Category: Australia

Posted: 06/2/2019 | June 2nd, 2019

Sydney is one of the greatest cities in the world. It has amazing beaches, scenic shorelines, World Heritage sites, and top-notch dining. It’s a large city, and it’s very spread out.

So what are the best neighborhoods to stay in?

That depends on what you look for in a destination!

Each area of Sydney has its own vibe and highlights. Here are my thoughts on the best places to stay in the city. No matter which of these you choose, you can’t go wrong!

 

Best Neighborhood #1: The Rocks

Just north of Sydney’s Central Business District and on the harbor, this neighborhood offers great views along the waterfront. There are numerous historic buildings in the area, including several pubs.

The Rocks Markets is open each weekend, selling all kinds of treasures, including arts and crafts, jewelry and tasty treats. The area has tons of stellar restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues, which helps explain its popularity with tourists.

If you stay in The Rocks, make sure you dine along the waterfront!

Best Places to Stay in The Rocks

• BUDGET: Sydney Harbour YHA – This hostel is in a great location, offering views of the harbour and the Opera House. The hostel is built in the old colonial area of the city, but has all the modern comforts of a good hostel. This isn’t really a party hostel, though, but rather a great place for travelers looking for a quiet stay. It’s great for families too!
• MID-RANGE: Mercantile Hotel – Offering live music, free Wi-Fi, and all the standard ammentities you’d expect from a mid-range hotel. The Mercantile is located right near the Opera House, the Rocks Markets, and the Harbour Bridge. To top it all off, it’s also home to Australia’s longest-running Irish pub!
• LUXURY: Four Seasons Sydney – Offering incredbible views of the harbour and the city — as well as incredible luxury — this is a great choice for anyone looking to visit Sydney in style. With a state of the art fitness center and wellness center and spa, you’ll be able to get pampered while you enjoy all that Sydney has to offer.

Best Neighborhood #2: Surry Hills

Southeast of the Central Business District, Surry Hills has traditionally been known as the best place in Sydney for fashion. The area is perfect for travelers who want to shop ‘til they drop, but its appeal is much broader than that. There are lots of unique, creative dining options, and many old warehouses have been transformed into classy art galleries and gorgeous homes.

The area is perfect for young travelers, foodies, and those wanting to experience Oxford Street, the longtime Gay Capital of Sydney.

Best Places to Stay in Surry Hills

• BUDGET: Big Hostel – This hostel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free luggage storage, and late checkout — everything the budget traveler needs! They also have a full-equipped kitchen and promote eco-friendly practices (they have a service for donating old clothings and promote energy conservation and recycling).
• MID-RANGE: Manor Boutique Hotel – This charming boutique hotel is located in a heritage building with antique furnishings. It’s conveniently located just 5 minutes from Oxford street where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. Free breakfast is included too!
• LUXURY: Little Albion – This luxury hotel is actually located in a heritage building that was once a former convent. It’s right near Central Station and only a short drive from Chinatown and Paddy’s Market. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, lounge, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast each morning.

Best Neighborhood #3: Coogee

This little area with the funny name is perfect for travelers who want a beach vibe but not all the craziness of Bondi Beach. The area is super scenic and the ocean is calm and safe for swimming. This neighborhood is an eastern suburb of Sydney, but you can get to town on public transit in less than half an hour.

Coogee has a youthful and family-friendly feel. Sydney’s eastern East suburbs, youthful, family friendly. If your trip calls for a lot of beach time, this is a great option. There’s super snorkeling nearby at Gordons Bay, and be sure to check out the Wylie Baths — amazing rock pools perfect for swimming. The seaside town is known for its fish and chips, so be sure to give them a try too!

Best Places to Stay in Coogee

• BUDGET: Mad Monkey Coogee Beach – This is a great budget hostel located right on the beach. They have a cool co-working space and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around as well. It’s not fancy by any means, but it gets the job done! Just keep in mind that it can get a little noisy, so don’t stay here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet!
• MID-RANGE: Coogee Bay Hotel (Boutique) – This lovely boutique hotel is in a great location, located only 20 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the airport. It’s right beside the ocean, as well, and there is a restaurant and beer garden on-site.
• LUXURY: Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach – This incredible hotel boasts panoramic views of the ocean, a heated swimming pool, 2 bars, tennis courts, and a fully-equipped fitness center. It’s a spacious hotel with ultra-modern rooms, and there are lots of great seafood restaurants nearby as well.

