Step into our world of extraordinary art, entertainment, dining and one-of-a-kind experiences as Vivid Sydney shines a light on the city from 23 May to 14 June 2025.
Be sure to explore the full program and start planning your adventure now with our insider guide of where to eat, stay and play during Vivid Sydney.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney goes to sea, with our ferries and boats lighting up in unison with the city’s skyscrapers and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as they sail across our harbour.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney goes to sea, with our ferries and boats lighting up in unison with the city’s skyscrapers and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as they sail across our harbour.
Feed Your Soul
Sydney’s dining and bar scene is as vibrant as the festival’s lights. Get inspired with these local favourites near (or inside) each Vivid Sydney location.
Barangaroo
For top-notch sustainable seafood, look no further than Golden Century at The Crown. Here, enjoy signature classics including peking duck and salt and pepper squid. Barangaroo House offers three levels of great vibes, with ground-level House Bar offering chilled waterside bar vibes, Level 1’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and vinyl bar Rekodo spinning great tastes and tunes and Smoke Bar being the perfect rooftop spot for a cocktail and share plate.
Carriageworks
Head over to the nearby South Eveleigh, a recently revitalised dining precinct in converted railway sheds. Grab a quick bite at North Sandwich & Burger; sit down for a hearty bowl of Pho from Eat Fuh or savour some Thai at Pepper Seeds. Nearby is also recently opened The Grounds Coffee Factory. Also be sure to grab a drink at Mountain Culture’s newest brewery which recently won the annual GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beer award with its Status Quo Pale Ale. Meanwhile, BrewDog comes complete with a taproom, bar and epic beer garden serving more than 20 craft beers on tap.
Central Station and The Goods Line
The Rover is a sophisticated cocktail bar with an upmarket British tavern feel and a focus on oysters, whisky, and organic and biodynamic wine. For something a little different, Butter offers a quirky combo of fried chicken, Champagne and hip-hop. Vivid Fire Kitchen is turning the heat up this year with live demonstrations showcasing the theme ‘Fire & Spice’: a bold new twist that celebrates the world’s most vibrant, spice-driven cuisines with flame-seared favourites.
Inspired by the Australian coastline, 1 Chef’s Hat-awarded Longshore serves ingredients from sea and land in a unique way. Spice Alley offers a comprehensive selection of six hawker-style Asian street-food eateries under a canopy of yellow lanterns, tucked away in a charming, paved alleyway in Chippendale.
Circular Quay
Gateway Sydney is a good place to start, a vibrant precinct with more than 30 casual eateries covering all types of cuisine. Hinchcliff House offers a range of unique venues including Lana, Grana, Martinez, underground bar Apollonia, and pasta and deli BAR MAMMONI. Mary’s Underground offers lobster and steak frites into the late night, perfect for a post Light Walk feast. And once the site of warehouse parties, Hickson House is now a lively craft spirit distillery, and offers tours. For dinner under the Sydney Opera House sails, it’s hard to imagine a more iconic spot than Opera Bar – and where better to watch the Vivid Sydney lights over the Harbour?
The Rocks
Step back in time for a G&T inside Frank Mac’s, with 1840s sandstone walls and charming table service. New restaurant Canvas Restaurant, based at the Museum of Contemporary Art, is the perfect spot to take in Vivid. Take your kids to Pancakes on The Rocks for an Americana take on the classic pancake, open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. For something special, Bay Nine is an omakase Japanese restaurant, with a daily changing menu of 11 courses served by an acclaimed chef. Recently renovated The Cut Bar & Grill combines heritage with modern elegance, providing an unforgettable steakhouse experience.
Darling Harbour and Darling Quarter
Fratelli Fresh offers fresh and fast family-friendly pizza and pasta – what's not to love? If you are after a date-night option, Atelier by Sofitel - a Two Chef Hatted restaurant - is an elegant space with an expansive wine list and beautiful local seafood. Fancy a late-night drink? Head to Lumière on Thirty Five, the Sofitel’s late night bar option (open 8pm-1am). Darling Square is a buzzing precinct for Asian deliciousness: dumplings, noodles, bubble tea and dessert.
