Scape at University of Sydney
Twin in Shared Apartment
6-8 Person - 3-4 Bathroom
Your student guide to Sydney
WELCOME TO Sydney CITY GUIDE
Hi everyone,
I'm Aggie, and this is my guide to help you settle into Scape and feel like you truly belong in a new city. Finding your favourite spots makes it feel like home faster than anything else, and I've found a few good ones worth sharing.
From secret swimming spots and Saturday markets to the best late-night snacks and morning walks that'll make you forget you have a 9am class, this is my guide to the city I’m lucky to call home.
Whether you're after a big night out, a slow weekend, or just somewhere new to study with a good coffee in hand, there's something in here for you.
I'm Aggie, and this is my guide to help you settle into Scape and feel like you truly belong in a new city. Finding your favourite spots makes it feel like home faster than anything else, and I've found a few good ones worth sharing.
From secret swimming spots and Saturday markets to the best late-night snacks and morning walks that'll make you forget you have a 9am class, this is my guide to the city I’m lucky to call home.
Whether you're after a big night out, a slow weekend, or just somewhere new to study with a good coffee in hand, there's something in here for you.
Hi everyone,
I'm Aggie, and this is my guide to help you settle into Scape and feel like you truly belong in a new city. Finding your favourite spots makes it feel like home faster than anything else, and I've found a few good ones worth sharing.
From secret swimming spots and Saturday markets to the best late-night snacks and morning walks that'll make you forget you have a 9am class, this is my guide to the city I’m lucky to call home.
Whether you're after a big night out, a slow weekend, or just somewhere new to study with a good coffee in hand, there's something in here for you.
I'm Aggie, and this is my guide to help you settle into Scape and feel like you truly belong in a new city. Finding your favourite spots makes it feel like home faster than anything else, and I've found a few good ones worth sharing.
From secret swimming spots and Saturday markets to the best late-night snacks and morning walks that'll make you forget you have a 9am class, this is my guide to the city I’m lucky to call home.
Whether you're after a big night out, a slow weekend, or just somewhere new to study with a good coffee in hand, there's something in here for you.
Nights out
Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in Sydney
Ive found 3 spots that are definitely worth sharing. If you are after a fun night with friends, these ones will for sure exceed your expectations.
Chinese Laundry
One of Sydney's most iconic underground clubs and one of my personal favourits. Chinese Laundry has been the city's go-to for house and techno for decades. It's a multi-room venue that's hidden beneath a sandstone building just minutes from the city. That's Friday and Saturday Night sorted.
1 Slip St, Sydney NSW 2000
1 Slip St, Sydney NSW 2000
Club Rose Bay
The newly renovated Club Rose Bay is part sports bar, part wood-fired restaurant, part pickleball court. I personally think it's the perfect blend of good food, cold drinks, and good times. They play sports on massive screens and there's weekday happy hours, so find a few friends that you want to play against in pickleball and head to Club Rose Bay.
1 Vickery Ave, Rose Bay NSW 2029
1 Vickery Ave, Rose Bay NSW 2029
The Soda Factory
After a casual night with friends? The Soda Factory is your new spot, the entrance is hidden behind a fake fridge door that's perfect for some Instagram pics. Check their website for super cheap Tuesday hot dogs and classic movie nights.
16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW 2010
16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW 2010
weekend getaways
How to get there
Blue Mountains Day Trip
The Blue Mountains are a World Heritage-Listed region famous for its spectacular mountain ranges and The Three Sisters (the region's most iconic and deeply culturally significant Aboriginal rock formation). The Blue Mountains are also home to the steepest passenger railway in the world.
- Train: Around 2 hours from Central Station to Katoomba.
- Drive:Around 90 minutes from Sydney CBD, depending on traffic.
The Blue Mountains are a World Heritage-Listed region famous for its spectacular mountain ranges and The Three Sisters (the region's most iconic and deeply culturally significant Aboriginal rock formation). The Blue Mountains are also home to the steepest passenger railway in the world.
- Train: Around 2 hours from Central Station to Katoomba.
- Drive:Around 90 minutes from Sydney CBD, depending on traffic.
Day off
Tramsheds
The Tramsheads is an old Iconic Tram Depot that has been transformed into an Industrial complex with food, supermarkets and restaurants. Messina is a must try (my faves are Yoghurt Caramel or Tiramisu flavour). It's a short walk away from a beautiful park space right on the water too.
1 Dalgal Wy, Forest Lodge NSW 2037
Haymarket/ china town
Haymarket is home to China town, Sydney's vibrant Asian cultural hub with late night dining. Local markets, food courts and Dixon street (Pedestrian street marked by the traditional chinese gats).
Dixon Street, running between Hay Street and Goulburn Street
Surry Hills Dining
Surry Hills is home to a wide range of amazing restaurants, some notable mentions are NOMAD, Peligrino 2000, The White Horse, and Olympus. My best friend and I pick a new restaurant each month to try and it's always one from Surry Hills.
Surry Hills, sydney
Sydney's New Fish Markets
Sydney Fish Market is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood, waterfront dining and market-style eats. With 40+ retailers, open public spaces and late weekend hours, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon with friends or grab takeaway and relax by Blackwattle Bay.
1 Bridge Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
LOCAL FOOD SPOT
Spice Alley
Spice Alley is hidden away in a vibrant, lantern-lit laneway in Chippendale. There are a variety of Asian street food stalls offering Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese cuisines. Spice Alley lets you mix and match dishes from different stalls and settle in at the communal outdoor tables. It's open until late daily, so whether it's a post-study feast or a late-night craving, there's always a seat waiting.
Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Spice Alley is hidden away in a vibrant, lantern-lit laneway in Chippendale. There are a variety of Asian street food stalls offering Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese cuisines. Spice Alley lets you mix and match dishes from different stalls and settle in at the communal outdoor tables. It's open until late daily, so whether it's a post-study feast or a late-night craving, there's always a seat waiting.
Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
LOCAL NIGHT OUT
The Lansdowne
The Lansdowne is a local legend. This iconic pub has been on the corner of City Road since the 1920s, basically on your doorstep if you're at USyd or UTS. I went for the drink deals and trivia night and ended up staying for the live music. Everyone from local up-and-comers to international acts have played here, and the rooftop is one of Sydney's best-kept secrets. Classic pub food, great vibes, late licence. What more do you need?
2-6 City Rd, Chippendale NSW 2008
2-6 City Rd, Chippendale NSW 2008
The Lansdowne is a local legend. This iconic pub has been on the corner of City Road since the 1920s, basically on your doorstep if you're at USyd or UTS. I went for the drink deals and trivia night and ended up staying for the live music. Everyone from local up-and-comers to international acts have played here, and the rooftop is one of Sydney's best-kept secrets. Classic pub food, great vibes, late licence. What more do you need?
2-6 City Rd, Chippendale NSW 2008
2-6 City Rd, Chippendale NSW 2008
Freebies
NSW
Art Gallery
Art Gallery
The NSW Art Gallery offers free admission to its vast collection of Australian and international art. It's definitely a go-to for creativity and inspiration. They have special exhibitions and events every now and then so stay tuned for that on their website.
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
The NSW Art Gallery offers free admission to its vast collection of Australian and international art. It's definitely a go-to for creativity and inspiration. They have special exhibitions and events every now and then so stay tuned for that on their website.
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Botanic Gardens
The botanic gardens are a beautiful escape right in the heart of the city. The gardens wrap around Sydney Harbour and are perfect for a picnic with friends, a quiet study session or just a weekend stroll. Free entry, always. Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW, 2000
Maccallum Seawater Pool
A harbourside pool in Cremorne with iconic views of the Harbour Bridge. It's free entry and perfect for a summer's day. One of Sydney's many free swimming spots but it's one of my personal favourites.
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
A harbourside pool in Cremorne with iconic views of the Harbour Bridge. It's free entry and perfect for a summer's day. One of Sydney's many free swimming spots but it's one of my personal favourites.
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
Sydney Hidden Gems
Top student-friendly spots in Sydney: local markets, iconic streets, harbour views and hidden places worth exploring.
Glebe
Markets
Market on every Saturday at Glebe Public school, perfect for vintage clothes, street food, acoustic concert and gorgeous handmade jewelry.
Derby Place, Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Derby Place, Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
King Street Newtown
King street is perfect for one of a kind boutique stores, thrift shops and iconic bookstores. Also home to great eats like drunk dumplings, Westwood pizza and Thai Pothong, I love going for a nice afternoon out and early dinner.
King Street Newtown
King Street Newtown
Blues Point reserve - Picnic
A bayfront park in North Sydney with picnic tables, grassy areas, and some of the best harbour views in the city. I like to pack some snacks and go with friends, sit on a blanket and take in the views at sunset.
Blues Point Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
Blues Point Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
Circular Quay to Manly Ferry ride
The Manly ferry is one of Sydney's most iconic experiences. The ferry from Circular Quay departs regularly and cruises through Sydney harbour, past the opera house and harbour bridge, I’ve recommended this to a few people new to the city and it has never disappointed.
Departs from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay
Departs from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay
Snorkeling at shelly beach
Shelly Beach in Manly is a 15 min walk from Manly Wharf along the coast line. It is the best spot for snorkelling, you can go by yourself or join a guided scuba group to explore the incredible abundance of marine life.
Marine Parade, Manly, NSW 2095 - 20 min walk from Manly ferry
Marine Parade, Manly, NSW 2095 - 20 min walk from Manly ferry
Observatory Hill (at sunset)
Observatory hill lookout in Millers point is the highest vantage point in the CBD and offers beautiful panoramic views of Sydney harbour. It is free and perfect for a picnic at sunset. If you like people watching like me, go on a weekend and there are sometimes weddings there.
Observatory Hill, Millers Point NSW 2000
Observatory Hill, Millers Point NSW 2000
Active Bunch
Sydney run club
The Sydney Run Club has taken Sydney by storm. With group runs for all levels, social events and everything you need to hit your running goals this isn’t just a run club, it’s a movement. This is definitely one of my personal favourites and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people.
For the Active Bunch
Miss out on Sydney's active scene? Not on our watch. Whether you're into running, swimming, or just soaking up the outdoors, here's where to go:
Bondi to coogee costal walk
The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is one of Sydney's most iconic tracks and one of my personal favourites to hit my step goal, known for stunning beach views, clifftops and cafes along the way. At 6km it takes around 2–3 hours so grab a coffee and take it all in.
Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Centennial park Walk/ Bike ride
Centennial Park is a Sydney staple, wide open paths, tree-lined circuits and plenty of spots to stop and relax. Whether you're walking, running or cycling, it's an easy escape especially during exam time when you need some fresh air and to clear your head.
Centennial Park, Grand Drive, Centennial Park NSW 2021
Centennial Park, Grand Drive, Centennial Park NSW 2021
Walk across the harbour bridge
Walking the Harbour Bridge is free and takes around 30–60 mins (2km one way). Access the walk way from The Rocks in the south or Kirribilli in the north. Don't miss the Pylon Museum at the southern end for 360° views of Sydney.
The Harbour Bridge
The Harbour Bridge