sydney. It is the suburb that includes some of the city's best attractions, such as the Sydney Tower Eye observation deck, the beautiful Hyde Park and Darling Harbour! Its boundaries are marked by Circular Quay to the north, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park to the east, Darling Harbour to the west and Goulburn Street to the south.
This is definitely the best area to stay in Sydney, especially if it's your first time visiting the city or if you're only staying for a few days. It is an area especially suitable for families looking for all amenities within walking distance. Nightlife is concentrated in other parts of the city.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around mainly on foot: the Circular Quay, with the Opera House, is a stone's throw away, as is the Harbour Bridge. The whole suburb is also well served by numerous train, bus and tram lines!
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Flat Residence 2 min walk from Darling Harbour. Tour desk, dry cleaning service, WiFi and luggage storage. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel 10 min walk from The Rocks. Laundry, kitchen and rooms with shared bathrooms. Ideal for young people | |
5-star hotel overlooking Hyde Park. Restaurant, bar, 24-hour top-floor fitness centre and indoor pool with glass ceiling. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel in the heart of the CBD, close to Darling Harbour. 24-hour fitness centre, parking, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and Hyatt E-Concierge. Ideal for business travellers |
Circular Quay-Sydney Harbour
The suburb of Circular Quay is one of the city's most charming areas! Overlooking Sydney Harbour, the marina, it is home to the iconic Opera House, a symbol of the city and Australia around the world! Also within walking distance are the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia!
This is a perfect area for those travelling on a high budget! It is busy during the day but quiet at night, as the nightlife is concentrated in the nearby suburb of The Rocks. Staying here will put you in the centre of the city, within walking distance of the main attractions and with all amenities at your fingertips! Mostly 5-star hotels are located here. It is, consequently, one of the most expensive areas in the city!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around Sydney with ease. The suburb is served by the Circular Quay train and tram stop, and boat trips and ferries to areas like Manly depart from here!
Average prices in the suburb range from around €100.00 for low-cost accommodation to €600.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Luxury suites and flats overlooking the Harbour Bridge and harbour. On-site gym, bar and restaurant. Ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 5 people | |
5-star hotel of the well-known hotel chain. Bar, restaurant, fitness centre, swimming pool and luxury accommodation overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Ideal for couples | |
5-star hotel with outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and bar. Incredible harbour views. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel with luxurious flats with whirlpool bath and views of the harbour or Royal Botanic Gardens. Indoor pool on site, restaurant and bar. Ideal for couples and families |
The Rocks
Photo by Greg O'Beirne. Stick to the Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge area: this is where The Rocks, Sydney's historic core, is located. Here you can stroll past old buildings, markets and lively lanes full of clubs and pubs! The Rocks Market is also held at the weekend, with street food and local crafts. Definitely one of Sydney's most distinctive areas and one of the best places to stay!
Given its lively character, it is especially recommended for young people and those looking for a bit of fun. Especially at weekends, in fact, this place gets quite noisy, with clubs open until late. It is not a wild nightlife, but it is definitely not an area entirely recommended for families.
Finally, the suburb is in a very central location: bordering the CBD and Circular Quay, it is also well served by trains and trams, taking the nearby harbour stop as a reference.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Historic 3 star hotel in the heart of The Rocks. On-site restaurant with live music performances. Ideal for young people and couples | |
Hostel with rooftop terrace overlooking the Opera House. TV lounge, pool tables and fully equipped communal kitchen.Private room or dorm bed. Ideal for young people | |
Apartment complex with fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom and balcony. 3 bedrooms, up to 8 people. Ideal for groups | |
5-star hotel with spa and wellness centre offering various treatments, heated pool and gym. Restaurant, bar and room service. Ideal for couples |
Potts Point
Photo by Gene Poole. We move slightly out of the CBD to Potts Point, the suburb to the west of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Finger Wharf. This is the area where the city's red light district, Kings Cross, used to be. Today it is renowned for its nightlife, neon-lit clubs and numerous bars. It is a very lively suburb, even during the day, thanks to the presence of many trendy shops, cafés and clubs!
