Sydney, Australia After 5:00 pm

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Welcome to the beautiful city of Sydney. There is no shortage of activities to do, people to meet, things to learn and tasty dishes to eat in this exciting, modern and thriving city. Sydney is a very large city and whilst this makes getting around to see everything hard, it also means you will not ever get bored.

The harbour is the #1 must see attraction in Sydney. This is an easy one to do after 5pm as you can dine out or get drinks with a view at places like The Opera Bar, The Glenmore hotel’s roof top and more.

How to Get to Sydney

Sydney airport is the closest. From the airport, you can get a taxi, Uber or Ola. You can also just simply get the train to your accommodation.

Sydney public transport uses the Opal card for buses, trains and ferries (I recommending jumping on the ferry during your trip). Uber, Taxi, Lyft and Ola all operate in Sydney. If you plan to get out of Sydney, you can use trains but I would recommend renting a car. The roads in Sydney and NSW are large, and easy to drive around.

Where to Eat in Sydney for Dinner

Australia is not known for it’s cuisine. We don’t have a lot of typical Australian food but we do have some great food choice! I would highly recommend trying Asian food in Sydney if you want to try something multi-cultural. Of course, trying the stereotypical Kangaroo, Emu and Crocodile should be on the list. Here are some of my recommendations.

“Modern Australian” // The Rocks has some great “aussie style” pubs with Modern Australian. Check out the Australian Heritage Hotel for the coat of arms pizza or pepper kangaroo. the classic chicken schnitzel or “parmi” (Parmesan chicken schnitzel) is very typical Australian.

“Asian Food” // Asia being so close, we reap the benefits of great food. Free free to fine dine at places like the Golden Century or Mr Wong. Yet if your budget calls for it, check out spice alley or china town for other great options.

Something Different // Sydney is a modern, creative and cosmopolitan city so why not take advantage and try something different. Eat Dollar Dogs at the hidden Soda Factory, journey into Alexandria to dine at the grounds, Get your kicks at the rising sun for a super unique and tasty menu. Check our Spice world in china town, Doughbox Diner in Enmore and Goros for a more Japanese inspired world.

Fine dining // There are plenty of great fine dining options if your budget fits. Check out places like Aria or Bennelong. Rockpool bar and dining, Meat & wine co. Black Bar & Grill, The Boathouse, 360 Bar & dining. Australia does seafood and meat very well so splurge!

Typical Australia // Whilst you’re here, you must have a meat pie, some vegemite, a cherry ripe, Pavlova and so much more. For a decent meat pie in the city, try Bourke Street bakery or perhaps harry de wheels or pie face…. every pie is different and you have to explore. Why not add a sausage roll to this. Pick up some lamingtons, vegemite, twisties and other Aussie goodies in the local woolworths, coles or IGA. Do a bit of exploring but do make sure to cross off as many of the Aussie dishes as possible. (Don’t forget the tim tams).

Sydney Solo Glebe Point - What to do in Sydney at night

Things to Do in Sydney at Night

Check out another neighbourhood // Perhaps you are here for work? Perhaps just a quick stint! Sydney is large, it has so much more to offer than where your office/hotel is situated. Most suburbs and areas can be reached in under an hour by train. Check out Sydney’s more multicultural west. You can jump on a bus from the city and be in the iconic Bondi Beach. Hop a ferry and be in Manly. A short train journey can get you to the historic heart of western Sydney’s Parramatta. Walk across the bridge and check out the north of Sydney for something completely different. You can even get off-the-beaten-track and check out Sydney’s South beaches. The Inner West have some great, funky and creative areas to see. Explore the dining options and pubs in these various areas, walk off the dinner and explore something new.

Evening walk // Walk across the harbour bridge to the other side of Sydney. Walk the coastal walks (take a jacket). Walk the city and discover new things. Walk the parks and nature spaces. Sydney is a wonderfully walkable city.

Arts and culture // If you haven’t been to a show in the Opera House, have you even been to Sydney? Have a look at the current program and find out what the famous Sydney Opera House has to offer. Sydney may not be Broadway when it comes to the theatre but we do have some great shows. Check out what’s happening through Ticketek. There is also a lot of amateur theatres which will surprise and amaze you. check out places like the Seymore Centre, Genesian on Kent St, The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Kings Cross Theatre and more Sydney also hosts late nights at museums and plenty of smaller bars hold free karaoke, comedy, trivia night and other fun activities. There is no reason to be bored in Sydney city. There is live music in pubs all across Sydney, every day of the week, so no excuse to not check some out.

Touristy late nights // It hits 5:00 pm, you don’t want a drink, you’ve already eaten, walked all over the city and still want something to do! check out these alternative touristic things. The Rocks Ghost tour, Sydney Observatory, the iconic Luna Park, Moonlight cinemas (in the summer times), choose from the many harbour cruise options, perhaps brave the Harbour bridge twilight climb and so much more!

Nightlife // This is a no brainer! After all, the best way to meet locals is in a pub after 5:00 pm. Sydney has beautiful bars, casual pubs and wicked nightclubs. Hosting unique things to do every night of the week, happy hours all over the city and no shortage of options. It really depends on your style. You can check out various areas from the classy circular quay or the beautiful darling harbour to the bustling CBD and city areas. On top of this, there is Surry hills and the inner west to check out such as Newtown, Marrickville, Redfern, Chippendale and more. On top of this, that is without even checking out the North yet! There are always things on in Sydney, day and night. You just have to be willing to explore other areas a little. Australians are friendly and it’s easy to meet some locals in pubs

I would recommend checking meetup for different activities happening after 5:00 pm for a great way to meet locals and do what the locals do. I would also recommend taking advantage of the weather and enjoying the warm summer nights if possible, they are magical.