Holiday Rentals in Sydney: A Local’s Guide to the Best Areas (2025)

Planning to rent a holiday apartment in Sydney but overwhelmed by the choices? As a Sydney local, I’ll help you choose the perfect neighborhood for your stay. This guide covers everything from harbourside luxury to trendy inner-city suburbs, with honest advice about transport, local life, and what to expect in each area.

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Quick Area Guide

This guide is regularly updated with current local insights and accommodation options. Last updated: April 2025

Key Things to Know:

• Best value areas: Glebe, Redfern, Green Square
• Most scenic: Kirribilli, Cremorne Point
• Best for first visit: Surry Hills, Darlinghurst
• Family-friendly: Manly, Balmain

At a Glance: Sydney Holiday Rentals

Average Nightly Rates (2025)

• Budget: $170-300 (inner city apartments)
• Mid-range: $300-450 (beach/harbour locations)
• Luxury: $400+ (waterfront properties)

Distance Guide

• City Fringe: 5-15 min to CBD
• Harbour suburbs: 15-20 min by ferry
• Beach suburbs: 30-45 min to CBD
• Inner city: 15-25 min by public transport

Why Trust This Guide?

As a lifelong Sydney resident and travel writer, I regularly inspect properties and stay updated with the local rental market. This guide combines my personal experience with feedback from our Sydney Expert community members.

Need personalised advice? Join our Facebook group where our local experts can help you choose the perfect location.

When we mention the city in this article, we are using the Sydney GPO (General Post Office) in Martin Place as the marker point.  You may like to refer to our Public Transport page for details of reaching these areas.

City Fringe Suburbs: Walk to Everything

Looking for the perfect balance of convenience and local charm? City fringe suburbs offer the best of both worlds – you’re close enough to walk to major attractions but far enough to experience authentic Sydney life.

Quick Compare: City Fringe Areas

✓ All areas have excellent public transport
✓ Walk to attractions in 20-40 minutes
✓ Better value than CBD hotels
✓ More space and local atmosphere

Surry Hills: Foodie Paradise with Character

Distance to CBD: 2km l Average nightly rate: $220-400

Surry Hills has transformed from its industrial roots as Sydney’s textile district into the city’s most exciting food and culture hub. Those former clothing warehouses now house trendy apartments, creative spaces, and some of Sydney’s best restaurants.

Why Choose Surry Hills?
✓ Sydney’s best dining scene
✓ Historic warehouse conversions
✓ Excellent transport links
✓ Walking distance to CBD
✓ Vibrant café culture

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Weekend noise from bars/restaurants
✗ Limited parking
✗ Higher accommodation rates
✗ Some streets can feel unsafe late at night

Employment in the fashion warehouses attracted many migrants to the suburb, who each left a mark on its character. This history is at least partly to thank for the fact that the Surry Hills of today is a foodie’s paradise. There’s an exceptional selection of restaurants serving multicultural and Australian cuisine, while after dark, there are plenty of cocktail and wine bars to keep you busy.

With so many restaurants, as well as theatres, parks, and shops it’s no wonder Surry Hills has rapidly become one of Sydney’s most loved inner-city suburbs. There’s no doubt that while staying in Surry Hills, you’ll have every chance to enjoy the great inner Sydney lifestyle!

A Sample Of Holiday Rentals in Surry Hills

• Modern One bedroom apartment in a central location surrounded by great food.
• A multi level 5 bedroom terrace that sleeps up to eight guests
• Two bedroom 2 bathroom apartment within walking distance of the city

Where is Surry Hills: Surry Hills is 3kms from the CBD and lies to the east of Central Station. Oxford St and Darlinghurst border it in the North and Redfern in the south.
Public Transport: The nearest train station is Central in the south and Museum in the north. Buses run along Elizabeth and Crown Street.

We have also written about hotels in Surry Hills here.

Darlinghurst/Potts Point: Sydney’s Most Vibrant Neighborhoods

Distance to CBD: 2km l Average nightly rate: $220-400

These adjoining neighborhoods offer Sydney’s most sophisticated urban village atmosphere. While Darlinghurst is the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community and famous for its Mardi Gras festival, both areas are known for their exceptional dining and nightlife scene.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Sydney’s best small bars and restaurants
✓ Art deco architecture
✓ Walking distance to CBD
✓ Harbor views from Potts Point
✓ Excellent public transport

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Can be noisy on weekends
✗ Limited parking
✗ Some hilly terrain so not as accessible as some other areas

Many of Sydney’s best cafes, restaurants and small bars are littered around this area, in particular around Macleay Street and along Darlinghurst Road.

Markets fill Fitzroy park each Saturday and Sunday, and another great option is to check out one of the shows at many independent theatres in the area.

Elizabeth Bay meets Potts Point and runs down to the harbour’s edge. The leafy streets and impressive architecture encourage exploration on foot. While the area has its share of hills and some killer stairs, this is generally a walkable spot.

CHoice Vacation Rentals in Potts Point

• Studio apartment with harbour views and pool access and on popular Macleay Street
• An apartment in the iconic Gazebo building with free parking and harbour views
• Two-bedroom art deco apartment only minutes from the train station

Read more on exploring Potts Point on one of our self-guided walks.

Where is Potts Point/Woolloomooloo:  This area is 2km from the centre of the city and is boarded by Rushcutters Bay to the east, Paddington to the south and the Botanic Gardens and city to the west.
Public transport: The nearest train station is Kings Cross. Buses run along Oxford and Crown Streets and Darlinghurst Road. From Woolloomooloo, there are buses to the CBD.

Glebe: Village Living Near the City

Distance to CBD: 3km l Average nightly rate: $180-300

Picturesque Glebe owes much of its character to the fact that it’s wedged between two of Sydney’s universities. This picturesque suburb offers a perfect mix of heritage architecture, waterfront parks, and community spirit.

As with many student areas, the neighbourhood of Glebe has a vibrant energy. The bookstores are not just places to pick up a much-loved paperback, but also to attend events ranging from political to new-age. Then there are the small bars and cafes, where students and university staff hunt down the perfectly-crafted cocktail or cappuccino.

Why stay in Glebe?

✓ Excellent value for money
✓ Historic Victorian architecture
✓ Famous weekend markets
✓ Waterfront parks and walks
✓ Great bookshops and cafes
✓ Light rail connection

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Longer walk to CBD (25+ mins)
✗ Student area – can be busy during term
✗ Some parts need updating
✗ Limited luxury options

Glebe’s proximity and transport links to downtown Sydney also make it an excellent choice for where to stay. In just under half an hour you can walk from the beautiful waterfront parks of Glebe to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Not bad at all!

Holiday Rentals in Glebe

• Good value, bright apartment Sydney Uni with excellent transport connections
• A three-bedroom house that comes with 2 ebikes
• A large two-bedroom unit with parking
• A cozy studio with a balcony near the Transheds (foodie hotspot)

Where is Glebe: Glebe lies 3km to the southwest of the city. Rozelle and Blackwattle Bay site to the east, Ultimo to the north and Annandale to the west.
Public transport: The nearest train station is Central, but that is about a 20-minute walk. Buses are your best choice and run along Glebe Point Road, Broadway and Bridge Streets. There are also two light rail stops in the area.

Pyrmont/Darling Harbour: Waterfront Living

Distance to CBD: 2km l Average nightly rate: $250-450

If you want to be close to Sydney’s most iconic sights yet still experience the local lifestyle, then it doesn’t get much better than Pyrmont and Darling Harbour. Located on the fringe of the Sydney CBD, its excellent location makes it a hot pick for both locals and visitors.

Looking at all the sparkling office and apartment towers, it’s hard to believe that Pyrmont and Darling Harbour could ever have been described as ‘industrial’. However, the area’s association with the wharf meant it had a rough side historically. Those days are long gone, and today Pyrmont and Darling Harbour are some of Sydney’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

There’s a bunch of great cafes and restaurants, as well as a theatre with regular shows at the Star and a lovely foreshore park with free BBQs.

Holiday Homes to Rent in Pyrmont and Darling Harbour

• Oaks Goldsborough Apartments – minutes from Darling Square 
• Modern 2 bedroom apartment on Harris Street
• Luxury 4 bedroom home that sleeps up to 12 minutes from the waterfront

Where is Pyrmont: Just 2km from the city Pyrmont has a waterfront position on the western side of Darling Harbour. Directly to the west, you will find Glebe.
Public transport: Light rail services both areas with stops on the western side of Darling Harbour, buses run along Haris Street and also near the Maritime Museum. There is a ferry wharf on both the Pyrmont side and the Kings Street Wharf side of Darling Harbour.

Kirribilli: Sydney’s Most Prestigious Address

Distance to CBD: 1km l Average nightly rate: $280-500

Kirribilli is Sydney’s most prestigious harbourside address, home to both the Prime Minister’s Sydney residence and the Governor-General’s official Sydney home. With its prime position directly across from the Opera House, this historic neighbourhood offers some of the city’s most coveted views.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Spectacular Opera House and Bridge views
✓ Fast ferry service to Circular Quay (5 mins)
✓ Village style shopping strip with local cafes
✓ Art Deco architecture
✓ Quiet, safe neighborhood
✓ Weekend markets under the bridge

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Premium prices for harbour views
✗ Limited restaurant options after dark
✗ Hilly streets can be challenging
✗ Few grocery shopping options

The neighborhood retains its village charm despite being just minutes from the CBD. Most accommodation is in beautifully maintained art deco apartments, with some offering postcard-perfect views of the Opera House and Bridge.

Despite being so close to the rush of the CBD, Kirribilli feels much like a village. There are plenty of cafes and places to grab a quick meal nearby. If you are there on the weekend, check out if the fortnightly Kirribilli Market is on.

Holiday Homes in Kirribilli 

• An incredible studio with views that you will never want to leave
• A 3 bedroom apartment with incredible Harbour Bridge views
• One bedroom apartment with Opera House and Harbour Bridge views that is just 5 minute’s walk from Kirribilli Wharf.
• A two bedroom apartment without the postcard view but at a much lower price!

Where is Kirribilli: Kirribilli sits directly on the waterfront to the eastern side of the Harbour Bridge.
Public transport: Ferry is the most pleasant way to get into town, both the private Captain Cook ferry (Jeffrey St Wharf) and the public ferry (Kirribilli Wharf) service the suburb. You can also take the train from neighbouring Milsons Point.

Milson’s Point: Sydney’s Most Liveable Harbourfront

Distance to CBD: 1.5km l Average nightly rate: $250-450

Milson’s Point consistently ranks as one of Sydney’s most liveable suburbs, combining excellent transport connections with stunning harbor views.

These adjacent neighbourhoods offer a perfect balance of convenience and tranquility, with Luna Park adding a touch of nostalgia to the waterfront.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Easy access to North Shore attractions
✓ Luna Park and Olympic Pool at your doorstep
✓ Wendy’s Secret Garden nearby
✓ Premium harbour and bridge views
✓ Multiple transport options
✓ Local village atmosphere

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Limited dining options after dark
✗ Steep streets in some areas
✗ Higher prices for view properties

Once you have finished your day of sightseeing you can explore the local attractions, Luna Park and Wendy’s Secret Garden are on your doorstep. It is also one of the prettiest spots for Sydney Harbour photos with a difference. Be sure to head to the old wharf for shots like this one.

Some Great Vacation Rentals in Milsons Properties

• A one bedroom apartment with shared swimming pool and a view!
• Two-bedroom apartment that can sleep up to 5 guests and comes with a parking space
• Panoramic view Studio near Sydney Harbour 

Get more of a feel for the area by checking out our Milson’s Point to Lavender Bay Walk.

Where is Milsons Point: Milson’s Point sits directly on the waterfront to the western side of the Harbour Bridge.
Public transport: The public ferry and the train station provide transportation to the city in a matter of minutes.

Cremorne & Mosman: Harbour Views and Village Life

Distance to CBD: 2-6km l Average nightly rate: $300-600

Home to my favourite walk in Sydney, these neighbouring suburbs offer some of Sydney’s best harbourfront bushland.

From the peaceful peninsula of Cremorne Point to the village atmosphere of Mosman, this area combines natural beauty with upscale living.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Spectacular city and harbour views
✓ Heritage architecture
✓ Harbourside walking trails
✓ Beautiful public pool
✓ Fast ferry service
✓ Peaceful atmosphere

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Limited dining options
✗ Steep streets and stairs
✗ No major supermarkets
✗ Higher accommodation rates

The peninsula offers some of Sydney’s most prestigious accommodation options, with art deco apartments and heritage homes offering sweeping views across the harbour. The Cremorne Point Walk is right on your doorstep, perfect for morning exercise or sunset strolls.

Vacation Apartments to Rent in Cremorne and Mosman

• Cremorne Point Manor is located in the lower North Shore of Sydney.
• Two-bedroom apartment with waterfront views

Where is Cremorne: Cremorne is 6km northeast of the city.
Public transport: Three wharves provide regular ferries across two routes to the city and in the opposite direction to Taronga Zoo

Balmain: Heritage Charm & Harbour Views

Distance to CBD: 4km l Average nightly rate: $220-400

Once a working-class maritime suburb, Balmain has transformed into one of Sydney’s most charming historic neighbourhoods while keeping its authentic local character. With its village-like atmosphere and waterfront position, it offers a perfect blend of old Sydney charm and modern convenience.

Part of Balmain’s unique charm is its abundance of pubs, which serve up increasingly impressive menus along with your beverage of choice.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Historic pubs and architecture
✓ Weekend markets
✓ Waterfront parks
✓ Village shopping strip
✓ Regular ferry service
✓ Local community feel

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Limited parking
✗ Ferry-dependent transport
✗ Hilly streets
✗ Peak hour bus congestion

If shopping is your preferred indulgence, then you’ll love lively Darling Street with its many boutiques.

Recommended Holiday Rentals in Balmain

• Three bedroom cottage that sleeps up to six
• A tidy studio with a leafy aspect close to Birchgrove wharf
• One-bedroom apartment in East Balmain, minutes from the ferry.

Where is Balmain: Balmain is 6km west of the city with harbour frontage at its eastern end.
Public transport: The best way to reach the city from Balmain is by ferry, there are two wharves servicing the area. However, if you are staying at the Rozelle end of Balmain buses will be much quicker. They run along Darling Street and Victoria Road.

Inner City Suburbs

These suburbs will require a quick bus or train ride into the city but will generally offer a more affordable property and also local prices on dining and shopping.

Quick Compare: Inner City Areas

✓ All areas have excellent public transport
✓ Emerging food scenes and coffee culture
✓ More space than CBD accommodation
✓ Local community atmosphere
✗ Still gentrifying in some spots
✗ Limited parking options

Newtown/Enmore: Sydney’s Creative Heart

Distance to CBD: 5.5km l Average nightly rate: $180-350

Every city has its little pocket that’s proudly “weird and alternative” — in Sydney, that’s Newtown.

Home to Sydney’s most vibrant arts scene and counterculture community, Newtown and neighbouring Enmore offer an authentic slice of inner-city living. With Australia’s longest Victorian-era shopping strip, street art galleries, and an eclectic dining scene, these suburbs provide a perfect base for creative travellers.

Many writers and artists have called this area home, and to this day it remains a favourite of creatives. Unsurprisingly, the neighbourhood is particularly renowned for its live music and independent theatre scene.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Sydney’s best live music venues
✓ Exceptional multicultural dining
✓ Independent shops and boutiques
✓ Vibrant street art scene
✓ Historic Victorian architecture
✓ Easy transport connections
✓ LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Can be noisy at night
✗ Limited parking options
✗ Busy weekend crowds
✗ Some areas feel gritty
✗ Distance from beaches

The area’s main thoroughfare, King Street, is lined with vintage shops, international restaurants, and cozy cafes. You’ll find everything from Thai and Turkish to Ethiopian and Vietnamese cuisine, making it a food lover’s paradise. The suburb’s artistic spirit is evident in its colorful murals and frequent cultural events. Great value accommodation

Find Holiday Rentals in Newtown and Enmore

• A studio unit apartment and full kitchen and sofa
• A three bedroom house with parking just off King Street Newtown
• Two bedroom terrace house (sleeps 4) “the Enmore” 10 minutes walk to Newtown Station

Tip: Check out our Inner West walk that includes lots of dining tips along with more street art finds.

Where is Newtown: Newtown is 5.5km from the CBD. Erskineville borders it to the east, Leichhardt to the west and Enmore and Marrickville to the south.
Public Transport: There are two train stations available depending on which end of Newtown you choose. St Peters Station sits at the south end of King Street. Newtown Station is in the middle of King Street near Australia St. Buses run along King Street to the city but can take a long time in peak hour traffic.

Redfern & Chippendale: Creative Communities in Transformation

Distance to CBD: 3km l Average nightly rate: $180-350

These historically significant inner-city suburbs blend Aboriginal heritage, industrial history, and contemporary culture. Once working-class neighbourhoods, Redfern and Chippendale have evolved into creative hubs while maintaining their authentic community spirit.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Central location near trains
✓ Emerging food scene
✓ Contemporary art galleries
✓ Rich cultural heritage
✓ Student-friendly prices
✓ Easy walk to Central Station
✓ Growing cafe culture

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Area still transforming
✗ Limited parking
✗ Some streets feel unsafe at night
✗ Construction in some areas
✗ Mixed accommodation standards

Chippendale – or ‘Chippo’ to the locals – has transformed from its industrial roots into a thriving cultural precinct. The area showcases an impressive mix of galleries, creative spaces, and innovative dining spots. The Kensington Street dining precinct highlight the area’s revolution.

Redfern holds special significance as a historic centre of Sydney’s Aboriginal community, particularly for the Gadigal people. This heritage remains visible in the neighbourhood’s street art, community centres, and local businesses. The suburb combines this rich history with emerging creative spaces and cafe culture.

Holiday Rentals in Redfern and Chippendale We Love 

• This one bedroom apartment in Chippendale is a 10 minute walkwalk to Central Station.
• Three bedroom house with great indoor outdoor spaces (sleeps 7)
• This stunning guest house style property offers two to three person accommodation with an eclectic mix of heritage and contemporary details.

Where are Redfern and Chippendale: is bordered by Moore Park and Central to the east, Waterloo to the south, and Newtown to the west.
Public Transport: Redfern station is at the south of the area and Central Station borders the northern end. Buses run along Regent Street in Redfern and Broadway in Chippendale.

Green Square & Zetland: Sydney’s Newest Urban Village

Once industrial heartland, Green Square and Zetland have transformed into modern urban villages. These rapidly developing suburbs offer new apartments, innovative architecture, and emerging dining precincts, all within easy reach of both the city and airport.

High rise development (and some say overdevelopment) has seen these once unknown suburbs now well on the way to providing homes to 40,000 residents.

Why Stay Here?
✓ Modern apartments and facilities
✓ Excellent transport connections
✓ Close to airport
✓ New dining precincts
✓ Award-winning library
✓ Good value accommodation
✓ Easy access to Eastern beaches

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Ongoing construction
✗ Limited historic character
✗ Few tourist attractions
✗ Area still developing
✗ Peak hour congestion

The area features excellent amenities including the stunning $25 million library across from Green Square station. Neighbouring Rosebery’s haven for foodies adds to the area’s appeal.

Holiday Rentals in Green Square 

• These boutique apartments are basically on top of Green Square train station and feature an awesome swimming pool.
• Formerly the site of a luxury European auto-trader in the 1970s, Veriu Green Square offers apartment style accommodation in Zetland.

Where is Green Square/Zetland: 3.5 kilometres away from the Sydney CBD, it is bordered by Redfern in the north and Mascot and Alexandria in the south.
Public transport: There is a train station at Green Square with direct access to the airport stations. Buses run throughout the area with most travelling along Botany Road, Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street.

Beachside Suburbs

Want to wake up to the sound of waves? Sydney’s beach suburbs give you the best of both worlds – proper beach living with easy city access. You can choose between the chilled Northern Beaches or the buzzing Eastern Suburbs, each with their own vibe. Both areas are about 30-45 minutes from the city, perfect for combining beach time with sightseeing.

Quick Compare: Beachside Areas

✓ World-famous beaches at your doorstep
✓ Strong local community feel
✓ Excellent cafe and dining scenes
✓ Year-round outdoor lifestyle
✗ Peak hour commutes can be long
✗ Premium prices in summer
✗ Limited parking everywhere
✗ Very busy during weekends

Manly: Sydney’s Beach Village

Distance to CBD: 11km l Average nightly rate: $250-500

If you want to experience proper beach culture, Manly is your spot. This is where locals live the beach lifestyle year-round, and the suburb has managed to keep its laid-back charm despite being one of Sydney’s most popular coastal areas. The ferry ride alone is worth staying here – it’s like a harbour cruise twice a day!

Why Stay Here?
✓ Some of Sydney’s best beaches
✓ Amazing coastal walks
✓ The ferry ride is a highlight
✓ Great cafes and bars
✓ Proper surf culture
✓ Markets on weekends
✓ Safe swimming spots

Consider Before Booking:
✗ You’ll rely on ferries
✗ Can be pricey
✗ Gets packed in summer
✗ Bit far from city sights
✗ Parking’s a nightmare

Manly’s main beach stretches for nearly two kilometers, offering excellent swimming and surfing conditions year-round. The area’s surfing heritage dates back to 1964 when Australia’s first surfing championship was held here. Beyond the main beach, visitors can explore several sheltered harbour coves and walking tracks.

The area between the wharf and beach is home to a diverse range of dining options, from casual beachfront cafes to upmarket restaurants. The pedestrian-only Corso connects the harbour to the ocean, making it easy to explore on foot. The regular ferry service provides both transport and outstanding harbour views during the 30-minute journey to Circular Quay.

Great Vacation Rentals Near Manly 

• Directly opposite Manly wharf, this colourful studio apartment is right in the action
• The two-bedroom apartment sleeps five and is 400m from the beach
• Three bedroom house on Cliff Street that sleeps 6

Where is Manly: “7 miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care” the slogan used to promote Manly as a getaway destination in the 1930s. The suburbs sits to the North of the harbour entry.
Public Transport: Ferries will get you to and from Circular Quay. Both private and public ferries service Manly. The public ferry takes 30 minutes and costs about $2 less than the private one, which is about 10 minutes faster. Both accept Opal cards, but the private one does not count towards your daily or weekly cap.

Bondi Beach: Sydney’s Most Famous Beach

Right, let’s talk about Bondi. Yeah, it’s the beach everyone’s heard of, and while locals might roll their eyes at its popularity, there’s no denying it’s got something special. The beach itself is a beauty, but it’s the whole package – the coastal walks, cafe culture, and that buzzing local vibe – that makes it worth considering.

Why Stay Here?
✓ That iconic beach at your doorstep
✓ Famous coastal walks
✓ Incredible brunch spots
✓ People watching paradise
✓ Great public transport from Junction
✓ Year-round buzz
✓ Loads of fitness options

Consider Before Booking:
✗ Tourist central in summer
✗ Bit of a trek to the city
✗ Expensive everything
✗ Traffic’s a nightmare
✗ Parking’s worse than Manly

You’ve got two main areas to choose from here. Bondi Beach is where all the action is – cafes, bars, and that famous shoreline. Then there’s Bondi Junction, a couple of kilometres back, which is more about shopping and transport connections. The Junction’s a solid choice if you want to split your time between beach and city – you’ve got trains direct to the CBD and buses to the beach.

Let’s break down your two options:

Bondi Beach

• Right on the iconic beach
• Brilliant coastal walks on your doorstep
• Endless cafes and restaurants
• That classic Aussie beach vibe
• But: Traffic’s a pain and parking’s expensive

Bondi Junction

• Major transport hub (trains to city, buses to beaches)
• Massive shopping centre
• Usually better value accommodation
• 10 mins to city, 10 mins to beach
• More practical, less holiday feel

My tip? If you’re here for the beach lifestyle and don’t mind paying extra, stay at Bondi Beach. If you want to mix beach time with city sightseeing, the Junction’s your better bet.

Good Holiday Apartments in Bondi 

• Large 2 bedroom duplex in new complex opposite the beach (sleeps 4)
• 2 bedroom apartment at South Bondi (sleeps 4) with an awesome view
• A compact studio in North Bondi with great views
• Bondi 38 Serviced Apartments offers guests unlimited free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have a balcony with lovely ocean views.

Where is Bondi: Bondi is 8km east of the CBD. It is bordered by Bronte to the south and the Woollahra and Paddington to the west.
Public transport: There is a train station at Bondi Junction. From here there are several buses to the beach. Buses also leave from the city.

Taking the Plunge: Making Your Choice

So there you have it – my local’s guide to staying in Sydney’s neighbourhoods. Here’s the bottom line:

• Want city buzz with local flavour? Try Surry Hills or Potts Point
• After those harbour views? Kirribilli or Cremorne are your spots
• Beach life calling? Manly for laid-back, Bondi for buzz
• Value and transport links? Consider Green Square or Glebe

A quick word about booking: If you’re coming during peak times (especially December-January), stick to established platforms or hotel-apartments rather than individual hosts. We’ve seen too many holiday plans disrupted by last-minute cancellations.

Remember, if you’re here for more than a few days, staying in these neighbourhoods rather than the CBD gives you more space, better value, and a proper taste of Sydney life – morning coffee queues and all!

Check out our locals guide to Bondi if you choose to stay here for lots of great things to see and do.