Concrete Playground
July 17, 2020

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.

GETTING AROUND

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.

DON’T MISS

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.

HIGH STREETS

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.

LOCALS LOVE

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

Explore four of the inner city's thriving shopping precincts.

Brian and Vincent from Incu
The Localist: Rosebery
Coming Soon
Hazem from Redfern Convenience Store
The Localist: Redfern
Coming Soon

Your Inner City Hit List

Looking for fresh produce, funky cheese or a one-of-a-kind gift? Find what you're looking for here.
List
Map
  • Bar

    Burrow Bar

    Basement, 96 Clarence St, Sydney

    A small basement bar with a big personality where theatrical bartending, creative cocktails and Vietnamese snacks are on the menu.

  • Bar

    Rocks Brewing Co Tap House

    160 Bourke Road, Alexandria

    Brews inspired by the dubious characters of colonial past should be enjoyed in one of the best beer gardens in Sydney.

  • Restaurant

    Ume Burger

    33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

    Japanese burgers and a soft serve machine by the water.

  • Bar

    Kittyhawk

    16 Phillip Lane, Sydney

    Combining a French military aesthetic with an end of war party vibe and a bar stocked with over 900 spirits expect banging cocktails.

  • Restaurant

    Olio

    Level 2, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

    Kensington Street's Sicilian restaurant serving traditional dishes with contemporary flourishes.

  • Restaurant

    Chat Thai Randwick

    222A Carrington Road, Randwick

    The Sydney stalwart's eastern beaches outpost.

  • Restaurant

    Opera Kitchen - CLOSED

    Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney

    The harbourside restaurant has a new bakery, pasta bar and Japanese kitchen dishing up ramen and katsu sandos every day.

  • Bar

    Golden Age Cinema and Bar

    Paramount House, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

    This revamped screening room and small bar brings a little old-school charm to a night at the movies.

  • Shop

    Face of Man

    Level 10, 300 George Street, Sydney

    A 40-year-old barbers with that old-school smoking lounge charm.

  • Shop

    SHINKA Hair The Galeries

    Level 2, The Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney

    Japan-trained hairdressers and specialist treatments.

  • Restaurant

    Peg Leg Tavern - CLOSED

    11A Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont

    A good location for people-watching with a side of plant-based dining.

  • Shop

    Somedays Barangaroo

    Shop 14, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

    This Barangaroo boutique has Nordic brands and upmarket gifts for when you need them most.

  • Shop

    Manning Cartell - The Strand Arcade

    412-414 George Street, Sydney

    Ethically made evening wear and sophisticated style is what you'll find from this Australian brand.

  • Shop

    Zink & Sons Tailors & Shirtmakers Sydney

    56 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

    Visit this Oxford Street stalwart for bespoke tailoring.

  • Shop

    Fabrique Vintage

    127 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

    Head here for second-life denim and Americana.

  • Shop

    Above The Clouds Store

    4/285a Crown Street, Surry Hills

    Head to this Crown Street store for the freshest kicks and streetwear labels from around the globe.

  • Shop

    The Fruit Village

    81 Erskineville Road, Erskineville

    A reliable local gem.

  • Shop

    Jet Cycles

    80 Clarence Street, Sydney

    Here's where you'll find premium bike brands Specialized and Cannondale.

  • Shop

    Clarence St Cyclery

    104 Clarence Street, Sydney

    Chat to the friendly staff about which bike model is best for you at this long-running CBD store.

  • Shop

    Waterloo Superior Meats

    29A Botany Road, Waterloo

    Regulars return week after week to have a chat with owner Kristallis — and pick up house-made snags and lamb on the bone.

Find Your Playground

Eeastern Suburbs Inner West North Shore Northern Beaches Greater Western Sydney South Sydney Inner City
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