One of the best things to do in Sydney is to discover it by night. As the day hustle starts to simmer down, the night owls are putting the final touches on prepping for the night. Put on a windbreaker and head out into the night and discover what this amazing city has to offer as the sun sets. From activities with the little ones to spots where you can appreciate the arts, there’s something for everyone even at night in Sydney. When the first night light goes on, get yourself out and discover the city with this list of the top things to do in Sydney at night.
For a place to stay after your adventure, check out these party hotels and romantic hotels.
Go City
See all the popular sights of Sydney like the Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo with Go City. Take your pick from two pass options - Explorer and Build Your Own, to enjoy sightseeing tours, cruises and admission tickets to various attractions of Sydney. Purchase your Go City to save up to 66% off. Get your Go City today!
Night with kids
1. Join a ghost walking tour (from USD 25.0)
When the sun leaves the skies, it’s time for you to turn your senses on and dare to explore the haunted side of Sydney. This ghost walking tour of The Rocks district will give you an insight into the city’s founding, as well as eerie stories from Sydney’s early days.
Learn about the historical events that introduced the legendary creatures that have kept the children of Sydney up at night! You’ll be walking through tunnels, mysterious alleys, and other haunted spots with this Viator tour. Guests must be eight years old and above.
Sydney Ghost Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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2. Have a starry night at the Sydney Observatory
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There is nothing as awe-inspiring as peering into the night sky, with its many stars and galaxies, with a telescope. Take your kids to the Sydney Observatory for a lesson or two at the Observatory’s museum and education center. Don your 3D glasses and take a journey into the universe’s galaxies, by watching a 3D film at the space theater. Make your reservation in advance, to avoid disappointment. This place to visit in Sydney - specifically in the inner-city suburb of Millers Point - is a memorable one.
Sydney Observatory
Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: Day Visit: 10 am to 5 pm, Night Tours: Starts at 6.15 pm (Family Friendly) and 8.15 pm (Night Tours need to be booked)
Website: Sydney Observatory
3. Family time at Luna Park (from USD 30.0)
Luna Park is as much fun at night as it is in the day. While you enjoy gorgeous views over the Sydney Harbor, the kids will be amazed by the light spectacle, the many rides on offer and the spectrum of games they will get to play while at the park. Awaken your childhood sense of adventure at Coney Island, the 1930s house with different slides and get a bird’s eye view from the Ferris wheel, which gives a panoramic view of Sydney. There are many rides and games to keep the kids occupied.
There are numerous pass to choose from, such as the Unlimited Rides Pass that lets you go on every ride in a day, or the Lunacy Double Pass, where you get unlimited rides after 6 pm on Friday and Saturdays for two people of equal or lesser height. Tickets are priced according to height, and tickets are cheaper when purchased online.
Luna Park
Address: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Opening Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm, Monday: 11 am to 4 pm, Closed from Tuesday to Thursday
Opening hours are subject to change depending on the time of the year. You can check their opening hours here.
Website: Luna Park
Luna Park Sydney Ticket in Sydney
4. Book an adventure with Twilight Sailing Adventures (from USD 62.0)
Don’t know what to do in Sydney at night? Chart the waters that surround Sydney, on a yacht, by booking an adventure with Sydney By Sail. Enjoy a magnificent sunset as you traverse the waters from Port Jackson, while the kids take in the views and the feel of ocean water in their faces. Make stops or pass by major Sydney attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Twilight Sailing Adventures
Address: Magnetic Island, Off Townsville, QLD or Sydney Harbour, NSW
Website: Twilight Sailing Adventures
Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
Nightlife
5. Catch a magic show at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay (from USD 72.0)
Why not catch a spectacular magic show at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay if you’re looking for something unique to do in Sydney tonight? This special tour lets you skip the long queues and get a guaranteed seat to a magical performance by Bruce Glen, The Gentleman Magician. Two hours of whimsy and wonder accompanied by sparkling wine and snacks? Yes, please! This could be the perfect bonding time with your family before you head out for a late dinner.
Skip the Line: The Gentleman Magician at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Ticket
Duration: 2 hours
6. Sip cocktails at Zeta Bar
Zeta Bar stands out as a very luxurious and glamorous bar that lets you enjoy the striking view of Sydney, as it lights up at night, from its rooftop. Take it all in, as you sip on one of the colorful out-of-this-world cocktails.
