Last Updated on December 17, 2022 by Helen E. White
Staying in Sydney is not too cheap. Although most prices are similar to European ones, finding cheap accommodation in Sydney is not easy. But not impossible! In this post, we tell you about the best areas to stay in Sydney so that you can plan your visit to the most important city in Australia.
During our stay in Sydney, we stayed at the Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynward. In the heart of the CBD, very close to the Opera and one of the best values for money in the area. Highly recommended.
See More: Best Things to Do in Australia Sydney
Where to Stay in Sydney: Best Areas
1. Sydney Cbd is the Most Convenient Area to Stay in Sydney
CBD stands for Central Business District. It is the term that receives the Downtown or the financial zone of the cities of Oceania. We think it is the most practical area to stay in Sydney for a sightseeing tour. The CBD is where the largest hotel offered in the city is concentrated. Also there you will have all the facilities in the world: from supermarkets, and restaurants to shopping centers. And if you want to move by public transport, you will not lack stops.
Regarding prices, finding cheap accommodation in Sydney costs. Of course, keep in mind that in the CBD you will find options for all tastes and budgets. From large luxury chain hotels to simpler hostels. If it’s your first time in the city and you want to fully explore Sydney, we think it’s the most convenient area to stay in Sydney.
As a piece of advice, if you want to find a cheap hotel to sleep in Sydney in the CBD, try to get as far away from the port as possible. The closer to the port, the more expensive it will be. If you are one of those who think that Australia is a very expensive country, we are here to deny it.
2. The Rocks, the Best Area to Sleep in Sydney for Families
This historic neighborhood has a privileged location. It is right next to the Sydney Opera House and the harbour. The most interesting thing, regardless of its location, is that the colonial stone buildings have been preserved and there are many shops and restaurants. In addition, on weekends it hosts a very interesting craft market. Walking through its streets you don’t have the feeling of being in a big city. For this reason, it is ideal for families.
It is a beautiful and safe area to walk at all hours. Of course, do not expect to find bargains. There are very few hotels and most are luxury. Even so, we believe that it is the best area to stay in Sydney. Basically, because you can get everywhere on foot and the atmosphere at night is much quieter than in the CBD, making it an ideal option for families. In addition, from most hotels, you will have beautiful views of the bridge and the port.
3. Darling Harbor, is a Very Lively Area to Stay in Sydney
It is the most tourist-oriented venue in Sydney. It has many shops, restaurants and leisure proposals: the city aquarium, IMAX cinema, Australian Maritime Museum and a casino on a beautiful promenade. It is also located next to the town hall, in the heart of the CBD.
We think it’s a great area to stay in Sydney and a tad cheaper than the previous ones. Without a doubt, a fantastic place for families as there are many attractions for the little ones. In addition, you will find restaurants to eat well and cheaply in Sydney.
4. Kings Cross and Potts Point, Are Smart Options to Stay in Sydney
These areas are quite cheap considering how close they are to the center of Sydney. It will hardly take you 25 minutes on foot. Kings Cross was formerly the city’s red-light district. It has improved a lot now though! Its main attraction is its 19th-century Victorian houses.
Although it is much safer now, try to avoid wandering around the CBD side late at night. The atmosphere is not very nice. Still, it’s a very smart area to stay in Sydney, especially if you’re looking to save money without giving up a good location.
5. Bondi Beach, for Beach Lovers
If you have come to Australia in search of a beach holiday, this is the best area to stay in Sydney. Especially for surfers. Bondi Beach is your paradise! All along the coast from Bondi to Coogee, there is plenty of buzz with interesting restaurants and bars. If you want complete tranquility at night, we do not recommend it. The area is full of tourists wanting to have a good time.
The negative part of Bondi is the transportation to the city center. The train does not arrive there and the bus is much heavier. To get to Circular Quay you have to take the number 333 bus from Bondi or the 373 from Coogee. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
If you have enough days in Sydney and have already seen the city, that’s fine. But for sightseeing, it’s not the most practical area to stay in Sydney. Of course, the prices are much cheaper than in the center.
6. Newtown is Ideal if You Are Looking for Something Cheap to Sleep in Sydney
And to end this post about the best areas to stay in Sydney, we did not want to forget to mention its alternative area.
About 15 minutes by train from the center, these neighborhoods are perfect for staying in Sydney if you do not have much of a budget. Nearby is the University of Sydney, so there are a thousand options to go out to eat or have a drink without spending much.
Where to Stay in Sydney – Hostels, Airbnb, Houseshares and More!
If you are wondering which is the best option where to stay in Sydney, you are in the right place. In this article, we are going to share tools to find accommodation, and the best areas and hotels to stay in, whether you go for tourism or with a Working Holiday.
