My love for Sydney started in early 2004, when I left home and travelled to this bustling city to attend college – and it is a love that continues to date! What is it about the city that has me think of it as home? Many things. But mostly, I think Sydney is possibly the most metropolitan, cosmopolitan and diverse city this side of the globe. It is honest (sometimes brutally so), it is unapologetic, and yet incredibly comfortable. But, above all of these... this city is just one gigantic ball of contradiction. And that’s what makes Sydney one of the greatest cities on the planet.
As one of Australia’s oldest cities, home to approximately 4.2 million people, Sydney has a diverse culture. For ages, a number of immigrants from a multitude of communities have made a comfortable and happy life in the numerous suburbs of the city – and have made it the most multicultural place I’ve ever been to. Almost every suburb has a different identity – Homebush is mostly a Sri Lankan dominated community, Burwood is Asian/ Indian, and Lakemba is predominantly Lebanese. Sydney City however is beyond definition.
The main Central Business District is a veritable melting pot of cultures and communities. This is where the diverse communities don’t just come together; they fuse to create something wonderfully authentic, and they manage to co-exist side by side quite contentedly. It is here you will find the unmistakable remnants of England’s influence on Australia during its colony days, alongside many artefacts and reminders of Australia’s Indigenous community – The Aboriginals. It is here you will find streets littered with typical Irish pubs, homey Italian restaurants, and shops selling authentic Indian trinkets side by side.
So what does one do on a visit to Sydney? Well... WHERE do I begin?
You could start off visiting all those spectacular tourist sites recommended by your guide book. Check out the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, The Blue Mountains, The Rocks, the Wine tasting, The Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, etc., etc., etc. A guide book is a good way to start exploring any new place, but I would be highly disappointed if you followed it religiously. I mean... who can say that they have truly experienced a city by following the routes defined in a tourist guide book? To begin to scratch the surface, talk to the locals, make friends, walk the streets and side streets to discover hidden treasures – that’s when you will truly discover all that Sydney has to offer.
So to help you do just that, I decided to stay away from the conventional travel lists in this article, and name below some things that I believe the avid traveller needs to experience on a trip to Sydney.
The Pub Crawl
It’s no secret that Australians love their alcohol, and therefore it should come as no secret that there are an impressive number of pubs, bars, clubs and lounges to suit every requirement. And, yes... the mechanism is the same... you start at one bar and progressively drink your way through a number of bars till you basically can’t move. But Sydney’s bars give it a twist, and there’s something to suit every mood. Fancy an absolutely crazy night out on the town? Well hit up one of the many bars that line George St., the backbone of the city and make your way down to the harbour... leaving behind a trail of empty glasses. And you simple have to top the night off with an absolutely delicious Lebanese styled kebab from the many eateries that are scattered across the city.
Must Stops: The 3 Wise Monkeys - the city’s most famous (or should I say infamous?) backpacker club - and another personal favourite - Scruffy Murphy’s – an Irish pub that really starts going nuts after 2 a.m.
Alternatively, for the more refined and quiet night out, head to the Harbour, where a number of lounges are restaurants provide a spectacular setting for the perfect chilled night out. Personal Recommendations: Cargo Bar – located right by the water, this lounge bar is the ultimate in elegance. Black leather couches facing outwards, gives you an absolutely spectacular view of the harbour at night as you sip on a perfect margarita. Then head to Pontoon or Home for a night of dancing to everything from Techno, Trance and R n B.
The Arty Side of Sydney
Now, let’s not forget that despite all the affinity for intoxicating beverages, most Sydneysiders are very serious about Art and Culture. If they aren’t musicians (whether aspiring to be the next great Aussie find, or are simply in to music for themselves), they are artists, dancers or writers. If they aren’t artistically gifted, those who still love the crafts are able to listen to numerous buskers or street performers, visit Sydney’s numerous museums, or simply browse amongst the numerous shows and exhibitions that are held through the year.
Things to see (and many of them are free): Carols at the Domain – An annual event featuring some of the country’s biggest starts performing Christmas favourites at a large park, while crowds of families and friends get together to enjoy the evening with a picnic. Sculpture by the sea – Staged alongside the magnificent Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, this exhibition is Australia's largest annual outdoor free to the public exhibition of sculpture. Also, the Sydney Festival – possibly Australia's largest annual cultural event – is a massive festival designed to express the nature, colour and flair of all that is Sydney. The program combines concerts in the Domain, with the very best international and national performing and visual arts occupying theatres, galleries and concert halls throughout Sydney.
Feeling more musical than arty? Sydney is also host to some amazing performers and a thriving music industry. Many signed and unsigned bands perform at various pubs across the city... and some of them are pretty good! A Personal Favourite: The Basement – an unobtrusive and hard to find jazz club/pub - provides visitors with an unforgettable night out. Many jazz legends have played here, and only the best up-coming local talent perform nightly. While being a bit pricey in comparison to the other clubs, I guarantee that every cent is well spent! The Basement is absolutely unforgettable!
And Much.., Much More!!
There’s so much to see and do in Sydney, it’s hard to summarise it all in the one article – it may just end up as a book instead. There’s so much to see, and so much to do, and it goes without saying that there really is something magical about the city in that it offers something for absolutely anyone. Whatever your tastes are, Sydney caters to it!
Numerous comic stores across the city offer everything from the latest graphic novels to posters to some vintage comics you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Similarly, Sydney has an extensive collection of music retailers selling all kinds of music and music memorabilia (Hint: Try Red Eye Records with its huge collection of memorabilia from eras past). If art house movies are your thing, once again the city has several art house cinemas that regularly show many amazing, alternate and thought provoking short films, documentaries and art-house flicks.
Oh... and let’s not forget... if you are a foodie, prepare to be sent to heaven. This city has the most diverse and delectable goodies to offer – from every different parts of the world. Sushi, Laksas, Paellas, Curries, Pad Thai – you name it, and someone, somewhere in Sydney will serve it up extra quick and as authentic as possible. Believe it or not, I fully recommend checking out the Sydney fish market. It’s become quite a popular place for that lazy Sunday brunch where you can sit on the grass, sip on some beer or wine, and enjoy the freshest seafood you will ever find.
But if you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary keep your eyes peeled for some chilli chocolates. It’s a surreal treat!
It really is no wonder why people can’t help but fall in love with Sydney. Besides being an absolutely beautiful and romantic city with stunning water views, it also truly caters to a wide variety of tastes. Once again, I reiterate, throw AWAY your tourist guide book, and explore the city for yourself. Believe me... it’s the only way to travel!
