One of the best things about Sydney is walking around and discovering the thousands of hidden small bars and old pubs and sneaking in a few cheeky day time drinks. Sydney is renowned for its vibrant and eclectic bar scene, from historical pubs and famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera house to thousands of small bars stretched across the city. There’s simply too many to mention, but here are some of the highlights.
Small bars
In terms of small bars, Maybe Sammy is undoubtedly one of the best, making Australasian best bars lists for five years in a row. The 1950s Hollywood-style décor makes you feel glamourous, even if ordering from their collection of Australian tap beers rather than their signature cocktails. Shady Pines Saloon is Western-themed and made even smaller by the real estate taken up by the taxidermized deer heads on the wall, but ever popular as one of Sydney’s original small bars. The entrance is hidden, with no signage to direct you, adding to the cosy, quiet atmosphere. If you’re looking to go even smaller, Cantina OK! is found in a garage in a Sydney CBD laneway. With only 20 seats, you’re better off just standing to make sure you get a taste of their signature margaritas, made with everything handmade, from the tequila to the shaved ice and squeezed lime.
Bars with a view
For bars with a view, Sydney’s most famous landmarks are a good place to start, including the surf at Bondi Beach, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Opera Bar finds patrons caught between views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay, but Bar 83 at Sydney Tower trumps them all. 260 degree views of Sydney’s CBD are paired with 70s style interiors, 83 floors above the street.
Sydney’s city hotels also feature some of the best high-rise views of the city and the harbour, some of the most popular including Blu Bar on 36 at the Shangri-La, Zephyr at the Hyatt Regency, Hyde Hacienda at the Pullman Quay Grand, and the Champagne Bar at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. For a view of the Blue Mountains and the city, try out Nick and Nora’s, a cool cocktail bar in Parramatta, which also tops the TIME OUT list of best Sydney bars (as of March 2025).
Breweries and distilleries
Sydney has multiple independent breweries and distilleries, especially in Sydney’s Inner West which has become a bit of a home-brew mecca, including Philter Public Bar and Brewery, Willie the Boatman, Grifter Brewing Co., Young Henrys Brewery and Distillery and Sauce Brewing Co.
In terms of distilleries, Archie Rose was the first independent distilling company to open in Sydney in 1853. Gins, white whiskeys, rums and vodkas are bottled at The Cannery Rosebery, and at Manly Spirits Co, you can enjoy gins and vodkas infused with Australian botanicals like lemon myrtle and wattle pollen.