Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Sydney

Remy and Lee’s
There's a cycling craze in Sydney and bike-loving hipsters can't get enough of this cute little café, which is right on pedal-friendly Bourke Street.
Myer
With everything under one roof at Myer, you can shop come rain or shine.
Opera Bar
Sprawled directly on the harbour front on the lower Opera House concourse, this open-air bar never fails to stop wide-eyed tourists in their tracks.
Toby’s Estate
As well as supplying several hundred cafés around NSW with their coffee, there are numerous Toby's cafés scattered the city, but this one opposite the rolling lawns of Victoria Park is one of the best.
The London
An institution in Sydney, The London Hotel has been around since 1870 and it's a beloved local pub for Balmain residents.
The Corner House
The only place in Sydney where you can hack at a pizza with scissors - a curiously gratifying experience, trust us - this relaxed Bondi ristorante attracts a steady stream of hip residents.
The Rum Diaries
Rum is the thing at The Rum Diaries, which offers 80 different varieties and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
La Boheme
Forget what you've heard about Czech food, and experience the cuisine the way God intended at La Boheme.
Latteria
Latteria has one of the best people-watching perches on buzzy Victoria Street, which links the eclectic suburb of Darlinghurst with its naughty Kings Cross sibling.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool
Saltwater provides a good swim, but sometimes the sand that generally comes with it makes it more of an annoyance than a pleasure; when this is the case, head to the saltwater pool here.
Baroque Pantry
Stylish and with an effervescent chi-chi, Baroque is all about well-priced French bistro fare in the heart of Sydney's historical quarter, The Rocks.
The Commons
So laid-back it's almost horizontal, The Commons is a casual spot for a booze-soaked catch-up with close friends.
Shakuhachi
Selling stylish wares for women-about-town, Shakuhachi is a favourite among Sydney's most discerning women.
McIvers Baths
A rock pool that caters exclusively to women - no ogling men in sight.
Quarantine Station
One of Sydney's quirkier stays, but where else can you wake up to the sound of kookaburras, enjoy uninterrupted harbour views and spot native wildlife like fairy penguins and bandicoots meandering outside your suite?
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Powerful, spellbinding and raw, Australia's first and finest Aboriginal dance company Bangarra has thrived under the artistic direction of Stephen Page, who has led the theatre of 14 dancers since 1991.
Bondi To Bronte
A gorgeous, awe-inspiring coastal walk that takes in views you'll remember for a lifetime.
Sailors Thai
Most Aussies will proclaim loudly that Australia does Thai better than Thailand, and after eating at Sailors Thai, you might be inclined to agree.
Lyric Theatre
The Lyric's programme of shows range from the high-brow to the child-friendly, and its well-designed interior means everyone can see the stage.
Ariel
Bookworms will find pages to turn at Ariel, which has a huge range of literature on offer - from beach-reads to heftier tomes.
Humble Vintage
Pinching the idea from arch nemesis Melbourne, Sydney now offers vintage bikes for hire.
Fatima’s
When you've quaffed one too many cocktails and have a hankering for a late-night felafel, Fatima is your lady.
Gertrude and Alice
Bookish types, hippies, lesbian couples and layabouts all love this beachside bookshop café, which has perfected its chill-out-you're-in-Bondi vibe.
Barrenjoey House
Set on the tranquil Pittwater side of Palm Beach, Barrenjoey House is a coastal boutique beach house across from the Pittwater riverfront with its Norfolk pines
Riverview Hotel & Dining
A gastropub that champions the best of contemporary British fare in casual, pubby surroundings.
Minty Meets Munt
Womenswear with a young, playful edge.
Bondi FM
Turn down an alley and follow the yellow-and-white thongs stencilled onto the ground to find this ultra laid-back café/bar belonging to Bondi 88.0 FM - the local community radio station.
CarriageWorks
Built inside the old Eveleigh Rail Yards, an important piece of Australia's industrial history during the 19th-century, CarriageWorks is an impressive, multi-venue centre focused on contemporary art and culture.
Becker Minty
Marvellous miscellaneous items await at Becker Minty, perfect for the treasure-hunter in you.
The Basement
The Basement is an icon in the music scene and Sydney's beating jazz heart, hosting all the greats like Dizzie Gillespie and Herbie Hancock, and more eclectic modern acts and international DJs.
Diamant
For nocturnal mischief, the 77-room Diamant hotel couldn't be better situated.
Jatali
Decadent dresses and other fab fashions from a Sydney-based designer.
My Boudoir
Those seeking couture on the cheap can call off the search; My Boudoir offers an Aladdin's cave of second-hand treasures.
Efendy
Efendy will change your mind about Turkish cuisine, which isn't raved about enough in our minds.
Golden Century
As one of Sydney's favourite late-night dining venues, Golden Century has a cult-like following and the mere mention of it to a local will induce an enthusiastic, Oh
About Life
A healthfood supermarket that's got more than a little green about its scene; the perfect place to grab something to take-away.
MidCity Centre
Clothes horses gallop into MidCity Centre for rags aplenty.
Berta
You'll need Google Maps to find this little gem but it's worth the hunt, with inspiring Italian fare and intimate interiors.
The Galeries Victoria
Crack out the plastic - this is going to hurt your bank account.
At Perry Lane
For an art fix washed down with a coffee and a sandwich, wander down to At Perry Lane.

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