This is the last in my travel series from Australia, but we're ending on a high with Sydney. After a couple of days in Melbourne, we headed north and spent four days exploring the various neighbourhoods of the city and of course, the iconic coast. It's safe to say I left my heart in Sydney - the mixture of city meets beach, the laid-back lifestyle, ridiculously good food, shopping, architecture and friendly locals has made me pining to go back. I'm not going to lie, I've been checking for flight deals almost on the daily but for now, discover my travel guide to Sydney.  

Where to Stay


We stayed in Paddington in an Airbnb and couldn't have been happier with our choice. The streets were lined with the most beautiful houses (just look at those above) and the variety of places to eat and drink was incredible. The shopping was great (go to Oxford Street for independents and shops like Incu for the likes of A.P.C., Acne and Common Projects), it was full of character, plus you're really close to Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and a bus ride away from Bondi or the CBD.   




Jumpsuit: COS
Converse: Coggles 

Where to Eat and Drink


Kurtosh - We spent a lot of time on Victoria Street in Darlinghurst, which was about a 5 minute walk from where we were staying, and was lined with bars, cafes and restaurants. Kurtosh is a bakery/cafe serving fresh baked goods everyday - try the signature KürtÅ‘skalács for a taste of traditional Hungarian pastry.

Mad Pizza - Also on Victoria Street but there are a few locations around the city, Mad Pizza serves up fresh pizza plus a variety of pasta dishes - go if you want a casual bite to eat. 

Cali Press - We found there was a whole host of health food-driven places to eat in Sydney that didn't lose out when it came to quality or flavour. Cali Press (five locations around the city - we went to the Bondi cafe) is one of the best examples, full of cold pressed juices, whole foods and bulletproof coffee (try it, trust me). 

Buffalo Dining Club - A tiny place off Victoria Street, Buffalo Dining Club specialises in mozzarella. There are just a few things on the menu - first, you choose your cheese, side and prosciutto, and then you choose your pasta (go for the cacio e pepe, which they serve out of a cheese wheel). The dishes are large and ample to share between two, plus the space fills up quickly (especially at the weekend) so go early if you want a table. 

Elvio's - Another Italian on Victoria Street, Elvio's has a simple but well-executed menu, with a build-your-own antipasti concept. They also do great coffee, should you find yourself there during the day.

Gelato Messina - The best gelato you'll get outside of Italy, Gelato Messina is a bit of an institution in Sydney. The flavours are inventive and each one so delicious you'll want to try every one. 

Infinity Bakery - Situated on Oxford Street, Infinity Bakery is a bakery-come-cafe specialising in organic sourdough. It's a laid-back affair where you can either grab fresh goods to go, or sit down for brunch (the avocado on sourdough was my favourite) and coffee.   

What to Do


Aside from eating (which you'll want to do a lot of), the best way to discover Sydney is wandering through the neighbourhoods by foot and stumbling across the little parks and boutiques. But the touristy stuff is well worth a visit too; go to the CBD for high street shopping, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and Bondi for Aussie beach life. Do the Bondi to Coogee walk too, for incredible views and a chance to sample a variety of the city's beaches (the Coogee Pavilion provides a well-deserved rooftop drink at the end).  





Dress: & Other Stories
Sandals: Zara