Online shopping is great and everything, but it’s not quite the same as doing it IRL. When you want to trawl through racks of vintage clothes, meet the people who actually made the thing you’re buying, or stumble across something you never knew you needed, you need to get out there and hit the pavement.
Luckily, Sydney has no end of high streets, village strips and gem-filled suburban pockets for you to explore. But knowing where to go isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve partnered with American Express to create The Localist.
We’ve sifted through our directory — from Haymarket to Hurstville, Mona Vale to Penrith — to seek out the best local boutiques, grocers, specialty stores and eateries for when you’re on the hunt for something super specific or extra special. You can shop small at all of these local businesses with your Amex Card, so browse our shopping guides and use our handy map to find what you’re looking for or plan a weekend shopping adventure.
Find Your Playground
Choose Your Moment
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GuideWhere to Eat When You're Craving All the Food You Ate on Your Trip to Japan
Eat like you're back exploring the Land of the Rising Sun.
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GuideWhere to Eat When You're Saving but Don't Feel Like Another Meal at Home
Places for a weeknight feed that won't blow the budget.
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GuideSydney's Least Awkward Spots for a First Date
Because first dates are nail-biting enough without the added challenge of picking a good place.
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GuideSydney Hair Salons and Barbershops For When You Want to Look Your Best
Fix up and look sharp, with help from the professionals.
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GuideSydney Fashion Boutiques For When You Want to Refresh Your Wardrobe
Hone your individual style with help from these fashionable stores.
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GuideEleven Boutique Bike Shops For When You're Looking to Buy New Wheels
Whether you're hitting the mountain trails or inner-city cycle lanes, you can pick up a new bike or service your current one at these local stores.
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GuideEleven Local Sydney Grocers For When You Need to Stock Up on Fruit and Veggies
Get your five a day from these family-run grocers.
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GuideSix Conveniently Located Cafes That Also Serve a Quality Cup of Joe
A good coffee spot should have two things: a top-notch brew and a convenient location.
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GuideSeven Eateries to Hit When You're Running Errands and Need a Good Feed to Keep You Going
There's nothing like hanger pangs to ruin your day, so fuel up on stacked bagels, fried chicken, fresh sangas, pizza and baked goods.
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GuideWhere to Eat When It's Not Quite Payday But You Just Can't Eat Anymore Leftovers
Try roti bread tacos, feast on dumplings and split a pizza with your mates, without breaking the bank.
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GuideWhere to Find One-of-a-Kind Gifts That'll Help Put You in Their Good Books
Get that special someone a present they'll actually love (and use).
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GuideSeven Local Grocers to Hit When You're Feeling Like a Culinary Master
Take your home cooking to the next level with premium meats, seasonal produce and obscure imported cheeses.
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GuideWhere to Shop When You're Craving More Hygge in Your Home
Make your place a cosy hideaway with pastel homewares, comfy linens and unique art pieces from these design shops.
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GuideSeven Date Spots Perfect for Celebrating a Landmark Anniversary
For maximum romance without the maximum price tag.
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GuideWhere to Eat Pizza When All Your Friends Are Doing Italian Summer and FOMO Levels Are High
From chewy Neapolitan rounds to two-metre-long feasts, these are the best pizzas in the city.
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GuideSeven Eateries to Hit When You're Trying to Make Meat-Free Monday a Habit
With options like these, you may even opt to go meat-free more than just once a week.
