Where to Stay in Sydney, Australia: The Best Hotels & Areas

Deciding where to stay in Sydney is an important process that impacts the rest of your trip.

If you stay out near the beach, it takes longer to reach the inner city. On the other hand, staying downtown offers access to lots of dining and shopping options along with more crowds.

As one of the best travel destinations in Australia, Sydney attracts millions of travellers each year. It has a combination of historical and contemporary landmarks and attractions, offering something for everyone.

The sweeping shoreline and towering skyline highlight the main features of this city. People tend to come for the beaches and harbourfront areas lined with restaurants before venturing into the city for shopping and entertainment.

Not sure where to start looking? Get your search for accommodations started with this guide to the best places to stay in Sydney…

Where to stay in Sydney: The best areas & neighbourhoods

Sydney is one of the oldest cities settled by the British, founded just 18 years after James Cook landed in the region. The history of the city is found in some of the older buildings in the downtown area but Sydney is also a modern metropolis.

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The districts of Sydney have evolved over the years and developed their own flavours and atmospheres. If your Sydney itinerary takes you through the entire city, you’ll discover quiet suburbs, bohemian neighbourhoods, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Sydney is located on the eastern coast of Australia. Many of the neighbourhoods border the ocean while most of the metro area surrounds Port Jackson. As you venture west, you’ll see the Blue Mountains in the distance. No matter where you go, you’re never far from a scenic landscape.

The best areas to stay in Sydney include:

  • Sydney Central Business District (CBD)
  • Kings Cross
  • Darling Harbour
  • Surry Hills

Sydney CBD

✔ Best area to stay in Sydney for first-time visitors and shopping

If you plan on visiting the top attractions in Sydney, consider staying in the centre of the city. The central business district (CBD) covers downtown Sydney and provides convenient access to everything else that the region has to offer.

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Along with a central location, Sydney CBD offers endless shopping and dining options to suit any style or taste.

It’s a bustling area during the day and becomes a little quieter at night. However, it doesn’t shut down entirely at night. The streets to the north and around Wynyard Station include many small bars, clubs, and lounges.

While the CBD has many modern attractions and buildings, it’s one of the oldest parts of the city. Hidden between high-rise buildings, you’ll come across several historic sites including old churches and administrative buildings.

The CBD also has a surprisingly large amount of green space. The sprawling Hyde Park and the Domain are two of the most popular public parks. You could spend an entire day walking the trails in these forested parklands.

The central part of the city is where most first-time visitors stay as it’s the most convenient area for reaching the destinations on your Sydney itinerary.

Attractions in and around Sydney CBD: Royal Botanic Gardens, King Street Wharf, Sydney Observatory, Sydney Town Hall, Hyde Park, the Domain

Recommended hotels in Sydney CBD

Sydney is not a cheap place to visit and the hotels in the CBD tend to cost a little more compared to the other districts. While you can find some of the best hotels in Sydney in the CBD, including several five-star resorts, expect to pay more.

  • Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney: As one of the top-rated hotels in the city, this five-star hotel treats guests with exceptional service. Enjoy a comfortable stay inside a historic building with its own on-site restaurant and bar.
  • Sir Stamford Circular Quay: This luxury hotel features a heated outdoor pool with views of Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay. It’s also across from the Royal Botanic Gardens and a short stroll from the shopping streets in the centre of the CBD.
  • Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park: Located in the middle of Sydney CBD, this four-star hotel is across from Hyde Park and several blocks from some of the main attractions in the city. After a long day exploring the sites of Sydney, unwind in the 24-hour rooftop fitness centre and pool.

Kings Cross

✔ Top place to stay in Sydney for budget travellers and nightlife

Kings Cross is considered one of the most affordable parts of the city. It’s also home to the city’s red-light district. While this was once a seedy part of the city, it’s experienced a revitalisation in the past decade. It’s become less grungy, thanks to a trendy selection of little cafes and boutiques.

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Kings Cross has undergone several changes but it’s still the liveliest part of Sydney. This is the neighbourhood that you want to visit for a vibrant nightlife scene.

It has the largest selection of bars compared to other neighbourhoods in Sydney. You can find everything from dive bars to hipster bars. However, you’ll still want to watch your wallet when exploring this neighbourhood at night.

This neighbourhood is also known for its food markets. On Saturdays, you can browse dozens of stalls and find almost any type of food imaginable. Feast on seafood, grilled street food, baked goods, and fresh produce.

Located just east of the CBD, Kings Cross is a short trip from the bustling downtown area. Kings Cross isn’t the best spot for families and luxury travellers. It’s mostly a party district with lots of ways to have fun during a weekend.

Attractions in and around Kings Cross: Elizabeth Bay House, Sydney Jewish Museum, El-Alamein Memorial Fountain, Potts Point, Art Gallery of New South Wales

Recommended hotels in Kings Cross

Kings Cross doesn’t have the largest selection of hotels as it mostly caters to backpackers and budget travellers. While the options are limited, you can find several comfortable locations for a fraction of the cost compared to the hotels in the CBD.

