12 Insta-Worthy Places You Need To Visit Next Time You’re In Sydney

From a hip drinking hole to a new underground library, these are the most Instagram worthy places to visit next time you’re in Sydney, Australia. #TravelInspo

Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Paddington

A little bit Hanging Gardens of Babylon and a touch Roman baths, this heritage-listed public garden sits in the city’s East. Once a vital source of water in the 19th century, the reservoir was transformed back in 2009, preserving much of the original brick, timber and iron framework. Stroll along the boardwalks, admiring the fusion of contemporary and old elements, sit on the roof top near the sunken garden and watch the light change as the sun sets in this magical haven.

Hacienda Bar, Circular Quay

Sip a rum-inspired cocktail and drink in the stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge views at this hip drinking hole. The interior is as Insta-worthy as the view, with a nod to the grand plantation architecture of Cuba and a touch of 1950s Miami with lots of botanicals, pastel pink seating and neon signage.

The Grounds, Alexandria

Built into the remnants of a heritage-listed factory in Sydney’s industrial centre, The Grounds has become a Sydney Insta icon with its kitchen-garden vibe and hearty, innovative eats. Snap a selfie in front of vegetable gardens, flower pots and old-fashioned stalls selling homemade soda and donuts.

Champagne Bar, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

What’s one of the must-haves for a celebration? Champagne, of course! If you’re marking a milestone, an anniversary, birthday or promotion Down Under, there’s no better place to head than the Champagne Bar located on the upper floors of the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Glistening like a beacon with over 6000 LED lights in Sydney’s CBD, this jewel of a bar offers 20 different types of champagne, from the smaller houses like Pol Roger to the pedigree houses of Louis Roederer. Check out its selection of champagne cocktails, the sabrage ceremony (where they open a bottle with a sword) as well as the jaw-dropping special edition 3L Jeroboam of Cristal Brut valued at $22,000. The bottle is encased in 24-karat gold-dipped latticework that took two master goldsmiths four days to handcraft—perfect for those with cash to flash.

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Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade

Perched atop the historic watering hole Palisade Hotel is a beautiful, airy cocktail space. Settle upstairs on one of the millennial pink couches with a cocktail and take in the breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Icebergs Pool, Bondi

Bondi Beach is home to the world’s most famous ocean pool, Bondi Icebergs. Named after its winter swimming club, the bright white pool dates back to 1929 and is an Instagram favourite during the summer months. From Bondi, take the coastal walk around to Bronte Baths, built in 1887.

Chinese Garden, Chinatown

Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Chinese Garden of Friendship was modelled after the classic private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, offering an insight into Chinese Heritage and culture. Be whisked away to the Ming Dynasty for an afternoon and explore the very grounds that Hugh Jackman stood on when the filming of The Wolverine was done!

Green Square Library, Zetland

The new underground library that opened end of last year boasts a floor-to-ceiling colourful shelf of books that’s perfect for snapping your Instagram shot. Located in the light-filled reading room in the tower, this shelf doubles up as a gorgeous art installation. The entire library is flooded with plenty of natural light – thanks to the 40 over skylights across the roof, and because of its innovative use of space and architecture, also won the Architectural Review Library Award 2018.

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Skye Suites Sydney, CBD

With its eye-catching brickwork and two glass and steel towers soaring dramatically into the skyline, it’s hard not to be impressed by the newly launched Skye Suites Sydney. Offering a five-star resort experience in the heart of Sydney, the property has 73 luxurious service apartments with a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom hotel apartments. The open-plan sophisticated designer suites are larger than a typical hotel room and feature plush bespoke bedding as well as a full kitchen, offering a luxe yet laid-back feel. Situated within a 25-storey residential apartment tower, Arc by Crown Group, and designed by world renowned architect Koichi Takada, the highlights of Skye Suites Sydney are the ice cave-themed lobby, gorgeous indoor swimming pool and sweeping city views. Aside from convenient access to the newly refurbished Skittle Lane precinct and its range of decadent dining options including Masuya Group, Ministry of Coffee and Meu Jardim, the hotel’s central location is minutes from Pitt Street Mall, Darling Harbour, and Martin Place—perfect for both business and leisure travellers.

Angel Place, CBD

Few know about this little nook in an alley, but for those who do – you’re in for a treat. Empty birdcages hang above Angel Place, casting an ethereal glow around the area and making it perfect for any sort of hipster-ific Instagram shot. Aptly titled ‘Forgotten Songs’, the display designed by Michael Thomas Hill allows you to take in the sounds of the birds as you stand beneath the cages and admire the gentle sway of the cages as you capture that super artistic shot. You’ll want to come back again for more.

The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Located in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Calyx is a horticultural exhibition space with an integrated mix of indoor and outdoor areas and changing exhibitions. The Calyx has the largest green wall in the southern hemisphere and stunning contemporary architecture.

Hornby Lighthouse, Watsons Bay

This iconic lighthouse is painted in distinctive red and white candy stripes. It’s positioned in a spectacular spot too – standing tall at South Head, near Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park with views of Sydney Harbour to the West. Built in 1858, it was designed by colonial architect Alexander Dawson.

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