Best Neighborhood #4: Darling Harbour

This area of town is best for families. This lively neighborhood is a huge tourist draw, as there are tons of attractions along the waterfront. The Sydney Aquarium and IMAX are here, and there’s all kinds of dining. The area’s clubs come alive at night and there’s lots of shopping. There’s also a Madame Tussauds, if that tells you anything.

If you’re travelling with kids, consider this neighborhood. If not, I probably wouldn’t stay in this Disney-like environment.

Best Places to Stay in Darling Harbour

• BUDGET: Siesta Sydney – This budget-friendly hostel is clean, located in a great location, and has really friendly staff. They have free towels, free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.
• MID-RANGE: Glasgow Arms Hotel – This charming hotel is located above a beautiful old pub. Free breakfast is served all day long and the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Darling Harbour.
• LUXURY: The Darling at The Star– This is a massive, luxuorious hotel home to a spa, casino, and over 20 bars and restaurants. Pamper yourself in their Turkish bath or enjoy a swim in their scented outdoor swimming pool — that also has its own bar!

Best Neighborhood #5: Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is world famous. Once you see the iconic beach, you’ll understand why: The amazing views of the Pacific, the seafood restaurants along Campbell Parade, the happening nightlife! This is a great place for backpackers and those looking to party.

But it’s also a good base for beach couples, as well. Bondi is not right in the heart of the city, but public transit is a piece of cake. This area appeals to a younger crowd, and you’re sure to see surfers in the water, sun worshippers on the sand, and adventurous sorts hiking the scenic coastal trails.

Best Places to Stay in Bondi Beach

• BUDGET: Bondi Backpackers – If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place! There’s a great rooftop space overlooking Bondi Beach and the hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. If you’re there Friday night, don’t miss the BBQ party on the rooftop!
• MID-RANGE: Ultimate Apartments (Bondi Beach) – Located just a 7-minute walk from the beach, Ultimate Apartments offers studio apartments with free parking. They have kitchenettes so you can cook some of your own food, as well as an outdoor pool onsite. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfy!
• LUXURY: Hotel Bondi – With views overlooking the beach, this boutique-style hotel has both private and shared balconies, as well as some deluze rooms with kitchen facilities if you want to cook your own meals. There is a restaurant onsite, the showers are great, and the staff is incredibly helpful.

Best Neighborhood #6: Central Business District

Sydney’s CBD is the heart of it all. It’s a huge area filled with skyscrapers, business, banking, and commerce. But it’s not only for the suit and tie set. This area has tons of attractions, including the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden.

The neighborhood is generally pretty pricey, but the location may be worth it. The city’s best dining is here, as are the poshest hotels and chicest art galleries. You won’t find a lot of quirky shops, flea markets, or vintage treasures, but you will feel the excitement of big-city living!

Best Places to Stay in the Central Business District

• BUDGET: Base Sydney – There aren’t many budget options in this part of the city when it comes to accommodation, so Base will likely be your best choice. They have free Wi-Fi and an on-site bar, making it a great place to have fun and meet people.
• MID-RANGE: Park Regis City Centre – With a rooftop pool and views overlooking the city, this is a great mid-range hotel offering value above and beyond the pricetag. The location is perfect and allows you easy access to all of the main attractions in the city, and they also offer a free airport shuttle as well.
• LUXURY: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – This hotel overlooks Hyde Park and boasts an indoor swimming pool, rooftop fitness center, a free airport shuttle, and amazing restaurants and room service. It’s the perfect place to pamper yourself in the heart of the city.

Best Neighborhood #7: Paddington

If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay in Sydney, Paddington is one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s between the CBD and the beaches, so you can get anywhere pretty quickly via bus. This eastern suburb is mainly residential, with beautiful tree-lined streets and Victorian homes with cute balconies. There are upscale restaurants, lively pubs, and prestigious art galleries as well as funky shops.

The area is known for the Saturday Paddington Markets at the Uniting Church. Centennial Park is a great place to relax in the outdoors. This isn’t the best neighborhood if you are looking for extensive nightlife and party options, though.