1. Hostels, an Affordable Option to Stay in Sydney
When you arrive, one option is to start in a hostel. The main reason is to meet people and expand your network of contacts. It is a good option perhaps for those who arrive alone, or simply want to socialize a little more.
We, however, opted for the Airbnb option – because we prefer a slightly quieter environment. But don’t worry, we found the best hostels in Sydney for value for money according to our friends who did use them.
2. Rooftop Travelers Lodge, an Apart-type Hostel to Stay in Sydney
Located in the Glebe neighborhood, just a few blocks from the great Broadway Shopping Center is this 3-story hostel with a terrace. It is a hostel, which looks more like an aparthotel because each room is equipped with a kitchen and private bathroom. The building also has lounges, computer rooms, laundry, etc.
Generally, its guests stay more than one night, some even adopted it as their home for a few months. Of course, if you want to stay more than 2 weeks you have to pay a bond. the bondIt is a kind of guarantee that can be the rent of 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks that is paid as a deposit. It is simply in case something breaks, or the agreed terms are not met. But if everything is fine, it must be returned at the end of the stay.
Location: 146-148 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037 .
3. 790 On George
This hostel also has a very good location, however, it is cheaper than its neighbor Wake up (But of course its quality is not the same either).
Location: 790 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
4. Original Backpackers
This hostel is also located in the King Cross area. According to our survey, which may not be as representative of the population, it is an excellent hostel for the area.
Location: 162 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011.
5. Airbnb, is an Alternative Where to Stay in Sydney if You Go for Tourism
If you still do not know AIRBNB, it is an option that we HIGHLY recommend. It’s good maybe if you come either with friends or as a couple. It allows you to see how an Australian family lives – or most likely from some other part of the world – and at the same time enjoy the comfort and tranquility of living in a house.
On Airbnb, you have 3 options, rent a whole house (which can sometimes be a bit expensive in Australia), rent private rooms or rent shared rooms.
6. Houses or Shared Rooms Are a Very Cheap Option Where to Stay in Sydney
Another option is to go to a shared house, perhaps the cheapest, but it is often difficult to do so as soon as you arrive. Doing the inspections, until finally finding your little place, requires a lot of time.
The cost of a private room in and around the city center is between $300 AUD (€193) and $450 AUD (€287). A studio or small apartment between $450 AUD (287 €) to $550 AUD (350 €). And a shared room from $120 AUD (78 €)(*). The further you get from the center the prices go down. Remember that these prices are weekly, and often increase in summer.
7. Flatmates
You have the free option where you can only send messages and see the contacts of the free profiles. Or the paid option in which you can also send messages to the Early bird ( paid profiles too).
8. Gumtree, a Page to Find Where to Stay in Sydney
It is a portal that has basically everything, from accommodation and works to buying and selling products and services. It is the bible of backpackers. Of course, ALWAYS be careful because many times the ads are not what they seem.
If You Are Looking for Beaches
We recommend you stay in Bondi, Coogee, Tamarama, and Bronte. The beach area is beautiful, but (yes, there is always a but) if you don’t have a car, except in BONDI JUNCTION, in the other neighborhoods there is no train connection. This is very important if you work downtown or somewhere other than the beach area. If you don’t mind taking a bus to Bondi Junction and then the train, then the Coogee, Bronte, Maroubra area is for you! But, if not, we recommend BONDI JUNCTION, not so close to the beach, something in the middle, so that it is halfway to the train and halfway to the beach. (Obviously, they are the most difficult accommodations to find).
If You Prefer to Be Close to Everything
We recommend Museum, Town Hall, Central, Redfern, Surry Hills, Chippendale, Glebe, Newtown (a bit further away, but nice, it has a very bohemian and hipster vibe), Darlinghurst, Paddington, Pyrmont, Potts Point.
If you are in Sydney for tourism or you have just arrived and want to learn more about this great city, you can take a tour in Spanish at Civitatis.
Tips for Finding Where to Stay in Sydney
- We recommend that you mix the options because sometimes finding a home is not an easy task.
- Always, but always, go see the place before paying, the photos are not always a true reflection of reality.
- Try to make your new home close to a train stop, it will save you a LOT of time and headaches.
Conclusion
In general, there are not many hotels, but there are a lot of apartments. This area has a hipster point, with a lot of atmospheres but at the same time, it is quiet if you are not on the main street. We think that Newtown is your ideal area to stay in Sydney if you are looking for something cheap and a good nightlife.
To get to the most touristy parts, you can take the train, bus or even walk. In less than an hour, you will be in the heart of Sydney.
Now that you know a little more about the city, it’s time to find your little place! If you have any good information to share or need more information, leave us a comment below.