Cantina OK!, Sydney CBDCredit: Destination NSW
Bartender creating cocktails at Cantina OK! in Sydney's CBD.
Whether you’re fresh from a theatre performance, wrapping up dinner with friends, or just clocking off from work, Sydney’s CBD offers a vibrant mix of cocktail bars and late-night venues that keep the energy flowing well into the night. From hidden speakeasies to award-winning cocktail bars, here’s your guide to the best places to sip, snack and socialise after hours.
Bar 1880 Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney’s best kept secrets - Bar 1880, a hidden and moody speakeasy tucked away in the heart of Circular Quay.
Bar 1880 Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney’s best kept secrets - Bar 1880, a hidden and moody speakeasy tucked away in the heart of Circular Quay.
Classics & Hidden Gems
Sydney’s city centre is packed with stylish cocktail bars and late-night eateries that cater to every kind of night owl. Whether you’re after a world-class martini, a smoky mezcal concoction, or a plate of tapas at midnight, these venues are perfect for post-show drinks or spontaneous late-night adventures.
Maybe Sammy
Great for: Award-winning cocktails and vintage glamour
Step into one of the world’s best bars, where service is what you’d expect from a top-tier hotel bar meets elegance in a plush, retro lounge. Maybe Sammy’s mini cocktails are perfect for sampling, and the martini cart adds a touch of theatre. Don’t miss the lobster rolls for a late-night snack.
Bar 1880
Great for: Speakeasy vibes and pre-theatre drinks
Just off Bulletin Place, Bar 1880 is a two-level cocktail haven with laneway seating and a moody upstairs lounge. The drinks are the star here, but the share plates - think cured meats and sardines - make it a great spot to linger.
Cantina OK!
Great for: Mezcal magic and hidden alleyway charm
This tiny, neon-lit bar tucked down a CBD laneway is a mezcal lover’s dream. Let the bartenders guide you through rare agave spirits and inventive cocktails like the Watermelon Sumac. It’s intimate, energetic, and unforgettable.
Maybe Sammy, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying drinks at Maybe Sammy cocktail bar in The Rocks.
Maybe Sammy, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying drinks at Maybe Sammy cocktail bar in The Rocks.
Herbs Taverne
Great for: Negroni lovers and bitter drink aficionados
Opened in May 2025, Herbs is a shrine to the Negroni and the world of amaro. With a laser focus on bold, bitter flavours, it’s a must-visit for those who appreciate a well-balanced aperitif in a fun, modern setting.
The Press
Great for: Live music and late-night martinis
Behind an unmarked door lies The Press, an opulent music bar. With a house band playing jazz, soul and disco, and DJs keeping the tempo high, it’s a glamorous spot for cocktails and dancing into the early hours.
Letra House
Great for: Tapas and wine until late
Hidden beneath Palazzo Salato, Letra House is a subterranean wine bar with over 50 bottles available by the glass. The Spanish-inspired menu is perfect for sharing, and the vibe is intimate and effortlessly cool.
Ette
Great for: Seamless transitions from dinner to drinks
Open until 2am, Ette blends fast fine dining with a buzzy bar atmosphere. It’s sleek, modern, and ideal for those who want to start with dinner and stay for cocktails without changing venues.
Grandfather’s
Great for: Late-night Chinese and cocktails
Serving supper until 1am, Grandfather’s focuses on the bold flavours of Guangdong and Sichuan. Think spring rolls, seafood, and a serious wine list - all in a stylish, welcoming space.
Herbs Taverne in Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Herbs Taverne explores the cultural resonance of bitter drinks through a tightly curated menu of negronis, aperitifs, digestifs and seasonal cocktails.
Herbs Taverne in Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Herbs Taverne explores the cultural resonance of bitter drinks through a tightly curated menu of negronis, aperitifs, digestifs and seasonal cocktails.
Neighbourhood Nights in Darlinghurst
Just a short stroll from the CBD, Darlinghurst and surrounding areas offer a more relaxed, intimate take on Sydney’s nightlife. These venues are perfect for winding down or turning up, depending on your mood.
