Where to stay in Haymarket
The section of the city centre south from Liverpool Street down to Central Station is known as Haymarket, a lively area that’s effectively a downmarket southern extension of the CBD. Between Town Hall and Central Station, George Street shifts gear as businesspeople and shoppers give way to backpackers, who jam the area’s abundant hostels. There’s also a couple of fine YHAs and a few mid-range hotels that make great places to stay in Sydney. It’s also a markedly East Asian area, with its own distinct Chinatown, a growing Koreatown and Thaitown, as well as plenty of street-food-style food courts.
Best for YHA charm: Sydney Railway Square YHA
This cute and unusual hostel is located in a historic packing shed right by Central Station, but feels surprisingly tucked away. Besides the expected dorms there are hotel-quality doubles and even beds in burgundy-painted train carriages. Excellent communal areas including a cinema room make for a lively atmosphere.
Best for boutique hostel vibes: BIG
Central, boutique-style hostel with well-equipped, sunny rooms. The ground-floor lobby doubles as the common area with designer lounges and a high-tech guest kitchen to the side where the free buffet breakfast is served. There’s also a great roof-terrace BBQ area, guest laundry and free bikes.
Where to stay in Kings Cross
To the east of the city centre, the adjacent areas of Kings Cross and Potts Point comprise one of the city’s major entertainment districts and a popular spot for tourists (particularly backpackers). Once home to the seedy red-light district, the brothels have since moved out to the suburbs. “The Cross” remains lively, with places to eat, drink and dance that stay open late. Friday and Saturday nights can be rumbustious, so you may want to take this into account if you’re deciding where to stay in Sydney over the weekend.
Best for character and charm: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
This luxury establishment has bags of colourful contemporary style and is located on the water’s edge in a redeveloped wharf lined with fashionable cafés and restaurants. Eclectic rooms retain much of the building’s original features. Loft rooms boast city views. There’s also a day-spa, indoor heated pool and gym.
Best for foodies: Kirketon
Fashionable place in an excellent location, with lovely staff, slick service and great restaurants (including several Asian ones) and cafés on the doorstep.