Zeta Bar
Address: Hilton Sydney, 488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 5 pm to late
Dress Code: No Thongs (Sandals), Shorts or Sneakers permitted
Website: Zeta Bar
7. Join the Sydney Historic Pub Crawl (from USD 98.0)
Why not take the chance to explore Sydney at night in a merry group.
Pick up interesting facts about the city’s colonial history between drinks from Sydney’s historic pubs. Departing from Hilton Sydney at 6 pm, take a stroll around the city before ending on George street. You can choose to listen to the guide and enjoy a peaceful night out, or grab the special drinks package and try out Australia’s local selection of liquor. This tour is one of the best night activities in Sydney.
Sydney Historic Pub Crawl Walking Tour
Price: From 59.84 USD
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour with Drinks and Dinner
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
8. Cabaret and live music at the Camelot Lounge
Enjoy live music at the Camelot Lounge, with its elaborate decor, giving it a cabaret ambience, reminiscent of the 1900s. Sip your cocktail, wine, beer or whiskey as you relax with music from live artists, bringing everything from cabaret to jazz music, funk and soul, too. Hungry? You can order from their ever changing menu.
Camelot Lounge
Address: Marrickville Rd & Railway Parade, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
Website: Camelot Lounge
Culture
9. Art at night at the Art Gallery of NSW (from USD 87.31)
On every Wednesday, the gallery is open till 10:00 pm. Walk through the exhibitions and marvel at the works created by the artists. You can also sign on a bike tour or join the free talks or other special events taking place or simply sit in the quiet splendor of all the art.
Art Gallery of NSW
Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm except Wednesdays, Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pm for Art After Hours
Price: Free Admission
Website: Art Gallery of NSW
Sydney: Iconic Sights 4-Hour Bike Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
10. Visit Sydney Opera House (from USD 68.0)
It would be an atrocity to go to Sydney and not go to the Sydney Opera House. This landmark is known around the world for hosting an array of performances. Enjoy the many pleasures it provides, from watching a show to touring the whole Opera House, to cooling down with a cocktail at the Opera bar.
Sydney Opera House
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website: Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House and Australian Ballet Dinner Package
Duration: 6 hours
Price: 244.99 USD
Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
11. Experience an outdoor cinema by Moonlight Cinema
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Do you enjoy being outside in the evening, with good weather, a picnic basket and good company? To top it all off, you can do all this as you watch a great movie! It is all possible with Moonlight Cinema. Watch great movie releases and your favorite classics, under the Sydney stars.
Moonlight Cinema
Address: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park, Corner of Carrington Drive and Broome Avenue, Enter via the Woollahra Gates on Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
Website: Moonlight Cinema
Shopping
12. Visit the shops at Pitt Street Mall
The busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping zone, you are definitely guaranteed to have your shopping desires satisfied, here.
Pitt Street Mall
Address: 182 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website: Pitt Street Mall
13. Shop at Paddington
You will not want to go anywhere else when you go to the suburb of Paddington, with its array of services, from tailors to shoemakers, boutique shops and milliners. Emerging fashion designers have made Paddington their home and you can find many globally known designers, here.
Paddington
Address: 395 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney, Australia.
Website: Paddington
14. Check out Chinatown Night Market (from USD 80.0)
Night markets always have a special feel to them and you will definitely find that same feel at the Chinatown Night Market, located on Dixon Street. Book a food tour and savor delicacies from Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Hong Kong and Japan. There are plenty of restaurants where you can sit and people watch.
Chinatown Night Market
Address: Dixon St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Website: Chinatown Night Market
Sydney Food Tour: A Taste of Chinatown
Duration: 3 hours
Explore
15. Tour the harbour aboard a helicopter (from USD 148.85)
What’s Sydney most famous for when it comes to historical landmarks? Sydney Harbour, of course. If you wish to join the hype and learn what this city is all about, you can’t go wrong with this helicopter tour. That’s right, you’ll have your own private ride over the wonderful city of Sydney.
Your package options include Scenic Flight, Private Scenic Flight, or Fly By Night. All of these tours come with a complimentary drink, a unique photo opportunity, and a voice-activated headset for the optimum experience.
