- Jan 7
- 8 min read
The first things I’ll do when I go back to Sydney
I’m always nostalgic about the cities I used to live in. And honestly, it makes sense… I lived in Paris and Sydney.
One of the main reasons I created this blog was to finally share my best insider picks, the kind of recommendations I usually keep for my friends and my parents, the ones who call me when they need THE coffee spot, THE view, THE vibe. So today, I’m opening my Google Maps favourites to you.
This is my very first city guide: a concentrate of my favourite addresses from the two years I spent in Sydney. Basically, the first things I’m going to do when I go back (soooon!). In my excitement, I prepared a guide for you (and let’s be honest, also a checklist for myself!).
Come take a walk with me: a city lived, not visited. Not elitist, just picky. I’m just a girl with a drink in her hand, an apéro state of mind, a soft spot for pretty windows, good streets, and happy humans, colleting memories on the way.
And good to know: none of these recommendations are crazy expensive. I’m not rich, darling (not yet). I’ll add price ranges so you can easily budget your trip.
Here’s the custom map I created for you.
Three days mapped out, three moods, from your morning coffee to your last cocktail.
Not sure how to use it? Here’s a quick tutorial → Google My Maps tutorial
DAY 1.
SYDNEY CBD + CHINATOWN
Dress cute but practical. Something that can go day-to-night: throw a red lipstick in your bag, wear your SPF, sunglasses, comfy shoes and a tote on the shoulder. We’re going for a girls’ main character walk in the city. You can do it all on foot (about 30 min between Circular Quay and Haymarket) or jump on the Light Rail. Just tap on/off with your credit card or phone. Easy.
9:00
Coffee at Aslan (The Rocks)
Arrive at Circular Quay, the Opera House on the right, the morning sun sparkling on the bay water (I could already cry at this point).
Walk to The Rocks and order a large cappuccino on the terrace. If my favourite barista is still there, even better. Sit in the sun and enjoy the best coffee of my life.
10:00
Bookshop tour
Walk or tram down George Street. First stop: Dymocks. Find cute postcards, stationery, all the fun little gifts.
Then: Kinokuniya, the biiig bookshops. I could spend a lifetime there: postcards, notebooks, photography books, cook books…
✸ Dymocks
+SIDE QUEST
While passing through the Galeries shopping center, look at the Incu window. Always great looks (but too expensive). Just for window-licking & inspo.
13:00
Dumplings at Noodle House
Order the pan-fried eggplant dumplings. I dream about them regularly. Get 12 + a bowl of rice + free tea = cost efficiency 100%. Make your dipping sauce: 60% vinegar, 40% chilli oil (trust me).
Other hits: fried rice, cucumber + spicy beef (or pork), noodle soup. Service isn’t particularly friendly, but you’re here to eat no? Bon ben voila.
*Option: the place next door, Mr Chen Beef Noodle, is excellent too (but no terrace). Delicious noodles (choose the thick ones) and sip on a soy milk.
14:00
Dessert! Purple Rice Yogurt
Right next to the tram tracks.I’m still unsure where this drink originated, but it’s delicious. Fresh tangy yogurt on top, warm-ish purple rice at the bottom — you sip and chew at the same time. Like bubble tea, but better and healthier.
*Option: Tanghulu shop next to the restaurant. These are fruits on a stick coated in crunchy caramel. Good asmr, satisfying, cute.
14:30
Stroll through Haymarket
Wander around with your dessert in hand, in this little chaos we love. Hair clips, bag charms, silly souvenirs, very China-core.
Special mention for the stall at the end of the alley: funny T-shirts, drag-kingdom energy, wild costumes… sequins, feathers, latex in every colour of the rainbow.
15:00
Stickers, blind boxes shopping
Take a look at the blind box shop in the little alley next to THE matcha spot (and if you still have room: black sesame latte or iced matcha = 10/10).
Hit the stationery shop next to the Chinese arch for stickers, cute pencil cases, notebooks, postcards…
!BONUS! Still hungry for shopping? There’s another blind box shop (and Sonny Angels!) in Regent Place Shopping Centre. They also have a Daiso (cheap Japanese bazaar) and a mochi ice cream store!
✸ Morning Glory
✸ MOOII
+SIDE QUEST
Souvenir photo booth. Put on a wig, oversized glasses, pause, print, protect in a transparent enveloppe with cute tape.
Collecting memories on the way.
17:00
Play arcade games
The clown game is stupidly fun (cause I hate clowns, so punching then feels good). You’ll find me at the pinball machines, nostalgia of playing with my dad.
Watch the pros: they wear gloves. It’s hypnotic.
18:00
Join your friends at Mary's
Huge terrace, you can smoke, perfect happy hour. Order a pint + a fried chicken burger + fries.
Let me explain to you why this is the best chicken burger in town: crunchy crumb, tender chicken, soft sweet-ish bun, mothaf**king thick-cut pickles.
Fries are thin, crispy, and even better drowned in their liquid hot sauce (Tabasco vibes).
23:30
Go home drunk or go to the karaoke
Scream into the mic like your life depends on it. Private room. No shame.
DAY 2
BEACH DAY
Put on your best bikini, a cute beach outfit, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and throw a towel in your beach basket. If you’re not already in Manly, take the ferry from Circular Quay, this is an amazing experience and the true way Manly poeple travel to the city. You’ll glide past the Opera House, the harbour will sparkle, sometimes dauphin, and you can say hi to Benny the seal for me, often sunbathing on the stairs above the water.
