Sydney: Neighborhoods

Central Business District (CBD) Sydney’s multicultural, commercial hub is comprised of government buildings, office towers, hotels, fine dining, and nine shopping centers.

Circular Quay The harbor’s Circular Quay is the depot for ferries that connect visitors with many of the city’s attractions, including Taronga Zoo and Luna Park. Also here: the infamous Opera House.

The Rocks At the southern end of the Harbour Bridge is “The Rocks,” one of Australia’s oldest neighborhoods and home to upscale restaurants and bars. It’s also tops for harbor views.

King's Cross Trendy cafes, bars, and hotels are starting to redefine what was once a sketchy red-light district. Strip clubs, adult bookstores, and cheesy nightclubs, however, still have a strong presence.

Darlinghurst Known as “Darlo,” this eastern suburb 20 minutes outside central Sydney celebrates the gay and lesbian community with its annual GLBT Mardi Gras. Stanley Street’s is renowned for Italian grub.

Darling Harbour This scenic, open-air street-mall is comprised of pricey, touristy restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Kids love the Sydney Aquarium, the Imax Theater, and the lush “Chinese Garden of Friendship.”

Manly With top-notch waves for surfing, Manly rivals popular Bondi Beach. The Corso, Manly's commercial hub, is loaded with restaurants and late-night bars. Hop a quick, 30-minute ferry from "The Rocks" to get here.

Bondi Beach Exceedingly popular Bondi Beach is a given for swooning and sunbathing. Campbell Parade, Bondi's main drag, bustles with eats, drinks, and partiers. Nearby beaches Clovelly, Coogee, and Tamarama, are slightly less pretentious.

Chinatown Chinatown is a smorgasbord of Asian culture, oriental architecture, and yum-cha eateries where patrons enjoy dim sum brunches and green tea. Paddy's Markets is a must for bargain shoppers.

Surry Hills Victorian architecture, arts, and antiques abound in this revamped former slum. Fashion outlets, cafes, and innumerable pubs cater to a rapidly growing arts community.

"The Shire" Sydney's most well-to-do neighborhood celebrates great beaches and good shopping. Northie's, the best pub for a "Sunday session" (rough translation: a full day of drinking), is also here.