It is an area especially recommended for young people. In addition to the nightlife, here you can also find good cheap accommodation, such as clean hostels frequented by backpackers, as well as by young people who have moved here for an experience abroad.
Finally, staying here you will necessarily have to use transport. There are numerous bus stops along Kings Cross Road. Alternatively, walk down Williams Street and you will arrive in the CBD in about 20 min.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel in a historic building. Spacious rooms, some with balconies, parking and WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel in the heart of Kings Cross, surrounded by bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Shared lounge and kitchen. Dormitories for 6 to 12 people. Ideal for young people | |
Residence of modern studio flats with fully equipped kitchens and free WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel near Kings Cross train station. Gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families |
Darlinghurst
Photo by Sardaka. Due to its proximity to Kings Cross (and Potts Point), Darlinghurs was also once home to some old brothels, now replaced by cafes, pubs, clubs, art galleries and vintage shops. Today it is certainly one of Sydney's trendiest areas, particularly popular with the LGBT community. In fact, along Oxford Street you can find numerous rainbow-flagged venues.
It is a lively and bustling suburb, especially in the evenings, thanks to the presence of theatres, pubs and nightclubs. It is therefore ideal for young people and those looking for nightlife. There are plenty of things to do here, so get ready for the early hours!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around the city easily. The suburb borders Hyde Park and Kings Cross, giving it a very central location. In no time you will be in both the CBD and the Circular Quay area. Moreover, the area is well served by public transport!
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €150.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with rooms with shared bathroom. Ground floor bar and garden. ATMs, pool tables and dedicated smoking areas. Ideal for young people | |
Budget hotel with air-conditioned, en-suite rooms and TV. Ideal location between Darlinghurst and Kings Cross. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Hotel with bar and rooms equipped with flat screen smart TVs and en suite bathrooms, some also include a terrace or balcony. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel with rooms with city views. 24-hour reception, yoga room and health club. Ideal for couples |
Paddington
Photo by J Bar. Proceeding westwards, after Darlinghurst we find the old Victorian-style suburb of Paddington. It is in fact an elegant residential area, very quiet and fashionable, with a European feel. There are no particular attractions, but it is a truly wonderful suburb, with wide boulevards, elegant buildings and green areas!
It is therefore an ideal area for family travellers looking for tranquillity. Here you will find all the amenities you need: excellent accommodation, numerous shops and restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. On Saturdays, there is also the weekly Paddington Market, close to Oxford Street.
Finally, if you also want to enjoy the beaches, the suburb is perfectly located, halfway between the CBD and Bondi Beach, one of Sydney's most famous beaches. By public transport you can reach the beach in just 15 minutes, as well as the CBD!
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
80 sqm flat with free WiFi, garden and air conditioning. Fully equipped bathroom and kitchen. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel with spacious and well-organised designer rooms, complete with all amenities. Great location and free WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel in a beautifully restored historic building. Restaurant, bar and close to many art galleries. Ideal for couples and families |
Surry Hills
Photo by Bidgee. Surry Hills is an ever-changing suburb with a wonderful cultural scene, numerous cafés, fashion boutiques, colourful cottages and international restaurants. It has a somewhat bohemian and artistic soul. For example, the area around the Surry Hills Library has become a real public space with contemporary and eco-friendly design, wine bars and art galleries.
Given all these characteristics, Surry Hills is definitely a suburb suitable for young people and those seeking an artistic and alternative atmosphere. Moreover, the area offers several cheaper accommodations than the CBD, thanks to small, well-kept and clean hotels and hostels.
