My Personal Favorite List of Things to Do in Sydney

      Going back in time while indulging on French cuisine at Hubert

      I can safely say that this underground French restaurant is worth to be put on top of the list (even if this list is made with no particular order). As you enter the place, you will feel like Alice going down the rabbit hole with big wooden doors that you feel instantly detached from the outside world. Here you will be pleased with incredible foods and show-stopping collection of wines in a music-filled, Belle-Epoche style bunker. The candle-lit restaurant is always buzzing with people and there is an elegant grand piano ready to be played on the stage to accompany your time. If you feel like coming just for a drink or two, no worry, as they also have several cozy bar stools to seat you late into the night. Many people say that this place has its own charm that even if the foods are not good, they will be still coming. Luckily, the foods here is good. Very, very good.

·        Visiting the infamous Bondi Icebergs Pool

You’ve probably seen the pictures of this place being milled about on your social media. Yep, it’s the most photographed ocean pool in Australia at Sydney’s most famous beach. Bondi Icebergs has been a landmark for around 100 years and luckily for you who just want a slice of the active lifestyle synonymous with the suburb, you can pay $6.50 for a casual entry that gives you access to the pool, the sauna, and the gym. My personal suggestion, book the Yoga by The Sea class for $25 on Tuesday-Saturday during summer months.

·         Exploring Gordon’s Bay

South of Clovelly Beach and north of Coogee Beach, Gordon’s Bay is a secluded location created by the deeply incised gully and sheer sandstone headlands that makes it a great spot for snorkeling. On a good weather, go take your snorkeling equipment and explore the underwater nature trail. On your self-guided adventure, you will likely spot starfish, cuttlefish, sea urchins, and blue gropers. To put in mind, the trail is 600 meters long and takes around 40 minutes to complete.

·         Having a casual hang out with fellow travelers and locals at Spice Alley

      

      Spice Alley is little piece of Singapore in Sydney, but the food isn’t limited to Singaporean only and there are huge options that you can choose. Tucked behind the Kensington Street laneway in Chippendale, the open-air courtyard serves up hawker style dishes from across Asia. Can’t lie, my Asian-tongue sometimes misses my motherland foods while I’m traveling! My picks of the serving windows here are Alex Lee Kitchen for their authentic Singaporean dishes, Malaysian street food at Old Jim Kee, Thai and Vietnamese street food from Bang Luck, and Cantonese comfort food at Hong Kong Diner.

·         Doing Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

When I asked my Aussie friend about her recommended thing to do in Sydney, she hands down mentioned this activity. It’s a six-kilometers stretch of coastline so most walk from Bondi to Bronte and call it a day, but beyond that is where the walk gets really interesting. You will walk by the Waverley Cemetery, past Clovelly Bowls Club, the secluded nook that is Gordon’s Bay, and end your journey at Coogee by relaxing and treating yourself some cold cocktails from Coogee Pavilion’s rooftop bar. No matter what distance you choose, remember that activewear is always recommended.

·        Watching the day goes by at Hacienda Bar

Hacienda is capitalizing on incredible harbor views that stretch from the ferry wharves at the Quay to the Bridge by creating a beautiful space filled with soft lounges, fake vines, hanging garlands, and gentle orb lighting. The impeccable blend of all things above creates an impressive effect for locals as well as tourists. This bar has the Caribbean theme which means the cocktail list leans hard on the sweet, sour, and citrus-y end of the spectrum. I know some people might frowning confusedly hearing banana-flavored cocktail but I assure you to just let loose and dare to try something different. My favorite is Tropical Sour, with the banana flavor in the pisco plays a subtle second fiddle to the lemon kick and the dry sherry provides an oaky bass note that creates silky mouthfeel sensation.

·        Supporting organic lifestyle at Carriageworks Farmers Markets

      This weekend market is known for its range of seasonal products, including organic and biodynamic foods from farmers and producers from across New South Wales. They’re curated by Aussie chef, Mike McEnearney, who gathers all producers from all over the states with their wicker baskets of radishes and curly carrots to loaves from Bourke Street Bakery’s Bread and Butter Project. Order pork buns from Kylie and a flat white from Ritual Coffee and take a seat at the sun-exposed Carriageworks wall just opposite.