The best bars and restaurants to see the Vivid lights from

Throughout Vivid, this new-look cocktail lounge at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour will be a hot spot. The glassed in box jutting out over the concourse has excellent views of the harbour from every seat and they will also be shaking up special Vivid cocktails. 

There are plenty of bars with views out over Sydney – but there are few that offer up almost 360-degree vistas, where you can lap up the Harbour Bridge, the city skyline, the beginnings of the Parramatta River and even Barangaroo below. Henry Deane serves up a feast for the eyes – and this is where we will be heading this Vivid.

At Bar 83, you can enjoy a cocktail or three perched above and looking over the illuminated city during Vivid. Think: 83 floors above the CBD ground and a 260-degree panorama almost guarantee you the coolest bird's-eye view of all the Vivid lights. 

From Aster, you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, glittering city skyline and Royal Botanic Gardens all rolling below. This has got to be some of – if not the – best views in Sydney. For Vivid, they're offering a special experience with cocktails, snacks and dinner – minus the crowds.

Located right beneath the Opera House's famous sails, Opera Bar offers panoramic views of the harbour and beyond, meaning it's prime Vivid viewing (and people watching) territory. There'll be plenty of live music and special cocktails available to order.  

Feel like treating yourself this Vivid? Book a table at one of Sydney's best restaurants and enjoy dinner under the sails. Dining at chef Peter Gilmore's Bennelong is always memorable – and seeing the city come alive with lights will make it even more magical.

Located within the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel, Q Dining boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the harbour. They'll be serving up a Vivid-inspired delights, so you can kick back and watch the sunset and lights turn on.

This Japanese burger joint with a waterfront possie in Barangaroo is dishing out a delish burgers with signature house-made Wagyu mince sauce, fries with umami salt, spicy special sauce, tomato, onion, beef patty and cheese. They also have an ever-changing soft serve station and house-made sodas on tap, alongside Japanese whiskys and beers.