3 Best Bars in Sydney, New South Wales

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The Sydney Morning Herald's daily entertainment section is the most informative guide to the city's pubs and clubs. For club-scene coverage—who's been seen where and what they were wearing—pick up a free copy of The Music magazine (www.themusic.com.au) available at just about any Oxford Street café or pub. The Ever Guide (www.everguide.com.au) is another good online source of entertainment information.

All bars and clubs listed here are open daily unless noted. Entry is free unless we list a cover charge.

Opera Bar

Circular Quay Fodor's choice

Perched beneath the concourse of the Opera House and at eye level with Sydney Harbour, Opera Bar has the best location in all of Sydney. Cozy up for a drink in the enclosed bar area or grab a waterside umbrella table and take in the glimmering skyline. Live music plays under the stars nightly from either 5:30 or 8 pm on weeknights, and from 2 pm on weekends. The bar has a full menu, though the attraction here is the scenery, not the cuisine.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
02-9247–1666

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Beach Road Hotel

Bondi Beach

This Bondi institution is famous for its Sunday Sessions, when locals come to enjoy a barbecue, drink, and dance in the outdoor courtyard. There's music every night in summer (except Monday), good affordable food, and a A$20 roast with all the trimmings on Sunday night.

Pub
71 Beach Rd., Sydney, NSW, 2026, Australia
02-9130–7247

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Shady Pines Saloon

Darlinghurst

This underground bar offers an authentic saloon experience, with Johnny Cash songs playing, whiskey flowing, and peanut shells found all over the ground. The vibe is friendly, with cocktail hour between 4 pm and 6 pm being a massive hit thanks to A$10 cocktails. Always a fun place to let your hair down, with live music playing on weekends. Open every night of the week.

Pub
Shop 4 256 Crown St., Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
04-0562--4944

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