There are some amazing Airbnb rentals in Sydney, and I’m not just talking about the ones with views to die for! We have pulled together these great Airbnb properties, perfect for a weekend of romance and reconnection in Sydney’s city and beaches.
Today we will share a handful of our favourite Airbnb rentals in Sydney but before we begin, let’s cover some of the basics about choosing your Airbnb property. If Airbnb is not new to you feel free to jump straight to the list.
Some terminology useful when reading Airbnb listings
There are a few specific terms it helps to understand before you begin.
Airbnb Superhosts – Superhosts have been awarded their status because they provide outstanding hospitality. They are checked four times a year to ensure they are still offering their guests an excellent experience. We like to choose super hosts, but it is not always essential for a good experience. If our search results yield lots of options, we tend to filter this setting to help us find a great stay.
Airbnb Plus – is another handy option to filter your search results. Airbnb Plus listings have been visited in person by Airbnb staff and rated for up to 100 things considered important for guest comfort. They usually offer an executive level of comfort and attractive design features.
Tip: Always read the property rules before you book. Something that might be no problem for me might be a real deal-breaker for you.
Beginning your search
Before we give you our shortlist of current favourites let’s go through a couple of things to consider when choosing which property to book.
Location is king
Whether you’re holidaying in Australia from overseas, an interstate getaway or planning a staycation we think the most important consideration when choosing a property is its location. There are dozens of great areas in Sydney to stay, and the right one for your visit will depend on the type of trip you are planning.
I also like to look for stays with good access to public transport and have highlighted this in our recommendations below.
At the bottom of each Airbnb listing is a section on the Neighbourhood – Scroll to the end of the page, and you can read a brief overview or click on it for more details.
What amenities are offered
Deciding how much space you need and what features are a must for you will help you narrow down your search quickly. Using the filters you can show only apartments that offer these.
- Are you happy with a small studio? Having a living room can be great if you or your partner are early risers and like to potter about while the other sleeps in.
- Would you like a full kitchen? If you plan on saving money on food, you might want a kitchen or BBQ area.
- Are the premises suitable for your needs, pet friendly, for example? No stairs if you have mobility issues.
- Do you find it uncomfortable to sleep without airconditioning? You can set this in your search filters.
Cancellation conditions have been updated, and you can now select properties with flexible cancellation rules
Our favourite vacation rentals in Sydney for couples – a curated list
A few criteria we required to make our list were:
- flexible cancellation policy
- a good neighbourhood for visiting Sydney
- proximity to sites or restaurants
- good reviews from previous guests
- Superhost status
Sydney Airbnb and Vacation Rental – City Stays
If you plan on being out sightseeing all day, you might be happy with a small and affordable well-positioned studio. However, if your Sydney vacation dreams have always involved a view, there is plenty of that on offer too!
Airbnb with Sydney Harbour views
If your dream stay in Sydney includes seeing the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House from your balcony we think you might like these Airbnb rentals in Sydney Harbour suburbs.
Iconic Sydney Harbour and Opera House Postcard View.
I think it’s almost impossible to beat a private balcony view of Sydney’s dress circle, i.e. the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
This property ticks all the boxes and while you need to book in advance or get lucky with a cancellation it’s worth trying.
The large doors bring the harbour view inside, making it impossible to forget where you are!
There is a super comfortable memory foam King bed in the main bedroom (the property has 2 bedrooms but the second is locked when booking for a couple)
There is also a full kitchen with a coffee maker and dishwasher.
Related: Check out the gorgeous Cremorne Point walk if you opt to stay in this area.
Circular Quay Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
With all the big-ticket tourist sites at your doorstep and walking distance to Barangaroo, Pitt St Mall and the Royal Botanic Gardens staying at Circular Quay is a great choice, especially for first-time visitors.
The Music Lovers Dream in Circular Quay
We call this the music lovers apartment if you are planning a romantic weekend in Sydney this could be the perfect place to serenade your partner! Included for use of the guests are a beautiful piano, guitar and even a ukulele!
It’s just a three-minute walk to Circular Quay and perfectly located for walking to the city’s main tourist sites. You are also close to some great small bars and dining options.
There is a king-size bed with a TV in the bedroom, a clean modern bathroom and good size kitchen space.
