City Guide: Sydney

A city where even the locals act as if they're permanently on holiday, Sydney is a surefire destination for those in search of sun, sand, sea and the sesh.

A city where even the locals act as if they're permanently on holiday, Sydney is a surefire destination for those in search of sun, sand, sea and the sesh.

Defined by its many beaches and imposing harbour, Sydney's catalogue of coastline - from Bondi to Manly - are postcard approved. Surfers, stubbie in hand, posses a distinctive chill that renders them practically horizontal when not out riding, while the centre of the city draws a decidedly more glamorous crowd.

Urbane Sydneysiders are notoriously choosey and at times a little brassy. There's always a new restaurant to try and bar to scout out. By night, the Harbour City is loud and uncompromising; and in the morning there's brunch.

Here's how to do this seductively sunny city properly.

hotel

The Langham

Sydney, Australia

If you’re after a bit of luxury in the city, then the newly renovated Langham should be on your list. With plush, bespoke furnishings in every room accompanied by views of the Western Harbour or the Sydney skyline, The Langham is easily one of Sydney’s best hotels. As an added bonus, they’re also pet friendly, which means your four-legged friend won’t have to be left behind.Rooms from £309 per night

Address

89-113 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000

hotel

Jonah's Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

Sydney, Australia

A leisurely 50-minute drive from the CBD (central business district), Jonah’s Boutique Hotel has one of the most enviable vistas in Sydney. You can ‘ooh and ahh’ at the sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean from your private balcony. If you’re feeling peckish, the eponymous restaurant is one of the best in Sydney – we suggest going all out and ordering the tasting menu with matching wines. For something really special, choose to arrive at Jonah’s in a private seaplane.

Address

69 Bynya Road Sydney NSW 2107

hotel

Establishment Hotel

Sydney, Australia

This luxury boutique hotel in the centre of Sydney provides discerning travellers with a comfortable and stylish base from which to explore the city. It’s all about the little things at Establishment Hotel – Bvlgari toiletries, your own Apple TV, BOSE headphones – you probably will not want to leave your room. However, do try and drag yourself away from your suite, as Mr Wongand sushi e (aka Sydney’s best restaurants) are all in the same building.

Address

5 Bridge Lane Sydney NSW 2000

hotel

The Old Clare

Sydney, Australia

Located in Sydney’s hip Chippendale neighbourhood, The Old Clare is housed over two heritage buildings – a former pub and the Carlton United Breweries – that have been seamlessly stitched together to include 62 rooms, arguably the city’s coolest rooftop pool and three restaurants, including one from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. Inside, the preserved industrial vibe is softened with vintage design furniture and bespoke designer joinery.

Address

1 Kensington Street Chippendale NSW 2008

hotel

Paramount House Hotel

Sydney, Australia

Housed in the original 1940s former headquarters for Paramount Picture studios and its adjoining film storage warehouse, Paramount House Hotel completes the puzzle, joining the already existing Paramount Coffee Project Café, the Golden Age Cinema & Bar and chic co-working area called The Office Space. Now, along with 29 rooms, is a rooftop wellness space and a curb-side restaurant from the team behind of the city’s most popular restaurants, Ester.

Address

80 Commonwealth Street Surry Hills NSW 2010

hotel

Sofitel Darling Harbour

Sydney, Australia

The Sofitel Darling Harbour might be positioned right next to Sydney’s new International Convention Centre, but considering this was the city’s first newly built luxury hotel in over two decades, it’s definitely worth a stay here – especially if you’re after grown-up chic. Its home inside a glass-fronted skyscraper on prime waterfront territory means wrap around Darling Harbour views, while its location is a short 15-minute stride away from main shopping areas such as Market Street. Make sure you book a room that has access to the top-floor Club Millesime Lounge, where light snacks and canapés are served throughout the day to a backdrop of city vistas.

Address

2 Darling Drive NSW 2000

hotel

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Sydney, Australia

Occupying a century-old heritage building that runs the length of the historic Finger Wharf in the harbour-side neighbourhood of Woolloomooloo, Ovolo is a quirkily glam property just 10 minutes from they Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Inside, bold furnishings and bright colours offset the building’s original industrial features, which creates a distinct visual energy. While there are an abundance of bars and restaurants on your doorstep, make sure you stay in to sample chef Matthew Kenney’s plant-based dishes at Alibi.

Address

6 Cowper Wharf Roadway Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

hotel

Spicers Potts Point

Sydney, Australia

For something a little more homely, Spicers, in the affluent neighbourhood of Potts Point, is a 20-room boutique property set over three heritage-listed Victorian terraces originally built in 1880. Located midpoint between the city and Bondi Beach, the hotel is ideal for those looking to dive into Sydney’s culinary scene. With a timeless, cosy design and glass-walled bathrooms that come complete with deep soaking tubs, we don’t blame you for wanting to stay in. If that is the case, five of the top local restaurants also offer room service.

Address

122 Victoria Street NSW 2011

hotel

QT Sydney

Sydney, Australia

Carved out of two of Sydney’s most majestic heritage-listed piles – the former Gowings Department store and The State Theatre – QT Sydney takes its cues from the buildings’ history with a quirky, bold design featuring eccentric embellishments and cheeky accessories, such as bowler hat lamps, in vibrant royal blue, magenta and yellow hues. Gowings Bar & Grill rolls out classics like New York sirloin on the bone, the spa is a destination in itself, and the hotel’s location – right at the heart of the CBD – is faultless.

Address

49 Market Street NSW 2000

hotel

Ace Hotel

The Ace Hotel Group always gets it just right. Minimalist-yet-cosy interiors, high-end amenities, vibrant cultural programming and a spotlight on the local movers and makers in the area draw us to their bevy of locations over and over. This year sees the company's first opening in the southern hemisphere, in Sydney's elegantly cool Surry Hills neighbourhood. Designed by impossibly cool Aussie firm Flack Studio, the hotel sits within a historic brick factory (the site of one of Australia's first ceramic kilns), and yes, the rooftop panoramas are worth flying for. Expect oodles of texture, organic materials, an outrageously striking ochre-red staircase and a buzzy, communal, work-from-anywhere-friendly vibe - and stellar sips. Image courtesy of Anson Smart.

Address

47 Wentworth Ave, Sydney, NSW 2000

Bedroom at the Ace Hotel Sydney

hotel

Ace Hotel Sydney

Everyone’s favourite mid-century maestro is launching down under. The first Ace Hotel south of the equator isn’t quite ready to go (you’ll be able to book from May), but, as one of Australia’s biggest openings this year, we’re adding it to our must-visit list. Unsurprisingly, the first Ace on Aussie soil is located in Surrey Hills, the leafy stomping ground of Sydney’s creative set. You’ll find the group’s signature modernist lines and playful use of hyperlocal references at work in all 245 bedrooms in this revamped old brick factory. Expect a colour palette that channels the sun-kissed colours of Australia’s cinematic landscapes – all ochre carpets reminiscent of red deserts and eucalyptus-coloured sofas – and custom-made furniture by Surrey Hills artisans, alongside classic Ace Hotel touches (hello, acoustic guitars).

Address

47 Wentworth Ave, Sydney, NSW 2000