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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BarBurrow 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.
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BarRocks 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.
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RestaurantUme Burger
33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Japanese burgers and a soft serve machine by the water.
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RestaurantOlio
Level 2, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale
Kensington Street's Sicilian restaurant serving traditional dishes with contemporary flourishes.
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RestaurantChat Thai Randwick
222A Carrington Road, Randwick
The Sydney stalwart's eastern beaches outpost.
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RestaurantOpera 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.
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BarGolden 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.
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ShopFace of Man
Level 10, 300 George Street, Sydney
A 40-year-old barbers with that old-school smoking lounge charm.
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ShopSHINKA Hair The Galeries
Level 2, The Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney
Japan-trained hairdressers and specialist treatments.
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PubPeg Leg Tavern - CLOSED
11A Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont
A good location for people-watching with a side of plant-based dining.
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ShopSomedays Barangaroo
Shop 14, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
This Barangaroo boutique has Nordic brands and upmarket gifts for when you need them most.
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ShopManning 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.
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ShopZink & Sons Tailors & Shirtmakers Sydney
56 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Visit this Oxford Street stalwart for bespoke tailoring.
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ShopFabrique Vintage
127 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Head here for second-life denim and Americana.
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ShopAbove 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.
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ShopJet Cycles
80 Clarence Street, Sydney
Here's where you'll find premium bike brands Specialized and Cannondale.
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ShopClarence 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.
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ShopWaterloo 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.
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