Sydney’s CBD has a strong concentration of bars spread across the city centre, from the laneways of the CBD core near Wynyard and Martin Place through to the southern end around Surry Hills. Whether you’re after a rooftop with harbour views, a basement cocktail bar, or a wine-focused room, the CBD delivers a range of well-established options within easy walking distance of each other.
Rooftop and View Bars
The Ivy Pool Club on George Street is one of the best-known rooftop venues in the CBD, operated by Merivale and open during warmer months. Smoke Bar at The Grounds of the City (on the upper floor of a CBD building near Angel Place) offers an outdoor terrace with city views. For a more relaxed rooftop, The Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks sits just north of the CBD proper and gives clear sightlines to the Harbour Bridge. Most rooftop bars in Sydney operate Thursday to Sunday and can fill quickly on Friday evenings, so arriving before 6 pm is advisable if you want a seat.
Cocktail and Wine Bars
The CBD has a solid cluster of cocktail bars that are worth knowing about. PS40 on Margaret Street is one of the more respected spots, known for its house-made sodas and seasonal cocktail menu. Bulletin Place, a small bar on the lane of the same name near Circular Quay, focuses on wine and rotates its list frequently based on what’s available from smaller producers. Frankie’s Pizza on Hunter Street operates as a bar downstairs with a rock-and-roll focus, staying open late most nights. Burrow Bar on Pitt Street Lane is a compact underground venue that runs a serious cocktail program and typically requires a reservation on weekends.
Pub-Style Bars in the CBD
Traditional Sydney pubs are still well represented in the CBD. The Strand Hotel on Pitt Street and the Marble Bar inside the Hilton Sydney (on George Street) both offer distinctly different but worth-visiting experiences. The Marble Bar in particular is notable for its 1890s interior, making it one of the most architecturally interesting drinking spaces in the city. The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks, a short walk from the CBD core, is a solid option for a straightforward pint with a heritage building atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do bars in Sydney CBD close?
Most CBD bars operate until midnight on weekdays and 2 am or 3 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Sydney’s lockout laws, which previously restricted entry after 1:30 am in parts of the CBD, were removed in 2020, giving venues more flexibility. Individual venues set their own closing times, so it’s worth checking directly if you’re planning a late night.
Are there bars in Sydney CBD that don’t require ID?
All licensed venues in New South Wales are legally required to verify the age of anyone who appears to be under 25. Carrying a valid photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or Australian Proof of Age card) is strongly recommended for any bar visit in Sydney.
Which Sydney CBD bars are good for a group booking?
The Ivy, Frankie’s Pizza, and The Marble Bar all have the capacity to accommodate groups, though most require advance bookings for parties of six or more. Smaller bars like Burrow Bar and PS40 are better suited to groups of four or under.
