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Sydney is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world. As well as world-famous landmarks, such as Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, Sydney is also home to over 100 beaches and multiple national parks!
Choosing the best places to stay in Sydney can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the different areas. I’ve lived in Sydney since 2016 and house sat in literally hundreds of Sydney suburbs!
In this blog post, I’ll run through where to stay in Sydney, depending on what type of traveller you are. I’ll also recommend a choice of accommodation for each price bracket. Read on to find out more!
Table of Contents
Click on one of the headings below to jump to a certain topic.
- Where to Stay in Sydney Map
- Sydney Accommodation Comparison Table
- Best Places to Stay in Sydney Guide
- 1. The Rocks (Sydney Harbour) Accommodation
- 2. Darling Harbour Accommodation
- 3. Kings Cross Accommodation
- 4. Bondi Beach Accommodation
- 5. Manly and Northern Beaches Accommodation
Where to Stay in Sydney Map
Sydney Accommodation Comparison Table
How much does it cost to stay in Sydney? Since the city is so popular with tourists, you’ll have a wide range of accommodation to choose from, from basic backpacker hostels to luxury hotels.
The cheapest stay in Sydney would be a dorm bed in a hostel, which can range from $30 to $65 per night, depending on the location and standard. Private rooms in hotels start at around $100 and can rise to over $1,000 for the most luxurious.
Click on any of the hotels and hostels in the table below to read more details or make a booking. Keep scrolling to learn about the best neighbourhoods in Sydney and my recommended accommodation.
- $$$$ (Luxury): >$700 per room per night
- $$$ (MidRange): $300-$699 per room per night
- $$ (Budget): $100-$299 per private room per night and/or >$60 per dorm bed
- $(Backpacker): <$60 per dorm bed per night
| Name | Rating | Location | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Sydney | 5 star | The Rocks | $$$$ | Click Here |
| Rydges Sydney Harbour | 4 star | The Rocks | $$$ | Click Here |
| Sydney Harbour YHA | 5 star | The Rocks | $$ | Click here |
| Hyatt Regency Sydney | 5 star | Darling Harbour | $$$$ | Click here |
| The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel | 3 star | Sydney CBD | $$$ | Click here |
| Siesta Sydney | 2 star | Sydney CBD | $ | Click here |
| Spicers Potts Point | 4.5 star | Potts Point | $$$ | Click here |
| The Bayswater Sydney | 3.5 star | Kings Cross | $$ | Click here |
| Mad Monkey Downtown | 3 star | Kings Cross | $ | Click here |
| QT Bondi | 5 star | Bondi Beach | $$$ | Click here |
| Hotel Bondi | 3 star | Bondi Beach | $$ | Click here |
| Wake Up! Bondi Beach | 2 star | Bondi Beach | $$ | Click here |
| Manly Pacific Sydney | 4.5 star | Manly Beach | $$$ | Click here |
| Manly Paradise Motel | 3.5 star | Manly Beach | $$ | Click here |
| Boardrider Backpackers | 4 star | Manly Beach | $ | Click here |
| Narrabeen Sands Hotel | 4.5 star | Narrabeen | $$$ | Click here |
Best Places to Stay in Sydney Guide
So, what is the best part of Sydney to stay in? The best suburb to stay in Sydney will obviously vary depending on what type of trip you want. This section will break down where to stay in Sydney, Australia for different types of travellers.
Best Place to Stay in Sydney for First-Time Visitors and Tourists
With its prime location next to Sydney Harbour, The Rocks is easily the best area to stay in Sydney for tourists and first-time visitors. The colonial-era pubs and quaint 19th-century buildings also make The Rocks one of the most unique places to stay in Sydney.
Situated at the northern end of Sydney CBD (Central Business District), The Rocks is within walking distance to Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as the city’s main shopping area.
This makes The Rocks a great location if you’re wondering where to stay in Sydney without a car, or where to stay in Sydney for a weekend.
Jump to The Rocks accommodation.
