Boutique Sydney // Where Indigenous History and Modern Culture Meet

STAY

These are for all the design and boutique hotel fanatics out there. You'll be oohing and ahhing over each property's attention to detail, friendly customer service, and tasteful amenities. All conveniently located within walking and public transportation distance to all of the buzzing parts of the city.

Paramount House Hotel

@amandavillarosa

Stayed here for a few nights, and would 100% return over and over again. Located in Surry Hills, one of Sydney's trendiest neighborhoods, Paramount is within walking distance to some of Sydney's hottest restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself has perfectly designed rooms, with a focus on comfort and cozy minimalism. Grab a coffee and pastry from the cafe below, and enjoy in your room's plant filled outdoor patio.

Add to

Details

Ace Hotel Sydney

@amandavillarosa

Having stayed in other Ace Hotel's around the world, I have no doubt that that Sydney property is just as cool. The Ace brand is a reliable design hotel, and is always one of the first I research when visiting another city.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

The Old Clare Hotel

@amandavillarosa

For the curious traveler interested in all things local. The Old Clare takes pride in working with and featuring local artisans. Plus there's a pool!

Check Prices

Add to

Details

Crystalbrook Albion

@amandavillarosa

Boutique, meet Luxury, meet Sustainability. The Crystalbrook hotels prioritize all three to bring guests a one of a kind intimate hotel experience.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

Capella Sydney

@amandavillarosa

Sydney's newest hotel takes luxury to another level. A little less boutique and more world class, Capella is sure to wow all travelers who stay here. Perfect for those wanting top notch amenities and sophistication within walking distance to Sydney's iconic sites.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

The Porter House Hotel Sydney - MGallery

@amandavillarosa

Located in the heart of Sydney's CBD (Central Business District), The Porter House is a blend of heritage and modern style, having originally been a tobacco factory. The hotel's renovation preserves much of its historical character and brings in sleek design and elevated services. It's the perfect mix of old and new.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

EAT

If there's one thing I love to share with fellow travelers, it's food recommendations (chef's kiss!). If you're the type to seek a unique or meaningful dining experience, you'll find exactly that in this list. Sydney's food scene has blown up, and these are just a fraction of what the city has to offer.  

Bobby's Corner Cafe

@amandavillarosa

Located in North Bondi, a pleasant walking distance to the beach and pools. Came here for brunch and sat outside on the sidewalk during a crisp clear late morning. I was expecting a typical brunch, but ended up having the most joyful experience - who knew a matcha latte and poached eggs could provide that! Bobby and his team are as kind as they come - all the locals know Bobby and he knows them just the same. If I was living here, Bobby's would 100% be my go-to spot.

Add to

Details

Single O Surry Hills

@amandavillarosa

Located much closer to many of the suggested hotels, Single O is a hidden corner spot perfect for your morning coffee or tea. They also offer various Aussie breakfast options if you decide to grab a table outside.

Add to

Details

DOC Pizza - Surry Hills

@amandavillarosa

Got a pizza craving? Head over to DOC for some solid dough! Located in trendy Surry Hills, this cute and quaint pizza and wine spot is perfect for a solo meal at the bar, date night, or dinner with friends or family.

Add to

Details

Chin Chin

@amandavillarosa

Come to Chin Chin if you're looking to dress up and have a night out! This buzzy spot offers a variety of southeast Asian dishes amongst a lively atmosphere - complete with colorful cocktails and flashing neon signs. The wagyu pad see ew is a must order. And, if you're staying at the Paramount House across the street, you can order it for room service!

Add to

Details

Shaffa

@amandavillarosa

Middle Eastern cuisine in a modern indoor-outdoor dining space. Shaffa looks to replicate the marketplace's of Tel Aviv, right in the center of Sydney.

Add to

Details

Totti’s

@amandavillarosa

When has Italian food every been a bad choice? The answer is never! With multiple locations around Sydney and Melbourne, the Bondi location is the ideal outdoor setting for good food, good drinks, and good times.

Add to

Details

NOMAD Sydney

@amandavillarosa

Nomad focuses on shining a light on local wines and produce, consistently partnering with producers that prioritize sustainable practices. Definitely add Nomad to your list of top notch dining experiences!

Add to

Details

DRINK

For those that like to enjoy a cold libation check out some of these bars and lounges that range from local wine selections to craft cocktails. Moody vibes included!

Bar Copains

@amandavillarosa

I'm a total sucker for a small moody wine bar, and that's exactly what Bar Copains is. Squeeze into one of their intimate tables, or grab a seat at the bar and watch the kitchen and bartenders do their thing. They also offer outdoor sidewalk seating during the warmer season, complete with string lights and city vibes! Though Bar Copains is mainly a place for wine, don't pass on their food menu - the spicy rigatoni with whipped buffalo ricotta was INSANE.

