Discover Sydney’s city gems to eat, drink and play

If you want to immerse yourself in the buzzing late-night scene of the CBD then YCK Laneways is your new best friend. This world-class nightlife and entertainment hub is amping up the excitement every Wednesday and Thursday night (aka the new Fridays) with a month-long program of after-dark cultural events from October 25 to November 16. Clock off work, unwind with a drink at one of YCK’s legendary bars, then hit up one of the many participating venues lighting up with activity from 8.30pm. Celebrate Papa Gede’s 10th birthday on Kent Street with a mega party featuring vinyl DJ Bexxy J; relax under the fairy lights at SILY Spray Ups where you can watch live mural paintings with $15 Margaritas; peek into the future with a tarot reading at Esteban; swing down to the Swinging Cat for live jazz and a night cap; or head to PS40 for its Flatbread Takeover series featuring weekly guest chefs. Discover the complete festival line-up and plan your night using the YCK Laneways map here.

Paddington, or ‘Paddo’ as it is lovingly known, is home to some of the top-tier restaurants and most legendary watering holes in Sydney, making it easy for you to dine and unwind every day of the week. Step into the local scene and join Mrs Banks Run Club every Wednesday and Sunday in November at 7am; hit up Saturday brunch at paddock-to-plate restaurant Fred’s from 8-11am; or raise a glass to bottomless lunch at Tequila Mockingbird every weekend. During weekdays, you can score $12 snacks and cocktails during Tequila Mockingbird’s happy hour from 4.30-6pm, as well as $15 select cocktails at the Paddington from 5-7pm. For an extra something special, visit Bloom at the Paddo Inn – a spring wonderland with bespoke cocktails featuring Henrick’s limited-release Flora Adora gin and a one-off Hendrick’s gin masterclass on November 15. After a few tipples, head to the Unicorn for free parties featuring headliner DJs like Latifa Tee, Dave Winnel and Go Freek, every Friday from 9pm to 3am. 

Coffee and bottomless breakfast, DJs and dancing – Stanley Street really does have it all. You can stay and play from the early hours of the morning to well after dark with long summer evening activations happening all down the road. Stanley Street once held the title of Sydney’s Little Italy and maintains the cheerful charm of days bygone. Settle into the lengthy summer nights in true Italian style with aperitivo hour drink specials and free snacks from 4-6pm every Wedneday to Saturday in November. You can drop by Bar Nina for free olives, Stanley’s on Stanley for free pickles and spiced nuts, the Lord Roberts Hotel for two-for-one Aperol Spritzes with free Italian nibbles, the Long Goodbye for free pretzels and olives, plus more. Keep the good times going with Night Cap, a bonus happy hour in participating Stanley Street venues this November from 9-11pm. Pair your night cap with live burlesque at the Long Goodbye on every last Wednesday of the month; DJs at Stanley's on Stanley every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night; and special late-night menus at Harry’s by Giuls, Funkatello, Wings N Tins, La Farmacia, the newly opened 77 Bar and Grill, and more.

The Uptown program is a NSW Government initiative being delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.