Best Places to Stay in Sydney for Families
If you’re wondering where to stay in Sydney with family, Darling Harbour or The Rocks are both great choices. You’ll find a huge choice of waterfront eateries along Darling Harbour, as well as a big wheel ride and the following child-friendly attractions.
Jump to Darling Harbour accommodation.
The bars and clubs at Darling Harbour do get busy at night. If this bothers you, consider staying at The Rocks on the western edge of Circular Quay. This historic neighbourhood is only a short walk from Darling Harbour and has plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Jump to The Rocks accommodation.
If you want to stay by the beach in Sydney with kids, Manly Beach in the Northern Beaches is a great option. There are lots of shops, restaurants and bars, but it’s more chilled than Bondi Beach.
Narrabeen is a top choice for families too. While it’s further from the city than Manly, it’s less touristy and has a holiday park, great beach, calm lagoon, ocean pool, restaurants, cafes and some fantastic walks and viewpoints.
Jump to Northern Beaches accommodation.
Most Romantic Places to Stay in Sydney for Couples
With their long stretch of waterfront bars and restaurants, neighbouring precincts Darling Harbour and Barangaroo are two of the best places in Sydney for couples. Think alfresco dinners, sunset drinks and strolls along the water’s edge with an Italian gelato in hand.
Jump to Darling Harbour accommodation.
If you prefer older architecture and think you might find Darling Harbour’s entertainment venues tacky, The Rocks is likely a better option for you. It’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Sydney, with plenty of shops and cafes inside quaint heritage buildings. It’s right next to Sydney Harbour too, so you’ll have plenty of water views.
Jump to The Rocks accommodation.
Best Area to Stay in Sydney for Nightlife and Backpackers
Kings Cross has long been known as the best place in Sydney for nightlife, particularly for backpackers. I stayed there on visits in my early twenties and loved it.
Do note that Kings Cross is also known as being a bit dodgy and seedy, particularly after dark, so it’s definitely not for everyone.
Jump to Kings Cross accommodation.
Bondi Beach is also a great area in Sydney for nightlife. The suburb tends to attract younger travellers and has a lively atmosphere day and night.
Jump to Bondi Beach accommodation.
Best Area to Stay in Sydney for Hiking
While the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk in the Eastern Suburbs is famous and certainly beautiful, the track tends to be very busy with both locals and visitors.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, a great place to stay in Sydney for hiking is the Northern Beaches region. Multiple walking tracks line this craggy peninsula, passing beach after beach all the way from Manly to Palm Beach.
The region becomes less built up and more forested the further north you go, and you can even get a ferry from Palm Beach and hike through stunning Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The Bangalley Head walk in bohemian Avalon Beach is a stunner too.
Jump to Northern Beaches accommodation.
Cool Places to Stay in Sydney
If you’d prefer to base yourself in one of the cool suburbs in Sydney, rather than in a tourist zone, I’d recommend Surry Hills, Paddington, Newtown or Glebe. All of these suburbs have a good choice of cafes, restaurants and bars, and are only short train or bus ride from the city.
Surry Hills and Paddington are a little more upmarket, and popular with young professionals. Newtown is home to the alternative crowd, with vintage stores, tattoo parlours and funky cafes and bars stretching along King St. Glebe is close to a university campus and has quirky cafes and markets but a quainter look than Newtown.
Where Not to Stay in Sydney
While Kings Cross is one of the most fun places in Sydney for nightlife, it does have a reputation for being on the seedy side. I would give it a miss if this worries you, or if you’re bringing children.
Redfern, just south of Surry Hills, also has a reputation for being on the rough side. It is becoming gentrified, but a friend of mine lived there for a while and said there was a lot of screaming and shouting at night.
Note that parts of the Inner West get a lot of aircraft noise, as it lies underneath the flight path.
Best Areas to Stay in Sydney for Gay Bars
If you want to base yourself where the LGBTQIA nightlife is, Oxford Street in Darlinghurst is where you’ll find the most gay bars and clubs. Check out my guide on Sydney Mardi Gras parade to learn more.
