Where to stay in Sydney ?

Central business district: accommodation in the heart of Sydney

The Central Business District or CBD is the city's main financial, commercial and cultural centre. It is located in the southern part of the port. The district is famous for its iconic skyline, with modern skyscrapers rising up along the harbour. Among the most famous buildings are the Sydney Tower, the Queen Victoria Building and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

It is home to a large number of offices, banks, shops and restaurants. It is the nerve centre of the Australian economy and is home to many businesses. As well as business, you'll find many tourist and cultural attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most recognisable landmarks.

The CBD is also known for its green spaces, such as the Royal Botanic Garden, a vast botanic garden with views of the Opera House and harbour. Hyde Park is a popular place to relax and enjoy the greenery.

The area is well served by public transport, with many train, bus and ferry stations close by. The Light Rail also links the CBD to the whole city. It's also possible to get around on foot, with many places of interest within easy reach of each other. In terms of nightlife, the CBD offers a variety of bars, restaurants, clubs and theatres. The streets are lively in the evenings, and there is always something to do.

This area is ideal if you're spending a short time in Sydney or if you want to be close to all the tourist attractions and don't want to spend too much time on public transport. Beware, however, that accommodation prices are higher than elsewhere.

The Rocks: a prime location for staying in Sydney

The Rocks is a historic and iconic district. It lies just below the famous Harbour Bridge, opposite the iconic Opera House. The Rocks is regarded as the cradle of European settlement in Australia, and retains much of its charm and historic character.

In the 18th century, The Rocks was a colony of sailors, convicts and poor settlers, which helped forge its unique identity. It witnessed the beginnings of the British penal colony in Australia, which led to the creation of Sydney. Many of the buildings from this period have been preserved and restored, telling the fascinating story of the area.

Today, The Rocks is a vibrant place that blends theold with the new. The narrow cobbled streets, sandstone houses and restored warehouses create a unique atmosphere. It is home to a variety of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, pubs and cafés. There is also The Rocks Market, where visitors can buy handicrafts, local crafts and food.

The Rocks also offers stunning views of the harbour. Visitors can stroll along the harbour promenade, take a cruise or climb onto the deck for panoramic views. It also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Vivid Sydney festival, which illuminates buildings and streets with light and art installations.

In terms of tourist attractions, The Rocks is home to several museums, including The Rocks Museum and the Smuggling Museum. It is also an important place forAboriginal history, with the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. You can also take a stroll along Circular Quay, from where many ferries depart to explore the bay and surrounding area, or visit theObservatory.

This area is quite small and you'll soon get the hang of it. In fact, there is less accommodation here than elsewhere, and prices are quite high, although some establishments are quite affordable. On the other hand, you'll be staying in a quiet and very charming place, far from the modern buildings of the city centre. With good transport links, you'll have no trouble getting anywhere.

Darling Harbour: the chic district to the west of Sydney

Once a major industrial port, Darling Harbour has undergone a major transformation in recent decades to become a leading tourist destination.

Darling Harbour offers a variety of attractions suitable for all the family. From the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, where you can discover Australia's marine wildlife, the Wild Life Sydney Zoo, where you can meet the country's iconic animals, Madame Tussauds and its wax statues or theAustralian National Maritime Museum, offering a superb overview of Australia's maritime history, you won't be bored.

The area offers green spaces and play areas ideal for children. It's a great place to stay with your family. Here you can relax, picnic and enjoy the view of the harbour. The area is full of restaurants offering international and local cuisine. Whether you're looking for fine dining or a casual meal, you'll find it all.

Many cruise ships leave from the docks to explore the bay. Darling Harbour can be reached by public transport. Or you can walk from the city centre for a pleasant stroll along the bay on King Street Wharf.

Whether you're looking for family activities, a culinary experience or cultural discovery, this place has something for everyone and is a must for your visit.

Although a little out of the way, it's a great place to stay and easily accessible by public transport. On the quieter side, you'll want to stay here to enjoy top-of-the-range accommodation.

Surry Hills: ideally placed for low-cost accommodation

Surry Hills is located to the south of the CBD, on the edge of Hyde Park. This increasingly popular area is appreciated for its urban atmosphere and rich cultural life.

Historically, Surry Hills was a fairly low-key area, but it has undergone a significant transformation to become a favourite haunt for artists and hipsters. However, the area retains some of its original charm with its historic buildings, quaint alleyways and Victorian architecture.

