Balmain Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet
Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet

The bohemian feel of the Inner West meets the sparkle of the city in Balmain, a cosy harborside suburb known for its creative residents and stylish way of life.

Discover Balmain’s gorgeous waterfront and charming streets lined with Victorian-era terrace houses. Its location on the top of a peninsula in Sydney harbor makes Balmain a desirable neighborhood. Looking at its prized waterfront real estate now, it’s hard to imagine that Balmain was a working-class suburb for over a century.

Balmain grew rapidly after the construction of shipyards on its foreshore in the 1800s. In the 1970s, the industrial suburb with is affordable Sydney sandstone buildings started to attract bohemians, writers and politicians. They gave Balmain the artistic, cosmopolitan flair that still lingers today.

Shop in artisan and chic boutiques along winding Darling Street. This main thoroughfare also has a variety of bakeries, cafés and exotic restaurants such as Turkish restaurant Efendy. The sweet delights of celebrity chef Adriano Zumbo’s patisserie are equally hard to resist. Have a beer at one of the many historic pubs, such as the 3 Weeds, Cat and Fiddle and East Village.

If you love art, visit Balmain’s galleries of contemporary and Aboriginal works. On a Saturday, head to the grounds of the St. Andrew’s Church to browse books and collectables at the Balmain Markets, Sydney’s third-oldest markets. Taking a cruise or fishing trip from Balmain’s harbor is an excellent way to spend a sunny day.

There’s a wealth of green spaces in Balmain. Gladstone Park is a peaceful oasis in the busy center, while Elkington Park has impressive views of Cockatoo Island. Take a dip in the nearby Dawn Fraser Baths, Australia’s oldest pool complex. Illoura Reserve, near the Balmain East Wharf, offers views of the city skyline and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

The most scenic way to reach Balmain is taking a 10-minute harbor ferry from Circular Quay. You can also take a bus from the city center. Darling street has metered and free on-street parking for those arriving by car. While in the area, also explore Birchgrove, an Inner West suburb of similar charm.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Balmain Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$269 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$269
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,763 reviews)
"AMAZING!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is AU$298 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$298
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,326 reviews)
"Definitely can recommend the shagri-la Sydney"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
View Sydney

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$209 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$209
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,042 reviews)
"Just one night stay but was pleasant."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

View Sydney
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is AU$199 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$199
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,853 reviews)
"Great place to spend a night before and after a flight. 20 min ride to downtown."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$356 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
AU$356
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,881 reviews)
"Very clean and in great location"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$160 per night from 28 July to 29 July
AU$160
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,183 reviews)
"Stayed in the hotel for a convention at ICC, really quick walking distance made it very convenient going back and forth! Room was spacious and functional, perfect for 3 people. Would recommend for smash con goers or any convention in ICC!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Balmain

Darling Harbour featuring night scenes, city views and a bay or harbour

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(3,097 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Star Casino featuring modern architecture

Pyrmont

Star Casino and Sydney Fish Market are top sights in Pyrmont, and you should be sure to explore the captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Wentworth Park Light Rail Station or Fish Market Light Rail Station to see more sights in the area.

Pyrmont
Circular Quay - The Rocks showing street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(8,551 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Capitol Theatre showing street scenes as well as an individual female

Haymarket

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Haymarket. Check out top attractions like Market City and Paddy's Market, and jump on the metro at Paddy's Markets Light Rail Station or Capitol Square Light Rail Station to see more of the city.

Haymarket
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North Sydney

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to North Sydney. A stop by North Sydney Oval or ISKCON Sydney (Hare Krishna Temple) might round out your trip.

North Sydney


Balmain Travel Guide

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