Whether it’s bold, old or served ice-cold, the city’s diversity and iron-clad commitment to mixological excellence means there’s a spot for every type of patron, with tiki bars, negroni dens, soda spots and even a Victorian-era speakeasy making the cut. Read on to discover our list of Sydney’s best bars.
The hotel was amazing Staff went out of their way to help us with everything that we asked of them. It was a 6 star holiday
Thank you very much & we will br returning
10.0
sylvia p.3 escapes · 2 reviews
Our stay was excellent. The staff were attentive, caring and always happy.
10.0
Jennifer B.28 escapes · 12 reviews
Excellent hotel in all respects. Great rooms, clean, friendly staff, lovely bar and food.
10.0
Joanne C.7 escapes · 2 reviews
The staff were so friendly, all staff (reception and restaurant) . The rooms were lovely , very quiet and bed comfortable.
10.0
Christine M.13 escapes · 2 reviews
Fabulous hotel..one of the best we have.stayed int
The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Old Mate’s Place
It’s all in the name: Old Mate’s Place is a brilliantly innovative cocktail joint that never stops feeling like a second home. The decor alone demands a visit: the words ‘rooftop Jumanji speakeasy’ don’t come close to covering it.
Aster
The sky’s the limit at InterContinental Sydney’s premier rooftop bar Aster. Expect sweeping harbour views and an inventive cocktail menu that audaciously charts the emergence of the Big Bang.
Hotel staff were friendly and accommodating. We were very grateful for our 2pm check out after a late evening arrival. It’s a 2 minute walk to Circular Quay from the hotel, location couldn’t be any better.
10.0
George M.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Beuatiful hotel with stunnibg views, The Aster Lounge must be the bets bar in Sydney.
10.0
AnonymousAU
This stay was awesome, the bed was comfortable and the room was huge! So much room to move, really great location close to the quay and all surrounds
10.0
AnonymousUS
Great location near circular quay and botanic gardens. Large luxurious rooms. Friendly staff.
10.0
AnonymousAU
Lovely in a great spot buffet was nice too! Kids loved it
Watsons Bay Hotel
Sun-kissed days drinking spritzes by the harbour: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel delivers the dream and more. Best followed with an Italian-inspired classic cocktail and a stack of fresh rock oysters.
The best jazz bars in Sydney
ANTE
Drawing inspiration from the sake-slinging jazz bars of Tokyo, ANTE offers a compelling package, spinning vinyl and shaking cocktails all night long.
Charlie Parker’s
Charlie Parker’s approach to mixology is inspired by the successes of its upstairs neighbour, acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant Fred. Don’t miss the bar’s drink-or-you’ll-miss-it limited-edition cocktails, crafted to match its seasonal jazz sessions.
Lazybones Lounge
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing lazy about a lounge that hosts live music performances (including jazz, funk and soul) six or seven nights a week. Old-school decor and a large selection on tap make Lazybones Lounge a beloved Marrickville institution.
Jazushi
Pair live jazz and delicious sushi and you get Jazushi, still one of Surry Hills’ coolest bars after two decades of service. Add a large collection of Japanese whiskey and things get even better.
best staff, best service & a real luxury escape from the service to the room fitout!
10.0
cuong h.AU · 4 escapes · 1 review
We absolutely loved our two-night stay at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, booked through Luxury Escapes! Check-in was seamless, our room was spotlessly clean with fantastic views, and the reception and bar areas were spacious and inviting.
The best perk was access to Taronga Zoo on both days. Even if your room isn't ready, you can get a temporary pass to enter early. This allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace without rushing. The bird show was definitely the highlight.
Breakfast offered stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, although the selection was fairly standard. The main disappointment was the extremely runny scrambled eggs. We requested alternatives, such as fried or boiled eggs, but the kitchen refused to accommodate our request.
We also loved the nearby Bradleys Head walking track for a beautiful morning stroll.
Overall, a fantastic experience combining wildlife, relaxation and beautiful scenery. Highly recommended! We would definitely return, even with our extended family.
10.0
Debbie B.AU · 12 escapes · 4 reviews
What a wonderful experience.
10.0
AnonymousHK
Staying alongside the animals is amazing!
10.0
Catherine G.AU · 10 escapes · 6 reviews
This is one of the best Luxury Escapes purchases I have made. The Wildlife Retreat is thoughtfully designed to feel like they are part of the surrounding landscape, and the rooms are lovely with floor the ceiling opening glass windows to take in the beautiful views. The inclusion of the various zoo walks, plus buffet breakfast
(which had a great range of options)delicious) and parking made the whole experience exceptional. The staff were very helpful from check in to check out. The tour guides on the zoo walks were very informative and had a lot of knowledge on the particular animals we were viewing. If you are looking for a holiday/mini break where everything is taken care of for you, I would definitely recommend this package
Nick & Noras
This 26th floor speakeasy towers over Paramatta, with a view that stretches from the Blue Mountains to Sydney’s harbour. Noir-inspired cocktails, lavish cigars, champagne and a caviar service mean you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable night.
Dean & Nancy on 22
This marble-and-brass restaurant and bar – taking the penthouse floor of the sophisticated A by Adina Sydney – offers spectacular views over the city skyline and an outrageously delicious martini, elaborately poured tableside.
Everything is super convenient and clean, the staff are friendly, and the interior design is really cool.
