Avril Treasure

Summer 2026 update: Whether you’re looking for a coffee and feed post hot girl walk, picking up a B&E after your swim or catching up with friends over a sweet treat, Sydney’s best cafés will have you covered. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Everyone's got their favourite neighbourhood when it comes to eating out in Sydney, but let's not deny it: none rival the CBD for the sheer number of world-class restaurants you can choose from. Time Out Sydney's local writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have discovered the best tables to book in the heart of the city, whether you're primed for a quick power lunch with the boss, a cruisy date night somewhere swish and satisfying or a degustation experience that'll blow you away. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED READS: Want something a little more casual? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in the city. Nightcap anyone? Polish off your meal with a drink at one of these fine cocktail bars. 

Summer update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your summer sessions. From frosty Martinis to fun and fruity Piña Coladas, cold ales in sunny beer gardens and vinos in sexy wine bars – whatever you’re after, whatever the occasion, you’ll find it all here. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Editor’s picks: 😎 Best for a vibey wine and snack: Famelia🥂 Best for bubbles with a view: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar🎸 Best for live music: Buddy's Bar 🍻 Best for a drink on a sunny rooftop: Monica🍹 Best for an excellent cocktail: PS40 Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

Did you know Australia’s last-standing pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find a night free, and feel like something different – and supporting indie work! – check out what's on here.  Now, let’s dive into more theatrical fun currently on in Sydney. In an exciting coup, the most awarded new American play of 2025, Purpose, is on now at STC's Wharf 1 Theatre. Our reviewer gave it five stars – you can read it here. The excellent Gatsby at The Green Light has returned to the Sydney Opera House until March 28, transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club plucked from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic world. Pretty Woman: The Musical is now on at Theatre Royal Sydney. One of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time has been brought to life on stage, with singer-songwriter Samantha Jade making her theatrical debut as the lead character, Vivian. Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West

It's (nearly) the weekend! Let's go. Got your outfit sorted? The Mardi Gras Parade will return to Oxford Street this Saturday, February 28, for its 48th year. The annual march will be kicked off by the famous Dykes on Bikes, making way for more than 12,000 marchers and 200 floats, with thousands of spectators expected to get among the sparkly action. This year’s theme is Ecstatica – “a collision of glamour, grit, and raw joy” – focusing on unity and pride. Check out our guide to where to party here. I'll see you there! The new Sydney Fish Market is throwing a series of sunset gigs featuring live music, fresh seafood and cold drinks, from 5-8pm. Come on down this Saturday, February 28, for an indie pop dreams session – and it’s free. Plus, head across the harbour to Cockatoo Island's Sunset Sessions or Twilight at Taronga.Sydney is alive with fun late-night eats right now too, with Lakemba Nights here to help you break the fast until March 15, and Lunar New Year celebrations going down across the city.  Broadway’s award-winning show Purpose has been brought to life by Sydney Theatre Company. It’s about a powerful African American family, and how it’s thrown into chaos when its estranged youngest son returns home with an uninvited guest. Oprah Winfrey said it’s “brilliant and funny and serious and complex and powerful” – and our reviewer gave it five stars. Get a ticket here, and you can explore our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here. Plus, take a dip at one of Sy

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on. Somehow it's the last week of summer. Squeeze in a few dips at Sydney’s best beaches, get your sweat on with a pretty bushwalk, or pack drinks and snacks and throw out a rug at one of our fave picnic spots. Keen to make a new friend? Sydney’s first friendship festival is going down this Wednesday, February 25, from 4-10pm, and it sounds pretty cool. More than 1,000 people are expected to hang out across 50 venues citywide to expand their social world. Meet people from all walks of life – including those who’ve just moved here – enjoy some tasty eats and drinks, head home with a great story and hopefully some new connections. What have you got to lose? Find out more here. Got your outfit sorted? The Mardi Gras Parade will return to Oxford Street this Saturday, February 28, for its 48th year. The annual march will be kicked off by the famous Dykes on Bikes, making way for more than 12,000 marchers and 200 floats, with thousands of spectators expected to get among the sparkly action. This year’s theme is Ecstatica – “a collision of glamour, grit, and raw joy” – focusing on unity and pride. Check out our guide to where to party here. The new Sydney Fish Market is throwing a series of sunset gigs featuring live music, fresh seafood and cold drinks, from 5-8pm. Come on down this Saturday, February 28, for an indie pop dreams session – and it’s free Sydney is alive with fun late-night eats right now too, with Lakemba Nights here t

