The 5 Best Pubs in Sydney
Like any large city, Sydney has hundreds of pubs dotted throughout its CBD and suburbs. One of the best ways to enjoy Sydney is to visit as many pubs as your itinerary allows and, whilst you will not want to be driving to and from pubs with the intention of having a few drinks, there are plenty of public transport options or taxis to get you where you need to go. If you have a hire car, Sydney has so many options that you might want to take a drive around the city first to get an idea of where you would like to visit.
Here are five suggestions to whet your appetite as you start your journey around Sydney’s fantastic pubs.
- The Local Taphouse. Visitors say that the food here is awesome and the beer is fabulous. It may be a little noisy but the atmosphere created in this Darlinghurst pub is second to none. Be prepared for large crowds whenever you visit, but if you can find a table tucked away upstairs you are guaranteed a memorable visit.
- Botany View Hotel. This fantastic little pub and bistro is located in the inner-city suburb of Newtown and has been rated highly with visitors consistently over the past 10 years. It oozes a relaxed atmosphere and is ideal for meeting friends and having a chat over a beer or two. The regulars usually hang out at the rear of the hotel where you will be welcomed to hang out too. The food is fresh and delicious and has a typical Australian theme, including fish and chips.
- Gilroy’s Hotel in St Leonards is becoming well known for its quick and tasty lunches and quiet environment. It’s a great place to relax away from the hustle of the city and the prices are very reasonable making it attractive to a lot of tourists. It’s a great place to visit in summer, and if you get there early you can be sure of a cosy table and a fun night out.
- The Riverview Hotel in Balmain was built in 1880 and is reminiscent of old Sydney town. Its heritage listing makes it a popular venue, coupled with its tucked away location in a small Sydney sidestreet; making it even more attractive to tourists and locals. Added to this, this pub has a different type of Australian history with it’s past owner being Australian swimming Olympic star, Dawn Fraser. Which ofcourse, makes it easy to understand how its popularity spread so quickly. Old world charm and modern cuisine are the hallmarks of this famous pub.
- The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in the Sydney CBD is popular due to the variety of beers it serves. Adopting an English style as a reminder of Sydney’s origins, it has a reputation as being one of the better pubs in the inner-city area. A great spot to spend a lazy afternoon, the food also offers a great selection for the fussiest of palates.
As we stated at the beginning before we began our Sydney pub journey, if you have a car rental, Sydney pubs have a lot to offer you as you travel around the different areas on offer. But, be careful not to drink and drive. Better to play it safe and take public transport.