Best Places to Stay in Paddington

• BUDGET: Arts Hotel – Budget options in this area are few and far between, so Airbnb might be your best choice. If you’d prefer a hotel, try Arts Hotel. It’s located right on Oxford Street and have a cool garden, swimming pool, and free bikes to use.
• MID-RANGE: Airbnb – There aren’t any great mid-range options in this area so I’d try Airbnb for a middle-of-the-road option. Just be sure to book in advance as the best places disappear fast!
• LUXURY: Mrs Banks Hotel – This hotel is actually located in a former bank. It has a very chic vibe and the rooms are all well designed. There’s free Wi-Fi and breakfast included as well.

Best Neighborhood #8: Manly

Manly is a suburb of Sydeny located just north of the city. It’s is famous for its amazing beach, giant waves, surfing, and wild nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city; it’s a part of town that knows how to have a good time. A lot of tourists actually miss that part of the city as it is a bit out of the way. But don’t let that stop you — it’s worth the short ride to get here. In fact, it’s one of my favorite areas of the city! You’ll also find some gorgeous coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.

Best Places to Stay in Manly

• BUDGET: Manly Backpackers – This is your classic backpacker hostel, with a great social vibe and lively nightlife. The staff are super helpful and fun and can help you make the most out of your trip. Don’t expect the most neat and tidy hostel as there are many long-term backpackers here and the place can get a little messy. But what it lacks in cleanliness it backs up for in price and atmosphere!
• MID-RANGE: Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific – Located right across from Manly Beach, this hotel is in the perfect location for those looking to balance soaking up the rays on the beach with Manly’s wild nightlife. The hotel has a fitness center and rooftop pool, as well as a nice bar and free breakfast (including certain rooms). You’ll get some great views here too!
• LUXURY: Designer Studios Manly – As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the little touches that make this hotel stand out. Not only is there free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle but you’ll also be gifted free wine and sparkling water on arrival. The staff can also provide picnic blankets in case you want to go out and relax in one of the citys many parks or beaches (which I suggest you do!).

Best Neighborhood #9: Kings Cross

Located North of Paddington and east of the downtown core, Kings Cross is another party district for any nightowls looking to have fun. It’s wild and cheap, and you’ll find a good mix of both backpackers and locals here. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (it’s home to cheap drinks and a large dance floor). If you’re not a backpacker or not looking to party, this probably won’t be the place you wan’t to stay during your visit.

Best Places to Stay in Kings Cross

• BUDGET: Hump Backpackers – This is a social hostel where the staff host plenty of fun daily activities to help you meet people (like BBQs, beer pong, and pancake breakfasts). There’s a free breakfast included, all-day coffee and tea, and a different activities each and every night. The beds here are quite comfortable, the bathrooms and showers are kept clean, and lockers in each room are huge. The hostel is surrounded by lots of restaurants and shops, as well as a few bars, so there’s a bunch of things to do in the area. Note: you have to be 18-35 years old to stay here.
• MIDRANGE: Quest Potts Point – Boasting a rooftop terrace with views over the city, and located only a 5 minute walk from the rambunctious nightlife of Kings Cross, Quest Potts Point is the perfect choice for travelers wanting privacy and comfort while still looking to be right next to the action. Most of the rooms have kitchenettes, the beds are quite comfy, and the staff can help you organize all sorts of fun tours and day trips!
• LUXURY: Larmont Sydney – The Larmont Sydney by Lancemore is located just 2 minutes from Kings Cross station. The hotel offers all the luxury you need for a very reasonable price. With all the standards like free Wi-Fi, incredibly comfy beds, and amazing staff (the staff here really go above and beyond), this hotel is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay in a lively area of the city.

***
While Sydney is a big place, it’s not overwhelming. You should be able to hit all the highlights in one trip. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of places to stay – these are just my favorites!

I really like quite a few of these areas, so maybe you’ll want to experience several neighborhoods — stay in town several nights, then move to Bondi Beach or Coogee to get a feel for the surf. To me, that’s the best of both worlds.

But no matter where you stay, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the city and have an amazing time in Australia!

Photo credit: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9

The post The Best Neighborhoods in Sydney: Where to Stay on Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 12/24/2018 | December 24th, 2018

Hostels in Sydney are expensive.

Since I started visiting the city, I’ve seen hostel prices skyrocket as just the cost of living in Australia has gone up. Even when you factor in the favorable exchange rate right now, it’s just expensive to get a bed here, especially at some of the larger, more upscale hostels.

