Top 10 things to do in Sydney at night
You can kick the evening off with a cocktail; Sydney has a multitude of scenic spots for sunset appreciation. Then stroll into the night for great restaurant food, after-dinner music and maybe a late-night ferry ride.
1. Say "cheers" at Hacienda
Discover Cuba-meets-Miami and one of Sydney's best sunset views at Hacienda, where you can drop in for a cocktail or linger longer for a fabulous Latin-flavoured meal. On Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ puts this spectacular evening destination into party mode. Hacienda's also a top spot for lunch.
2. Discover taste sensations at Smoke
Take your tastebuds on an intrepid journey at Smoke in Barangaroo House. As well as a menu that focuses on smoked, charred and artfully-spiced food, this food and drink destination offers rooftop harbour and skyline views. Dress up for Smoke - it's a place to show off your fashion sense.
3. Climb into the sunset on Sydney's biggest icon
The sunset view from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is epic and getting there is the ultimate in adventurous Sydney sightseeing. The Twilight climb with BridgeClimb gets you to the summit of the bridge in time for the sunset, weather permitting. You'll get a close-up look at 'the Coathanger' - it's an amazing structure and this is a great way to see it.
4. Explore the flavours of Australia at Bea
Australia's a huge country with big flavours that you can explore thoroughly at Bea in Barangaroo House, one of Sydney's top restaurants. From Sydney rock oysters and Tasmanian ocean trout to roast duck from the Southern Highlands and O'Connor beef from Gippsland, the menu is an unforgettable edible adventure.
5. Settle in at The Pav
The Coogee Pavilion, locally known as The Pav, is a three-storey beachside pub that includes a magnificent rooftop area with views over Wedding Cake Island. Whether you're fresh from the beach or dressed in your evening finery, there's a place for you here. Menus have a Mediterranean focus and the décor is amusingly eccentric - there's even a games arena.
6. Enjoy a breath of fresh air on the way to Manly
Riding a green and yellow ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is one of the cool things to do in Sydney at night. This ferry service has been operating for more than 155 years, so it's a classic Sydney expedition. Once you get to Manly, park yourself at the 4 Pines Brew Pub, a microbrewery with great sharing plates and a huge range of craft beers on tap. Manly also has some brilliant breakfast options.
7. Get an eyeful of Vivid Sydney
From 27 May to 18 June 2022 Sydney comes alive with Vivid Sydney, an annual celebration of light, music and ideas, with large-scale light installations and projections, live music performances, public talks and workshops, food experiences and much more. Explore the city on foot or enjoy the brilliant spectacle from the comfort of a harbour ferry or cruise vessel. Visiting Vivid is one of the most unique things to do in Sydney.
8. Have a spooky time around The Rocks
The Rocks is one of the oldest areas of central Sydney and it's steeped with stories of mystery and horror. On a haunted walking tour you can discover eerie places that are usually under lock and key. While this experience is captivating at any time of the year, it's extra spooky in winter.
9. Scream your heart out at Luna Park
Luna Park is Sydney's old-school, heritage-listed amusement park, so it has decades of fun to share with you. Walk under the gaping smile of the famous gateway to ride the Rotor, get lost in the Mirror Maze and scream your heart out on the Hair Raiser. The park is handy to Milsons Point train station near the northern end of the Sydney harbour Bridge.
10. Catch a performance at the Opera House
There's always something on at the Sydney Opera House, which is one of the world's greatest modern buildings. Depending on when you visit, you can catch a play, cabaret show, dance performance, comedy show, music concert or opera production. If you've never been inside this amazing structure, this is an absolute must-do.