Holiday lettings & accommodation in Sydney

Sydney is a vast city (it covers an area 12 times that of Paris) so find an apartment that’s close to good transport connections or is close to the things you want to see. The city centre is known locally as the CBD (Central Business District) and is popular with visitors for its proximity to Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and major art galleries and museums. However it is more expensive than other areas and can be very quiet on weekends. Surry Hills is close to the city centre but more lively, with trendy cafes, bars and boutiques lining the leafy terraced streets. Families and sun-worshippers should head directly to Bondi, Coogee or Manly - these beachside suburbs are kid-friendly and are all easily accessed from the city. For vintage shopping, small bars and friendly nightlife, look for a place in the inner suburbs of Glebe or Newtown.

Start the day with a brisk walk along the incredible clifftop Bondi to Bronte walk, a favourite way to start the morning for many Sydneysiders. The views are magnificent, and at the end there are a wealth of great breakfast cafes to refuel at. After a dip or a surf at Bondi, Coogee or Bronte, head to Circular Quay, the centrepiece of Sydney Harbour. Home to the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Museum of Contemporary Art, the Quay is also the best way to access The Rocks, an historic district built during convict days. Hop on a ferry to Manly for a seafood lunch, or head to the famous Taronga Zoo overlooking the harbour. For some Sydney-style retail therapy make a trip to King Street in Newtown or Oxford Street in Paddington. At night, look no further than trendy Crown Street in Surry Hills, for great restaurants and cocktail bars.

Sydney is a foodie’s delight. It’s affluence, multiculturalism and great produce has created a strong and diverse dining culture. At the top end are harbourside restaurants like Quay and Guillaume’s, who offer Michelin-worthy dining with a view. Cheap eats can also be found throughout the city at night markets, food trucks and small family-owned restaurants. Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese food is especially good and can be found almost everywhere, although Chinatown, Newtown and Ashfield are the best places to look. In Bondi, head to a Jewish deli for picnic supplies, or simply grab some fish and chips by the beach. Cafe culture is rampant, and like pizza in Naples, it’s hard to find a bad coffee in Sydney. Locals take breakfast cafes very seriously and can be found dining out every weekend. Order a flat white and avocado smash with poached eggs if you want to pass for a Sydneysider!

Many of Sydney’s main attractions are quite spread out, and most people who live here own a car. With a little planning though, you should be able to get around fairly easily. Buses and above ground trains cross the city, and ferry services run up and down the Harbour and Parramatta River. Sydney doesn't have a reputation for being a cycle-friendly city, but it is possible to ride around if you are in quieter areas and have your wits about you. Hiring a car will open up a world of opportunities if you want to get out of the inner city and explore some of the more remote national parks and beaches. Coaches and trains to other cities run daily from Central Station, but this is Australia and the distances are very long, so it’s probably faster and often cheaper to book a flight. Kingsford-Smith is Sydney’s major airport and is a half-hour cab ride from the city centre.