Sydney’s fascinating past and energetic present intermingle in the central district of Haymarket. Taste Asian delights, hunt for deals in historic marketplaces and view cutting-edge urban architecture and planning on a visit to Haymarket.

Appreciate the fascinating life of Chinese Australia at Sydney’s Chinatown. Walk through a large ceremonial arch into pedestrianized Dixon Street, where eclectic restaurants and gift stores compete for attention. Visit during Lunar New Year to witness grand, inclusive celebrations throughout the neighborhood. Roam a little wider to try Thai restaurants or visit Koreatown.

Seek out serenity at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. This green oasis was designed by landscape architects and gardeners from Sydney’s sister city, Guangzhou, and now provides a relaxing combination of green vegetation and elegant water features.

Stop for a meal at Darling Square, a stylish precinct that houses fashion retailers, a food market hall and a modern public library. Appreciate the architecture of the Exchange. Decide for yourself if this bold structure, elegantly wrapped in curved timber, really does resemble a bamboo basket.

Search for bargains at Market City, a mall with factory outlets, Asian grocery stores and a well-loved food court. Admire the building’s historic façade, paying tribute to how industrialization and market trading have shaped central Sydney. Enter Paddy’s Market on the ground floor to browse hundreds of stalls offering produce, clothing, gadgets and gifts in a suitably vigorous marketplace atmosphere.

Watch a show at the Capitol Theatre, a grand heritage-listed arts venue that bears traces of the building’s original purpose as a market. As you watch a performance of music, comedy or theater, consider the thousands of concertgoers who have visited since its opening in 1928. Check online to see what’s on or book a backstage tour.

Haymarket is centrally located just a few minutes’ walk from Central Station. Travel by light rail to the Haymarket or Paddy’s Market stations. Explore the neighborhood on foot to enjoy the liveliness and diversity that makes this one of Sydney’s most popular nightlife areas.