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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RestaurantRaw Bar
136 Warners Avenue, Bondi
Bondi's Raw Bar is the classic light, summery Japanese joint everyone wishes was in their 'hood.
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RestaurantTequila Mockingbird
6 Heeley Street, Paddington
A Paddington terrace filled with tequila and tasty Latin American morsels.
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BarThe Roosevelt
32 Orwell Street, Potts Point
A refined NYC-inspired bar sending you back to the 1950s with champagne, plenty of cocktails and oysters.
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RestaurantSaint Peter
362 Oxford Street, Paddington
Josh Niland's nose-to-tail seafood restaurant is a must-visit.
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RestaurantZushi Surry Hills
Shop 2A, 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills
Sushi as it should be, and so much more.
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BarTokyo Bird
Shop 2, 226-228 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
Tokyo Bird is ruling the roost with a focus on hot-right-now Japanese whisky and yakitori sticks.
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ShopThe Emporium Barber (Bondi Beach)
180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Scented towels, beard balms and face masks are all part of the premium treatment here.
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ShopKoda Cutters
180-182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
For magazine-worthy style and celebrity treatment.
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ShopQueen St Beauty And Hair
158 Queen Street, Woollahra
Come here for organic or mineral hair colours and spa treatments.
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ShopFringe on Crown
574 Crown Street, Surry Hills
This Surry Hills favourite specialises in extensions and balayage.
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RestaurantRoyal Bakery - CLOSED
791 New South Head Road, Rose Bay
Come for the Portuguese tarts. Stay for the wide collection of mouth-watering baked goods.
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RestaurantPita Mix
502 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay
This casual Israeli eatery specialises in hearty, kosher food made with fresh, local produce.
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RestaurantJezve Coffee
Rose Bay Ferry Lyne Park , Sydney
This waterside spot gives traditional cafe fare with a Turkish twist.
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ShopCollector Store Paddington
314–316 Oxford Street, Paddington
Head into this Oxford Street boutique for a range of homewares and gifts.
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RestaurantSonoma Bakery Rose Bay
779 Shop 1 New South Head Road, Rose Bay
Rose Bay's magnificent monochrome corner bakery.
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ShopBeds Australia
503 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay
Get a better night's sleep after a visit to this Rose Bay boutique.
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ShopRose Bay Drive-In Liquor Store
Corner Of Old South Head Road And Wilberforce Avenue, Rose Bay
This boutique bottle-o's vast selection and party planning services will make your next bash a hit.
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ShopAlbion Cycles
302 Bronte Road, Waverley
This Waverley bike shop has a wealth of cycling know-how.
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ShopBayswater Fine Wines
77 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay
Visit this multi-level bottle shop for aged wines — and for a peek at the giant champagne flute chandelier.
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