Surry Hills Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Surry Hills
Stroll through back alleys to discover bustling wine bars, independent galleries and gourmet food in this lively and historic inner-city neighbourhood.

Rich in the arts and culture, Surry Hills is a creative neighbourhood with a cosmopolitan attitude. Get a glimpse of local life in Sydney by indulging in excellent coffee, trendy bars and a range of dining options to suit any palate.

First developed in the late 18th century, Surry Hills began as a working-class neighbourhood with a reputation for crime. Families from all over the world moved into the suburb after World War II, giving it a multicultural character. Having gentrified significantly since the 1980s, Surry Hills maintains a mix of newcomers and long-term residents. Walk through the neighbourhood and see the assorted range of industrial spaces, terrace houses and modern apartments to get a sense of the area’s evolution.

Stroll down the main strip of Crown Street and peek into the Victorian-era terrace houses to see the design studios and gallery spaces within. You will find a delightful range of fashion boutiques, from international designer labels and contemporary Australian design to retro and vintage wear.

Try a beer sourced from a local microbrewery in one of Surry Hills’ modern bars or enjoy a cold lager at a classic Sydney corner pub. If beer is not to your liking, go for a drop of red or white instead at one of the suburb’s numerous wine bars.

Catch a show at the Belvoir St Theatre, which draws from some of Australia’s finest directors, actors and playwrights to put on an impressive and diverse artistic programme. Make time to visit the Brett Whiteley Studio, a hidden gem of a museum, located in eastern Surry Hills. See the home and workplace of one of Australia’s most celebrated 20th-century artists.

Surry Hills is easily accessible on foot from Sydney’s central business district. Central Railway Station sits on the western edge of the suburb and many bus lines service the area. The neighbourhood’s range of hotels and holiday apartments make it a great place to base yourself during your stay in Sydney.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Surry Hills Hotel Deals

57 Hotel
57 Hotel
4 out of 5
57 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, NSW
The price is AU$147 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$147
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Room was excellent and the staff were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

57 Hotel
Rydges Sydney Central
Rydges Sydney Central
4.5 out of 5
28 Albion Street, Surry Hills, NSW
The price is AU$209 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$209
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The hotel is a short walk to the light rail and central station and a short walk to many lovely restaurants and shopping districts. The buffet breakfast was great, staff friendly, a well-equiped gym and a nice indoor pool, spa and sauna. The rooms were quite a good size, lots of space, very quiet ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Rydges Sydney Central
ADGE Hotel & Residences
ADGE Hotel & Residences
4.5 out of 5
212 Riley Street, Surry Hills, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$181 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$181
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (471 reviews)
"The hotel itself was really nice, I can't complain. The only thing I was annoyed about was the parking. I had read reviews that it was a low clearance, that wasn't an issue, but the parking was so hard to navigate in and around, it is so tight / narrow going down the ramp (Sedans and SUV drivers ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

ADGE Hotel & Residences
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is AU$209 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$209
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,652 reviews)
"Convenient location, great staff and quiet room. The room was very spacious and comfortable. I love my bed pillows and sheets! So comfortable!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$160 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$160
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,265 reviews)
"room booked was unsatisfactory but management were very obliging and upgraded us to an ideal unit. Surprised to find cooking facilities. I would recommend that they upgrade the foyer outside the lifts and clean inside the lifts particularly the carpets"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is AU$295 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$295
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,710 reviews)
"This was an amazing place to stay right in the heart of the city. Close walking distance to everything and the staff are amazing. We especially loved the help we received from the concierge. Totally recommend this place"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Shangri-La Sydney
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 Surry Hills

Capitol Theatre featuring 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
Default Image

Darlinghurst

Darlinghurst is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Sydney Jewish Museum and William Street while you're in town.

Darlinghurst
Sydney Town Hall which includes cbd, heritage architecture and a city

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
Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

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 Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Lyric Theatre, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

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 Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The Rocks
Default Image

Mascot

Travellers choose Mascot for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Mascot Station or Domestic Airport Station and check out top sights like Meriton Retail Precinct Mascot Central.

Mascot


Surry Hills Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: