The best hidden bars in Sydney

Time Out Sydney magazine is now completely free.  While newsagencies will no longer stock the quarterly magazine, you can pick up a copy at selected cafés, shops, entertainment venues and hotels around the city. In addition, friendly Time Out helpers will be handing out copies at major city light rail stops on the day of publication.  The current issue is the Bar Awards issue, where we reveal our top picks in 11 different categories, including Bar of the Year. The magazine is also packed with food reviews, Sydney Festival coverage, events, things to do and places to go this summer. That's your social calendar sorted!  You can pick up a copy of our Bar Awards issue from 7am, Wednesday-Friday December 18-20, 2019 at light rail stops in Circular Quay, Martin Place, Town Hall and Surry Hills.   Missed out? You can read past issues of Time Out Sydney magazine digitally through the links below: 

A few years ago, if you tried to guess what Darling Harbour would look like in the year 2020, your wildest imaginings would not be far removed from today’s reality. Thanks to one of the biggest urban redevelopment projects Sydney has ever seen, the zone is populated by futuristic new buildings and thrilling urban landscaping. Feast your eyes on the great glass palace that is the ICC – host to concerts and major events – or on the coiling wooden facade of the Exchange, which houses restaurants, a food market and the new Darling Square Library. There’s also a schmancy new Sofitel Hotel, a spanking new dining precinct in Steam Mill Lane, and the revamped promenade of Tumbalong Boulevard to stroll through in a state of sheer admiration.      The area is ripe for exploration this summer, with shows, permanent attractions and a mind-boggling selection of food and drink to make it all worth a day’s outing. The precinct is much more accessible than before, and light rail, trains and buses make it very easy to get to. Whether you’re flying solo, catching up with friends or bringing the entire family along, now is your chance to experience the new Darling Harbour for yourself.  Night Owls Kids Film Festival. Photograph: Supplied What’s on in Darling Harbour? One of the free highlights of Sydney Festival, Dodecalis Luminarium is a colourful inflated labyrinth of winding tunnels that looks like it’s dropped in from another planet – find it in Tumbalong Park from Jan 8-26. Over at the

Sunshine just makes things better, and summer is when Sydney truly comes alive. Ready to get outdoors, soak up the sun and make the most of Sydney with your friends? Whether it's kicking back in the great outdoors or trying out the latest event that guarantees a good time, here are five great places to be with your mates this summer. Fresh ideas for catch-ups deserve a refreshing drink like Lipton Ice Tea to help you cool down. Find out more about Lipton Ice Tea.

January in Sydney means the arrival of Sydney Festival, with mind-bending art installations, thrilling theatre performances and live music turning the city into an exciting cultural playground. Our city also loves to express its creative spirit through food, with a melting pot of cultural cusines as diverse as the people that live here and modern culinary creations to excite your palate. Eateries across the city are joining the creative momentum of Sydney Festival, offering Sydney Festival Feast menus to enjoy before you head into a show or to debrief over afterwards. From the city centre to Parramatta, from Circular Quay to the Inner West restaurant district, there are options covering everything from Chinese feasts to modern Australian cuisine with sharing in mind. Check out the full list of participating venues and their menu options. 

Sydney is an outdoor city and summer is its traditional time to shine. When the weather's gorgeous, locals are enticed down to the water's edge. The temptation to stay here all day is strong when there are so many stunning places to swim, play cricket and generally revel in nature. Among Sydney's many attractions are the free outdoor electric barbecues to be found along the harbour foreshore, by the beach and in hundreds of inland parks. Australians' love of barbies is not just a tourism catchphrase, it's an integral part of life – so pack up your meat (or veggo) patties, hit up the petrol station for some refreshing Lipton Ice Tea, and make the pilgrimage to one of these top Sydney barbecue spots... and don't forget your tongs! Find out more about Lipton Ice Tea.

January in Sydney is set to be magical again with the announcement of the program for Wesley Enoch’s fourth Sydney Festival (January 8-26, 2020).  It’s another ambitious line-up spanning eye-opening art installations, boundary-pushing drama and dance, gravity-defying circus, and thrilling musical performances. There are 75 events happening across the city, from new Australian work through to blockbuster international shows.  Not sure where to start? Try these five essential events. Tickets are on sale now. Want more? Read Time Out’s 20 top picks of Sydney Festival.