Sydney CBD
Offering four venues in one, Shell House is all about Art Deco decadence, a luxe place to celebrate your Vivid Sydney night out – finish your evening with a drink at their rooftop bar. South-East Asian flavours come to party at MuMu in the always-pumping Ivy precinct. The International precinct overlooking Sydney’s Martin Place offers three distinctly international levels, including The Wine Bar (ground floor), The Grill (level 1), and The Panorama Bar (top floor).
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a drink at Opera Bar in Circular Quay.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a drink at Opera Bar in Circular Quay.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
Vivid Dreams: Where To Stay
A comfortable place to put up your feet after a night exploring is essential during Vivid Sydney, and the city has a room for everyone. Here are a few ideas:
Luxe
Located in the heart of the CBD, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has reopened its doors after a stunning refurbishment to offer five-star luxury in the city, while Kimpton Margot Sydney fuses Art Deco ambience with modern luxe, with a glamorous rooftop bar and pool. Crown Sydney is a prime spot to access Vivid Sydney locations Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, and for twinkling harbour panoramas and full views of the Vivid Sydney lights, waterfront Park Hyatt or Shangri-La at The Rocks can’t be beat. Check out Capella Sydney: a heritage listed icon and one of Sydney’s newest and highly anticipated luxury 5-star hotels.
Family-friendly
There’s plenty of accommodation options that have what you need if travelling with little ones. The Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour makes the perfect base to explore Vivid Sydney along the waterfront, as well as being conveniently located to many family-friendly food options. Rydges Sydney Central is sleek, modern and right near Central Station. Head across the bridge and settle in for a slumber party with the animals at Taronga Zoo – their wildlife safari tents look out on the illuminated Sydney Harbour.
Designer Digs
After you’ve sparked your creativity exploring the festival, rest your inspired head at one of Sydney’s many designer-driven boutique hotels, right next to the beginning of the Light Walk at Central Station: Ace Hotel Sydney brings the Palm Springs brand’s artistic flair to the harbour city; Paramount House Hotel offers 29 unique rooms; or take a dip in The Old Clare Hotel’s luxurious rooftop pool. If waterfront is what you seek, check into one of Hotel Palisade’s eight guestrooms (some featuring Bridge views) or get even closer to the icon at Pier One Sydney.
Airbnb
For the second year running, Airbnb is teaming up with Vivid Sydney as the 2025 Festival’s community partner. Airbnb offers a wide selection of city stays, from harbour-side, sophisticated apartments to cosy suburban rooftops. Visitors can make the most out of the festival by staying in convenient locations and enjoying the best views.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Views of the Vivid Sydney event captured from a suite in Crown Sydney, Barangaroo.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Views of the Vivid Sydney event captured from a suite in Crown Sydney, Barangaroo.
Vivid Sydney And Beyond
On The Harbour
Watch the morning sun illuminate the skyline on a Sydney Harbour Sunrise kayak safari with Sydney Harbour Kyaks.
Slow things down with a pedal past secret coves and over the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge with Sydney Harbour Bike Tours, or rise up for a bird’s-eye view of beautiful Sydney on a flight with Sydney Seaplanes. For more insight into Sydney’s colonial past and a taste of local beers in some of The Rocks historic pubs, head off on one of Dave’s Pub Tours. The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour, by Dreamtime Southern X, will show you another side of Sydney’s history – of the Gadigal people, and how their culture originated from the land.
As the sun sets, be mesmerised by Vivid Sydney’s lights reflecting across the water with a 60-minute evening cruise of the harbour with Fantasea or see brilliance from above as you scale to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in time to watch Vivid Sydney burst into life at 6pm. On the ground, learn how to capture the beautiful Vivid Sydney lights with a Vivid Photography Walking Tour with Picture Me Sydney.
For the full program and to plan your Vivid Sydney trip, visit: www.vividsydney.com
TItanique Credit: Titanique
he cult musical sensation that has all of New York scrambling for a ticket to take their seat on the ship of dreams. Setting sail for Australia, Titanique will play a limited season, exclusive to Sydney at The Grand Electric, from September.
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TItanique Credit: Titanique
he cult musical sensation that has all of New York scrambling for a ticket to take their seat on the ship of dreams. Setting sail for Australia, Titanique will play a limited season, exclusive to Sydney at The Grand Electric, from September.
Hadestown Credit: Opera Australia
Seen by three million, streamed by over 350 million and adored by fans all around the world, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown will make its Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2025. Presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, Hadestown won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2019, including Best Score and Best Director and is still playing to packed houses five years later.
#feelnewsydney
Hadestown Credit: Opera Australia
Seen by three million, streamed by over 350 million and adored by fans all around the world, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown will make its Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2025. Presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, Hadestown won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2019, including Best Score and Best Director and is still playing to packed houses five years later.
More Inspirational Stories
Henry Deane, Hotel Palisade, Millers PointCredit: Destination NSW
Bartender creating a cocktail at Henry Deane, Hotel Palisade, Millers Point.
Play hide and seek in secret bars
From whisky-soaked speakeasies to exuberant jazz dens hiding in plain sight, Sydney’s secret waterholes reward those who know where to look – and are bold enough to push the door. Start in the YCK Laneways precinct – stretching between Wynyard and Town Hall in the city centre – where more than 20 small bars and eateries are packed into a colourful labyrinth of historic alleys.
On the edge of the city, following the Inner West Ale Trail through Newtown, Marrickville and Camperdown leads to 17 of Sydney’s best breweries, each with their own take on tippling, from the industrial charm of Wayward to the warehouse chic of Batch, and the rock’n’roll vibe of Young Henrys. While you’re in the neighbourhood, swing by Jacoby’s Tiki Bar for tropical drinks and glowing décor, and LazyBones Lounge for live jazz, an eclectic cocktail list and velvet-draped interiors that make every winter night cosy.
Closer to the harbour, the hidden bars are just as theatrical. In The Rocks, The Doss House pours 150-plus whiskies in a 170-year-old sandstone building that once housed an opium den. In the city’s heart, Apollonia is tucked beneath Hinchcliff House – a moody, candlelit bar with Italian cocktails and cured meats, while around the corner, Double Deuce Lounge channels 1970s swagger with red leather booths, a furry wall and a funky playlist.
Across the water in Manly, The Cumberland hides behind a fridge door and leads to an intimate, Spanish-style bar with more than 250 whiskies and an inviting interior lined with stone, brass and leather. In a city known for its bold views and bright lights, these tucked-away spots invite you into Sydney’s invigorating winter energy – one artfully muddled sip at a time.
The Cumberland, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Couple watching a bartender preparing cocktails at The Cumberland, Manly.
The Cumberland, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Couple watching a bartender preparing cocktails at The Cumberland, Manly.
The Doss House, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Bartender creating a cocktail at The Doss House bar in The Rocks.
The Doss House, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Bartender creating a cocktail at The Doss House bar in The Rocks.
Drink in the world-class views
Refresh your winter perspective at one of Sydney’s rooftop bars, where you can become part of the skyline while the city’s lights unfurl below like an open invitation. On the harbour’s edge, you’ll find a host of hotspots where the views are elevated in every sense. Aster Bar is located on the 32nd floor of the InterContinental Sydney and offers 270-degree views of the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Opera House – best enjoyed with a bespoke martini in its glamorously appointed lounge. Over on Millers Point, Henry Deane crowns the Hotel Palisade with creative cocktails, plush lounges, sun-drenched balconies and uninterrupted views in every direction. And at Smoke, atop Barangaroo House, the imaginative drinks list matches the glittering winter backdrop, with signatures like the Chilly Evenings (milk-washed Wild Turkey, St Germain, cloves and lemon) and the Skyline Spritz (Bombay Sapphire, raspberry, mango and bubbles).
Nearby, The Library Bar enhances the intrigue of its secretive location with Hunter Valley wines, local gin and views stretching over the Domain and Sydney Harbour, while The Rook remains one of the city centre’s most sought-after eyries, celebrated for its standout cocktails, gin events and neon skyline panoramas.
