From the sparkling harbourfront of Barangaroo and the sandstone buildings of The Rocks to the hawker-style eateries in Haymarket and the small bar scene in Redfern, Sydney's inner city is a diverse landscape of culture, history and art.
You can sip a cocktail and watch the ferries putter past in Barangaroo, hop on a train and be feasting on dumplings 15 minutes later in Chinatown, then head to a Redfern bar for a late-night performance.
We’ve partnered with American Express to bring you the very best of local businesses in the inner city. You can shop small at all of these divine hotspots with your American Express Card.
A good pair of shoes, your Opal card and the Sydney Trains timetable are all you need to get around the inner city. Central Station is the bustling transport hub of Sydney — from here, you’ll be able to find your way anywhere you want to get to either by train (to Redfern and around the city circle), light rail or on foot.
Say what you will about Sydney’s nightlife, but it does boast a thriving small bar scene. These haunts, including the CBD’s PS40 and Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, and The Bearded Tit in Redfern, are experts at stirring, shaking and serving up inventive cocktails, and live entertainment, for the post-work crowds.
The CBD’s Pitt Street is where you’ll find high-end boutiques and big-name brands, while Barangaroo Avenue plays host to specialty food stores and eateries. Meanwhile, Redfern’s high street offers a more suburban experience with an eclectic mix of buzzing bars and neighbourhood essentials.
In a city that’s seen a few facelifts (hello Light Rail and Barangaroo), it’s comforting to know that good local businesses can withstand constant change. Nowhere maintains this sense of history and local pride better than the Victorian-era mall, the Strand Arcade, housing longstanding milliner Strand Hatters, cobbler Andrew Macdonald Shoemaker, and the artisan hub Courtesy of the Artist. Head inside for a history lesson in quality customer service and craftsmanship.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Food & DrinkSydneyOpera Kitchen
The harbourside restaurant has a new bakery, pasta bar and Japanese kitchen dishing up ramen and katsu sandos every day.
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Food & DrinkSurry HillsGolden Age Cinema and Bar
This revamped screening room and small bar brings a little old-school charm to 'going to the movies'.
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Food & DrinkPyrmontPeg Leg Tavern
A good location for people-watching with a side of plant-based dining.
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Design & StyleBarangarooSomedays Barangaroo
This Barangaroo boutique has Nordic brands and upmarket gifts for when you need them most.
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Design & StyleSydneyManning Cartell - The Strand Arcade
Ethically made evening wear and sophisticated style is what you'll find from this Australian brand.
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Design & StyleDarlinghurstZink & Sons Tailors & Shirtmakers Sydney
Visit this Oxford Street stalwart for bespoke tailoring.
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Design & StyleSurry HillsAbove The Clouds Store
Head to this Crown Street store for the freshest kicks and streetwear labels from around the globe.
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Design & StyleSydneyJet Cycles
Here's where you'll find premium bike brands Specialized and Cannondale.
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Design & StyleSydneyClarence St Cyclery
Chat to the friendly staff about which bike model is best for you at this long-running CBD store.
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Food & DrinkWaterlooWaterloo Superior Meats
Regulars return week after week to have a chat with owner Kristallis — and pick up house-made snags and lamb on the bone.
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Food & DrinkSurry HillsCrown Street Grocer
Small but mighty; this is where you'll want to do your weekly food shop.
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Design & StyleRoseberyMy Violet
For showstopper bouquets of vibrant blooms put your trust in Myra Perez.
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