Sydney Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music

Sydney's after-dark drinking and live music scene spreads well beyond the city centre, from hidden CBD laneway bars to brewpubs by the beach in Manly. Whether you're chasing a quiet whisky, a cocktail with a view, a craft beer, or a proper concert, there's a venue to match the mood across several suburbs.

Why Sydney delivers

This guide pulls together a spread of Sydney venues across bars, breweries and live music rooms, so you can plan a night based on where you are and what you're after. The CBD clusters several notable bars within walking distance, while Bondi and Manly offer options closer to the coast, and there are dedicated live music spaces if you'd rather sit and listen.

Highlights

• Hidden CBD bars: The Baxter Inn, Cantina OK!, Old Mate's Place, Shady Pines Saloon and Papa Gede's Bar are all in Sydney CBD and good for bar-hopping on foot
• Drinks with a view: Bar 83 at Sydney Tower in the CBD and Untied - Rooftop Sydney in Darling Harbour for elevated and rooftop settings
• Live music and performances: Sydney Opera House and City Recital Hall, both in the CBD, for ticketed concerts and recitals
• Beachside and craft beer: 4 Pines Brewpub Manly and Bucketty's Brewing Co. in Manly, plus Pocket Bondi in Bondi
• North of the harbour: The Hayberry Diner & Bar in Chatswood if you're after a drink away from the city centre

Our top picks

Hand-picked from our highest-scoring listings:

• Bucketty's Brewing Co. — Manly
• Soak Bathhouse Alexandria — Alexandria
• Sydney Opera House — Sydney CBD
• The Baxter Inn — Sydney CBD
• Papa Gede's Bar | Cocktail Bar Sydney — Sydney CBD
• Cantina OK! — Sydney CBD
• Untied - Rooftop Sydney — Darling Harbour
• Soak Bathhouse - Bondi Junction — Bondi
• Pocket Bondi — Bondi
• Shady Pines Saloon — Sydney CBD

Explore more

Browse all bars, pubs, live music, breweries in Sydney.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I bar-hop on foot in central Sydney?

Several bars in this guide sit within Sydney CBD, including The Baxter Inn, Cantina OK!, Old Mate's Place, Shady Pines Saloon and Papa Gede's Bar, which makes the city centre a practical area for moving between venues on foot.

Where can I catch live music at night in Sydney?

The Sydney Opera House and City Recital Hall, both in the Sydney CBD, are listed as live music venues. Check each venue's own program for what's on and to book tickets.

Are there options near the beach?

Yes. In Manly you'll find 4 Pines Brewpub Manly and Bucketty's Brewing Co., both breweries, while Pocket Bondi is a bar in Bondi.

Where can I get a drink with a view?

Bar 83 at Sydney Tower in the CBD and Untied - Rooftop Sydney in Darling Harbour are both well placed for elevated or rooftop settings.

What are the opening hours of these venues?

We don't have confirmed opening hours for these venues, so it's best to check each venue's official listing before heading out.