Airbnb Darling Harbour Apartments and Vacation Rentals
Staying in Darling Harbour puts entertainment and dining on your doorstep. While a few years ago we would have only recommended this spot for families the recent opening of Darling Square at the Southern End and Darling Quarters upgrade has made it much more appealing for couples.
Peppertree Studio – Darling Harbour/Pyrmont
This affordable studio is in the Goldsbough Building on the edge of Darling Harbour. It’s not luxurious, but it is very well positioned for enjoying a weekend or even a week in Sydney.
I recently stayed here for a few days to save time travelling to a conference at Darling Harbour each day and loved the location. You are in walking distance to the casino, Barangaroo and Darling Square dining precincts. The light rail will have you at the fish market or central station in no time.
The apartment complex offers 24/7 concierge, a 25m lap pool, sauna and gym. The studio apartment is spacious, with a decent sized kitchen with an oven and dishwasher. There are laundry facilities in the bathroom too.
Darling Harbour Apartment in Sought-After Heart of CBD
On the city side of Darling Harbour is this light filled Airbnb Plus apartment. One bedroom offers a queen bed and in the lounge is a double sofa bed.
The full kitchen features an nespresso machine, dishwasher and convection oven.
Related: This guide to dining in Darling Harbour may come in handy if you choose this property.
Heritage Properties in Millers Point and the Rocks
The Rocks is a fabulous place to stay with the city shops, stunning harbour and Barangaroo restaurants and parkland only a few minutes away. There are a number of Victorian terrace houses listed on Airbnb and they are mostly beautifully furnished and very comfortable.
The Rocks Quiet Luxury Harbour View
This two-story terrace was build in the mid-1800s and restored in 2017 and is one of our favourites. There are lots of the original features including the fireplace and timber floors.
Along with a bright and airy living area, a small balcony accessible off the lounge and the bedroom allows you to let the neighbourhood sounds and views in.
The bedroom offers a queen bed and a quiet air conditioner, a blessing on a hot summer night in Sydney. You have harbour views to the West from the second-floor balcony, so no bridge but lovely regardless.
There is a full kitchen, laundry facilities, free wifi, an espresso machine and a dishwasher. The marble bathroom is spotlessly clean.
Related: Check out our Rocks Self Guided walking tour and learn more about the area.
Airbnb in inner Sydney
Potts Point and Woolloomooloo Airbnb properties
Dining and cafes are right on your doorstep if you choose to stay in Potts Point and Woolloomooloo. There are also plenty of apartments with city views.
Contemporary Potts Point Apartment with a Rooftop Pool
The studio apartment offers panoramic views of the city from the rooftop and pool area where you will undoubtedly want to spend some time.
The stylish apartment is small but has everything you need for a relaxing stay, including a well-equipped kitchen with an espresso machine. Close to transport and a vibrant community if you like inner city living you will enjoy this location.
Surry Hills and Darlinghurst Airbnb stays we love
If you fancy slipping into the lifestyle of some of the city’s most creative residents, then a few days in Surry Hills or Darlinghurst might be right up your alley.
From warehouse conversions to workers cottages, terrace houses to modern apartments, there is a huge variety of choice in these inner-city streets.
Darlinghurst Apartment with Harbour Views
You will love watching the city come alive each day from the balcony with a light-filled spacious open plan apartment with comfortable and stylish furnishing apartment.
Located in the Top of the Town building, the bedroom has a queen-size bed, access to the balcony and city views. It’s only a couple of minutes to the train station and close to cafes and supermarkets.
A Slice of History in the Heart of Darlo
At the other end of the style spectrum, this historic sandstone terrace will delight a history lover. A brothel back in the razor gang period of the 1920s-1930s, it has retained its original interior sandstone walls.
While the apartment is compact, it’s got everything you need for a short stay, including a king-size bed! You are only 15 minutes walk from the city centre and surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants.
Take this Surry Hills small bar tour to learn all about the days of the Razor Gangs
Paddington
Just a 30 minute walk to the city a stay in Paddington is perfect for those wanting to be halfway between the city and the beach. Numerous bus services will have you at Circular Quay or Bondi in less than 15 minutes
Lower level of Paddington terrace
This terrace is the lowest floor of a three-story terrace. The apartment includes a large living and dining space, a comfortable bed, workspace and private courtyard. There is air-conditioning and gas heating.