As a city known for its healthy way of life, Sydney is unsurprisingly home to dozens of spas and skincare salons offering facial treatments to keep the signature sun-kissed glow alive even through the winter months. And while we can’t list them all, we can shine a light on a solid list of the top wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round – special mention has to go to Fayshell, whose membership option has totally changed the game (and improved my own skin immeasurably). Read on for our round-up of Sydney’s best facials. Need a new hair do? These are the best hair salons in Sydney.Want head-to-toe treatment outside of the city? These are the best day spas in the Blue Mountains. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydney town

Whether you’re margherita-loving purist or an all-the-toppings enthusiast, a fan of New York-style, Detroit-style, Neapolitan-style or your own whacky style, everybody’s their definition of a dream pizza. But cities all over the world have put their own spin on the dish, too, and that’s why we called on our international network of editors and writers to share the weirdest, tastiest and most lip-smacking pizzas where they live. So, feast your eyes on Time Out’s freshly-baked roundup of the best pizzas on the planet.  RECOMMENDED:🍝The best cities in the world for food🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world This list was edited by Liv Kelly, Time Out’s travel writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Hello! I hope you’re having a great summer. If you’re anything like me, your days are spent, yes, at work, but more importantly, by the ocean and wining and dining with your favourite people. Good news! There’s a heck of a lot of hot new spots to check out – for all occasions. Like Appizza, a new pizza spot from the AP Bakery team slinging excellent New Haven-inspired slices. I’m loving Temu Kangen – a cheerful Indonesian eatery in Haymarket and sibling to Medan Ciak, serving street food favourites. And South End in Newtown is a beautiful little bistro, home to one of my favourite meals in a long time. Enjoy. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Not everything described as iconic deserves the title, but the double-ended ferries that shuttle between Circular Quay, past the heads and into Manly Cove are truly icons of the beachside suburb. The most visited Northern Beaches suburb is known for its surfing history, rows of Norfolk Island pine trees and busy thoroughfare of shops, cafés and sprawling pubs, but look beyond the well-trodden Corso and you’ll find tiny dive bars, indie boutiques and never-ending ways to make the most of the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Before Manly became a popular escape from Sydney’s CBD, it was home to the Gamaragal people, who were custodians of the land on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour. Jump to a section: EAT DRINK COFFEE THINGS TO DO SHOPPING What’s Manly known for? Just how many beaches are too manly for one suburb to have? Well, Manly has eight, which explains why water defines pretty much every aspect of life in this desirable suburb on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. People come here for surfing, sunshine, skateboarding, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and beach volleyball. What's so good about Manly? “You live in Manly for the lifestyle. It’s the kind of place where your mum always had beach towels in the boot so you could meet her for a swim after school during summer, and your weekends consisted of nippers in the morning followed by a pink iced doughnut from the local bakery” says Alice Donaldson, who grew up in Manly. Once she got older it was all about waterfront d

Summer 2026 update: This is my favourite time of year, filled with swims, mangoes and the sounds of cicadas. It also happens to be the best time to catch up with people – when everyone’s feeling good and celebratory. Below, you’ll find Sydney’s best restaurants to do just that. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert, on-the-ground editors and food writers who eat and drink their way around Sydney, including Time Out Sydney's Editor, Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Editor's favourite restaurants in Sydney: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Bennelong 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Jane ☀️ Best for a long Sunday lunch: Bathers' Pavilion 🍝 Best for an Greek feast: Olympus  🫒 Best for a friends' catch-up: South End Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READs: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want more? These are Sydney's best new restaurants and bars.

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. February 2025 update: Potts Point’s Vermuteria has changed its name to Bar Hernandez. Co-owner David Spanton says: “We have returned the name to tap into the history of the place (formerly Café Hernandez for 50 years) and to have a name that is easier for people to say.” Nothing else has changed, including the great daily happy hour – featuring cheap cocktails, tapas, sherry, wine and vermouth. It’s also an excellent choice for a date. Read on for our review from 2023. ***** Deciphering how to say Vermuteria is about as difficult as defending against Sam Kerr. And we’re not the only ones who have found it challenging – the team posted a video on Instagram where they quizzed guests on how to say the name, with varying levels of success. When we visit on a Wednesday evening, it’s the second thing we ask our waiter. He answers with a warm, knowing smile: “Ver – mutt – err – ria.” Case closed. Now, we can focus on what matters most: drinking and eating. Located on Kings Cross Road, Vermuteria has taken over the former Cafe Hernandez site, which operated there for 50 years as a Spanish café. Before that, the building was home to a Polish deli. With Vermuteria, owner Dave Spanton (the founder of Australian Bartender Magazine, and hole-in-the-wall nearby spot Picco

For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night, bringing family and friends together to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Lakemba Nights is back, running every Thursday to Sunday from February 19 to March 15, 2026. RELATED READ: The 5 must-try dishes at Sydney's Lakemba Nights Ramadan markets. What time does Lakemba Nights during Ramadan open and close? From 6pm until 2am, Thursday through to Sunday, more than 60 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more. Time Out tip: We recommend getting there early, around 6pm, and making a beeline straight for the busiest stalls (they're the ones with fences up for lines!). It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Lakemba Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens and food trucks lining Haldon Street. What started as a single street barbecue back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with the event from previous years drawing in more than one million people across the month.

Calling all beer lovers: Brookie Fest, a three-day beer fest bringing together the ace breweries dotted around Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is back for its third year. This seriously fun shindig kicks off on Friday, February 13, and runs until Sunday, February 15 with Brookvale’s best breweries, distillers and eateries – including Bucketty's Brewing Co, Freshwater Brewing Company, Manly Spirits Co, Dad & Dave's Brewing and more – all getting in on the action – and you should, too. There will be lots of smashable ice-cold beers and live bands performing throughout the festival, but we’re big fans of the wacky entertainment. W're talking about dachshund racing (yep, those sausage dogs are set to battle it out), skating demos, a chilli eating contest, and the ever-popular Esky races. Got little ones? Bring them along on Sunday for kids’ karaoke, balloons and hair braiding.  You can check out the full line-up here. See you at Brookie Fest! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Thirsty? These are the best breweries in Sydney right now. Feel like a swim? Hit the surf with our guide to the top beaches in Sydney here. Check out our guide to the coolest bars in Sydney.

Orange FOOD Week – the country’s longest-running annual regional food festival and my personal favourite food and wine party – returns this autumn, celebrating the area’s incredible produce, producers and chefs. Running from March 20-29, the 2026 edition of the festival will once again bring together local farmers, winemakers, coffee roasters, cheesemakers and food-lovers – AKA those in the food, wine and beer biz – for ten days of feasting and celebrations. Now in its 35th year, Orange FOOD Week 2026 will feature close to 100 joyous and delicious events happening across the small township and surrounding farmlands of Orange. Gather your mates and plan your road trip now. RELATED READ: I write about food for a living – and this is the NSW food festival I never miss. Most of the events at FOOD Week are ticketed (you can have a suss at all of them here). While some flagship events are sold out, there’s still the option to put your name on the waiting list. Plus, there are plenty of free happenings and even more great eateries to experience while you’re in Orange (Hey Rosey and The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank are my top picks). Highlights of FOOD Week include the outdoor Night Market (March 20), featuring food and wine stalls serving local delights under festoon lights in Robertson Park; the gorgeous alfresco long lunch, Sampson Street Lunch (March 21), which includes a three-course meal plus paired wines; and lots of meet the producer workshops, where you can meet

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  When was the last time you visited the quieter end of Newtown’s King Street? If it’s been a while, here’s a great reason to stroll past the few remaining vegan spots, colourful vintage stores and dodgy tobacco shops: a glorious, peach-coloured, seasonal bistro called South End that I reckon you’re gonna love. I sure do. The vibe Opened in October 2025, South End comes from three long-term hospo pros and friends. In the kitchen, you'll find Hussein Sarhan, former head chef of Fred’s in Paddington who also worked at the late Skye Gyngell’s Spring Restaurant in London, and Alex Tong, ex-Ester sous chef who’s also cooked at Ho Lee Fook and Belon in Hong Kong. Leading the floor and drinks is Paul Guiney – an award-winning legend whose CV spans Nahm in London, Embla, Town Mouse and Brooks in Melbourne, and A.P Bread & Wine and The Bentley Group in Sydney. If I could give six stars for Guiney’s service, I would. Inside, it's simple and charming, with cream curtains, coffee-bean-coloured wooden furniture, sage-green accents and white tablecloths. The staff, dressed in Powerade-blue jackets for a pop of fun, are warm and switched-on, chatting to guests with ease. At the centre is a bar where you can pull up a chair for a wine and snack. And I think in a few weeks,