Add to

Details

Lil Sis

@amandavillarosa

Wine, wine, and more wine. I had a perfect day in Sydney that consisted of walking from Paramount House Hotel to Chau Chak Wing Museum, ending the afternoon with happy hour at Lil Sis. The setting sun seeps in so perfectly through the upstairs windows of the bar, and is the perfect vibe for a glass of orange wine from Adelaide's Barossa Valley wine region. Pay these guys a visit!

Add to

Details

ANTE

@amandavillarosa

If you're a sake and music fan, ANTE is your place. Modeled after the Japanese listening bars in Tokyo, ANTE offers up equally enjoyable experiences for your ears and tastebuds. Order a flight of different sakes, sit back, and enjoy the bar's curated sounds.

Add to

Details

Soultrap bar

@amandavillarosa

Small, but mighty, hidden speakeasy - say less! Come to Soultrap for a very intimate cocktail experience, with flavorful bites, and friendly staff. The atmosphere is perfect for ending a night with friends or a date.

Add to

Details

DO

I like to include a few excursions seeing iconic sites mixed with the lesser known (but equally, if not more exciting) activities. And if you're like me, you'll enjoy this list of various Sydney Must-Do's. Ranging from a visit to Sydney's most popular site, cliffwalks and ocean dips, to indigenous-focused activities, and cooking classes at a local market.  

Bondi Icebergs POOL

@amandavillarosa

The iceberg pools are all over the internet and social media, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it truly is THAT epic. After enjoying a leisurely brunch at Bobby's Corner, walk over to the Bondi boardwalk and make your way to the pools. Fortunately for all of us visitors, the pools are open to the public for a small admission fee. Continue your beach day and follow the cliffwalk to Bronte Beach, and capture photos of the most beautiful views.

Add to

Details

Sydney Opera House

@amandavillarosa

This place needs no introduction! There are multiple ways to enjoy a visit to Sydney Opera House: Take a walk around the harbour, stop for photo opps, and enjoy a cone of ice cream from one of the vendor carts, or book a sunset harbour cruise. The Opera House offers their own tours as well, one of which takes you backstage and behind the scenes. Whichever you choose, it's tough to miss this iconic landmark when you're in Sydney.

Add to

Details

Chau Chak Wing Museum

@amandavillarosa

The University of Sydney recently opened a new museum that houses several never before seen antiquities from their collections. The exhibits showcase a variety of pieces from ranging time periods, and also highlight native art with curation from First Nations people themselves. I firmly believe that you can't fully know about a place until you learn their original history. Chau Chak Wing is a must visit!

Add to

Details

APY Gallery Sydney

@amandavillarosa

If you're looking to dive deeper into the local and indigenous art of Australia, APY Gallery is a must visit. With locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, the gallery is indigenous owned and curated, exhibiting pieces from indigenous artists around South Australia. The gallery is also part of a larger collective that supports various indigenous businesses and communities, making it possible for folks to succeed in the arts.

Add to

Details

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

@amandavillarosa

Visit Sydney's botanic garden to stroll through Australia's native plant species and take part in their ongoing tours and events, a couple of which are focused in aboriginal history. Join the Aboriginal Heritage Tour with a First Nations guide and learn about Gadigal lifestyle and traditions while walking through gorgeous Sydney Harbour. Or participate in the Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour and learn about (and taste!) native bush foods.

Add to

Details

Sydney Fish Market

@amandavillarosa

A bit of a lesser known activity, but one that would immerse you into Sydney's seafood culture! Pop over to Sydney Fish Market for a meal, tour, or event. Join the Behind The Scenes tour to learn about where Aussie seafood comes from and how they keep things sustainable. Shuck an oyster or two, and learn how to properly fillet a tuna. Or sign up for a cooking class and sharpen (pun intended) your seafood cuisine skills!

Add to

Details

Carriageworks

@amandavillarosa

Carriageworks houses a variety of experimental art, events, music, and theater - a place of true local culture. Every Saturday the historic warehouse has a farmer's market complete with artisan foods, craft coffees, and various plant life. The venue also hosts large annual events like Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and Sydney Contemporary.

Add to

Details

Blue Mountains

@amandavillarosa

For all the nature buffs, various tour operators offer visits to the Blue Mountains, just an hour drive outside of Sydney. Head over to Echo Point Lookout to view the famous Three Sisters rock formations, or join a hiking tour to get the full park experience. You could also opt for an aboriginal walkabout led by an aboriginal guide who takes you to sacred sites.

Add to

Details