Helicopter Flight Tour in Sydney Harbour Philippines
Duration: 1hrs30 Min Duration
16. See a different side Sydney with a private tour (from USD 308.0)
Want to make a romantic night even more special? Sign yourself and your partner up for this private luxury tour at night. You’ll be aboard an air-conditioned car and toured around Sydney for more than three hours.
The guided tour will introduce you to places like the former red light district, the French Quarter, and other iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You will be picked up and dropped off right at your hotel for a more convenient experience. Toward the end of your tour, champagne and canapés will be provided.
Sydney by Night | Private Luxury Night Tour | 3 Hour Tour | Includes Supper
Duration: 3 hours
17. Glowy adventures in the Blue Mountains (from USD 118.28)
Talk about a tour that makes excellent use of the dark! If you’re up for something other than the usual city sights, this tour is for you. You will venture into the Blue Mountains, equipped with a headlight, and hike up to the cave with a waterfall.
Once you reach the cave, you’ll get to see magical glow worms which resemble stars lighting up the surroundings. This tour will include hotel pickup and drop-off, headlamps, a guide, a briefing on general survival skills, and refreshments.
Sydney: Blue Mountains Glow Worms Wild Adventure by Night
Duration: 4.0 hour
18. Walk along Sydney Harbor Foreshore (from USD 88.0)
Go on an adventure, on foot, and walk along the water’s edge from the Sydney Opera House through other attractions, such as the Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, ending in Walsh Bay. Check out one of the restaurants in Walsh Bay to recharge, then continue with the walk up to Darling Harbor.
Sydney Harbor Foreshore
Address: 66 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Website: Sydney Harbor Foreshore
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
19. Explore and watch the Saturday night fireworks at Darling Harbor
Darling Harbor knows how to top off the night, every Saturday, with their fireworks display which only highlights the outstanding Sydney Harbor view. A firm local favorite, hop from one bar to the next, or sit and have a hearty dinner at one of the many restaurants that hug the shore. Whatever your pleasure for the evening, it is a guarantee that Darling Harbor has it, for you. Whether you want to take in the view at a dinner table or breathe in the ocean air with a long stroll in the harbor, make it a date and explore Darling Harbor.
Darling Harbor
Address: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website: Darling Harbor
20. Have a good laugh at the Comedy Store
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Comedy Store has local and international comedy stand up acts. In an evening show, there are about eight to ten performers. Each performance lasts about ten minutes. The venue is located in an area where you can pick up a decent dinner after the show. Drinks are served at the venue and there is a bar as well as waitstaff.
You can even order drinks from your chair. Grab a table and enjoy two hours of hearty laughter and the company of friends. Even though not all of the comedians are famous, they do deliver quality entertainment. This small venue will entertain and put a smile on your face.
Comedy Store
Address: 122 Lang Road | Entertainment Quarter, Building 207, Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales 2021, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9357 1419
Website: Comedy Store
21. Listen to live music at the historic Marble Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The live music at the Marble Bar is just one attraction. The historic building is situated in the heart of Sydney that was built in 1893. Considered a hidden “gem,” it’s located on George Street below the Hilton Hotel. The Victorian-styled Bar is open on Wednesday through to Saturday.
The place is a listed heritage site, so take a step back in time and enjoy yourself. The bar serves a range of drinks, including all the classic cocktails. The bar is located inside but in good weather conditions, outdoor seating options are available. Besides enjoying a glass or two of fine cocktails, you can also dine here. However, if you are after fine dining, do consider the Hilton that is situated close by.
Marble Bar
Address: 488 George St | Level B1, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Website: Marble Bar
22. Stroll around Domain & Royal Botanic Gardens
If you wish to take it slow during your Australian vacation, seeing beautiful lush greenery is a great way to do so. Take a long lovely stroll along the Royal Botanic Gardens and discover more about the stunning flowers and enjoy the spectacular views of the vast gardens at Sydney’s finest. Learn more about how the plants and flowers, as well as the produce are grown and get to meet the people behind such fruitful grasslands.
Domain & Royal Botanic Gardens
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website: The Royal Botanic Garden
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sundays to Mondays
Fun for all
Whether it is with your kids (who will be eager to extend their bedtime) or just you and your partner, you will definitely find engaging and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, under the Sydney skies.
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