Tumbrella

The Opera Bar in Circular Quay

I’m going to be based in Sydney for a while. Where are the best areas for a good night out? Max Benoit, via email.

There’s a good reason why Sydney is often known simply as Sin City – something, somewhere is always going on after dark.

One of the best things about Sydney is drinking by the water, and one of the best places to do that is Darling Harbour, a shiny, swanky area packed with bars, restaurants and clubs. Cargo is a Tumbrella favourite.

If sleek bars are your scene, it’s also worth strolling to the stretch of George St near Martin Place in the CBD, where many drinking holes do midweek deals. While there, make sure you check out your options from up above, by heading up to the Orbit Lounge Bar, way up on the 47th floor.

However, if it’s a view you’re after, there’s no beating the Opera Bar in Circular Quay. Nestled under the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge literally fills the sky.

If old-fashioned boozers are more to your taste, head to the Rocks for a bit of history and more British-style pubs. The area is home to Australia’s oldest pubs and is classic Friday night pub crawl territory – the Argyle especially. If you’re after a crocodile pizza, stop by The Australian, or if you fancy a view of the harbour, climb up to the Glenmore’s roof bar.

To escape the suits and the tourists, you need to head for Sydney’s wilder side – around Oxford St and Kings Cross.

Most big nights out seem to somehow end up “on the cross” and whether you’re looking for clubs, live music, gay bars, strip clubs or drugs, you’ll probably find it there.

The World Bar can always be relied on for a good time. For bands, always check out what’s on at the Oxford Art Factory. For a gay night out, a visit to either the Columbian or Arq is essential, as is a Sunday session at the Beresford.

However, there are plenty of suburbs worth checking out away from the CBD’s bright lights.

Self-consciously cool Surry Hills (home to Tumbrella’s fave pub the Cricketers) is worth a look, especially Crown St, as is alternative Newtown and studentland Glebe.

Any tips on going out in Sydney? Leave your thoughts below.

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