202 Elizabeth

Worth getting out of bed for

There’s so much to see and do around 202 Elizabeth that you could happily stay in Surry Hills without straying too much further into the city (though this happening ’hood borders the Central Business District, as well as equally hip Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, and Haymarket which are well worth exploring). Nearby Bourke and Crown Streets are brimming with artisan coffee houses, trendy boutiques, vinyl stores, and bookshops, so most shopping-sprees start here. Take a break from the buzz with a scenic stroll through Prince Alfred Park (just a few blocks away from the hotel), or the sprawling Moore Park and Centennial Parklands (where there’s cycling and horse-riding along woodland trails). If you’ve timed your visit for the first Saturday of the month, head over to Surry Hills Market on the corner of Crown and Collins Streets to bargain-hunt your way through stalls of antiques, vintage clothing, upcycled furniture, and more. You could dedicate several days to discovering the Surry Hills creative scene, from street art to swish exhibition spaces like Michael Reid Sydney, Brett Whiteley Studio, and the M2 Gallery. And of course, the surfing haven of Bondi Beach is just a short train ride away (via Central Station and Bondi Junction).

Local restaurants

Claiming some of the city’s best restaurants as its neighbours – Chin Chin (for delicious Southeast Asian dishes) on Commonwealth Street and Nomad (a Middle Eastern-Mediterranean medley) on Foster Street are both under five minutes’ on foot from 202 Elizabeth. Alongside Asian flavours, Italian eats might just be Surry Hills’ strong suit – try the osteria-style Pasta Emilia for (you guessed it) freshly made organic pasta and traditional Emilia-Romagna plates (like the slow-cooked beef and parmesan ravioli).

Local cafés

Neighbourhood institution Bourke Street Bakery has amassed a loyal following over the years from its Surry Hills start, with new locations popping up all across the city by popular demand. The artisan sourdough has become somewhat legendary, but the Bolognese toastie and seasonal tarts are worth saving room for (it goes without saying that the pastries are buttery, flaky perfection). Bill’s on Crown Street is a brunch hotspot, where well-dressed Sydneysiders gather for buckwheat and pumpkin seed granola, ricotta hotcakes drenched in honeycomb butter, single O coffee and mango smoothies.

Local bars

One of the teeniest, tiniest wine bars in Surry Hills also happens to have the most extensive drinks list – head over to Bar Copains for thoughtfully curated by-the-glass vino and unusual bottles, stay for the outrageously good snacks (we’re talking shucked-to-order oysters, chicken-liver parfait spread over sauternes wine jelly on homemade sourdough, and rustic cheese boards). Sip on chilli- and coriander-infused spicy margs and charred-cardamom negronis over Tel Aviv-inspired sharing dishes at Shaffa on Albion Street.