However, with a little planning, you can make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

The cheapest hostels in Sydney are found in the King’s Cross area. An eight-bed dorm starts around AU$26, while a four-bed dorm starts around AU$33. Private rooms range between AU$80-120 per night, depending on things such as location and whether the bathroom is shared or private.

(Pro Tip: Avoid the Jolly Swagman! It’s a horrible place to stay.)

Below is a list of my favorite hostels in Sydney so you can navigate the hundreds that come up when you search Hostelworld:

The 10 Best Hostels in Sydney

1. Hump Backpackers

I ike this hostel because it’s social. The staff hosts plenty of activities (beer pong, BBQs, pancake breakfasts). There’s free breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, and different activities every night. The beds are comfy and soft, showers are kept clean, and the room lockers are huge. Hump Backpackers is in the Kings Cross area, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars so there’s a bunch of things to do in the area. Heads up: you have to be 18-35 years old to stay here.

Beds from 27 AUD/19 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hump Backpackers!

2. Lord Wolseley

This hostel is located on the upper floors of a historic bar and restaurant that has been around since 1881 (which, for Australia, is damn old!). There’s no real common space, and the kitchen is basically a toaster but you’re very near Chinatown so there are cheap eats nearby. The downstairs bar is always lively and they play incredible blues music on Saturday nights. The rooms themselves are pretty small with simple finishings. Its location near Chinatown and Central Station makes it one of the cheaper places to stay in town. Darling Harbour is just a five minute walk.

Beds from 32 AUD/23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Lord Wolseley!

3. Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel

The staff at this hostel are the absolute best! They are always the most friendly and helpful I encounter in the city. Asylum is close to Kings Cross station, and it’s just a 30-minute walk to the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens. Security is first rate, with two locked front doors and security cameras. The dorms are huge (but they fit maximum eight people) and all have their own ensuite bathroom. There are common areas inside and outside and free breakfast each day. Look for the hostel’s rescue dog, Bella. She’s a cutie.

Beds from 33 AUD/24 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel!

4. Kings Cross Backpackers

This is another fun hostel, with a very lively social scene! There’s a party every night, a movie room, yoga classes, and a rooftop BBQ. Take the spiral staircase to the basement, and you’ll find a fully-equipped chill out zone with pool tables and even a Playstation center. You get a free hot breakfast at the Mad Monkey Restaurant (which is delicious) each morning. Honestly, there’s so much to do at this hostel you might find it difficult to leave – but just beyond the front door is some of Sydney’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants. (The hostel itself is on a quiet street, though.) You have to be 18 to 35 to stay here.

Beds from 35 AUD/25 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Kings Cross Backpackers!

5. Sydney Harbor YHA – The Rocks

This is the only hostel in city’s historic harbourside area (The Rocks), and it has unreal rooftop panoramic views over the city and the famous Opera House. Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Harbor, and Luna Park are also within walking distance. The rooms are incredibly spacious, and each bed comes with its own reading light. There’s also a large kitchen, several communal areas (including the excellent rooftop terrace), and even a grocery store on-site. To me, this is the best hostel in Sydney!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sydney Harbor YHA!

6. Big Hostel

A budget, “boutique” spot in Surry Hills, Big Hostel attracts is centrally located and I love the roof terrace with its super views over the city. They also have sundeck with a beautiful garden. You can BBQ up there as well. There’s 24/7 free coffee and tea, and breakfast is included. The kitchen has lots of space for your groceries. The rooms are are huge and the pillows are super cozy but there’s no lockers and metal frames creak a bit.

Beds from 35 AUD/25 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Big Hostel!

7. Blue Parrot Backpackers

This hostel in Potts Point (a happening neighborhood) is run by two sisters, Effie and Sasha. The rooms are pretty standard without a lot of ammenities but the hostel is super homey and feels like you’re staying with family. The hostel has a trivia and pancake night too. Potts Point is one of the most cosmopolitan parts of Sydney. I really dig staying here. It’s a lot more relaxed than most of the other hostels in the city.

Beds from 35 AUD/25 AUD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Blue Parrot Backpackers!

8. Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway

Soft beds, clean showers with great water pressure, and free breakfasts make Mad Monkey Backpackers awesome. I also like the yoga classes on Wednesdays and access to a local gym you get. The staff organizes activities and nights out (including a traditional Australian BBQ). One of the downsides is that the common areas and kitchen are small. It’s nearly impossible to cook while others are around. But the central location, friendly staff, and awesome ammentities make this one of my favorite places to stay.

