Keen to get the most out of your day in The Rocks? Follow our itinerary for the perfect visit to this historic precinct of Sydney.
MORNING
Start the day with a pastry from La Renaissance Patisserie (47 Argyle St), then a signature espresso beverage from Starbucks The Rocks (135 George St), located in an iconic heritage-listed building that was originally one of the first banks in Australia. Fully fuelled, it’s now time to visit The Rocks Discovery Museum (Kendall Ln), which tells the story of The Rocks from pre- European arrival until today.
LUNCH
Fancy lunch with views of Sydney Harbour? We recommend the MCA Cafe (140 George St) at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Australia for a picture- postcard vista of the Opera House and beyond. Alternatively, Saké Restaurant & Bar (12 Argyle St) has award-winning Japanese food, Pancakes on the Rocks (22 Playfair St) is perfect for families, and Pony Dining The Rocks (Kendall Ln) is said to have pioneered the wood-fired grill in Sydney.
AFTERNOON
The Rocks has so many galleries, markets and shops to try. Check out Ken Done Gallery (1 Hickson Rd), home of the iconic Australian artist, or an exhibition at the aforementioned MCA Australia. If it’s a weekend, be sure to visit The Rocks Markets (George St and Playfair St) for fashion, souvenirs and art.
EVENING
As the sun sets, The Rocks comes to life as one of Sydney’s best night spots, overflowing with great pubs, restaurants and bars. For a taste of history, you can’t go past Sydney’s oldest pub, The Fortune of War (137 George St); for festive German beer hall vibes, try the Munich Brauhaus (Cnr Playfair St and Argyle St); or for sunset and city views, choose between the rooftop of The Glenmore Hotel (96 Cumberland St), or hidden gem the Hotel Palisade and its crown jewel bar, Henry Deane (35 Bettington St).
