Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is the heart of the city. Stretching from the harbourfront to Chinatown, it encompasses two unmissable landmarks: the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. But beyond these scene-stealers, the district holds much variety: shiny skyscrapers next to storied sandstone buildings, tiny laneways packed with bars and restaurants, luxury shopping to rival New York or Tokyo, grand hotels and big-ticket restaurants, and plenty of lush green parks. Looking for the lowdown on things to do and places to stay in Sydney’s CBD? Follow our guide to turn your next business trip into a working holiday.

Where to start

The Sydney CBD extends southwards from Sydney Harbour for about 3km. George Street, one of the oldest European thoroughfares in Australia, is the district’s main north-south axis. It begins at the northern tip of Sydney in The Rocks, a historic neighbourhood that dates to the arrival of the first European settlers in New South Wales. Follow the road to the southern end of the CBD and you’ll reach Central Station, Australia’s busiest railway hub, and Chinatown, popular for shopping and dining.

Where to take clients

The Australian early-to-rise lifestyle means you can expect breakfast meetings over avocado toast and perfect flat whites. For breakfast with a harbour view, the rooftop café at The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is popular. If you need to make deals before 9am, try Sammy Junior in the thick of the CBD on King Street, which begins service at a sprightly 7am.

Popping out for a quick coffee with colleagues is also routine in these parts, as evidenced by the long queues snaking out of cafés such as Regiment, which alongside espresso and filter coffee serves kombucha and craft soda. For a leisurely working lunch, opt for Clam Bar , an Australian take on the New York steakhouse. Or for lunch with colleagues when you have no intention of returning to work, go to the three-storey Shell House. You can start with lunch in the Dining Room, before moving on to one of the venue’s three bars for happy hour.

Drinks before dinner might begin at Opera Bar , which offers unmatched views of Harbour Bridge, or at a classic pub like The Duke of Clarence . Move on to dinner at a swanky locale like the Paris-inspired Restaurant Hubert , or a modern Australian restaurant like the spectacular Bennelong , housed inside the sails of the Opera House. Finish the night at one of the city’s intimate speakeasies, such as The Baxter Inn .

Where to stay

The Capella Sydney , housed in a heritage-listed sandstone building, offers smart rooms in the heart of the CBD, while its main restaurant Brasserie 1930 is a drawcard for locals and visitors alike. Also in a landmark building, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Martin Place – a scenic pedestrian zone – is moments from the main shopping districts of Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Shopping Centre.

Meanwhile, it’s all about quiet luxury at the low-rise Park Hyatt Sydney , which curves around the harbourfront in the cobblestoned Rocks precinct. Rooms feel more like private residences, each with a balcony overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

For a hotel in Sydney CBD that’s more eclectic, try Kimpton Margot Sydney . It’s located in one of the city’s original art deco buildings in the core of the CBD. Or stay at Crown Sydney in the recently revitalised Barangaroo precinct overlooking Darling Harbour – and be sure to book a table at Oncore by Clare Smyth. The restaurant is the sole international outpost of the acclaimed chef, who holds three Michelin stars in her native Britain. 

What to say

Ask a Sydneysider about the city’s best swimming spots. From surfing sites and harbourside beaches, everyone has a favourite.

What to know

Australian business culture tends to be relaxed: hierarchies are not strictly maintained and ideas are freely expressed – albeit with humility. Beyond rules of etiquette, it’s worth bearing in mind Sydney’s strict public smoking laws. Smoking is prohibited at public transport stops, near entrances to public buildings and around outdoor dining areas. 

What to do in your free time

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales . The newly refurbished space houses many celebrated collections, including works by indigenous artists not found anywhere else. Afterwards, you can take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden and visit the periphery neighbourhoods of Kings Cross, Potts Point and Darlinghurst, or stroll up Oxford Street and visit the well-heeled shops and cafés of Paddington. For beach relaxation, catch a ferry across the harbour to laid-back surf spot Manly.

What to buy as souvenirs

Sydney boasts some excellent gin distilleries. Grab a bottle infused with foraged marine botanicals from Manly Spirits Co. , or opt for Archie Rose’s lemon-scented gum gin with a flavour that evokes an Australian childhood favourite: lemon Icy Pole lollies.