From Mardi Gras to the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, Sydneysiders know how to have a good time. There are many ways to get out and about in Sydney, so we’ve put together a lively weekend itinerary for those who are ready to let loose and flex their moves – including where to crash after a long night on the town. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or just looking for a city staycation, we’ve got you covered with dynamic dining, drinking and dancing options from day to night.
Day One
You’ll need substantial fuel to keep you going through the weekend, so start the festivities with a long lunch at Bar Morris. The Italian-inspired spot has a dedicated sandwich menu from 11am onwards – including twice-baked focaccia with smoked mozzarella and marinated artichoke; croissant sando with mortadella and gruyere; and panini with poached chicken, capers and parmesan.
Once you’ve had your fill of food, it’s time to make your way to your accommodation – thankfully, it’s in the same building. At Hotel Morris, you’ll be greeted by funk music in the lobby and a welcome drink (either boozy or an Italian almond tea). The 82-bedroom boutique in the heart of the city is the second hotel from Accor’s Handwritten Collection to open in Australia. Set in a heritage building dating back to 1929, it features plush red furnishings and art deco touches throughout. Drop off your bags, check in to your Italo-style room and squeeze in a disco nap before you take on the town. If you’re still in your room between 4pm and 6pm, the Negroni Trolley will knock on your door offering one Negroni on the house per stay, just for the summer.
It’s all about keeping it effortless this weekend, so roll out of bed and hop on an elevator back down to Bar Morris for pre-dinner aperitivos. Now in wine bar mode, it offers a selection of elegant cocktails – including six types of Negroni – in a moody, marble-clad space. Come for Piccolo Hour between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, with cocktails served in dainty piccolo glasses and snacks starting at just $5. You can also stay for dinner – there’s panfocaccia with confit onion butter, zucchini flower fritters, Skull Island prawns and the signature Morris lasagne on the menu, plus a hazelnut affogato with frangelico and amaretti biscuits for dessert.
Later, go for a round of tequila and tacos at El Primo Sanchez in Paddington. Headed up by the group behind world-renowned cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, the pink-hued diner offers tequila- and mezcal-driven drinks alongside tacos, prawn tortas, flautas (crisp rolled tacos) and even a late-night burrito. The venue also boasts some hidden rooms – try out the free karaoke booth (equipped with a call button to summon tequila shots) or venture behind a secret door disguised as an unassuming shelf for an intimate experience in La Prima mezcal bar.
Once you’ve warmed up with renditions of ABBA and Sabrina Carpenter, it’s time to cut some shapes on the dance floor. If you know where to look, there are still inner-city clubs that keep the tunes spinning early into the morning. The Abercrombie hosts DJs at its club space and rooftop until 5am, while The Cliff Dive blasts hip-hop and R&B until 4am, with the chance to win a $500 cash prize on their dance competition nights. Fans of techno and forward-thinking club music should make a beeline for Club 77. A fixture of Sydney’s nightlife scene for 25 years, it keeps the dance floor going until 5am.
The best part? All three clubs are only 15 minutes’ walk from Hotel Morris, so you can be snuggled in the comfort of your luxe queen-sized bed well before the sun rises.
Day Two
After Saturday, it’s unlikely you’ll want to wake before 10am. The good news is you won’t have to travel far to get a much-needed feed. Bar Morris’s breakfast menu includes Italian eggs Benny with prosciutto, a spicy bacon-and-egg roll with ’nduja mayo, and caramelised brioche French toast with whipped ricotta and seasonal fruit. And don’t forget that range of sandwiches from 11am onwards.
After you’ve checked out, get some fresh air with a recovery stroll around the city. Enjoy peace and quiet at Hyde Park, lounge around near the water at Darling Harbour, or check out the free exhibits at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (particularly the stunning Sydney Modern wing, which opened in 2022) or the Australian Museum.
Close out the weekend with a hearty lunch. For inventive pastries and rooftop views, head to AP Bakery at the top of Paramount House. The kitchen also cooks up breakfast dishes such as a crispy bacon sandwich, a smoked brisket bagel and a hefty cheeseburger. For a speedy meal before you head home, settle in for dumplings galore at Royal Palace Seafood, which has quickly become a local favourite for yum cha.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Accor Hotels.