A few years ago, I called Paddington home. Most days, I’d ride my moped along Oxford Street, turning into South Dowling Street, passing a seemingly endless construction site cloaked in dust and hi-vis, and wondering what might rise from it. The heritage-listed building at 1-11 Oxford Street has lived many lives as one of Sydney’s cultural landmarks. In the late 1800s, the site housed Marshall’s Paddington Brewery before transforming into West’s Olympia Theatre in 1911. By the mid-20th century, it had become Sydney’s first twin cinema, followed by later incarnations including the famed Grand Pacific Blue Room nightclub. In 2025, after years of planning and construction, the building was reborn as 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia – an impressive 109-room boutique hotel complete with first-class restaurants and bars. It also marks the first Australian outpost from 25hours Hotels, the cult European brand celebrated for its imaginative design and deep ties to local culture. And I reckon they’ve nailed it. But before we get into the good bits – and there’s a lot – let’s get the only two faults out of the way. For one, the name is a bit of a mouthful. And two, there’s no dedicated hotel car park. The team recommends arriving by Uber, taxi or public transport – though if you do want to bring your car, there are neighbouring car parks just a short walk away. What is 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia like? 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia is bold and playful, with clever nods to the bui

We’re big fans of Newcastle at Time Out. Located a little over two hours north of Sydney, the seaside city boasts pumping surf and pristine ocean pools – including the largest in the Southern Hemisphere –  and a vibrant township, minus the traffic. The region is the birthplace of some seriously talented chefs (hello, Josh Niland and Brett Graham), and boasts a cracking food and wine scene. It’s also home to Newcastle Food Month – a month-long celebration of the best things in life: great food, booze and your people. The good news? Newcastle Food Month is returning for its sixth year, with the festival kicking off early this time on March 28 and extending all the way until April 30. This gives you a generous 34 days spanning the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day weekend and the April school holidays to taste your way around the area. If it’s been a while between visits – or if you’re due for a weekend getaway – Newy this April is where it's at. MasterChef alumnus Reece Hignell has just been announced as its newest Ambassador. Reece joins long-standing NFM Ambassador Jessica Farchione, and together, they will champion the town's thriving food scene. Things kick off with a brand new signature event, Sounds Bites. It will see Newcastle’s top chefs teaming up with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre on March 28 at Newcastle racecourse for a day of exceptional food, top drops and live music.  The Autumnal Garden Party is so good, it's one twice – on April 11 and 18 at the historic  Customs

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Stepping into Mister Grotto is like walking into an eclectic fisherman’s den. A curved, wood-panelled roof gives the 30-seat space a boat-like character. There are fishing nets, marine treasures, a wrap-around bar with a twisted rope edge, and a colourful map of Australia with under-the-sea creatures by Michael Wholley. Everyone seems to be having a whale of a time, packed in like sardines, with waiters just squeezing through while frosty Martinis are poured and glistening oysters are shucked. Stepping into Newtown’s Mister Grotto is also like walking into one of Sydney's most exciting restaurants. And if the surroundings don't give it away, they only serve (excellent) seafood here. The vibe Mister Grotto opened in March 2025 on Newtown’s small but mighty Australia Street. The spirited diner is from Paisano & Daughters – the team behind its knockout next-door siblings: Continental Deli, Osteria Mucca and Joe's Tavern, as well as some of the Humble, Porteño and Bastardo team. Like all their other venues, the considered, personality-packed space is thanks to co-owner and creative director Sarah Doyle, who drew inspiration from her memories of fishing with her father as a child. This isn’t the place to come if you’re after a quiet evening and a steak. But if yo

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Jellyfish has scored a new fan. Arriving piled high in a small white porcelain bowl, the marine creature comes tangled with soft, just-cooked king prawns, fragrant coriander, sliced green chilli and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s incredible: lively, tingling, textural. It's like an electric disco under the sea – and it's my favourite dish at Grandfathers, the CBD’s new Chinese restaurant from the team behind Sydney favourites Clam Bar and Pellegrino 2000. The vibe The 140-seat L-shaped restaurant, found in the former Long Chim home on Angel Place, is the fifth restaurant opening in five years from the trio Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Michael Clift. Their latest venture is inspired by Clift’s Chinese grandfather, who sparked the chef's great love of food. Inside, red-and-black zig-zag carpet adds pizzazz, and moon-like orbs dangle from the ceiling. Pet-style fish swim in neon-blue fish tanks, while red-jacketed waitstaff whip around the room, refilling waters and running guests through the menu. The girls next to me are taking photos with a dish of glistening, bronzed pigeon. These Three Musketeers excel at many things – seasoning, soundtrack and drinks list, for starters. And they know how to create a fully realised venue, one that’s big on vibe. The kind of pl