The Rocks Accommodation (Sydney Harbour)
In addition to the shops, restaurants and big tourist attractions around The Rocks, you can easily hop on a ferry to Manly Beach, a train to the Blue Mountains or a bus to Bondi Beach and many other places.
Luxury Accommodation in The Rocks
- Address: 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
- Rooms: King rooms, twin rooms, connecting rooms and suites, some with harbour views and Sydney Opera House views
- Star rating: 5 star
- Best features: Rooftop swimming pool overlooking Sydney Harbour; sauna, hot tub and steam room; spa treatments available; laptop-friendly workspaces; onsite restaurants and bar; airport shuttle service; 24-hour gym.
Enjoy 5-star views at Park Hyatt Sydney, one of the most luxurious hotels in Sydney Harbour. This high-end accommodation is fantastically located in The Rocks, between Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
With a huge range of amenities, including spa treatments, rooftop swimming pool and a 24-hour gym, you might not want to leave!
MidRange Accommodation in The Rocks
- Address: 55 George St, Sydney CBD
- Rooms: Queen and king rooms, some with an additional sofa bed, rooms with two double beds, some rooms have harbour views
- Star rating: 4 star
- Best features: Rooftop swimming pool overlooking Sydney Harbour; sun terrace; hot tub; onsite restaurant and bar; work desks in rooms; 3-minute walk from Circular Quay.
In terms of location, Ridges Sydney Harbour has to be one of the best hotels in Sydney, Australia. This 4-star hotel offers magnificent views of Sydney Harbour, and guests are only a short stroll away from Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
You’ll have the choice of dining at the onsite restaurant and bar or at one of the many eateries in The Rocks and Sydney Harbour. After a long day of sightseeing, relax in the rooftop swimming pool or hot tub!
Budget Accommodation in The Rocks
- Address: 110 Cumberland St, Sydney CBD
- Rooms: Mixed and female dorms, king and queen double rooms with private bathroom, triple and family rooms with private bathroom
- Star rating: 5 star
- Best features: Rooftop views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge; ten-minute walk to Wynyard Station; fully equipped communal kitchen; sustainable property; surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars.
If you’re travelling on a budget but don’t fancy backpacker accommodation, Sydney Harbour YHA is far from your typical hostel.
Rated 5-star with a mixture of dorms and ensuite private rooms, this YHA gives you the comfort of a hotel with money-saving perks, such as preparing your own food in the communal kitchen.
YHAs are my favourite hostel chain in Australia by far. They attract people of all ages, including families, and rarely get rowdy. At this one, you can even dine outdoors with million-dollar views of beautiful Sydney Harbour on the rooftop terrace!
Darling Harbour & Barangaroo Accommodation
The bustling waterfront bars and restaurants give Darling Harbour and Barangaroo a true holiday feel. You can easily walk to the city to access public transport and the big tourist attractions from here too.
Here are some of the best hotels to stay in Sydney in and around Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.
Luxury Accommodation in Darling Harbour
- Address: 161 Sussex St, Sydney CBD
- Rooms: King, twin and suite rooms, some with harbour views
- Star rating: 5 star
- Best features: Deluxe and newly renovated, gym, four bars, two restaurants, less than ten minutes’ walk to Town Hall station and China Town.
Renovated in 2021, this plush 5-star hotel is conveniently located in Darling Harbour, with Sydney CBD on its doorstep.
In addition to the onsite bars, restaurants and gym, you can treat yourself to a range of spa treatments and book their business and wedding services.
Midrange Accommodation Near Barangaroo
- Address: 19 Kent St, Millers Point
- Rooms: Queen rooms, premium king rooms and triples
- Star rating: 3 star
- Best features: Boutique hotel rooms with laptop friendly workspaces; short walk to Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour and Circular Station/ferry wharf; bar and restaurant; free in-room WiFi.