Surry Hills is renowned for its many trendy cafés, restaurants and bars. Crown Street, the main thoroughfare, is a paradise for tourists who can enjoy a variety of cuisines. In terms of green spaces, Surry Hills has several parks, including Prince AlfredPark , where residents can relax, exercise or enjoy an outdoor picnic.

Surry Hills is also known for its lively nightlife. Many of the area's bars and pubs offer craft drinks, creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Live music lovers can also enjoy concerts at popular venues such as theOxford Art Factory.

Here you'll find numerous art galleries, theatres, artists' studios and designer boutiques. The streets vibrate with a bohemian atmosphere and host many arts festivals and events throughout the year. Visit the Belvoir St Theatre, renowned for its innovative productions, and the Brett Whiteley Studio, a museum dedicated to the Australian artist of the same name.

Surry Hills is close to Sydney Central Station and has excellent public transport links, with bus stops and metro stations nearby, making it an ideal base from which to explore Sydney and the surrounding area.

Here you'll find mainly flats for rent and it's certainly the cheapest area if you want to stay close to the centre of Sydney. However, be sure to book early, as the best accommodation goes very quickly!

Haymarket: the most popular district

Haymarket is home to Australia's largest Chinatown. The area is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Restaurants serve a wide variety of Asian dishes at affordable prices. There are also markets where visitors can sample tasty, authentic street food. On Friday evenings, you can visit the night market.

Located in the heart of Haymarket, Paddy's Markets is an indoor market where you can buy a wide variety of fresh produce, fashion, souvenirs and more. It's a lively and colourful experience, perfect for strolling around and picking upbargains. You can also visit the Capitol Theatre to see a play or musical, visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship or go shopping in Darling Square.

The main campus of the University of Technology is also located in Haymarket. The presence of this university adds a young and dynamic atmosphere, ideal if you like to go out in the evening.

Haymarket is very well served by public transport, particularly the nearby Central Station. This makes it easy for residents and visitors to get around. The area is therefore well located for visiting the city while staying in the fairly affordable accommodation.

Manly Beach: stay north of Sydney

Manly Beach is located on the north coast. It is renowned for its superb beaches, pleasant and friendly atmosphere, outdoor activities and seaside ambience.

Manly's main attraction is, of course, its magnificent golden sandy beach. It is divided into two sections: the south, ideal for swimming and families, and the north, popular with surfers for its more consistent waves. The area is ideal for surfing, swimming, volleyball and relaxing in the sun.

As well as surfing, Manly offers a multitude of water-based activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving and sailing. The clear waters and spectacular coastal scenery make it an ideal location for water sports enthusiasts.

The Corso is the main shopping street linking the seafront to Manly Wharf. Here you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as a lively atmosphere, especially at weekends.

Manly Wharf is the arrival point for ferries from the city centre. Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is a popular experience for locals and tourists alike, offering magnificent views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and other iconic landmarks.

Manly is bordered by the Sydney Harbour National Park, which offers superb walking trails with breathtaking views of the ocean and harbour. One of the most famous walks is the Manly Scenic Walkway, which links Manly to Spit Bridge.

All in all, Manly is a must for those looking for accommodation close to the beach, where they can enjoy water sports and a relaxing seaside atmosphere, as well as being close to the city centre by ferry.

Bondi Beach: an alternative place to stay in Sydney

Bondi Beach is a famous beach located around 7 kilometres east of the centre. It is renowned for its turquoise waters, golden sands and relaxed atmosphere.

It's a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers. The waves are famous and many sports enthusiasts come here to tame them. If you're a beginner, you can take lessons at one of the many surf schools nearby. There is also a swimming pool that juts out into the sea, where you can enjoy a more leisurely swim.

The area is supervised, as the waves can be strong at times. So it's essential to keep an eye on the sea conditions and follow the instructions before swimming or surfing.

You'll also discover the coastal path that links Bondi to Coogee, another beautiful beach. This picturesque walk offersbreathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, allowing you to discover other beautiful coves along the way.

Bondi hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. From surfing competitions to arts festivals to community gatherings, there's always something to do.

The area is easily accessible by car or public transport. You can take the train to Bondi Junction station, then catch a bus down to the beach. There are also direct bus routes . However, we don't recommend booking accommodation close to Bondi if you want to visit the city, as the area is very out of the way and the daily commute to other areas can be tiring.

Bondi is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the sun and the waves. You'll find plenty of hotels, flats and youth hostels to choose from, all fairly affordable.