Get out and about in the CBD this autumn thanks to the City of Sydney and the NSW Government.
As we welcome the change of seasons, we’ve got even more reasons to head out to our favourite bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and cultural destinations across Sydney.
Despite all the challenges our city faced last year, Sydney venues are ready to welcome us back with open arms. And to help encourage us to rediscover our own backyard, the City of Sydney and the NSW Government have teamed up to revitalise our CBD and surrounds.
Their epic plan includes creating outdoor culture experiences, funding live music, performance, and art in venues and outdoors through a grants program, commissioning public art in laneways, and cutting red tape to allow more alfresco dining (plus so much more).
So, to get you out and about this autumn (and for the rest of 2021), we’ve rounded up some of our favourite inner-city spots to encourage you to eat, drink and play (and book at staycation) across the CBD and surrounds. Ready? Let’s dive in.
EAT
No city staycation is complete with some incredible dining experiences. So foodies, we’ve curated your day-to-night guide of where to score delicious eats in the CBD and surrounds.
For brunch
For a drool-worthy brunch, head to Paramount Coffee Project in Surry Hills for specialty coffee and an all-day menu serving everything from Coconut Mango Sago Pudding to Soft Baked Eggs in habanero salsa as well as Fried Chicken Waffles, PCP’s Bibi and so much more.
Closer to the city, head to Industry Beans on York Street for a taste of one of Melbourne’s most loved specialty coffee roasters or Skittle Lane on King Street for sleek NYC-inspired interiors and a delicious pastry selection to match your morning brew.
For dinner
On the edge of the city, you’ll find Chin Chin inside the heritage-listed Griffith Teas building, slinging unconventional South East Asian dining in a buzzing dining room. Don’t miss their Kingfish Sashimi or incredible selection of boundary-push curries, noodle dishes, and mains.
Closer to the CBD, book your spot at Hubert’s for a refined French dining experience, score a top-notch steak from Bistecca, indulge in top-notch seafood from Cirrus at Barangaroo, or head to INDU for village-style Southern Indian meets Sri Lankan dishes.
DRINK
Say cheers to a night out in the Sydney CBD and surrounds at these top-notch watering holes. Head to Surry Hills’ relaxed wine bar Poly for natural vino and delicious cocktails or swing by Four Pillars’ Gin Lab for an unforgettable gin experience.
Head to the harbour and swing by Opera Bar for delicious drinks overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour or score an epic cocktail from Maybe Sammy in The Rocks. And for the ultimate nightcap, swing by Tio’s Cerveceria in Surry Hills for incredible margaritas (the Tommy’s margarita with mescal with a must-try), Mexican beers and so much more.
PLAY
This autumn, there are stacks of incredible music, art, and cultural events to explore in the Sydney CBD. The NSW Government and City of City have launched the pop-up outdoor music series Sunset Piazza that is running until March 21st
Plus, the Museum of City is staying open after dark until March 25th as part of the Culture Up Late program. You can also score $21 tickets to shows at the Sydney Opera House until the end of March thanks to the NSW Government or enjoy live music at the Royal Botanic Garden & Domain at the Summer in the Domain concert series.
STAY
Make your night out in the CBD one to remember by booking a staycation at one of the city’s best hotels. Go all-out with a night at the boutique Paramount House Hotel, with stunning rooms overlooking the city skyline (and with a gym, bar, and cafe on-site).
Closer to the city, you’ll find the newly-opened Little National Hotel Sydney for a compact yet stylish hotel experience.
Find out more about the City of Sydney and the NSW Government’s plan to revitalise the CBD in 2021 here. For further Sydney CBD inspiration, visit the City of Sydney website and for more Sydney to-do inspiration, visit Destination NSW’s website.