Beds from 37 AUD/26 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway!

9. Wake Up! Sydney

Wake Up! is, in many ways, like a backpacker hotel. With its eight floors, hyper-trendy and clean look, and small common areas, you might think it would be hard to meet people. The large size does make it sort of hard to meet people outside the common areas or your room, but the big bar downstairs (biggest night is Monday) lets you meet all the people you see coming and going. I really liked my time there, and I especially enjoyed the high water pressure in the showers and un-creaky beds. The hostel is located just next to the Central Station so it’s easy to get to and from the airport. Book on their directly to save some money as they often have deals.

Beds from 40 AUD/28 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Wake Up! Sydney!

10. Bondi Backpackers

If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place – it is just seconds from the sand! There’s an awesome rooftop space overlooking Bondi Beach. The hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. If you’re there Friday night, don’t miss the BBQ party on the rooftop! The rooms are comfy and the showers just fine.

Beds from 44 AUD/31 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Bondi Backpackers!

***

There are a lot of amazing hostels in Sydney, but to me, these places above are the best hostels in the city. They offer all the things that I think are important when picking a great hostel. If you stay in any of these hostels while in Sydney, you won’t go wrong!

If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The post My Top 10 Hostels in Sydney appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Updated: 11/06/2018 | Novemebr 6th, 2018

As my friends and I drank wine in the shadow of the Opera House, I couldn’t help but be happy – I was back in Sydney for the first time in five years and I was here for over two weeks!

“Shall we go somewhere else?” my friends asked.

“Sure, let’s get the bill!” I replied.

When our check came, I was reminded of something about Sydney I had forgotten: its high prices. Even with a currently weak Australian dollar, Sydney was more expensive than I remembered.

With its 10 AUD sandwiches, 10 AUD beers, 19 AUD cocktails, 30 AUD hostels (sometimes up to 40 AUD!!!), and outrageous restaurant prices, Sydney can burn a hole in your wallet quicker than actual fire. It was going to be an expensive two weeks if I didn’t figure out how to enjoy the best this city had to offer on a budget. Leaving no stone unturned (OK, probably one or two), I found several ways to save big here – while still filling your days and having a lot of fun.

While Syndey is never going to be the cheapest destination to travel to in the world, there are plenty of ways to save money in Syndey thanks to all the free and cheap things to do there. Between museums, markets, beaches, nature walks, and some local deals, there are plenty of ways to lower your costs on your next visit!

I’ve divided this blog posts into two sections:

Part 1: Free things to do in Sydney
Part 2: Cheap things to do in Sydney

Just click on the link above and get to the section you want!

Free Things to Do in Sydney

1. Get an Opal card

This metro card is free — you just need to load it with money — and worth using for three reasons: it offers discounted fare compared to purchasing one-use tickets (this varies by distance); there’s a maximum fare charge of 15 AUD per day; and on Sundays, the maximum is 2.50 AUD. That means you can go anywhere on the transportation system – whether by metro, ferry, or light rail – and you’ll never pay more than 2.50 AUD! It’s an amazing deal.

2. Explore the free museums

Australia has a lot of expensive museums, but tons of free ones too. Some worth considering are:

• The Mint (a small exhibit on how they used to make money)
• The Australia Center for Photography
• The White Rabbit Gallery (beautiful art)
• The Manly Art Museum
• The Sydney Observatory
• The Rocks Discovery Museum!

3. The Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of NSW is one of my favorite museums in the city. There are so many exquisite landscape paintings, portraits, and statues in its collection by Australian and European artists (and even a few by Monet). It’s a really substantial collection. Some of my favorites were Albert Hanson’s “Pacific Beaches,” Guerard’s “Jebel Cherib” and “Milford Sound,” Peter Paul Rubens’ “Self-Portrait,” and Batten’s “Snowdrop and the Seven Little Men.”

4. The Museum of Contemporary Art

The contemporary art museum also is free and features Australian artists, including many Aboriginals. While I’m not a huge fan of this type of art (bottles on the floor is NOT art), the Aboriginal collection was breathtaking. You can really feel the artists’ connections to their land and culture as well as the pain of past attempts to take it away from them.