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Sydney’s got its fair share of beloved restaurants – but few reached the cult status of Bar Vincent. The low-lit Italian haunt had chefs and food-lovers wrapped around its olive-oil-slicked finger, so much so that, when co-owners Andy and Sarah announced they were closing the doors for good, you could almost hear the city’s collective gasp. Good news, then, that it was snapped up by a trio who loved the restaurant as much as anyone else: Nathan and Sali Sasi and Morgan McGlone from Sydney favourites Bar Copains, Bessie’s and Alma’s. The guys initially kept things much the same, though they soon realised the business wasn’t sustainable. Plus, they wanted to create an offering that was authentic to them. So they stuck to their guns and, to many people's initial disappointment, transformed Bar Vincent into Vin-Cenzo’s. It’s still an Italian restaurant – just done their way.  There are similarities between the two. For one, they’re both bloody excellent. Some of Bar Vincent’s dishes live on at Vin-Cenzo's, like the vitello tonnato – reimagined into a cracking crudo with ruby-coloured Ulladulla tuna, dolloped with a creamy, anchovy-rich sauce. The curved arches remain, now painted a soft blue. And, importantly, they both have integrity – and that’s well worth its

Cue the jingle bells for your office commute: the beloved annual Martin Place Christmas Markets are back for 2025, kicking off on Thursday, November 27 and ending on Saturday, December 20. The merry CBD markets will then be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (and on one Sunday, November 30) leading up to Christmas (AKA the biggest day in Mariah Carey’s calendar). It's your chance to get gifts for your loved ones and support small businesses at the same time. How’s that for Christmas cheer? From ripe and juicy cherries to festive wreaths, deliciously scented candles, boutique wines, Christmas puddings, handcrafted jewellery and chic homewares, these markets are stacked with excellent stalls and passionate stallholders, set to bring festival cheer to even the most Grinch-identifying CBD worker. This year, they will also introduce a washable service system in partnership with Betizen, aiming to significantly reduce single-use waste.  You’ll find the Christmas markets in the pedestrian boulevard of Martin Place in the heart of the city – just above the huge Martin Place metro station.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Get in the festive spirit with these Christmas markets running all throughout the November and December.

I’m lying on a sand-coloured sunlounge overlooking lush tropical vegetation, the afternoon sun soft and warm on my skin. I can’t hear any cars, just the gentle rustle of trees in the breeze and local kookaburras gasbagging. I’m facing two dilemmas. First, I need to somehow muster the energy to get dressed for dinner at The Rooftop Bar & Grill, though a Spritz and prawn linguini does sound good. The second? I’ve got to figure out how I can move to Mollymook. The good news is there’s Bannisters Pavilion, where I’m staying, and, of course, its local sibling Bannisters by the Sea – for now. Why stay at Bannisters Pavilion? Well, firstly, the banging location. Just 500 metres from Mollymook Beach – one of the South Coast’s most beautiful stretches of sand – Bannisters Pavilion is an ideal base for when you want to go on holiday and let the car keys gather dust on the kitchen bench. The hotel is fresh and contemporary, featuring light-filled rooms, a rooftop pool for daily dips, an upbeat restaurant and a bar. As well as pristine beaches, Bannisters Pavilion is close to a golf course and cafés – so you’ve got everything you need for a laid-back escape at your fingertips. Plus, Bannisters Pavilion is a more affordable and family-friendly option than its famous sibling, Bannisters by the Sea – but you still get the signature style and quality hospitality. What are the rooms like at Bannisters Pavilion? There are 35 rooms and suites at Bannisters Pavilion, decked out in beach-shack ch

It's been almost three years since Ed Sheeran serenaded crowds of 110,000 and 108,000 people over two epic nights at the MCG in March 2023, and now he's back in Melbourne and ready to rock Marvel Stadium.  As one of the best-selling music artists of all time (not to mention everyone's favourite wedding first dance artist), Sheeran has already performed in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney as part of his Loop Tour – and from what we've heard, he does not disappoint. Expect to hear hits such as ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Perfect’, as well as songs off his brand new album Play. Excited? You bet we are. If you're heading to see Ed Sheeran in Melbourne, here’s everything you need to know... When is Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour in Melbourne? Sheeran is taking over Marvel Stadium for three massive shows on Thursday, February 26; Friday, February 27; and Saturday, February 28. How to get to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne concerts Marvel Stadium is right next door to Southern Cross Station, so public transport is by far the best option to get to the concert. Simply walk over the convenient footbridge to get from the platforms to the stadium entrance. For info on how to plan your public transport journey, head over here.  What time will Ed Sheeran come on stage? Gates open at 4pm, and Sheeran is expected to begin by around 8pm. The support acts will kick off around 5.15pm (more on that below). What can I bring to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne shows? There are specific rules for what you can an

