Australia’s capital city lines up loads of great bars. You’ve got underground hideaways, al fresco pubs opposite world-famous sights, and quirky establishments to choose from. Plus, you can make the most of Sydney’s sunny weather at a stylish rooftop venue.
Here’s our pick of the best Sydney bars…
OPERA BAR
This al fresco garden bar is located right next to the city’s most famous attraction – the Sydney Opera House. It’s the place to visit if you’re in the city for the first time for both the novelty factor and the views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Enjoy the Australian sunshine and the live music, and spend the afternoon sipping cocktails and taking snaps of the view. Try Opera Bar’s signature cocktail the ‘Sydney Sling’, which is a refreshing blend of gin, pomegranate, bitters, fresh lime and soda.
City Route, Stop: Sydney Opera House
operabar.com.au
GRANDMA'S BAR
Fancy a visit to Grandma’s? This deceptively-named, tropical-themed bar is inspired by the Pacific Islands. Walk inside and you’ll find retro prints adorning the walls, chipped bricks, parrot-print wallpaper, and barmen in tropical shirts. The cocktails are impressive here. You can take your pick from peanut butter colada, honey daiquiri and rum dmc (a pineapple, coconut and rum concoction), to name a few. Each one is dolled up and garnished in a fancy glass for those perfect Instagram snaps.
City Route, Stop: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
grandmasbarsydney.com.au
MARBLE BAR
This beautiful 19th century bar is worth visiting for the setting alone, never mind the drinks. Multi-coloured marble pillars, domed arches and intricately-decorated ceilings make up the impressive interiors. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Renaissance painting as soon as you set foot inside. There are live performances every Thursday to Sunday from local bands and DJs to keep you entertained. And, when it comes to tipples, you can enjoy age-old whiskies, scotch and Prohibition-era cocktails.
City Route, Stop: Sydney Tower / Westfield Sydney
marblebarsydney.com.au
STITCH BAR
There’s nothing better than a hidden basement bar, and this one can be found behind the façade of a dressmaker shop (hence the name Stitch). Once you’re inside, you’ll find vintage theming coupled with American diner-style eats and amazing cocktails using spirits from the US. There’s the Louisville Slugger which combines chocolate, Cointreau and lemongrass, and the refreshing Britannica made with gin, Aperol and syrup. If you love American S’mores pick ‘That one time at band camp’ which is basically a S’more in a glass with marshmallow-infused Woodford reserve, biscuits and chocolate.
City Route, Stop: King St Wharf
facebook.com/StitchBarSydney
CAFE DEL MAR
This Spanish-themed rooftop establishment is Sydney’s very own slice of Ibiza. The cool terrace is the perfect place to be when the weather’s hot. You’ll get amazing views of the Darling Harbour while you enjoy your drinks and some Mediterranean bites. Every Friday and Saturday, Café Del Mar’s resident DJ takes to the decks to get the crowd going. And throughout summer, there are Sunset Sessions every Sunday where you can party while watching the sun go down.
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City Route, Stop: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Ready to drink your way around Sydney’s CBD? The city lines up hidden bars, themed establishment, and sweeping rooftop bars where you’ll get some amazing views. Browse our bus tours for more inspiration on what to do in the city.