  • Larmont Sydney by Lancemore: Located across from the iconic Coca-Cola billboard in the centre of the red-light district, this boutique-style hotel has spacious rooms. Some of the rooms even have views of the city or private balconies. It’s a few blocks from the train station, helping you reach any other spot in the city.
  • Holiday Inn Potts Point – Sydney: This business hotel has large rooms, clean sheets, and great views of the city. While it doesn’t have a lot of amenities, it has good rates and a great location. You can easily walk to the city’s top restaurants and bars.
  • Springfield Lodge: Found a quiet street in the centre of the noisy Kings Cross neighbourhood, this mid-range hotel was recently restored. It has newly furnished rooms with modern décor and free Internet.

Darling Harbour

✔ Most recommended area to stay in Sydney for families and entertainment

If you are travelling with your family and you only have one day in Sydney, Darling Harbour is a great place to stay. This vibrant neighbourhood caters to families with a wide range of entertainment venues from an IMAX theatre to large malls and a variety of restaurants. You also easily reach some of the city’s main attractions.

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Darling Harbour is home to the Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World, offering an entire day of fun for people of all ages. Other fun attractions include a major shopping complex, a casino, a sprawling public park, and Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks.

As one of the more touristy areas of the city, the streets are mostly pedestrianised. You can walk expansive boulevards flanked by shopping centres, restaurants, and theatres.

While it’s mostly a family-friendly neighbourhood, Darling Harbour also comes alive in the evening. The streets located closest to the harbour are typically packed with tourists looking for bars and late-night restaurants.

Darling Harbour also offers some of the best views of the city and the ocean. It’s located on the opposite side of the harbour from the busy downtown area. You can look across the harbour to see the lights from the high-rises in Sydney CBD.

Attractions in and around Darling Harbour: The Star Sydney, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, Sydney Fish Markets, Circular Quay, Madame Tussaud’s Sydney

Recommended hotels in Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a tourist hotspot and offers lots of rooms to handle the crowds. The wide selection of hotels includes several boutique options and several luxury resorts including a sprawling complex with a casino, spa, and dozens of on-site restaurants and bars.

  • Meriton Suites Sussex Street: This five-star hotel is located across the harbour but it’s still within walking distance of the main streets in Darling Harbour. It’s also just a few blocks from the shopping and entertainment in Sydney CBD. While it’s a five-star location, you’ll find reasonable rates.
  • Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour: Located directly on the harbourfront, this four-star hotel has panoramic views of the Sydney skyline and a rooftop infinity pool. If you don’t want to leave the hotel, drink and dine at one of the three on-site bars or the hotel’s restaurant.
  • The Darling at The Star: This upscale boutique hotel has everything that you need for a comfortable stay. Choose from a wide range of on-site restaurants, relax in an outdoor pool, and enjoy a view of the skyline from your hotel room. It’s also part of The Star Sydney, connecting the hotel to a wide selection of bars and restaurants.

Surry Hills

✔ Best place to stay in Sydney for fashion and food

Surry Hills is the main fashion district in Sydney. In recent years, it’s also become a little more bohemian, attracting younger people and bringing a variety of artisanal bakeries and boutiques. You’re more likely to spot hipsters and students in this cool neighbourhood.

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This neighbourhood is laid-back and full of creativity. While many boutique shops have opened in recent years, it’s still the best source for designer brands and flagship clothing stores. You can find almost any style of clothing in Surry Hills.

Due to the cool vibe of the neighbourhood, it’s become home to many artists, musicians, and media companies. As you stroll the main streets in the evening, you’re likely to hear alternative or folk music coming from the bars and lounges.

This neighbourhood also contains several art galleries located inside converted warehouses. If you walk to Crown and Cleveland Streets, you’ll find the hip coffee joints located on the ground floor of terraced houses.

The only drawback is the distance to the beaches. Surry Hills is just south of Sydney CBD, requiring you to cross Darlinghurst and Kings Cross to reach the shore. Luckily, it’s also near Central Station, connecting you to any point in the city.

Attractions in and around Surry Hills: Surry Hills Market, Central Station, Mounted Police Museum, Korean War Memorial, Ward Park

Recommended hotels in Surry Hills

Surry Hills has boutique hotels, hostels, and apartments for all price ranges. From antique furnishings to eclectic décor, you’ll also find interesting accommodations. Many of the hotels are a short walk from Oxford Street, which is home to a wide selection of trendy wine bars, clubs, and restaurants.

  • 57 Hotel: Located on the main street in the centre of Surry Hills, this mid-range hotel is a five-minute walk from Central Station and a short trip from the main shopping and dining options in Surry Hills. Start your day with free breakfast and then explore the sites from this convenient location.
  • Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar: With clean rooms and affordable prices, this chain hotel is a convenient place to stay. It’s at the northern end of Surry Hills, a short distance from the CBD. The rooms are a little small but carefully arranged to fit a kitchenette and seating area.
  • Little Albion, a Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel: A charming boutique with elegant furnishings, this upscale location stands out compared to the more affordable options in Surry Hills. It’s located on a small side street and has its own rooftop garden and terrace with a sunken lounge. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel for those travelling with pets.

Beyond Sydney accommodations: More places to stay in Australia

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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