5. Visit the beaches

Sydney is a city famous for its (free) beaches, and there’s no better way to spend one of the city’s many sunny days than by enjoying one of them. Try to avoid going on the weekends, when they fill up and you have to fight for space. While Bondi is the most famous, be sure to check out some of these other great beaches:

• Manly
• Watson’s Bay
• Coogee
• Bronte (my favorite)

6. Take a nature walk

There are a number of stunning public coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney’s harbor and coastal cliffs. While tons of people do the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (avoid it on the weekends), I found Watson’s Bay and the Split-to-Manly walks quieter, more relaxing, and beautiful. Some other walks worth checking out are:

• Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay
• Watson’s Bay to Dover Heights
• Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach
• Jibbon Beach Loop Track

7. Free walking tours

One of the best ways to explore a new city is by taking a free walking tour. These will introduce you to all the major sites and give you a solid introduction to the city’s history and culture. Best of all, these tours are free (just make sure to tip!). Two suggested companies for walking tours in Sydney are:

• I’m Free Walking Tours: Daily tours of the city center and The Rocks (Sydney’s original settlement).
• Sydney Greeters: This is a free service that connects you with locals who will show you their neighborhood (advanced booking required).

Cheap Things to Do in Sydney

8. Take the Town Hall tour

Built in 1889, Sydney’s beautiful town hall is a picturesque Victorian building. On Tuesday mornings, there’s a detailed two-hour tour that you can take for only 5 AUD. It’s a great way to learn some extra history about the building as well as the city.

9. Visit the markets

Sydney has a ton of amazing markets to walk through. No matter what you’re looking for, from antiques to food to local crafts, you’ll likely be able to find it at a market. I love the Paddington Market and the farmers market the best. They draw an eclectic crowd, and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop. Here are some other great markets worth checking out:

• Glebe Market
• Rozelle Collectors Market
• Orange Grove Organic Market
• Bondi Farmer’s Market
• Manly Market Place
• Chinatown Night Market

10. Attend one of Sydney’s many events

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the culture capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over dozens of events each year. It has art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. Most of them are free and can be found on the Sydney tourism website. Some of the more noteworthy events are:

• New Year’s Eve (Sydney is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve destinations in the world)
• Lost Paradise (a 3-day music festival)
• City2Surf (an annual race and fun run)
• Vivid Sydney (an annual light, music, and idea festival)
• Twilight at Taronga (summer music series)

11. Eat cheap!

Need a cheap meal? The sushi trains around the city offer a filling meal for 10-20 AUD, the noodle and dumpling shops in Chinatown offer tasty and authentic meals for less than 10 AUD, and Lentil as Anything (a vegetarian restaurant in Newtown) offers meals on a “pay as you feel” system. Another cheap place to eat is the food court in the MLC Centre, a big office building in the heart of the business district and popular with office workers. From Mexican to sushi to salads to sandwiches, you can find big-portion meals for 10 AUD or less. For more cheap eats, check out:

• El Jannah (chicken sandwiches)
• Chinese Noodle Restaurant (homemade noodles)
• Spicy Joint (spicy Chinese food)
• Spice I Am (Thai food)
• Wish Bone (fried chicken and poutine)

12. Avoid the expensive stuff

In many parts of the world, the high end offers some value and you can walk away from an expensive meal and say “that was worth every penny!” However, that’s not often the case in Sydney. I was always disappointed. From cocktail bars to upscale steak and sushi dinners, I always left hungry, unhappy, and thinking about the lack of value I got. Stick to beer, wine, and the low-end restaurants when you’re in town. You’ll get more bang for your buck!

13. Visit backpacker bars for cheap drinks

Drinking in Sydney is expensive – with beers costing up to 10 AUD each – but the backpacker bars are where to go for a cheap pint. World Bar and Ivy Hotel have backpacker specials for 4-7 AUD, and the Peter Pan Travel Agency in Kings Cross has free drinks on Tuesdays!

***Sydney is a vibrant, laid-back beach city with an incredible array of activities. If you don’t watch out, it will bust your budget really fast! Sydney may not be one of the cheapest cities in the world, but there are plenty of free and cheap events to keep you busy during your visit. I found myself with plenty of full days that ended with an even fuller wallet!

Note: All prices are in Australian dollars.

Photo Credit: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14

The post Explore Sydney on a Budget: 13 Cheap or Free Things to Do appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.