If you’ve just arrived in Sydney, the choice of places to go can be pretty overwhelming. There’s loads to see and do in the city, but the tourist traps can often mean spending a fortune on food and drink and um, we’re poor. So here’s your ultimate backpackers guide to Sydney, a handy list of places to go if you don’t want to starve and (obviously) want to get drunk. Oh, and I’m pretty sure you’ll come across a few other backpackers in these places too!
Soda Factory, Surry Hills – a favourite for backpackers in Sydney every Tuesday
I don’t mean to alarm you, but Soda Factory serves $1 hotdogs every Tuesday. ONE. DOLLAR. Tell me a better way of making friends in your hostel than suggesting this place, I’ll wait. You can choose from five gourmet hotdogs including The Frank Sinatra – Beef Frankfurt, sauerkraut, pickles, ketchup, mustard & topped with onion rings & coriander. Is it Tuesday yet?
Strike Bar, King Street Wharf
Strike is great if you find yourself working a 9-5 near Darling Harbour, as you can try and squish as many $4 prosecco’s into your lunch break as possible. They also have bowling and escape rooms if you manage to leave the bar.
The Traditional Chip Shop, Bondi – for the hungover backpackers in Sydney
You can get all kinds of food in Sydney, but sometimes you just need a proper British chippy. They sell rarities such as battered sausage, curry sauce and Lilt. Essential for your hangover.
Frankie’s Pizza, CBD
Frankie’s is a rock’n’roll bar with funky décor and pinball machines. They have live entertainment every night and stay open until 3am – so no being kicked out after scoffing too much pizza, hurrah! Happy hour is from 4-6 with $3 beer/lager or a gin and apple combo (which is delish) and $3 slices of pizza. Not rubbish tiny slices either, because who wants those?!
Lentil as Anything, Newtown
Lentil as Anything serves up amazing vegetarian and vegan food on a pay-as-you-feel basis. It’s a great place to try something new and pay what you are able to. It’s also in the ~hipster~ suburb of Sydney, so you can always make a day of it and check out the vintage shops and one of the many cool bars Newtown has to offer.
SASH, North Sydney
One thing you’ll learn as a backpacker in Australia is that a Sunday sesh is pretty much compulsory. SASH by day is the Sunday sesh staple that promises proper house music, all outdoors so you can enjoy the Sydney sunshine while you get W for Wasted. If you crave more of a hangover at work on Monday, you can always make your way to SASH by night at Home bar, overlooking Darling Harbour.
El Camino Cantina, The Rocks
This gem is situated in Sydney CBD’s historic precinct, The Rocks – which has amazing views of the infamous opera house and harbour bridge. That isn’t the best part though, because this Tex-Mex has $2 taco Tuesdays and 10c wings on Wednesdays. And if that isn’t enough, Saturdays and Sundays are for bottomless brunch WITH FREE SOMBREROS! I honestly don’t even care how much it is at this point.
Spice Alley, Chippendale
Spice Alley has a selection of Hawker-style Asian restaurants to choose from, including Singaporean, Japanese and Thai. There’s guaranteed to be something for everyone and you’re welcome to bring your own booze to make things cheaper. Bonus!
Trinity Bar, Surry Hills
This is another cool spot in Surry Hills – especially the deck area which is the best for people watching. They have loads of deals every day including 2 for 1 meals on Thursday and $10 Trinity pies on Saturday.
Secret bars, CBD
If you’re feeling like you have a little bit more cash to spend, Sydney has a selection of hidden bars dotted around the CBD. They’re easy to find with a quick internet search, but a good start is The Barber Shop on York Street, where you walk through a fully functioning barber shop to find a swanky cocktail bar hidden behind. It’s a fun night out if you’re looking for something a bit different and it’s always fun to see how many you can find before you can’t find your way home.
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