
The stomping ground for those who like both coastal and urban living, the eastern suburbs of Sydney boast heritage homes, coastal walks, intimate wine bars and pubs that exude the Aussie laidback lifestyle.
The tree-lined streets are easier to stroll down than the hustle and bustle of the CBD, and with beaches and parks aplenty, and there is always somewhere to grab a coffee and a breath of fresh air after a hectic week.
American Express is helping us collect the best local businesses that keep the eastern suburbs brimming with positive vibes, so you can shop small at these places with your Amex Card, whether you’re buying a book or a pint.

Surry Hills is perched on the doorstep of Central Station, so take the Elizabeth Street exit and you’ll be in the thick of things. For Paddington, hopping on the bus from Central is always the best bet — exit the station at Eddy Avenue and jump on the 440. If you stay on, you’ll be deposited in the heart of Bondi Junction.

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a must-do for visitors and locals alike. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat from one of the beachfront cafes to energize yourself for the walk. Complete the round trip and you can spend the afternoon exploring some of Bondi’s fashion boutiques and kitsch homewares stores.

Crown Street is the epitome of the bohemian vibe Surry Hills is famous for. Check out the compact store Title for records and books, or duck in to one of the many vintage stores expertly upcycling discarded clothing. Oxford Street is a household name for Sydneysiders. It has a vibrant art scene, and is well known for being the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ scene — there is never a dull moment here.

Sydney’s east comes alive most on weekends. At The Intersection Paddington, grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafes filled with stylish locals — and dogs. After, you can get your fashion fix at any number of boutique shops (many of which are Australian labels) or head to the subterranean Paddington Reservoir Gardens.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Food & DrinkSurry Hills
The Rover
The revamped neighbourhood bar has returned to provide casual tipples and refined seafood dishes to Surry Hills.
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Food & DrinkSurry Hills
Tokyo Bird
Tokyo Bird is ruling the roost with a focus on hot-right-now Japanese whisky and yakitori sticks.
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Design & StyleBondi Beach
The Emporium Barber (Bondi Beach)
Scented towels, beard balms and face masks are all part of the premium treatment here.
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Design & StyleWoollahra
Queen St Beauty And Hair
Come here for organic or mineral hair colours and spa treatments.
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Design & StyleSurry Hills
Fringe on Crown
This Surry Hills favourite specialises in extensions and balayage.
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Food & DrinkRose Bay
Royal Bakery
Come for the Portuguese tarts. Stay for the wide collection of mouth-watering baked goods.
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Food & DrinkRose Bay
Pita Mix
This casual Israeli eatery specialises in hearty, kosher food made with fresh, local produce.
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Food & DrinkSydney
Jezve Coffee
This waterside spot gives traditional cafe fare with a Turkish twist.
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Design & StylePaddington
Collector Store Paddington
Head into this Oxford Street boutique for a range of homewares and gifts.
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Design & StyleRose Bay
Beds Australia
Get a better night's sleep after a visit to this Rose Bay boutique.
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Food & DrinkRose Bay
Rose Bay Drive-In Liquor Store
This boutique bottle-o's vast selection and party planning services will make your next bash a hit.
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Food & DrinkRushcutters Bay
Bayswater Fine Wines
Visit this multi-level bottle shop for aged wines — and for a peek at the giant champagne flute chandelier.
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Food & DrinkBondi Beach
Field to Fork Butcher
Go to this local butcher for the freshest meat and a chat about how best to cook it.
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Design & StyleBondi Junction
Sweetheart Florist
For rainbow-dyed roses and sunflowers, 24 hours a day.
Concrete Playground Trips
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