Vin-Cenzo’s
Great for: Supper club vibes and Italian cocktails
With a rare 3am licence, Vin-Cenzo’s is built for late-night revelry. Expect Italian classics with a twist, bottled negronis, and a wine list that spans continents. The low-lit interiors and intimate feel make it a favourite for end-of-week gatherings.
The Waratah
Great for: Aussie produce and terrace drinks
This two-storey terrace bar celebrates Australian producers with a seasonal menu and a relaxed, heritage-inspired setting. Whether you’re upstairs on the terrace or downstairs at the walk-in bar, it’s a great spot for a late-night bite and a local drop.
Sydney’s nightlife doesn’t end when the curtain falls or the dinner plates are cleared. From hidden cocktail dens to lively supper clubs, the city offers countless ways to keep the night alive. So whether you’re winding down or just getting started, there’s a bar stool waiting for you.
More Inspirational Stories
Sydney Harbour AerialsCredit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of North Bondi overlooking Bondi Golf & Diggers Club and Bondi Beach.
Looking for a fresh way to experience Sydney this summer? Sydney’s golf scene is booming, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors while discovering some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes.
With over 100 courses within two hours of the CBD, Sydney offers a diverse range of public-access golf experiences, from cliffside fairways to lush hinterland greens. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, there’s a course waiting for you.
Golf Near the City
Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Moore Park Golf is a public 18-hole championship course nestled in the heart of Centennial Parklands. With a top-tier driving range, expert coaching, and a relaxed bistro, it’s the perfect spot for a quick round or a full day of play.
A short drive away, St Michael’s Golf Club in Little Bay offers a dramatic links-style course perched above the Pacific Ocean. Open to guests and members, it’s a must-visit for golfers who love a challenge with a view.
Moore Park Golf, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Moore Park Golf, Sydney. Sydney's premier public golf course.
Moore Park Golf, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Moore Park Golf, Sydney. Sydney's premier public golf course.
Coastal Classics
Imagine teeing off with the iconic Bondi Beach as your backdrop. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bondi Golf Club, a nine-hole course with sweeping ocean views and even the chance to spot migrating whales between May and November.
Nearby, Woollahra Golf Club offers a harbourside nine-hole course that’s open to the public—perfect for a quick game with postcard-worthy views.
Head north to Palm Beach Golf Course, nestled between Pittwater and Palm Beach, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views all the way to Lion Island. Just down the coast, Mona Vale Golf Club offers 18 scenic holes that are as challenging as they are beautiful.
To the south, Randwick Golf Course delivers a relaxed links-style experience with ocean views. It’s open to the public on Mondays and Fridays, and afternoons the rest of the week. After your round, treat yourself to a meal at the Bay Window Restaurant, where local chef Nik Eberhardt serves up contemporary Australian cuisine with views over Malabar Beach.
Palm Beach Golf Club Credit: Palm Beach Golf Club
The nine-hole Palm Beach Golf Course sits between Pittwater and Palm Beach, with views all the way to Lion Island.
Palm Beach Golf Club Credit: Palm Beach Golf Club
The nine-hole Palm Beach Golf Course sits between Pittwater and Palm Beach, with views all the way to Lion Island.
Greater Sydney Gems
Venture a little further and you’ll find even more golfing treasures. In the rural outskirts near Camden, Camden Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with a stunning Blue Mountains backdrop.
In the southwest, Bankstown Golf Club welcomes public players to its championship course. And in Sydney’s western hills, Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, offers a premium experience on a world-class layout.
Make It a Golf Getaway
Want to turn your Sydney golf experience into a full-blown holiday? The Pure Golfer and LuxGolf offer bespoke golf tours, giving you access to exclusive courses, luxury transport, and curated itineraries that make the most of your time on and off the green.
Whether you're chasing birdies or just soaking up the sunshine, Sydney’s golf courses offer a fresh and scenic way to explore the city. So grab your clubs, hit the fairways, and discover why golf is one of the best ways to experience Sydney this summer.