What is the best/most lively place to stay in Sydney?

Hi Rachel,

My tips are for Newtown - close to the city, but lively nightlife (without being as tacky as Kings Cross). Bondi Beach and Manly are also good options.

It depends what they're into. The beach areas in Sydney are pretty amazing with lots of cafes/bars/restaurants around. Bondi Beach Manly Beach are fantastic. Places like Bronte Beach, if you could get an apartment on Airbnb for example would be fantastic. Areas close to the city that have the wow factor include Potts Point Woolloomooloo. If you're going to stay in the city, somewhere near Circular Quay would be pretty good too. It's not an inexpensive city but the American dollar buys a lot more here than it used to. Enjoy.

Hi Rachel,

I would recommend checking out the coolest central neighbourhood in Sydney: Chippendale . :)

It was once known as the place where students would hang out. There are still plenty of students there today, but it is better known for its Central Park Sydney complex and shopping mall on the site of the former Carlton United brewery. 

And I really HAVE to mention the perfect place to stay there - The Old Clare Hotel The former Clare Hotel has been transformed into a new funky urban boutique hotel whose design celebrates the history of the two buildings. Named “The Old Clare”, it is a beautiful redux of an old brewery building with a rooftop bar near the pool that is definitely something worth seeing. This neighbourhood now also features many parks with lush greenery.

A visit to the Chippo, as the locals call it, is surely pointless if you don’t peek into some of the most hyped locations there. The hip new Brickfields bakery and cafe is certainly going to have you coming back for the delicious pastries. The Ester Restaurant, on the other hand, offers a more family-friendly environment with relaxed music and high-quality food.

Sydney's  inner east is great. Look into Surry Hills, Paddington, Bondi, Darlinghurst!

Depends how long you're here for & what time of year, but I would say east side or inner city like Bondi Beach, Surry Hills, Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. If you are happy to stay away from the city, then Manly is really nice in the summer, but a bit far from everything else :)

Anywhere in the CBD, the central business district is good, Sydney is a super walk-able city and the train lines can get you to the major sites. 

Surry Hillsis a great location. It's more of a 'hipster' area, so you'll find trendy cafes, and great atmosphere. It's generally pretty clean and in a great location. The price will be higher. 

I'd say Bondi Junction or Manly , both surf spots, great cafe's, good hikes, bars and pretty down to earth places. 

I have stayed in many places in Sydney.  For a hotel option it has to be QT Sydney.  Central and can buy travel card to go anywhere for cheap.  

If you are looking for a suburb, I would choose Manly Beach.  Again very central accessible by ferry and bus.  

Bondi beach without a doubt :)

Check out the Mertcantile Hotel in the Rocks area of Sydney,

small clean hotel with an Irish Pub, less than 5 minutes from Sydney harbor and bridge. Lots of fun there!!!

Check out Surry Hills which is a recently gentrified suburb on the outskirt of the CBD. Easy access to everywhere (walking distance into the CBD, Chinatown, King's Cross, Paddington etc) and loads of fantastic cafes, restaurants and bars within the suburb itself.