Call me biased, but I reckon NSW is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. From Raes on Wategos to the Hunter Valley’s EXP and Sydney favourites like Quay, Saint Peter and Margaret, the state’s dining scene is hotter than the CBD in January. There’s one spot on NSW’s laid-back, sandy-footed south coast that’s been on my hit list for years: Rick Stein at Bannisters, a restaurant by British chef, TV star and author Rick Stein, housed in the five-star Bannisters by the Sea. (OK, yes, I’ve also dreamed about diving into that azure infinity pool, too.) Photograph: Supplied | Bannisters by the Sea When the world-famous seafood restaurant opened in 2009, it was Stein's first venture outside of the UK. Now, Stein, alongside his Aussie wife Sarah Stein, has 11 venues, including Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens. Excitingly, there’s another at our fingertips, with Rick Stein at Coogee Beach opening inside the beachfront InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach this December. I thought there was no better time to experience the OG. Safe to say my expectations were high. Photograph: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach After spending the day by the pool and deep in Sally Hepworth’s latest page-turner, we headed to dinner, the gum trees glowing gold in the sunset and the smell of sea salt in the breeze. We were warmly welcomed by the team before kicking things off with a Ginger Fusion – a cooling and balanced cocktail with notes of cucumber, ginger, grapefruit and lime – alongside pris

A few weeks ago we brought the very good news that Sydney officially scrapped its remaining lockout laws – the mandated policy for 3.30am last drinks being the main one – ending a decade-long era of restrictions and doom and gloom. Unfortunately, we may be taking two steps back with the news that one of the city’s most lively pubs is facing strict regulation from the police. A Newtown icon, the Marlborough Hotel, known by locals as The Marly, has been in operation since 1860 and is one of King Street’s most recognisable pubs. Owned by hospo group Solotel, which is behind other popular venues like The Bank Hotel, The Abercrombie, Darlo Bar and more, The Marly can draw in 1,500 punters on a busy night, according to the SMH. However, due to “ongoing compliance issues” from alcohol-related incidents including assaults in the past five years, local police are now pushing the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority to introduce a range of conditions for the popular pub, such as alcohol restrictions, facial recognition cameras and dance floor limits. Photograph: Destination NSW Local councillors say the move would be at odds with the great strides the NSW government’s vibrancy reforms have made in recent times. These include venues no longer being able to be shut down due to a single noise complaint, the standing-while-drinking rule being scrapped, and the removal of sign-up rules at clubs and RSLs, as well as extended trading hours for venues that host live performances (to d

What makes a restaurant romantic? White tablecloths, flickering candlelight, Frank Sinatra and, hopefully, a cracking date? Well, the team at OpenTable has dropped its annual Top 50 Romantic Restaurants in Australia list – and they all have one thing in common: they’re perfect for your next date night. Photograph: Hugh O'Brien Nine restaurants in New South Wales – including three in Sydney – have been named among Australia’s most romantic, according to data from the online booking platform. Based on real guest reviews and booking data collected from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025, the team looked at a range of things, including ratings, five-star reviews, advance bookings and search interest, to narrow it down. The final 50 list was determined by the percentage of reviews tagged “romantic”. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney RELATED READ: The most romantic restaurants and bars in Sydney that couples will love Neptune’s Grotto, winner of Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year 2025, has been named one of the restaurants best for dates, thanks to its vibey dining room, delicious Italian dishes and, yes, soft candlelight. Following the Italian theme is Enmore Road’s Osteria di Russo & Russo, also named among the country’s most romantic restaurants. And Bathers’ Pavilion, which overlooks Balmoral’s idyllic cove, is also perfect for romantic long lunches and Cupid-approved dinners. Photograph: Destination NSW | Andrew GregoryViews of the Bathers Pavilion f

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, one of the best-selling music artists of all time and everyone’s favourite first-dance singer, is performing in Sydney this week as part of his Loop Tour, before heading to Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. This force behind stick-in-your-head hits such as ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Perfect’ was last in Australia in 2023. Now, fresh off his New Zealand leg of the tour and shows in Perth, he’s heading to Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this week to belt out his absolute heartstring-pulling bangers. Expect to sing along to songs off his brand-new album Play – as well as his most-loved chart-toppers. Heading to see Ed Sheeran in Sydney? Here’s everything you need to know... Photograph: Supplied When are the Ed Sheeran Sydney shows? Ed Sheeran is performing three shows in Sydney: Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day!), and Sunday, February 15. How to get to the Ed Sheeran Sydney concerts Ed Sheeran’s shows are at Accor Stadium, inside Sydney Olympic Park, which is well-connected to public transport (which is free for concert-goers – just flash your concert ticket). Parking can be a bit difficult, so the best way to get to the concert is to catch a train from Central to Olympic Park Station, with trains also departing Strathfield every few minutes. From there, it’s a short walk to Accor Stadium. What time will Ed Sheeran come on stage in Sydney? Likely around 8pm. Doors open at 4pm, with the aw

Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper who is currently the world’s most-streamed artist on Spotify, is performing in Australia for the first time ever this month – and he’s only coming to Sydney. Fresh off the Super Bowl halftime show stage, where his epic performance layered with cultural storytelling drew in 135.4 million viewers and made history as the most-watched halftime show ever (surpassing Kendrick Lamar’s 133.5 million from last year), Bunny will perform two shows in Sydney at ENGIE Stadium (Sydney Showground) in Olympic Park as part of his 2026 world tour. This comes off the back of Bunny’s Grammy win for his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – becoming the first artist to win Album of the Year for a record sung entirely in Spanish. Bad Bunny What was the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show about? Before we hop into the key bits about coming to Sydney – if you haven’t watched Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show (his real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), you gotta. The performance, performed almost entirely in Spanish, spoke heartfelt messages about unity. A closing backdrop read “THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE.” His performance used joy, cultural pride, and shared heritage to spotlight the diversity of the Americas, making it both a celebration and a powerful statement about inclusion and belonging. Keen to see him IRL? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Bad Bunny’s Sydney shows. Is Bad Bunny coming to Sydney? Yes! Bad Bunny will

At yesterday’s Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history as the first halftime headliner to perform entirely in Spanish. The Puerto Rican rapper’s epic performance, layered with cultural storytelling, drew in 135.4 million viewers (surpassing Kendrick Lamar’s 133.5 million from last year), making him the most-watched halftime act ever. Whether you're a long-time fan or new recruit, you’ll be stoked to hear that Bad Bunny is coming to Australia for the very first time this month and has locked in two shows in Sydney as part of his 2026 world tour. The tour supports his Grammy-winning album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, which made history as the first Album of the Year award for a record sung entirely in Spanish. Keen to see him IRL? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Bad Bunny in Australia. What was the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show about? Before we hop into the key bits about coming to Australia – if you haven’t watched Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show (his real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), you gotta. The performance, performed almost entirely in Spanish, spoke heartfelt messages about unity. A closing backdrop read “THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE.” His performance used joy, cultural pride, and shared heritage to spotlight the diversity of the Americas, making it both a celebration and a powerful statement about inclusion and belonging. Is Bad Bunny coming to Australia? Yes – but he’s only coming to Sydney. Bad Bunny will perform two

The term ‘hidden gem’ gets thrown around a lot – and in the world of TikTok and Instagram, it’s not long until some slice of paradise gets fed into the algorithm. But true hidden gems – that is, beautiful destinations that are yet to blow up big time – are still out there, if you know where to look. Now, a new study has uncovered ten incredible yet lesser-known destinations in Australia that are still flying under the radar. And guess what? The country’s top hidden gem is right here in New South Wales. RELATED READ: NSW’s 8 most enchanting small towns revealed – bookmark for your next road trip. To determine these hidden gems, the team at Rollin’ analysed destinations across the country using five key factors: average monthly Google search demand (the lower, the better), social media visibility, the number of accommodations and attractions, distance from the nearest capital city and weather suitability. These scores were then combined to create an overall index, revealing the top ten under-the-radar locations in Oz. Photograph: Mcollison via Wikimedia Commons Dangar Island, a tranquil car-free island just an hour north of Sydney, claimed the top spot as Australia’s ultimate hidden gem for 2026. Loved for its sense of remoteness – you’ll need to drive or catch a train to Hawkesbury River Station, then hop on a boat to reach the island – and the fact there’s no traffic, it’s a low-key island dream. Plus, with lots of stunning trails throughout the bushy headland, turquoise wa

