17 10 2013 in Surry Hills by Eddy Milfort (CC BY 2.0)
Sydney is a dynamic city. With a population of 4.2 million, it’s broken into many different suburbs, each with their own set of unique qualities. As a tourist, you’d likely recognize the popular Bondi Beach or even the Rocks district by Circular Quay where you can catch a glimpse of the Opera House and explore historic buildings. Beyond the main attractions, Sydney has so much more to explore. Here’s a look at a few neighborhoods that might be new to you.
Surry Hills
An inner-city eastern suburb, you might consider Surry Hills the Brooklyn of Sydney; it has a laid-back, trendy vibe with plenty of bars and restaurants which echo that same feeling. Crown Street, the main drag, is also rich in arts and culture, overflowing with art galleries and boutiques. If you spot a line extending down the block, that’s Messina, one of the most popular gelato places in town year-round. It’s known for unique flavors like apple pie, and has rotating flavor specials which change by the week. One of the best things to do is grab an ice cream then go for a stroll about the neighborhood’s Victorian-style terraced houses, which are painted in a bright array of colors and boast elaborate rod-iron balconies.
Surry Hills is also known for its breweries, which are best experienced on a hipsters and hops brewery tour. Departing the Keg & Brew Hotel, this tour takes you around the many craft breweries and craft beer venues in Sydney’s Inner West, like the Royal Albert Hotel. Maintaining a very local vibe, the pub offers an extensive list of craft beers and ciders.
Newtown
Cool Newtown is known for street art.
If you’re looking for alternative culture, Newtown is your scene. Funky barely incapsulates just how hip this place is: Rainbow-colored hair is the norm, while almost every night of the week you’ll find live music from local rock bands. Some of Sydney’s top venues are located here, like the Enmore Theatre and the Vanguard. Otherwise, Newtown is one of the best neighborhoods to check out Sydney’s street art scene. A hub for graffiti, Newtown showcases a wide range of styles, including large-scale murals and elaborate works on a smaller scale. You’ll also come across sculptural works and plenty of street performers.
Redfern
At the intersection of several train lines, Redfern is a confluence of many things: It mimics Newtown’s alternative vibe in a more subdued way while also taking on the culture of Surry Hills. It’s home to many Aboriginal communities, so you’ll often spot murals in the area featuring indigenous themes. History buffs can learn more about Redfern’s heritage and architecture on a tour. Beyond culture, Redfern is a great place to escape tourist areas and kick back to have a drink amongst locals in bars like Arcadia Liquors, with its exposed brick walls and wide-open courtyard.
Double Bay
Double Bay’s harbor-side location entices.
In Double Bay, things take a turn toward the upscale. Along streets lined with purple flowering jacarandas, window shop the boutiques of top designers like Jimmy Choo. The area is also known for its harbor-side beaches like Redleaf Beach as well as stylish restaurants. For a laid-back afternoon, visit the Woollahra Library, in a quaint Victorian-style house overlooking the ocean and boasting a beautiful garden perfect for a picnic and a swim.
Glebe
Sandwiched between Rozelle Bay and the University of Sydney, Glebe is often outshined by the adjacent Chinatown, which lures visitors with its endless dim sum options and scenic Chinese garden. Slightly more low-key, Glebe makes up for the ruckus of nearby Parramatta Road with quaint cafes, bookstores and bakeries as well as intimate wine bars. The tree-lined streets lead toward the water for an idyllic stroll along Bicentennial Park. On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., don’t miss the well-known Glebe Markets. Relax on the lawn while sampling local gourmet treats and listening to live music, or shop the many stalls to find new additions to your wardrobe.
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