On the inner-city fringe, Lottie brings mezcal and modern Mexican to the rooftop of The EVE Hotel in Redfern, with an alfresco setting built for all seasons and urban views that feel close enough to touch. In Potts Point, The Butler presents sprawling city vistas from its charming terrace, alongside a zesty Ibero-American menu and thoughtful cocktails in a space layered with history and character. Further west, Nick and Nora's rises above Parramatta with a touch of Gatsby opulence – chandeliers, drinks trolleys and jaw-dropping views stretching all the way to the Blue Mountains.
The Library Bar, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks at the Library Bar, located on the rooftop of the State Library of NSW.
The Library Bar, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks at the Library Bar, located on the rooftop of the State Library of NSW.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney
Cosy up in a buzzing a pub
Whether you’re up for a round of community trivia, banter-filled brews with the crew or a quieter one chatting around the neighbourhood’s favourite fireplace, wherever you land in Sydney, the refreshments and memories are both on tap in its cosy pubs. In the heart of the city, The Duke of Clarence channels the feel of an 18th Century London tavern, complete with antique accents, dark wood, leather banquettes, cask ales, creative cocktails, and an award-winning menu of British fare. Across the harbour at Manly’s Hotel Steyne, locals get together in beachside courtyards, sports bars and rooftop terraces to catch live DJs, watch the game, and flex their ping pong skills.
Flanking the city centre, buzzing neighbourhood bars invite you into heritage buildings that feel like the community’s rumpus room. With its roaring fireplace, sunny dining room and relaxed upstairs lounges, Glebe Hotel has been wetting local whistles since 1862. Likewise, Waterloo’s Cauliflower Hotel has been the heart of its community since 1838, now serving craft beer and trivia alongside an 18-screen sports bar.
Moving east, the heritage pubs go back even further. The Paddo Inn has served good drinks and tasty pub classics since 1814, its huge windows still offering a front-row seat to the fashion, colour and creativity of Oxford Street. Nearby, the Lord Dudley leans into its old-world charm, with a red-brick façade, timber bar, crackling fireplaces and famous pot pies – a traditional English-style pub tucked into the backstreets of eclectic, electric Paddington.
The Lord Dudley Hotel, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a drink at The Lord Dudley Hotel, Paddington.
The Lord Dudley Hotel, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a drink at The Lord Dudley Hotel, Paddington.
Where to cheers and cheer on your team
Sydney’s jam-packed calendar of sporting events spreads the winter cheer far and wide – and watching a showdown from one of its legendary sports bars feels like plugging into the city’s heartbeat. Strangers become teammates, and mates turn into friendly rivals, when the action heats up.
With more than 50 LCD TVs, three mega-screens, stadium-style sound and a lively atmosphere, The Star casino’s 24/7 Sports Bar is a prime spot for everything from international MMA bouts to footy clashes and motorsport showdowns. In the city centre, Cheers Sports Bar is a 24-hour hub for local and international fixtures across football, basketball, surfing, soccer, golf, hockey, tennis, cricket and more – with three levels making it a go-to for any game, any time. Just a short walk away, York 75 delivers a classic sports bar vibe with private booths seating up to eight, each with its own TV for a personalised viewing experience.
Further afield and overlooking the beach, Coogee Bay Hotel’s Sports Bar adds a coastal twist to the big-game buzz, with 15 screens – including two mega-screens – and an elevated pub-grub menu to keep you cheering, while tap beers, local spirits and a solid wine list help soothe a voice well-used. And in the Inner City, Surry Hills’ Clock Hotel and Newtown’s Marlborough Hotel both offer multiple screens and effervescent, character-filled spaces that draw in like-minded fans and regulars alike.
The Clock Hotel, Surry Hills Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
The Clock Hotel on Crown Street Surry Hills
The Clock Hotel, Surry Hills Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
The Clock Hotel on Crown Street Surry Hills
Marlborough Hotel, Newtown Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Marlborough Hotel on King Street in Newtown
Marlborough Hotel, Newtown Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Marlborough Hotel on King Street in Newtown