Located just east of Barangaroo Reserve in Millers Point, this 3-star hotel is a short stroll from Barangaroo restaurants and The Rocks at Circular Quay.
The accommodation consists of beautiful, individually decorated rooms in a quirky heritage building with an onsite bar and restaurant.
Budget Accommodation Near Darling Harbour
- Address: 301 Kent St, Sydney CBD
- Rooms: Double rooms with shared bathroom
- Star rating: 2 star
- Best features: Communal kitchen, laundry and dining room; short walk to Darling Harbour and Wynyard Station; bar and restaurant; central location; free WiFi.
This centrally located hostel offers basic, private rooms at a budget price. Darling Harbour is just a short stroll away, and you can easily walk to Sydney Opera House within 20 minutes.
Kings Cross Accommodation
If you want to enjoy nightlife and restaurants, Kings Cross has plenty. Also consider nearby suburbs Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay, which are within walking distance but should be quieter at night.
Luxury Accommodation Near Kings Cross
- Address: 120-124 Victoria St, Potts Point
- Rooms: King, queen and suites, plus accessible king rooms
- Star rating: 4.5 star
- Best features: Garden, terrace, bar, restaurant, laundry service, stunning heritage building, exceptional reviews.
As well as an assortment of plush, contemporary rooms with free WiFi, Spicers Potts Point has a terrace, garden, bar and restaurant onsite. For an additional charge, you can also enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast and valet parking.
The accommodation’s location in leafy Potts Point is ideal if you want to access the nightlife in Kings Cross but retreat somewhere peaceful overnight. Kings Cross Station is only a short walk away, and you can walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens in under 15 minutes.
Midrange Accommodation in Kings Cross
- Address: 17 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross
- Rooms: Double, king and executive suites
- Star rating: 3.5 star
- Best features: Work desk in rooms; modern decor; close to Kings Cross Station and bars.
Located a mere 100 m from Kings Cross Station, The Bayswater Sydney makes an ideal base for those who want to easily travel into the city as well as walk to bustling bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Budget Accommodation in Kings Cross
- Address: 23 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross
- Rooms: Mixed and female dorms, queen, twin and triple rooms with shared bathrooms
- Star rating: 3 star
- Best features: Newly renovated; dorm beds have privacy screens and powerpoints; communal kitchen, TV room and balcony; close to Kings Cross Station and bars.
Renovated in 2022, Mad Monkeys hostel has a prime location in the heart of Kings Cross and offers free WiFi and gym access to guests. Note the age limit of 18 to 39.
Bars, restaurants and nightlife will be on your doorstep, and Kings Cross Station is only 250 m away. Note that this hostel was previously called Funk House, and sister hostel Mad Monkey Kings Cross, over the road, is different place!
Bondi Beach Accommodation
For a beach break, why not base yourself at iconic Bondi Beach? There are also plenty of other beaches south of Bondi, as well as some stunners along Sydney Harbour. Read through my blog post on Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs beaches to decide which ones to visit.
Luxury Accommodation at Bondi Beach
- Address: 6 Beach Road, Bondi Beach
- Rooms: King studios and suites, kitchenettes, extra sofa beds, some with balconies
- Star rating: 5 star
- Best features: Directly behind Bondi Beach, ocean views, quirky decor, free gym access, lift, facilities for disabled guests.
Enjoy the best of Bondi Beach at this glamorous, arty aparthotel. You’ll be just a quick stroll from the beach, as well as shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Midrange Accommodation at Bondi Beach
- Address: 178A Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
- Rooms: King, queen, twin, single, triple, family rooms and suites, some with kitchenettes and balconies
- Star rating: 3 star
- Best features: Directly behind Bondi Beach, ocean views, bar, restaurant, shared balcony.
Take in views of world-famous Bondi Beach from the balcony at Hotel Bondi. If you’re wondering where to stay in Sydney with kids, Hotel Bondi has a selection of family rooms and suites, some with handy kitchenettes.