Finally, the location is also great: it is located between Sydney Central Station, Paddington, Darlinghurst and within walking distance of the CBD and Hyde Park. For getting around the city, one can refer to the Central public transport stop.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3 star hotel with bistro and bar. Rooms with shared bathrooms. Ideal for young people and couples | |
Hostel with top-floor garden with barbecue and sun terrace, luggage storage, shared kitchen. Private rooms or dormitories. Ideal for young people | |
Flat residence 10 min walk from Central Station. Features fully equipped kitchen, lounge, full bathroom and one or two bedrooms. Ideal for couples or families | |
4-star hotel on Crown Street. Modern rooms, WiFi, terrace and bar. Ideal for couples and families |
Haymarket (Chinatown)
Photo by User:Bidgee. Haymarket is the suburb where Sydney Central Station is located, south of the CBD. But that's not all: this area is also home to Sydney's Chinatown, making it a bustling area with numerous restaurants and shops. Don't miss Paddy's Market, the suburb's signature market.
This is an ideal suburb for young people and those who want to save money! Sydney is indeed a city with a very high cost of living, but in this area you can find plenty of deals and cheaper accommodation. It is also a lively area in the evenings as there are many clubs.
Finally, it is ideal if you are only staying a few days, as it is connected to every corner of the city by the Central Station, where bus, tram and train lines run to any suburb.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3 star hotel 5 mins from Central Station. Air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and flat screen TV, fitness centre, restaurant and bar. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel with on-site fitness centre, 24-hour reception and daily maid service. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel near the station, with swimming pool and panoramic views from the top floor. Common rooms, shared kitchen, laundry. Private rooms or dorms. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel with air-conditioned accommodation, restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception, laundry and tour desk. Ideal for couples |
Bondi Beach
Finally, we would like to introduce you to two more suburbs located on the coast, but only to be considered if you spend at least a week in the city!
The first is Bondi Beach, which includes the famous beach, perhaps the most famous in Sydney! This area is a paradise for backpackers, ocean lovers and surfers. You can also walk to Coogee along the beautiful Costal Walk with breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean. This suburb is definitely recommended for youngsters, who can enjoy the beach and sports here!
Finally, if you decide to stay here, you must take into account that the CBD is 30 min away by transport. However, the direct bus from the beach to Hyde Park is very convenient.
Average prices in the district range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with free WiFi, bar and restaurant, games room. Some rooms have a balcony with sea views. Ideal for couples and groups of up to 5 people | |
Hostel 250m from the beach. Dormitory accommodation and free use of surfboards and snorkelling equipment. Tour desk and shared lounge. Ideal for young people | |
Aparthotel 5 min walk from the beach. Swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre and accommodation with a balcony. Ideal for couples | |
5-star residence with studios and suites with sea views, 300m from the beach. Equipped with a lounge, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with bathtub and terrace. Ideal for couples and families |
Manly
Photos by Adam.J.W.C.. The second oceanfront suburb we would like to recommend is Manly, where the famous and beautiful Manly Beach is located. This is one of the most popular suburbs for those looking for beach, relaxation and shopping and, in high season, is one of the busiest areas.
Unlike Bondi Beach, Manly is mainly recommended for families! Here you will find great beaches, plenty of green areas, such as the beautiful Sydney Harbour National Park, and the area is quieter than Bondi.
The downside is the distance to the CBD: to get to Manly you have to use the ferry. It is in fact a 45 min ferry ride from Circular Quay, which is why it is almost always visited on a day trip from the CBD rather than chosen as a place to stay.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel overlooking Manly Beach. 2 swimming pools, whirlpool and rooms with private balconies. Ideal for couples and families | |
Residence of flats near Manly Ferry Wharf. Flats with lounge, kitchen, washing machine, up to 4 people. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with large garden, communal lounge and kitchen, 10 min walk to shops, pubs and restaurants and not far from the beach. Ideal for young people | |
4 star hotel nestled in Sydnay Harbour National Park. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, with private beach. Restaurant, bar and free parking. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Sydney where to stay
Sydney is a really big city with lots to see and do! Attractions, both cultural and historical as well as natural, are scattered throughout its territory. The best option is therefore to stay in the city, preferring the central districts, which offer a wide choice of accommodation.
Staying outside the city is really not recommended, especially because of the time it would take to travel, not to mention the high cost of transport. If you have to buy a day pass to get around the city and also train tickets to travel to/from Sydney, then costs start to rise considerably.