PS: Just tap on with your phone or credit card. If you’re staying in the city, the last ferry back is around 12:30 AM.
10:00
Manly has the best brunchs
Meet at Noon for an elevated take on your classic avo, eggs, and bacon. Their food is a dream: gourmet, a little Oriental, fresh, generous, layered with flavours. I literally showed the waitress a picture on their Insta and told her: I want this one.
Listen to me: everything on that plate was heaven, from the seasoning of the exceptionally flavourful avo to the cooking of the omelette, the crunchy nuts on the bread, and the fresh fennel salad (clearly the highlight for me). This one plate made me start a tasting-notes notebook.
Drink-wise, the classics are solid, but it feels good to have more creative options too.
Tiny warning: the whole neighbourhood comes here to brunch, so you might wait a few minutes for a spot on the terrace.
✸ Noon
*Option: I’ll write a full Manly coffee shop article soon... :)
11:00
Welcome to Manly Beach
Explore this massive beach. Lay on the sand, jump in the waves… You can even rent surfs and body boads in summer. Then walk along the promenade all the way to Shelly Beach. You can snorkel there (right by the sea pool).
If you get a bit hungry, grab a bowl of fried calamari and a lemon lime bitters at The Bower or The Boathouse.
14:00
The best froyo of your life
I’m a frozen yogurt girlie, and I found the best one in the world here. Go to Anita, order a large froyo, ask for macadamia cream at the bottom and on top, plus amaro cherries.
I have to admit… any gelato here is good, but this combo? Life-changing.
✸ Anita Gelato
15:30
Gelato by the bay
I know it seems weird to swim right next to the ferry terminal, but the water on the left of the wharf is sooooo crystal clear it makes me thirsty.
Finish your froyo here and jump in! The water is incredible. You can rent a paddleboard too (not the cheapest, but fun).
Sometimes they even play SUPball here (ball game on a paddle board), a good show to watch.
16:00
Stroll on The Corso
If it’s the weekend, there’s a street market with souvenirs, handcrafted stuffs, and even fresh produce.
Otherwise, walk on the main street around the palm tree, feeling the holiday vibe. Some recommendations :
✸ Humphreys for fun souvenirs & postcards
✸ Red Cross Charity Shop for second-hand clothes
✸ Lifeline for second-hand home decor
✸ Vinnies, usually a good selection of second-hand bags
✸ That Hot Sauce Shop, yes there is a hot sauce shop
Then head home (or back to your hotel), shower, apply after-sun, and wear that summer night outfit.
DAY 3
CITY-ERRAND
Nice outfit, nothing too heavy. No need for much makeup. We’re just running city-errand vibes today. Wear comfy clothes and especially comfy shoes, we’ll be walking a bit. And honestly, a little rain would only improve the experience, enhance the mood.
9:00
Filter coffee & jalapeño cheese bagel
Head to Black & White in the Strand Arcade. Their coffee is excellent, and since filter isn’t that common in Sydney, I always go for that. It pairs perfectly with their jalapeño cheese bagel. Personally, I get mine with just cream cheese and pray for the maximum amount of jalapeños possible.
The heat of the peppers, the salty grilled cheese, the fresh cream cheese, and the hot, slightly acidic filter coffee… bomb!
Grab a seat, soak in the soft morning light shining through the arcade, and take a peek at the shoeshine gentleman on the corner. It’s a poetic little spot, a good place to read, chat, or plan the day ahead.
10:00
Visit the State Library
Take a chill 30-minute walk to the State Library of NSW. Macquarie Street has a completely different vibe: more historical, more elegant. You can wander inside of the library, have a look at the main reading room, some exhibitions… I always love visiting libraries when I discover a new city, and this one is stunning (and free).
+SIDE QUEST
On your way, toss a coin into the Piggy fountain (Porcellino) for good luck (and to support the hospital). You can have a look at the hospital courtyard, it’s surprisingly charming.
11:30
Alternative afternoon/night in Newtown
Hop on the metro at Martin Place and get off at Newtown. Welcome to Sydney’s alternative, graffiti streets. Mastery of grunge outfits, piercing, tattoos, crazy hair colour.
Stroll down King Street for a bit of shopping:
✸ Uturn is one of my fav thrift shop
✸ Blue Dog for posters and print to bring a little art home
✸ Better Read than dead for vintage books treasure
& vinyl/music stores, bazaar... Keep an eye open.
You’ll pass plenty of cool bars:
✸ The Webster rooftop (smoking area)
✸ The Bank Hotel (smoking area)
✸ Buddy's Bar, self-service tap
& random snack spots (nothing life-changing, but solid):
✸ Gami Chicken & Beer, good Korean chicken
✸ Best Gourmet Restaurant, good Chinese restaurant
Finish your walk down to The Vic on the Park. Grab a beer, smoke a cig, play some basketball… It’s a big open space with lots of cool people hanging around. Just be ready to grab an Uber home because it’s a bit far from the city, but so worth the detour.
Note to self: I definitely need to explore more spots in Newtown. There are so many on my list: The Sunrise Workshop, Uncanny… And honestly, I’m still looking for more cool places to eat that aren’t too fancy or too expensive. Maybe for a dedicatred Newtown article at some point.
NEW places I wanna try
✸ Ragazzi
✸ AP Bakery
✸ Sunrise Workshop Newtown
And of course, I'm already thinking of the next guides: the best coffees in Sydney, the very-European spots where you can actually have a drink and smoke a cigarette, a three-day Paris itinerary (no tourist trap). I’m just getting started!
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