Overview
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local playing tourist, Sydney's energy is magnetic. It's not the kind of city you can tick off in one weekend — just when you think you've done it all, there's a surprise new basement bar to check out, a pop-up art show in a back alley gallery, or an up-and-coming chef serving a dish that'll knock your socks off. Sydney always delivers — and then some.
If you're planning a weekend in the Harbour City, Marriott Bonvoy is offering 10% off your stay across six hotels — all you need to do is sign up to become a member (for free). It's also the perfect excuse to extend your stay.
Haven't explored Sydney in a while? We've pulled together a hit list of new buzzy restaurants and bars, bathhouses, cultural experiences, and citywide sights to make your next visit one to remember.
Sweat, Soak and Reset
1Remedy, Potts Point
Following in the footsteps of European bathhouses, this sleek new sauna house in Potts Point is all about the ancient trifecta: sweat, plunge, reset. Founded by Dave Darvill, Dave Veksler and Tina Cha, 1Remedy is built for physical recovery and mental clarity. Think hot rock saunas, multiple temperature-controlled ice baths, ambient beats, an electrolyte bar, and even sauna hats to dial up the comfort. It's guided, stylish and social — designed for those who like their wellness with a bit of vibe.
Soak, Alexandria
Spanning 700 square metres, Soak isn't your average day spa. This chic communal bathhouse invites conversation and connection, not whispers and robe-shuffling. You'll find warm magnesium pools, infrared and dry cedarwood saunas, cold plunges and aromatic steam rooms. The best part? It's designed to be social — come with friends, soak as a crew, and leave feeling restored and recharged.
AWAY Spa, Sydney CBD
Tucked away inside one of Sydney's most dazzling hotels, the AWAY Spa at W Sydney is as luxe as you'd expect. Found in the heart of the CBD, this five-room sanctuary offers everything from facials and body scrubs to couples massages and mani-pedis. Designed for solo escapes or social sessions, it's the perfect prelude to checking in upstairs and making a full night of it — because nothing says self-care like a treatment followed by room service and a robe.
Shop Shiny, New Designer Stores
Monclear, Sydney CBD
Modern French outerwear label Moncler has expanded its Sydney presence with a new flagship boutique at Westfield Sydney, flaunting a luxurious monochromatic fit-out. Designed by renowned Parisian studio Gilles & Boissier, the 313-square-metre space is awash with dramatic marble finishes and punctuated by striking sculptural accents. Equal parts fashion destination and architectural marvel, it's a must-visit for the style-savvy and design-curious alike.
LOEWE, Sydney CBD
Part art gallery, part fashion boutique, LOEWE's second Sydney store in the CBD is a visual and tactile experience. Designed by Jonathan Anderson and LOEWE's in-house team in Madrid, the space evokes the feel of an art collector's Mediterranean home, complete with glistening emerald and cobalt tiles, textured tapestries, and sculptural ceramics. It's an idyllic setting to shop for one of fashion's most coveted labels.
Hot tip: Sydney's best designer shopping is just a short stroll from Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter
Explore Inspiring Exhibitions and Performances
Sydney Modern, The Domain
One of Sydney's most significant recent cultural openings, the Art Gallery of NSW's Sydney Modern, is a must for any Sydney itinerary. While it opened just over a year ago, its ever-evolving program of globally renowned contemporary art means there's always a reason to return. Designed for art and architecture aficionados alike, it's also Australia's first-ever public art museum to earn a six-star green rating. Don't miss The Tank — a repurposed World War II naval bunker reimagined into a 2,200 sqm subterranean gallery space dedicated to large-scale immersive installations.
Keen to stay locally? Check into the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — just a short stroll from The Domain.
'Circle Mirror Transformation', Sydney Theatre Company
Catch Circle Mirror Transformation, Pulitzer Prize-winner Annie Baker's acclaimed play at Sydney Theatre Company. Starring Aussie legends Rebecca Gibney and Cameron Daddo, the play tells the story of five strangers who sign up for an amateur acting class. What starts with awkward theatre games quickly unravels into something deeper — funny, raw, and painfully real. Directed by Dean Bryant (Dear Evan Hansen), this one-act gem playfully turns the ordinary into something quietly profound.
Make a night of it with a stay at Pier One Sydney Harbour, only moments from the theatre.
Phoenix, Chippendale
Conceived by philanthropist and White Rabbit Gallery founder Judith Neilson, Phoenix Central Park is an architecturally striking, state-of-the-art performance space unlike anything else in Sydney. With a capacity of just 150, it delivers an intimate and immersive experience that breaks away from traditional theatre seating. Audiences spiral around the space, peering down on an eclectic lineup of performances spanning music, contemporary dance, spoken word and experimental sound. Tickets are free but allocated via an online ballot, adding a sense of exclusivity to this already elusive and enchanting venue.
Head Outdoors And Soak Up The Sun
Shark Beach, Neilson Park
Sydney is brimming with glistening harbour beaches, but Shark Beach at Neilson Park might just take the cake as one of the city's most idyllic oases. Reopened in late 2024 after a three-year hiatus of seawall upgrades, this eastern suburbs gem boasts pristine parklands and a protected swimming area with calm water perfect for every level of swimmer. Nab a box of hot chips dusted with chicken salt from the newly revamped Kiosk, roll out a rug under the towering fig trees or hit the scenic Hermitage Walk that winds along the coastline back to the city.
URBNSURF, Homebush
Sure, Sydney has surf, but scoring a solid set, or even a spot on the sand, isn't always guaranteed. You might be circling for a park and bobbing around in your wetty for a while before the ultimate wave rolls in. URBNSURF, on the other hand, delivers perfect waves on demand. Set out west in Olympic Park, this high-tech surf park is a playground for surfers of all levels, offering consistent waves every single time. It's open seven days a week with eight types of surf lessons on offer, and is also home to RAFI — a coastal-inspired all-day restaurant with sweeping views of rolling, man-made swell.
Dine and Dance 'Til Late
Bar Freda's at The Abercrombie
While Sydney's nightlife might have taken an unexpected hit a few years back (cheers to lockout laws and pandemics), it's bounced back bolder and better, thanks to a wave of hospitality heroes and community legends. Freda's at The Abercrombie is a shining example. Filling a gap in Sydney's late-night scene, Freda's serves a rotating menu of gourmet sandwiches, share plates, and pasta, all washed down with "fun drinks" like a fishbowl G&T, natty wines, and cold tinnies. And if you're partial to a dance floor? Freda's comes alive every Friday and Saturday night with DJs spinning tunes from 8pm 'til late.
Ready to dance until dawn? Four Points by Sheraton Sydney at Central Park makes for a stylish base just around the corner.
Book your Sydney escape before September 30 to access 10% off your stay and dining with Marriott Bonvoy. All you have to do is sign up as a member — and it's completely free. With access to exclusive member rates, your stay will also earn points towards free nights at over 30 hotel brands around the world. Find out more here.
T&C's apply and vary by participating hotels including blackout dates, cancellation restrictions and more. Offer may not apply in properties not participating in the award and redemption of Marriott Bonvoy.
By Elise Cullen