Nightlife Bars & Clubs
Sydney comes alive at night! Be sure to explore the hot spots.
With the emergence of small bars, re-generation of local pubs and explosion of nightclubs in Kings Cross, Sydney is rivalling other cities both domestically and internationally as a renowned nightspot destination. From A-list exclusive hangouts to tapas bars, wine gardens and jazz houses, Sydney has a fantastic selection of venues with something for everyone, day and night. There’s no excuse to be stuck alone at home or in a hotel room when the city is full of places to meet and greet new friends, old friends and future friends, so get out amongst the fanfare and enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. You may also find our Sydney restaurants listings useful.
Built in 1921, this beautifully restored hotel sits practically underneath the Harbour Bridge and has gorgeous views from its rooftop cocktail bar and balcony.
theloft is a sophisticated and stylish cocktail bar. With spectacular 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour, theloft is the perfect venue for a casual catch-up after work or a leisurely lunch at the weekend. Try their exotic cocktails and tapas whilst relaxing within a glamorous ambience of chandeliers and leather lounges.
The combination of bamboo hut décor, sun deck and a wonderful waterfront location make this a stylish place to see and be seen. On offer is terrific seafood, a cigar menu and an exceptional list of spirits.
This waterside bar is transformed from a casual lunchtime venue to a funky after-dark nightclub, with a chic bar, beer garden and waterfront terrace. Many a romantic couple met here.
Sleek as a cruise missile, this three-level bar offers its patrons an unbelievable view of Sydney Harbour, along with creative cocktails and tasty canapes.
Built in 1921, this beautifully restored hotel sits practically underneath the Harbour Bridge and has gorgeous views from its rooftop cocktail bar and balcony.
This well-established hotel attracts a younger crowd, thanks to the pool tables, pokies, DJs and chance to dance, plus a good selection of food. Oh, and of course there is beer, wine and cocktails as well.
A new concept in drinking and dining, Steel Bar & Grill features dramatic decor, a balcony bar, share plates, sensational cocktails and pre- or post-dinner drinks.
There's nothing more enticing than settling in at this al fresco bar to sip a 'coldie' or two at sunset, as the city lights start to twinkle. The all-day menu caters for all tastes.
Located in the historic Rocks area, this heritage-listed wine bar offers 44 exceptional wines for tasting and an Aroma Room, where you are introduced to 50 aromas that characterise Australia's unique wines. There's also a wine store.
With ornate furniture and rich artwork, this refurbished 1836 School of Arts building is one of the city's most inspirational venues, with four separate bars, DJs and live jazz. The main bar, Verge, used to be a chapel!
Tucked in a laneway behind George Street, this bistro and wine bar has a distinctly European feel.
This is a beer lover's paradise as it offers more than 90 Australian ales. Not only that, but you can pair your beer with kangaroo, emu or crocodile pizzas that are prepared with care - meaning it's not a tourist gimmick.
With stylish décor and a relaxed theme, Balcony Bar is the perfect venue for intimate gatherings, functions and events. Spread over three floors, Balcony Bar gives you everything you want in a sophisticated, stylish setting. Enjoy a fine Australian wine, beer or cocktail with friends while tantalising your taste buds over the modern Australian cuisine.
Whether you prefer the buzz in the Sports Bar or the comfy couches in the Three Lounge, Bar 333 is one
of Sydney’s favourite hotspots offering beer, wine by the glass and cocktails.
The panoramic bird's eye view of the harbour makes the Blu Bar something special, even before considering the inventive cocktail list. A very sophisticated bar that attracts a similarly chic clientele.
There's an extensive wine list and sensational cocktails at this sleek bar, sitting atop the historic Customs House building with an outdoor terrace and stunning harbour views.
Set over two levels, this cocktail bar, terrace and cigar bar appeals to Sydney's fashionistas and funk-meisters. Happy hour cocktails from 6pm to 8pm, with live DJs Friday through Sunday.
With its sandstone walls, granite stairs and crystal chandelier, the Crystal Bar has chi-chi style, with DJs playing soul and funk on Friday and Saturday nights. But it's made its reputation on the range of vodkas and pitch-perfect cocktails.
The floor-to-ceiling windows take in the grand sweep of the harbour and when the windows are opened, it's hard to tell which is more intoxicating - the breeze or the cocktails.
The Establishment is said to have the longest bar in Sydney - made of marble, and behind which is an impressive wine and spirits list. The communal tables and lounges are why the Establishment has such a good reputation as a place to pick up.
Renowned as a pre- and post-theatre hotspot, thanks to its proximity to the Sydney Theatre Company, this waterside bar is small and stylish with outstanding tapas and an international wine list.
Since the Gazebo faces directly into an urban landscape, all the greenery is indoors, growing up the walls. While it's also a restaurant, its most notable feature is the extensive wine list, and wine-enthusiastic staff.
This Moroccan-inspired space is exclusive: you must wait to be seated. But the lounge chairs are comfortable and the wine and spirits list is as long and impressive as the place itself.
Nightclub baron Justin Hemmes has now launched this $150-million maze of designer bars, cocktail lounges, sleek restaurants and a live music venue. Comfort, class, and a no-expense-spared atmosphere.
This glittering 1893 underground bar has a modern groove wrapped inside elaborate marble and mahogany design. Recently refurbished, it still serves great cocktails and good beer and offers live blues and other music.
Situated in the shadow of the Opera House, this indoor-outdoors venue is always lively and a tourist's (and local's) delight. Buy a bottle of sparkling wine and drink it while getting the best ever view of the Harbour Bridge.
Mixing early colonial architecture with 21st-century cool, guests can relax on daybeds, groove to the DJs or have a drink in one of the five bars. Well regarded for both its cocktails and its extensive wine list. There's also a dance floor.
The legendary Basement plays a central role in Sydney's live music culture, with everything from jazz to barbershop quartets lighting up the space. You can sip a beer and enjoy dinner while you're listening.
This Munich-style bar sits underneath the popular Lowenbrau German restaurant. As you'd expect, as well as tasty bar snacks, it offers plenty of Bavarian beers.
Located in BLUE Sydney hotel's vast atrium, this award-winning bar invites guests to lounge around on comfy ottomans and sip cocktails made by expert mixologists.
Zeta Bar is seriously New York-ish, with bouncers on the door, occasional queues to get in, and a terrific view of Sydney's city lights. It's one of the country's best cocktail bars, with an inventive and extensive list.