Mercantile Hotel

While there may be some new additions to the Rocks, one establishment has remained a welcome hub to visitors and locals alike. Since 1915, the Mercantile has been spreading its Irish hospitality to anyone who wanders in. In fact, it's been voted Australia's best Irish pub not once, but twice.

Year-round you can enjoy live music, weekday happy hour with $5 drinks and comfort food, like a classic steak and Guinness pie ($25) — right near the Sydney Harbour. During nicer weather, take a seat outside and indulge in some drinks and one of the hearty meals on offer — the Merc burger ($19) or asparagus and eggplant parma ($20) to name a couple — as you bask in the waterside view. You can even make a pitstop at the Rocks Market on weekends.

Go in for a meal or a drink with friends and stay for the unbridled cosiness that fills the Mercantile.

Images: Trent van der Jagt.