Sydney

The Best Pubs in Sydney

Sydney pubs are among the most heritage outside Britain. The Australian publican tradition dates from the 1820s and many central Sydney pubs have been continuously operating since the 1850s.

  1. 01

    The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel

    The Rocks · $$

    Sandstone pub from 1841. Brews its own beer on site. The Three Sheets pale ale is the move. Open daily.

  2. 02

    The Hero of Waterloo

    The Rocks · $$

    Pub from 1843. Heritage stone interior with the original cellars below. Open daily.

  3. 03

    The Australian Heritage Hotel

    Paddington · $$

    Heritage pub from 1824. The pizza menu is famous. The terrace is excellent. Open daily.

  4. 04

    The Royal Hotel

    Newtown · $$

    Heritage pub with three floors and a rooftop bar. The crowd is mixed and the rooftop in summer is a destination. Open daily.

  5. 05

    The Courthouse Hotel

    Surry Hills · $$

    Newtown institution. The beer garden is one of the best in Sydney. The crowd is local and committed. Open daily.

  6. 06

    The Clock Hotel

    $$

    Heritage pub with a great rooftop. The food is decent pub fare. Open daily.

  7. 07

    Other categories in Sydney

  8. 08

    Cocktail Bars

    in Sydney ›

  9. 09

    Rooftop Bars

    in Sydney ›

  10. 10

    Date Night

    in Sydney ›

  11. 11

    After Work

    in Sydney ›

  12. 12

    Live Music

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  13. 13

    Top 10 Lists for Sydney

Order a schooner — the standard Sydney pour size — of a local craft beer or a VB. The food is pub classics, often surprisingly good.

Sandstone pub from 1841. Brews its own beer on site. The Three Sheets pale ale is the move. Open daily.

Pub from 1843. Heritage stone interior with the original cellars below. Open daily.

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Looking beyond Sydney? See our guide to the best pubs worldwide, or compare pubs city by city.