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.
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
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in BondiCredit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
A beloved café-bookstore that feels like stepping into a seasoned traveller’s living room, walls are lined with both second-hand and new books ready to be discovered.
From BookTok to Bookshelves: Discover Sydney's Best Bookshops
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in Bondi Credit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
Craving your next read and the feel of a real book in hand? Sydney’s new and second-hand bookstores offer a mix of trending page-turners and vintage classics all through the city and beyond.
Step off your screen, wander the shelves, and let friendly staff help you uncover hidden gems while enjoying the atmosphere only a physical bookstore can provide.
Gertude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
Where: Bondi
Named after literally figures Getrude Stein and Alice B Toklas, you wouldn’t expect to find a rustic gem like Gertrude & Alice tucked away in beachy Bondi. A beloved café-bookstore that feels like stepping into a seasoned traveller’s living room, walls are lined with both second-hand and new books ready to be discovered. Cozy corners, mismatched furniture, and a small menu make it perfect for a losing a few hours on a lazy day.
Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore
Where: Paddington
Set in a historic terrace on Oxford Street, Ampersand is an unassuming Eastern Suburbs favourite for literary lovers and brunch seekers alike. With shelves stacked with over 30,000 titles, it offers everything from rare finds to best sellers. Don’t sleep on the cafe though, the excellent coffee and menu is best enjoyed in the leafy courtyard while you start on your latest page-turner. The venue was also voted the sixth most beautiful book-cafe in the word by 1000 libraries.
Kinokuniya
Where: Sydney CBD
In the heart of the city, facing the Queen Victoria Building, Kinokuniya is a vast, light-filled bookstore that feels like a literary metropolis. Houses one of Australia’s most impressive collections of international, non-English titles, alongside art, design, and pop culture gems. Manga enthusiasts will find paradise here, while curated stationery and gifts add to the allure. Grab a seat in front of their many light filled windows and watch the hustle of Sydney CBD go by.
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in Bondi Credit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in Bondi Credit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Girl reading a book inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Girl reading a book inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Better Read than Dead
Where: Newtown
A must-visit when exploring Newtown's vibrant King Street, Better Dead Than Read is a haven for unconventional book lovers. Spread across two floors, it specialises in cult classics, counterculture titles, and hard-to-find literary gems, offering a treasure trove for adventurous readers. Vintage posters, eclectic décor, and a quirky mix of furniture create a space that feels lived-in and distinctly rebellious.
Beyond books, the store hosts underground zines, rare editions, and occasional author events, making it a hub for Sydney’s alternative literary scene. Whether you’re hunting for obscure reads, seeking inspiration, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, BDTR rewards curiosity at every turn.
Potts Point Bookshop
Where: Potts Point
A favourite of many a discerning reader, including Nigella Lawson, Macleay Street’s Potts Point Bookshop is a refined haven for discerning readers. Though small, the collection is thoughtfully curated, with knowledgeable and helpful staff making each visit feel personal. Perfect for picking up a gift for a loved one or just yourself, it’s the kind of neighbourhood bookstore that invites lingering and rewards curiosity perfectly matching Potts Point’s stylish village vibe.
Hill of Content
Where: Balmain
Head to Sydney’s Inner West to experience Hill of Content. This independent bookstore feels authentic and has become a real centrepiece of the community and a short stroll from Balmain’s picture-perfect water views. Stacks of literary fiction, children’s books, art, non-fiction and beautifully bound gifts line its shelves. Whether for a thoughtful present or peaceful browse, it’s the kind of store you come away having discovered something special.
Bookoccino
Where: Avalon Beach
Prefer to drink some wine while deep in a novel? This Northern Beaches location is the place for you. Its shelves feature a mix of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, chosen for quality rather than quantity. Owned by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ray Bonner and local bibliophile Sally Tabner, the store also hosts talks, community events, and small performances, making it a lively gathering spot.
Better Read Than Dead Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, King street, Newtown
Better Read Than Dead Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, King street, Newtown
Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Couple relaxing at Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach.
Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Couple relaxing at Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach.