Like any big city, Sydney has distinctly different pockets. You’ll find a chilled-out, coastal feel in Bondi and Manly and the beaches around them. A culturally eclectic vibe, with dozens of second-hand shops and all kinds of cuisine, in the inner west, including suburbs Chippendale and Camperdown. And a trendy atmosphere in Paddington and Surry Hills, with their streets lined with designer boutiques, cosy cafés and art galleries.
The best way to truly experience one of these neighbourhoods is to stay at a home within it. Fortunately, you can easily do that with platforms like Airbnb and Stayz. All you need to do then is to choose among Sydney’s many suburbs where you’d like to stay.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs. From a cosy Victorian terrace house in Sydenham to an airy waterfront flat in Manly and an apartment in Kirribilli overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, these are the best Sydney Airbnbs that’ll let you truly live as the locals do.
Luxury Waterfront Unit in Kirribilli
This two-bedroom, two-bath Luxury Waterfront Unit in Kirribilli sleeps four people, though you could just book it for just you and another and enjoy the extra space. The apartment’s best feature is easily its balcony, which overlooks Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Less than 10 minutes’ walk away is the ferry wharf, train station, Luna Park or Kirribilli Markets, on Saturdays and Sundays, though check ahead of time.
The Nook Bondi Beach
Called The Nook, this one-bedroom apartment in Bondi is located in Ben Buckler, a micro suburb within Bondi. It’s steps from the North Bondi Boat Ramp, cafés like Bru Coffee and Café Bond and restaurants like North Bondi Fish. The apartment is kitted out with Cultiver linen sheets and doon cover and art by Australian artist Caroline Walls, and has plenty of plants throughout.
Waterfront Apartment in Manly
This top-floor, two-bedroom Waterfront Apartment in Manly sleeps four. Most of its furnishings are earthy or neutral, and the mirrors and beach scenes on the walls will instantly help you relax. Wake early for a swim at Shelly Beach, or simply lounge on the balcony with a cup of coffee or tea, taking in the morning scenes.
Courtyard Apartment in Surry Hills
This one-bed Courtyard Apartment in Surry Hills has an outdoor space for meals or simply sitting and soaking up the sun. The apartment is less than a 15-minute walk to Central Station and less than 10 minutes from many of Surry Hills’ best restaurants and bars.
Beachy Avalon Apartment
This one-bedroom Avalon Apartment is right across the street from the beach, in the Northern Beaches village-feel suburb. Finish your day off with a swim in the ocean rockpool down below and then dry off at home and cook up dinner. Cafés, restaurants and shops are all less than a five-minute stroll away.
Victorian Terrace Home in Sydenham
A hot pink door and front courtyard and lawn is what you’ll be greeted with at this two-bedroom, three-bath Victorian Terrace Home in Sydenham. The brick home was built in the 1880s, and recently underwent a renovation. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from creative hub Precinct 75, which comprises 12 character buildings, and inner west suburbs Newtown and Marrickville.
Studio With Balcony in Paddington
This two-person Studio With Balcony in Paddington has a balcony looking out over the leafy suburb and city beyond. It’s less than a 10 minutes’ stroll from art galleries, boutique clothing stores and Five Ways, home to always-busy neighbourhood pub The Royal Hotel, as well as restaurants and a supermarket.
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