Budget Accommodation at Bondi Beach
- Address: 110 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
- Rooms: Mixed and female dorms, double rooms with shared bathroom
- Star rating: 3 star
- Best features: Panoramic views of Bondi Beach, rooftop terrace, free surfboard hire, yoga classes, communal kitchen.
You’ll find plenty of social activities to take part in at Wake Up! Bondi Beach, including yoga classes, walks and barbecue nights!
Amenities include free WiFi, plug sockets near the bed, lockers and sun loungers on the roof terrace.
Northern Beaches & Manly Accommodation
The Northern Beaches is a fantastic place to stay in Sydney with kids, or for nature lovers who want to enjoy hiking. Manly is popular with tourists and has the most going on. Narrabeen is also a great area for holidays in Sydney, with a great beach, ocean pool and lagoon.
I live in the Northern Beaches, so make sure you watch my Sydney vlogs on YouTube if you want to learn more about the area! I house sit full time, so I explore lots of different suburbs in my videos.
Luxury Accommodation at Manly Beach
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection
- Address: 55 North Steyne, Manly
- Rooms: King, queen and family rooms and suites, some with ocean views
- Star rating: 4.5 star
- Best features: Rooftop swimming pool, 24-hour gym, on-site restaurants, free cots/infant beds, connecting rooms available, laptop-friendly workspace, lift, sustainable.
You’ll be treated to stunning ocean views at this beachside hotel in popular Manly. With family rooms and a business centre, the accommodation is a great choice for families or those visiting Sydney on business.
The hotel has gorgeous coastal decor, a fantastic rooftop pool with sunloungers and has signed a UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge.
Budget/Midrange Accommodation at Manly Beach
Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments
- Address: 55 North Steyne, Manly
- Rooms: Queen and twin motel rooms, studios, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments
- Star rating: 3.5 star
- Best features: Opposite Manly Beach, apartments have ocean-view balconies and kitchens.
Ideally located opposite Manly Beach, you’ll be moments from shops, cafes and restaurants at Manly Paradise. The accommodation offers both motel rooms and apartments with kitchens, and you can walk to Manly Wharf for the scenic ferry ride to the city in less than ten minutes.
Midrange Accommodation at Narrabeen Beach
- Address: 1260 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
- Rooms: Apartments and suites sleeping up to four people, all with balconies, some with ocean views
- Star rating: 4.5 star
- Best features: Moments from the beach, boutique design, free covered carpark, restaurants and bar, room service, facilities for disabled guests.
Beautifully decorated Narrabeen Sands Hotel is ideally located on a narrow strip of land between Narrabeen Beach and lagoon. Buses to the city depart directly outside the accommodation (a one-hour journey). Check the NSW trip planner for times.
As well as the on-site restaurant, it’s a short walk to the strip of cafes, shops and restaurants on Waterloo Street. Note that Pittwater Road is very busy, so I’d recommend a room facing the ocean if traffic bothers you.
Budget Accommodation at Manly Beach
Boardrider Backpackers & Budget Motel
- Address: 63 The Corso, Manly
- Rooms: Mixed and female dorms, double rooms with shared bathroom, en-suite double rooms
- Star rating: 4 star
- Best features: Located on main shopping street; 80 m from Manly Beach; free WiFi, breakfast, snorkelling and sports equipment hire; lockers in rooms; rooftop terrace with tiki bar.
If you want to stay in the heart of the action, Boardrider Backpackers is right on Manly’s main shopping and eating corso. The beach is only 80 m away, and you can walk to the ferry wharf to get to the city in five minutes.
This fun hostel has a tiki bar on the roof, with sweeping views of Manly Beach, plus a free continental breakfast. You can even hire a snorkel to make the most of your beach trip!
I hope that’s helped you choose the best area in Sydney for your visit! Make sure you read my post on the top things to do in Sydney to help plan your trip. Head over to my Sydney page to browse all my posts on Sydney walks, beaches and day trips. Have fun!
Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.
