The BEST places to stay in Sydney…

As an Aussie, going to Sydney and deciding where to stay seems like a no-brainer, just choose a hotel and stay there. Truth is, hotels in Sydney are spread out right across the city and it can be tough deciding where the best place is to base yourself, especially if you’re an overseas tourist. When deciding, it’s important to stay somewhere central, that allows you close access to everything you want to see and do, here’s my guide on where to stay in Sydney.

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Surry Hills

If you want to immerse yourself in a very cool part of Sydney and feel like a local, Surry Hills is the place for you. Packed with great restaurants, cafes and bars you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Surry Hills is walking distance to Darling Harbour and the main sights as well as the charming Paddington area, Kings Cross and famed Bourke Street.

I’ve written about Surry Hills first because the Cambridge Hotel is my favourite place to stay in Sydney, based on its fantastic location. In addition, the rooms are huge, with plenty of space for you to spread out and get comfortable. The beds are ridiculously comfortable too and perfect to melt into after a big day of sightseeing. I also love this hotel because the staff are always really friendly and helpful and, most importantly, you get free wifi! Some of my favourite bars and restaurants are right around the corner too (ricotta pancakes at Bills, anyone?)

Find places to stay in Surrey Hills here

Darling Harbour

A beautiful area of Sydney, hosting upmarket hotels and two of the world’s most recognisable and iconic landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Darling Harbour allows easy walking access to the Sydney CBD and loads of fancy restaurants and bars. The area is home to more expensive, but beautiful, hotels if you want to treat yourself.

Find places to stay in Darling Harbour here

Sydney CBD

The CBD district has fantastic shopping and an array of great restaurants and coffee shops for you to stop in and enjoy. The iconic David Jones and Myer stores have been around forever and have fantastic food courts underneath them. There are easily accessible public transport options available that’ll take you out of the CBD, to places like Bondi or Manly Beach. The main sites of Darling Harbour are close walking distance too.

Find places to stay in the CBD here

Kings Cross

For a more colourful experience, stay in the lively Kings Cross area. More suited to the younger, party crowd looking to soak in Sydney’s nightlife. Hotels here are less expensive and surrounded by bars and eateries. It is a short walk to Surry Hills, the botanic gardens and CBD and you’ll probably come away from your weekend with a few funny stories to share.

Find places to stay in the Kings Cross here

Bondi Beach

About a 20-minute cab ride from the CBD and main tourist attractions, it would be a nice change to any Sydney holiday to spend a few nights at Bondi Beach. Enjoy brunch and a coffee at one of the beautiful little cafes, stroll along the beach or perch up at Icebergs. There’s plenty of people watching, boutique shopping, lazy lunches and nightlife to soak in at Bondi. There’s also great shopping at the huge Westfield up the road.

Find places to stay in Bondi Beach here

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