The terrace is a few minutes walk from the very popular Five Ways Paddington where you will find restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. Buses to the city nearby too.
Redfern and Chippendale
Almost the polar opposite of leafy upmarket Paddington Redfern is walking distance to town and has excellent transport connections.
The area is home to creative types with lots of small creator studios and plenty of street art. There are a bunch of great small bars and plenty of cafes making dining near your accommodation super easy.
Stylish studio close to the city
A compact, self-contained studio, with a kitchenette offering everything you need for basic meal prep. The handy location, minutes walk to the city, shops, restaurants and transport means you are unlikely to spend much time at home!
There is a smart TV, wifi and laundry facilities. The sleeping area offers a queen size bed with a memory foam mattress. The lounge can also be converted to a sofa bed.
This studio has a 5-day minimum booking, but its affordable price makes it a great choice for a long visit.
Park View Warehouse in Chippendale
This gorgeous warehouse conversion offers a stylish light-filled living space and balcony. The is one bedroom with a queen-size bed. Also on offer is wifi, a Chromecast, and laundry facilities.
You are only a 10-minute walk to either Redfern or Central Stations and there is plenty of dining right on the doorstep.
Airbnb rentals in Sydney’s Beach Suburbs
Manly
An Airbnb in Manly has you perfectly placed to explore the northern beaches. You can get yourself ocean views or choose something facing out over the harbour and the wharf. Either way, it’s a win.
Manly Ocean Beach View Sunrise
This apartment is on the Eighth Floor of the iconic ‘Manly National’ security building. It offers views over Manly, Queenscliff and Shelly Beach. You can watch the sunrise and the sunset on the balcony. You can even view the sunrise from your bed!
There is an undercover balcony, a full kitchen and laundry. Tech lovers will enjoy the smart TV with a Netflix account and unlimited wifi internet.
Parking is included and if you want a Manly Beach view pop up to the rooftop BBQ area which also offers a pool.
Related: Check out our list of the best things to do in Manly if you stay here.
Bondi Beach Airbnb rental
Watching the sunrise from Bondi Beach is a lovely way to start the day. Follow it up with the coastal walk to Bronte before breakfast, and you are living the dream!
Many properties here have Pacific Ocean views, and there is enough to do in the area never to leave, but if you want to explore there is ample transport to the city.
Bondi Dream Views
There are worse wasy to spend an afternoon than sitting on the patio watching the beach.
This top floor art deco apartment features two bedrooms, one with a queen bed. There is a full kitchen and washing machine as well as wifi and ceiling fans to keep you cool when the ocean breeze stills.
Related: Be sure to put aside time to explore our insider’s guide to Bondi
Ocean front retreat at Vaucluse
Overlooking Diamond Bay this has to be the best Airbnb in Sydney for clifftop views. You can sit and watch the ocean from the lounge or the bedroom.
There is a shared cliff-top swimming pool, and the apartment comes with a parking space. You are halfway along the Hermitage Foreshore walk, and if you can tear yourself away from the views, there is a small shopping area within walking distance.
Explore NSW
We have spent 2020 rediscovering NSW after several years of travelling outside the state, and it reminded us how many amazing places we have within our borders. We don’t need to travel hours and hours from home to enjoy fabulous getaways.
Short three day breaks can really help reset your mind, relationship with your partner or friends and generally make you feel relaxed. So what are you waiting for… start planning.
- A weekend in Newcastle
- Exploring Maitland and Morpeth
- A Central Coast Getaway
- A Two Day Getaway to Blackheath
- Three Great Sydney Weekend Escapes
Staying in an Airbnb in Greater Sydney can make a perfect choice for exploring some of the cities hidden suburbs and national parks.
Find your own Airbnb rental in Sydney
Booking an Airbnb Property
There are two types of bookings offered, and it’s personal preference which you use, many people don’t mind either way.
- Instant book – with instant bookings you receive confirmation immediately.
- Request to book – your host will consider your booking request before accepting you. This allows them to look at any reviews you may have received from previous hosts, or if you are a first-timer, they can see your profile and read anything you have added about yourself and your trip in your booking request.
Personally, I prefer the request to book option. I like that the host cares about who stays in their property. This suggests to me that perhaps they take better care of the place.
If you want to find a property to share with a group of friends, try these which allow for a larger number of guests.
Save these Airbnb rental listings for your holiday planning