Eight spots that bring the European summer to Sydney

Watsons Bay Hotel claims it hosts “Sydney’s best sunset”. A big call! But the fact is, on the east coast, there aren’t many spots where you can watch the sun setting over the water like you can in Santorini. Watsons Bay has this privilege because it faces west towards the harbour. Grab a Spritz in the weak winter sunshine, then enjoy the DJ’s mix while watching the sky turn from blue to purple, pink and orange. To get there, catch a ferry from Circular Quay and you’ll be dropped, like a rockstar, right out front. 

In Europe, restaurants can set up shop on the sand. In Sydney, two-hatted Pilu is about as close to on-the-beach dining as you can get. Enjoy views of Freshwater Beach from this weatherboard house perched on the grass above the beach. Work your way through the seasonal menu inspired by Sardinia, which is chef Giovanni Pilu’s homeland. Think handmade pasta with chicken consommé, pecorino cream and mint; and fregula with spanner crab, bottarga and lemon. If casual antipasto and panini are more your style, grab a quick bite from Pilu Baretto, which is the eat-in-or-takeaway cafe next door.

If you are already brave enough for an ocean swim, find your way to tiny harbour beach, Queens Beach, which is perfect for people who like the Mediterranean because of its lack of surf. This beach's seclusion, and the rocky path you need to climb down, keeps it clear of crowds. Access via the Hermitage Foreshore Walking Trail (it's just a 5-minute walk from the Rose Bay end of the trail). At high tide, most of the beach's sand ends up underwater, but that won’t affect your view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. If you’re more of a sit-on-the-sand type, though, continue along the trail, and you’ll get to the slightly bigger Milk Beach, which we also love.

This 4km walking track winds along the cliff tops and beaches of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, offering stunning views over Congwong Beach, Botany Bay and the ocean. More than 30 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the National Park, including rock art and engravings. You’ll also come across the World War II battlements still keeping a watchful eye over the ocean. If you work up a sweat on the walk, head down to beautiful Congwong Beach afterwards – or to (unofficial nudist beach) Little Congwong if you didn’t bring your cossie!

Slims proves you don’t need to be near the water for the perfect Euro-style arvo. This bar on the rooftop at Hyde Park House hotel offers uninterrupted views of Hyde Park, the city skyline and the setting sun. Sip away the afternoon under their pink frilly umbrellas. Or, if you’re keen for an earlier start, join their two-hour Slims Brunch Club at 12pm or 1pm on weekends. Get two hours of food and bottomless wine or beer for $90, or the same with upgraded drink options (including Aperol Spritzes and Margaritas) for an extra $30 per person.

Greek restaurants are having a moment in Sydney, and while the high-end palaces have their place (Olympus and Akti being prime examples), sometimes what you really need to feel like you're on Hydra is a tasty-as-hell affordable pita. Enter: Olympic Meats, Marrickville's casual Greek eatery bringing a taste of the Peloponnese to Sydney's Inner West.

Chartering a boat in Sydney isn’t cheap, but Boat Hire Sydney offers a more-affordable-than-average option – you can rent a 36ft cruiser named ‘Cavok’ for $375 an hour. Not bad considering she comfortably accommodates 12 people. Gather your own Cannes-style crew while discovering your hometown harbour, which is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful waterway. One of the best things about chartering a boat is getting the chance to explore Sydney’s lesser-known inlets and bays. Just an idea for your next special occassion. Want a Scandi-style boating experience? These affordable picnic boats have your back.

Sydney is home to a slew of excellent French restaurants, and Surry Hills’ Armorica delivers Parisian polish in spades. Come here for a glamorous dinner that will transport you to a dimly-lit, sexy-as-anything Parisian brasserie in seconds: complete with red leather booths, on-point Martinis and moules mariniere to die for.