Although we were only in Sydney for two full days, Joe and I were lucky that we managed to pack a lot in, and make a solid start on ticking off some of the things we were so keen to catch. Unfortunately, on our final day I was struck down with a silly virus, meaning we had to put any more recommendations on hold- but I have managed to pop together a guide of some of the gorgeous places we did see (and rest assured I’m sure we’ll be back to tick the rest off in no time)!
Staying: Pier One
Pier One was our first pit stop whilst in Sydney, and has to easily be one of the most gorgeous hotels I’ve stayed at. Although the interiors weren’t overly elaborate- it was the simplicity, clean finishes and attention to detail that really had me at hello. On top of that, the food every morning was exceptional (any breakfast buffet that has 3 types of granola, fresh smoothies as well as avocado is a hit in my books)- and that’s without even mentioning it’s faultless location.
11 Hickson Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
The Old Clare Hotel:
Our second stop was an evening at The Old Clare, a hotel built within two old heritage buildings (which used to be breweries)- boasting exposed brick walls, antique design elements and an enviably beautiful hotel roof pool, which is perfect for hot city days. Situated in Chippendale, the hotel is a bit more of an inner city location- and makes travelling across different suburbs even easier. Dreamy.
1 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Eating: Bills
If you’re a Londoner you’ve probably already heard of Granger & Co- hence why Bills may sound familiar to you. Owned by Bill Granger, there are a handful of these delicious places scattered around the city- so if you’re after some classic Australian grub (think fresh salads, insane toasted coconut bread and scrambled eggs and hotcakes) make sure to add this to your list.
Various locations
Doughnut Time:
I couldn’t do a city guide without featuring some doughnuts, could I? With locations all over New South Wales, Doughnut Time is the ultimate place for mouth watering grab ‘n’ go snacks and with flavours ranging from ‘Life on Mars’ (you guessed it) to ‘The Emma Stone’- there’s everything from red velvet to a cheeky gluten free selection too- not bad at all.
Various Locations
Icebergs:
Okay, so this one is definitely more for a special occassion, but it would be hard to not include the dream that is Icebergs Dining Room in Bondi. Situated on the coast and overlooking Icebergs Club and pool- the menu fuses Australian produce with Italian cuisine, making it for a truly memorable meal.
1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Hotel Palisade:
If you’re after stunning rooftop Sydney views, dreamy interiors and a cocktail menu to match- make sure to pop Hotel Palisade onto your must-visits. Situated in The Rocks and spread across two floors, this loung-cum-cocktail-bar is the most luxurious way to see the city. With the hotels ‘public house’ downstairs too, there’s also plenty of room for more relaxed drinks too.
Palisade Hotel, 35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia
Seeing & Shopping: Opera House/Sydney Harbour Bridge
Okay- these are definitely an obviously pairing, but like The Rockerfeller in New York, or the Eiffel Tower in Paris- it’s really quite magical being able to see them in real life and appreciate how incredible they really are. As I posted about earlier this week, we were able to get a boat along the water to see the sights, and if you can this is a really fantastic way of soaking it all up!
Surry Hills:
We’d heard a lot about different suburbs of Sydney before we visited, and Surry Hills was one we made sure to pay a visit to. Although we didn’t get to do everything, we managed to pop by to some of the gorgeous little boutiques, and have popped them below in case you fancy a nosey!
The Standard Store:
Describing their picks as ‘plucked from the rails of Paris’s hippest ateliers and New York’s undiscovered warehouses’- The Standard Store boasts global independent designers in their Sydney (and Melbourne) boutiques. With pieces from Carven, YMC and In God We Trust- there’s some serious gems to be discovered.
503 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
The Collector Store:
Whether you’re after some natural beauty products, hand crafted homeware, delicate jewellery or even mens and womenswear- The Collector Store has the most beautifully curated collection of all of the above and I can guarantee you won’t leave empty handed.
473 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Bondi Beach:
Although it probably counts as being a bit of a ‘tourist trap’ (which is what we are, so hey ho) Bondi Beach is seriously worth a visit; whether thats to sit by the ocean and watch/join in with the surfers or even browse the boutiques. It’s little over a twenty minute drive from central Sydney, and with plenty to do there- you could easily while away a whole day exploring the area.
Bondi Wash:
If you’re as excited by beauty as I am, and love seeking out exciting brands with excellent ethics, Bondi Wash do some gorgeous products. With bits for the home, body, baby and four legged friends- all products are natural and based around Australian botanical ingredients, making them pretty wonderful indeed.
76 Gould St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Abode:
I’m a total sucker for any shop that stocks homeware, books and stationary- and Abode does all of those extremely well. Whether it’s a novelty neon lamp, palm print tray (which I did end up taking home) or the dreamiest coffee table book- there’s plenty to get your mitts on in here (but just make sure to hide your card first).
25 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Gertrude & Alice:
The thing I loved about stumbling into Gertrude & Alice was its relaxed vibe. We may not have had time to sit amongst the books with snacks and a coffee, but if we had of had longer I can promise you that’s what we would have done. With a huge selection of international reads, and plenty of places to curl up and enjoy them- it’s the perfect bolt hole amongst the hustle and bustle of Bondi.
1/46 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
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