An image search for Sydney, Australia, will yield shots of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and crowded Bondi Beach. But just because your search engine is a little uninspired, doesn’t mean you have to be. Australia’s oldest city is a web of fine dining, boutique shops, luxury spas and high-end art galleries. For the ultimate experience that blends style and substance with flawless service, you just have to know where to look.

Hubert

Dubbed the most romantic restaurant in Sydney, French bistro Hubert brings a taste of Paris to Australia. The menu is top-notch, rich in French classics such as oysters, beef tartare, pied de cochon (stuffed pig’s feet) and crème caramel. It also features playful additions like kimchi gratin, escargot with XO sauce–laced butter and apple tarte tatin with miso, courtesy of chef Brendan Fong when he took over as executive chef. The food and an ice-cold martini alone are worth the trek, but the candlelight and live jazz throughout lunch and dinner add a certain je ne sais quoi to the experience.

Joji

If you prefer your cocktails with a view, grab a seat at Joji, a rooftop restaurant and bar that opened in Sydney’s CBD in late 2024. Nestled above a glittering Cartier storefront, the high-end spot is cocooned by skyscrapers that tower over its wraparound terrace. It features a Japanese fusion menu with two distinct paths: a set tasting journey inspired by traditional omakase, or a round-up of à la carte dishes meant to be shared. During a pre-dinner or late-night stop, sip on a Geisha (made with fresh yuzu gin, passionfruit and frothy egg whites) as you savour your surroundings, then nibble on smoked lotus chips and wagyu maki. Most nights, you’ll also enjoy a musical backdrop spun by local DJs into the wee hours.

Venustus

After a journey, recalibrate at Venustus, a Paddington spa that’s as unassuming from the outside as it is brimming with soothing energy once you step through the front door. The extensive facial and massage offerings mix Eastern and Western traditions: think Reiki, shiatsu, chakra work, lymphatic drainage, crystal healing and more. If you’re looking to splurge, book the six-hand massage, where three therapists work in tandem to create an out-of-body experience. Just make sure you plan in advance. Aussie Nicole Kidman recently called out the spa’s exceptional service in The New York Times, which may make it harder to snag a reservation.

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

When renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley died an untimely death at age 53, his widow attempted to cope with her grief by clearing unused railway land at the foot of their Lavender Bay home. The project took on a life of its own, and she poured her money into creating a “secret garden” — a living work of art inspired by the 1911 children’s novel. Now officially named Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, the striking public space is filled with winding paths, towering trees and hidden sculptures. It boasts harbour views — frequently painted by Brett Whiteley during his lifetime — and is the perfect place to steal a quiet moment in the heart of the city.

White Rabbit Gallery

Lovers of modern art will appreciate White Rabbit Gallery, which curates twice-yearly exhibitions of 21st-century Chinese art from its private collection. Featuring nearly 3,000 works, the collection is the passion project of philanthropist and art collector Judith Neilson (former wife of billionaire Kerr Nielson), who wanted to share the brilliance of Chinese artists with the rest of the world. She continues to collect pieces during her travels, then showcases them across four storeys of a former Rolls-Royce service depot in trendy Chippendale. Guests can ogle the art, then sample handmade dumplings, scones and a range of Chinese and Taiwanese teas in the ground-floor teahouse. Guided tours of the gallery take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, with no booking required.

Surry Hills

The neighbourhood of Surry Hills is famous for its bustling atmosphere, trendy food scene and cultural offerings — from independent art galleries to live theatre. While visiting the area, you’ll want to sample as much as you can from the Italian trattorias and cozy wine bars lining the streets. Start off with a glass of vino at small-but-mighty Bar Copains, then enjoy authentic woodfired pizza at The Dolphin Hotel or pillowy focaccia and rich scallop ravioli at Pellegrino 2000. Next, enjoy the works of emerging artists in Piermarq’s warehouse space and catch a live production at the Belvoir St Theatre. To round out your day, shop hard-to-find contemporary labels mixed with familiar names (think Ulla Johnson and Clare V) at The Standard Store on Crown Street.

There’s nothing wrong with weaving a few touristy spots into your travels, like a pitstop at the Taronga Zoo to check out a koala or a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden to smell the flowers. But you’re bound to get a richer, more authentic experience by straying a bit farther from the well-trodden road. Add any of these hidden gems to your Sydney itinerary and you won’t regret it.

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