GLEBE, ULTIMO AND PYRMONT
Whether you’re after a matcha latte or a cold beer with a side of vinyl shopping, the Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont area is one of the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Sydney’s inner city.
In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes these suburbs such vibrant communities to live in and visit: their local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.
Flick the switch above, and we’ll dim the lights to show you the best things to do once the sun goes down. You can also explore more inner city suburbs and discover more local businesses to support here.
Whether you’re after a matcha latte or a cold beer with a side of vinyl shopping, the Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont area is one of the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Sydney’s inner city.
In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes these suburbs such vibrant communities to live in and visit: their local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.
Flick the switch above, and we’ll turn on the lights to show you the best things to do pre-6pm. You can also explore more inner city suburbs and discover more local businesses to support here.
Some of Sydney’s most architecturally significant sites are situated in Ultimo. There are modern examples (UTS’s quirky Dr Chau Chak Wing Building was designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry) and industrial relics, including the brick shell of the Edwin Davey & Sons Flour Mill, built in 1896, which has recently been converted into apartment buildings.
A distinctive landmark is the former railway viaduct that now carries the light rail over Wentworth Park. It uses the original brickwork from 1922 and features 23 brick arches. The light rail connects areas like Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont with the CBD), along with numerous bus routes and many bike and walking trails.
We all know life is about balance. So start your day by hitting up Blackwattle Bay. The eight-kilometre follows the shore of the stunning Rozelle Bay. Then, on your way home, grab a croque monsieur from Astor Espresso.
With the Sydney Fish Market right on the doorstep, locals are spoilt with fresh produce and seafood every day. Hunt down the stall shucking oysters to-order and the sushi doughnuts, then fight it out with pelicans for the freshest fish of the day.
Restored in 2016, after laying dormant for several decades, the Tramsheds dining precinct in Glebe (home to favourites such as Belles Hot Chicken and Bodega 1904) is built around the old Rozelle Tram Depot which opened its doors on April 17, 1904. At its peak, the tram depot housed 200 tram cars.
The light rail that connects the CBD with all of Sydney’s inner west (via Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont), runs until midnight (or 24 hours if you’re heading to Pyrmont). There are also numerous bus routes that run until 1am, or it’s an easy ten-minute walk down from Central Station.
Tramsheds hosts a whole heap of adult-friendly workshops where you can learn to make dumplings or cheese, and all over a glass of wine. There are also regular happenings at the restaurants within the precinct. You can learn to make pasta at Flour Eggs Water or win trivia at Redline Brewing Co.
Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont aren’t known as rowdy areas, but behind closed doors exists a well-loved live music scene. Smooth jazz vibes can be found at Foundry 616, Different Drummer hosts regular gigs paired with excellent drink deals and Sappho Books often hosts local musicians throughout the week.
How to do Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont
Do as the locals do.
Cafes
While Sydney has an abundance of good cafes, nowhere has more Instagrammable places to show off your coffee (or red velvet latte).
1. Local Mbassy
2. Quick Brown Fox
3. Oh My Days
4. Pioik Bakery
5. The Wedge Espresso
Restaurants
No matter your budget or cravings, there’s no shortage of great eateries. Have some of the best fried chicken or a big steaming bowl of ramen.
1. Ramen Goku
2. LuMi Bar and Dining
3. Flour Eggs Water - CLOSED
4. Belles Hot Chicken Tramsheds
5. Chuuka - CLOSED
Shop Online
Can't visit the area soon enough? Do some online browsing and get gems from these businesses sent straight to you instead.
1. Urban Oasis
2. Sydney Fish Market
3. Passiontree Velvet - CLOSED
4. Vegan Grocery Store Sydney
5. Vic's Meat Market
Arts and Culture
'Look but don’t touch’ is old news, these artistic spaces and galleries are all about interaction and collaboration.
1. Kil.n.it
2. Powerhouse Museum
3. Sappho Books Cafe & Wine Bar
4. Sydney Lyric Theatre
5. Glebe Markets
Leisure
For when you feel like exercising the mind as well as the body, head to one of these stunning local spots.
1. Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
2. Victoria Park Pool
3. Nature's Energy Glebe
4. The Goods Line
5. Pirrama Park
Shops
Shopping in the area is all about creature comforts — pick up something to decorate your home or find your next read.
1. Inner City Cycles
2. Design By Them
3. Blackwattle Deli
4. Gleebooks
5. The Couch that Jack Built
How to do Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont
Do as the locals do.
Restaurants
Can't go overseas for traditional Southern or Japanese cooking? Don’t worry, your tastebuds can travel the globe in these suburbs.
1. The Charleston
2. Glebe Point Diner
3. Momofuku Seiobo - CLOSED
4. Sokyo
5. Ombretta - CLOSED
Live Music
From a brewery's malt room-turned-performance space to a lively jazz bar, catch some tunes and dance at these live music haunts.
1. The Little Guy
2. Different Drummer
3. Staves Brewery
4. Foundry 616
5. The Toxteth Hotel
Shops
Flowers for special occasions, crystals for the enlightened and spiritual and wine for everyone else just trying to get through the week.
1. Flowers on the Point
2. Mineralism
3. Galluzzo Fruiterers
4. Glebe Liquor
5. The Source Bulk Foods
Bars
Whatever vinous adventure you crave, the Glebe/Pyrmont area has got just the spot for you.
1. Gallon
2. Mister Percy
3. Timbah - CLOSED
4. 12 Taps Glebe - CLOSED
5. The Rooftop
Pubs
The area is peppered with historic pubs that have been given face lifts. These are our faves.
1. Quarrymans Hotel
2. Terminus Hotel
3. Friend in Hand Hotel
4. The Lord Wolseley Hotel
5. The Glebe Hotel
CP Faves
Here are our favourite haunts for when the sun goes down and the streets of Glebe come alive.
1. Bar Clementine - CLOSED
2. Bodega 1904 - CLOSED
3. Flying Fajita Sistas
4. Bombay Street Kitchen - CLOSED
5. Thievery - CLOSED
Editor's Picks
Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont.
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Oh My Days
At this plant-filled cafe, you'll find pastries baked in-house daily, burritos and pancakes — and every single thing is vegan. -
Tramsheds
The airy, sunlit Tramsheds has a fix for every craving, from house-made gelato to natural wine and spicy fried chicken. -
Vic's Meat Market
Chat to the helpful staff and find your favourite cut of beef (or don't wait and eat something charred from the smoker). -
Gleebooks
For over 40 years, this independent bookshop has been a go-to for Sydneysiders looking for their next read. Follow its social platforms to be across upcoming book launches and other events.
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Friend in Hand
Have your beer served by the friendly cockatoo (not really) at this loved local pub, or just hang with this fine-feathered friend. -
Mineralism
This mystical mineral shop has rocks to calm and improve the vibe of your home and workplace. -
Powerhouse Museum
This museum is often host to vivid, immersive exhibitions. It also hosts regular talks and events coinciding with its exhibitions. -
Wine Society
Fancy yourself an oenophile? Peruse the ace wines on offer at this well-stocked bottleshop in the heart of Ultimo.
Find Your Way Through the Glebe Area
Track down the must-visit local haunts.
Explore more of Sydney and your favourite suburbs through the eyes of other locals by following #sydneylocal on Instagram.