From the heritage-listed Wylie's Baths to Bondi’s brilliantly blue Icebergs and Woolloomooloo’s floating Andrew (Boy) Charlton, Sydney is home to many incredible ocean pools – in fact, more than anywhere else on Earth. But did you know the oldest ocean pool is also found right here in Sydney? Make the most of the warm weather, grab your togs and goggles, and let’s dive right in to Dawn Fraser Baths. Photograph: Destination NSW Where are Dawn Fraser Baths? Built in the early 1880s, Dawn Fraser Baths is officially Australia’s oldest saltwater swimming pool. Located in Elkington Park in Sydney’s Balmain, the natural harbour tidal pool overlooks Sydney Harbour, with views across Iron Cove, the Parramatta River, Birchgrove, Cockatoo Island and more. Wondering about the name? The tidal pool was once called White Horse Baths and Elkington Park Pool, before being officially renamed Dawn Fraser Baths in 1964 in honour of former Olympian swimmer Dawn Fraser following her third consecutive Olympic gold medal win. Fraser was a Balmain local and used to frequently swim and train at the pool. What can I do at Dawn Fraser Baths? At 50 metres long, Dawn Fraser Baths is a perfect spot to swim laps or enjoy a gloriously cooling saltwater dip. At low tide, a small beach appears with kids and families making sandcastles on the sandy foreshore. Bring a good book, lay down on the warm wooden jetty and relax. Yoga and meditation classes are also held here. There is a kiosk at Dawn Fraser Baths se

After years of planning, a few setbacks and $800+ million later, the new Sydney Fish Market is finally here – and it's one giant catch for the city. Many of the original, much-loved seafood operators have relocated to the shiny new site, including Claudio's, Nicholas Seafood, Get Fish and more. But fresh prawns, oysters, sashimi and fish and chips are just the tip of the iceberg. With more than 40 stalls at the market, including top-shelf restaurants and cafés, plus lots of outdoor seating, the new Sydney Fish Market is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere, estimated to reel in more than six million locals and tourists annually. From its location to how to get there and what you can expect, here’s everything you need to know about the new Sydney Fish Market. Photograph: Supplied/Sydney Fish Market Where is the new Sydney Fish Market located? The new Sydney Fish Market is located at 1 Bridge Road, Glebe, on the edge of Blackwattle Bay. Found right across the bay from the old fish market, it’s bloody massive, featuring more than 6,000 square metres and a striking wave-like roof kitted out with 400 solar panels. One of my favourite things about the new market is how much outdoor seating there is so you can enjoy your salty delights alfresco. Once complete, the wider precinct will boast almost 1.5 acres of public space, with new pedestrian and cycling links and a 15-kilometre connected waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo. Three bronze sculptures on the prom

We love holidays and we love flight sales – and the latest one from Qantas is a goodie. Launching today (February 3), it’s one of the biggest sales of the year for our national red-tailed carrier, with more than 500,000 discounted seats to 30-plus popular international destinations departing from Sydney – with flights starting from $299. Dreaming of jagged peaks and pinot in Queenstown? Nasi goreng, cold Bintangs and hazy Balinese sunsets? Rome’s ancient ruins and creamy cacio e pepe? If it’s on your travel wish list, chances are it’s on sale. This mega sale comes off the back of new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing Aussies took more than 12.5 million overseas trips in the 12 months ending November 2025. That’s an almost nine per cent jump on the year before, proving our appetite for exploring the world beyond our shores isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney The Qantas sale kicks off today (February 3) and runs for just one week, ending at 11.59pm (AEDT) on Monday, February 9. You don’t even have to wait long to set off, with travel dates ranging from February 4 (legit tomorrow!) to December 11, 2026. So, where can you go? The 500,000-seat global sale covers more than 60 routes, with reduced fares to more than 30 international destinations across Europe, North and South America, Asia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Pacific. Economy one-way fares start from just $299 from Sydney to Auckland and Wellington

Attention everyone (except maybe David Harbour): British pop superstar Lily Allen is coming to Sydney and we are EXCITED. Earlier this week, the West End Girl hinted in a radio interview with Triple J that she might be visiting Down Under before the end of the year – and now it’s official. Yep, Lily Allen is heading to Sydney this spring for four mega shows across four cities. Photograph: Supplied/Frontier Touring After seven long years without new music, the UK icon returned to the airwaves in late October with West End Girl, a 44-minute-long chronicle of her marriage breakdown. Appropriately, the tour is titled ‘Lily Allen performs West End Girl’ – and she’ll be playing the entire album front-to-back, exactly as it appears on the record. We can also cross our fingers that she’ll perform some old-school bangers, like ‘The Fear’, ‘Smile’ and ‘Not Fair’. Keen to grab a ticket? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lily Allen’s Sydney show. What dates is Lily Allen in Sydney? Lily Allen will only perform one Sydney show – on Sunday, October 25. Where is Lily Allen performing in Sydney? Lily Allen will be on at the TikTok Entertainment Centre – that's on Darling Drive in Darling Harbour.  When do Lily Allen Sydney tickets go on sale? Tickets for all Lily Allen’s Australian shows (including the Sydney one) go on sale at 1pm local time on Monday, February 9 via Frontier Touring. When is the Lily Allen Sydney pre-sale? Telstra Plus members get first dibs