OUR SYDNEY TRAVEL GUIDE
OUR SYDNEY TRAVEL GUIDE
Sydney doesn’t just have the most famous house, and the most beautiful harbor in the world. It also has stunning street art, killer restaurants, boozy courtyards, and Jared and Cassie’s cat. And apparently everything is upside down? Not sure.
WHERE DO I STAY?
If you want a taste of Sydney’s iconic beaches (with water so blue Jared thought they used dye) stay in the Eastern Suburbs (Bondi/Coogee). Just be aware that public transport isn’t very good there. Manly is also a good beach option, although perhaps better as a day trip.
If you want to stay in the cool, hip, Jared-and-Cassie-populated area, the Inner West (Newtown/Enmore/Erskineville) is your go. The best bars, restaurants, and easy public transport. Plus, our apartment. And our cat.
If you want a slightly more central location, Surry Hills, Redfern and Darlinghurst are pretty rad, although not as popular as they once were.
HOW DO I GET AROUND?
Sydney has excellent public transportation (even though locals like to complain about it). The train goes all over (except for most beach suburbs). The ferry can take you several places, including Manly. There’s also a lightrail. And buses that are actually clean and work (take note, USA). For cheaper fares, purchase an Opal card to use, otherwise you can also use any card with the paywave (tap and go) feature. The buses, trains, ferries and lightrail all use the same payment system. There are also Ubers everywhere. The city is also surprisingly walkable, if you want to take the Jared approach.
We also recommend installing an eSIM before arrival.
WHAT LANDMARKS SHOULD I CHECK OUT?
The view of Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay (pronounced ‘key’) is perhaps the only landmark that I’ve never heard anyone say is overrated. It’s just as stunning, every time.
On that note, take a ferry to Manly for a nice ferry ride across Sydney Harbour, explore the corso and famous Manly Beach. Another nice ferry ride is over to Watson’s Bay, there is an easy walk up to The Gap for great views of Sydney Heads. Basically, take a ferry anywhere. They’re awesome.
The walk from Bondi to Coogee also can’t be missed. You’ll stroll along sandstone cliffs, and can even do a bit of whale watching while you walk. Early November is technically the end of the Humpback migration but Cassie thinks you might get lucky and spot one or two slow pokes still making their way back to Antarctica.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-visit. Check out the nearby Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair while you’re at it.
The Rocks is a cool historic neighborhood that often has markets on the weekends.
There are also stunning hikes just an hour drive away. Want to hire a car? Check out the Royal National Park. Want to get away for a couple days? Go to the Blue Mountains out west (the Grand Canyon Walk is a personal fave). These are also accessible via trains, will just take a lot longer!
WHAT ESTABLISHMENTS SHOULD I VISIT?
The classics
Stop off at Opera Bar (next to the Opera House) for a perfect view of the harbour. Get a bird’s eye view at the rooftop at the Glenmore Hotel*. Felons at Manly and Squire’s Landing at Circular Quay are also both nice places for a drink, with waterfront views.
If you want to try a classic Australian pastry, Bourke Street Bakery has several locations and offers up an excellent sausage roll.
Want to get a bit of culture in ya? Check out the city’s several free museums (the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australian Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art), or catch a show at the truly iconic Enmore Theatre.
Taronga Zoo is one of the best zoos you’ll probably visit, with a pretty spectacular view to match. Yes, everything has a good view here. But also keep in mind, you are almost guaranteed to see local wildlife at the wedding venue!
*Yes, pubs here are called hotels because of some esoteric legal reasons. Yes, hotels are also called hotels. Yes, it’s confusing.
Our favourites
You’ll probably be able to find us destroying an eggplant schnitty (look it up) at the Warren View Hotel in Enmore. We also like the Courthouse for their courtyard, Bar Planet for martinis and Corridor or Fortunate Son for intimate vibes.
While you’re here, you should eat Thai food. It’s like the Mexican food of America. Our favorite spots are Atom Thai and Bangkok Bowl in the Newtown area. You should also head to Marrickville for a truly authentic Vietnamese experience on Illawarra Road.
Speaking of Marrickville, it’s the unofficial brewery capital of Australia. 20+ breweries, all within a ten minute walk from each other. Grifter, Batch and Bob Hawke’s are our favourites. Young Henry’s is another fave, and its only 150m from our apartment!
Want some pizza? Jared is pizza expert. Try Pizza Bros at the Imperial Hotel before checking out one of their drag shows, or Bella Brutta for one of Sydney’s best sit down pizza meals.