Where to stay

A melting pot of flavors, Sydney is a city where "Mod Oz" cuisine really shines. Surry Hills is a go-to neighborhood with everything from cheap eats to trendy Thai restaurants to renowned gelato at Messina. Stay here and eat your way through cozy pubs, industrial-turned-chic cafes and international favorites, serving Lebanese, Italian, Indian and Vietnamese. Look for accommodations in Darling Harbour for the city's best al fresco waterfront dining that includes Thai, Japanese and a European-style food hall at Tramsheds. Kensington Street in Chippendale has emerged onto the Sydney dining scene with Spice Alley, a bonanza of Asian street food and late-night cocktail spots. Book a place in Bondi Beach so that after a day on the sand you can hit some of the city's coolest eateries offering world-famous Sydney seafood and refreshing drinks. For waterside dining and celebrity spotting, stay in Woolloomooloo, near the CBD; restaurants, nightclubs and businesses have given the old wharf new life.

Sun worshippers and surfers stay at Bondi Beach for its iconic golden sand, mouthwatering seafood along Campbell Parade and lively nightlife. When you tire of the waves, set out on the Bondi-to-Coogee clifftop urban walk past beaches, parks and rock pools. The Bondi neighborhood sits above the beach and is a quieter accommodation option with cute bungalows and its own brand of style. Alternatively, stay south of the city in Cronulla for sunsets and surfing in a simpler, less rowdy atmosphere. Or, head north and stay in Manly, a favorite place for locals to spend a weekend thanks to its long stretches of beach and casual restaurants and pubs.

Go beyond the beach and stay at Potts Point, a top neighborhood in Sydney to experience the cultural vibe of the city. Here, locals linger over coffee at the patio tables on streets lined with Art Deco architecture and 1920s homes. Historic pubs, theater performances and quaint cobblestone streets define Millers Point, the place to stay for a more European ambience. Learn about Sydney's colonial history while staying at The Rocks, where hidden courtyards, lively pubs and crooked walkways lead to some of the world's most exclusive hotels. A short walk away is Circular Quay, a hub of outdoor dining and street performances. Hotels in The Rocks or Circular Quay are close to the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

For the liveliest nightlife in Sydney, book a hotel in Kings Cross, which is full of nightclubs and bars, particularly along Darlinghurst Road. In the heart of the city, Paddington is another good choice for happening nightlife. This is the center of Sydney's gay community and home to several gay bars and dance clubs. Alternatively, stay in the suburb of Darlinghurst for local haunts, cozy wine bars and gay bars along Oxford Street. Book a hotel in Sydney's Central Business District so you can shop during the day, mingle with locals enjoying after-work drinks then party into the night at clubs and cocktail lounges.