10.0
AnonymousAU
A wonderful find. Loved my stay. From the lobby with its ode to the building history as a move theatre – to the rooftop with an expansive view over Sydney town and everything in between. The staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms comfortable. Location perfect base for exploring Sydney. Highly recommend.
10.0
AnonymousAU
Great location. Quiet even though I was on the Oxford St side. Everything was of a high standard.
10.0
Renee A.AU · 2 escapes · 1 review
WOW…From arrival, staff were exceptional, room was perfect, all the nooks around reception were quirky, and dining areas were fantastic. A must stay!!
9.6
AnonymousAU
Cool hotel in a great location. Super friendly staff, funky decor and the room was very spacious. First time staying, and will definitely stay here again.
Hyde Hacienda
Watch the world drift by at this hidden oasis of pastels and palm fronds, wonderfully positioned high above Circular Quay. Latin America-inspired eats and tiki-adjacent drinks make it the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon.
Blu Bar on 36
Positioned high above the sophisticated Shangri-La Sydney, this happening cocktail spot features an unrivalled location, with sweeping views over Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
We enjoyed our stay, the staff are so helpful, everything we requested via room service was promptly given to us. Staff at the breakfast buffet was super helpful, a staff named Grace lee was very friendly, and even went to have a chat with our kids, made us feel welcome and want to come back again.
10.0
AnonymousAU
Great location close to circular quay and walking distance to Barangaroo.
The facilities are fantastic and rooms are decent size.
The buffet breakfast is exceptional and all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Will definitely stay again 🙂
10.0
AnonymousSA
Amazing view and a lifetime experience
10.0
AnonymousAU
For a stunning view of Sydney Harbour, the Shangri-La Sydney is a must. Don't think about it. Just book it. Slightly older decor but everything works and it is spotlessly clean. Service is 5 stars. Can't wait to go back.
10.0
Tracey T.AU · 2 escapes · 2 reviews
Fabulous hotel. Great service. Fantastic location. Horizon Club Room is first class!
The best unique bars in Sydney
Apollonia
A living homage to one of The Godfather’s most endearing characters, Apollonia brings the romance – and the cocktails – of old Sicily to the streets of Sydney. As you’d expect, the house negroni (gin, house vermouth and Italian bitters) is to die for.
Centro 86
The first thing that grabs your attention at Centro 86 is the look: whimsical, eclectic and a touch psychedelic, it’s unlike any other margarita bar in Australia. The second thing? The margaritas, shaken with freshly shaved ice and extraordinarily delicious.
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar
Since opening in 2017, this Twin Peaks-inspired tiki bar has quickly become an Enmore favourite. As befitting a venue inspired by primetime television, drinks are mixed spectacularly on the bar counter and often spectacularly garnished with fire.
Marble Bar
Victorian in style yet debonaire in spirit, this 130-year-old bar – tucked below the five-star Hilton Sydney, to which it was painstakingly transplanted in 1973 – remains timeless.
Maybe Sammy
Maybe Sammy draws inspiration from Las Vegas and Hollywood in the 1950s, with a themed cocktail menu that delicately balances originality and golden age glamour.
Goros
If there’s a surefire recipe for success in Sydney’s competitive nightlife scene, it’s this: izakaya (informal Japanese bar) kitsch with a free karaoke room attached. Throw in some Nintendo 64s and an extensive collection of fine Japanese whiskeys and you’re onto a winner.
Love everything about this hotel, from location, facilities and especially the staff. They truly help us to make our stay great. We rest and nourished beautifully and we really enjoyed our trip in Sydey. Thank you very much for your hospitality. This hotel is high on our recommendation when you visit Sydney.
10.0
AnonymousAU
We love the Amora on Jamison for its location, easy access, friendly staff and an overall awesome experience!
10.0
AnonymousAU
Love this hotel with great location to access city, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.
10.0
AnonymousMY
Great hotel in a fantastic location.
So close to George Street and the rocks and really everything you need to get to in the CBD.
The property was clean.
Brooksy bar was a lovely little reprieve after a day out exploring.
10.0
AnonymousAU
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The tram is just a short stroll away, making it incredibly easy to get around. It’s also an easy walk to Circular Quay or along the bustling George Street, with plenty of shops, cafés and attractions to enjoy along the way. The location is fantastic, the accommodation was comfortable, and everything we needed was close by. We would 100% stay here again and highly recommend it!
The best laneway bars in Sydney
Cantina OK!
Cantina OK! describes itself as a ‘micro mezcal mecca,’ and it’s hard to disagree. Despite leaning more coffee shop than cocktail bar in size, this hand-sourced tequila bar packs a punch, with specials rotating weekly.
Love, Tilly Devine
This Darlinghurst wine bar has been showcasing Australia’s up-and-coming wine producers for more than a decade. A sustainability-focused food menu makes the perfect match.
PS40
Married to a working soft drink plant, this high-concept soda-and-spirit bar is dedicated to the humble art of the long drink. The menu changes nightly, but PS40’s signature cocktail, the Africola (coffee liqueur, native-infused cola and coconut foam) is a mainstay.
The Lobo
Rattan, rum and a rousing good time – The Lobo delivers all three in spades. As befitting a Caribbean-inspired bar, it’s the daiquiris that truly shine, but the Cuban sandwiches and expansive rum collection – with dozens of impossible-to-find bottles – are also well worth exploring.
