Things to Do in Surry Hills – A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Surry Hills is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood of Sydney, Australia that has been a hub for creative and innovative thinking since the 19th century. Located southeast of the central business district, this energetic part of the city is known for its bustling restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and cutting-edge fashion.

Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs and has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s, when it was established as a market garden to supply the growing population of Sydney. The area was transformed in the early 20th century, when the suburb was opened up to residential development and a variety of shops, services, and entertainment venues were built.

Today, Surry Hills is a vibrant, cosmopolitan suburb that is home to a diverse community of people from all walks of life. The area is known for its unique culture, with a mix of independent stores, vintage boutiques, art galleries, and trendy bars and restaurants. There are plenty of things to do in Surry Hills for visitors, from exploring the creative culture to sampling the local cuisine. Here is a guide to some of the best things to do in Surry Hills.

Explore the Creative Culture

Surry Hills is known for its thriving creative culture, and it has become an important hub for artists, musicians, writers, and other creatives. The area is home to numerous independent galleries, studios, and performance spaces, where visitors can explore the creative works of local artists and musicians.

One of the best places to get a sense of Surry Hills’ unique creative culture is at Pitt Street Mall. This pedestrian mall is filled with independent stores, art galleries, and performance spaces that showcase local talent. From vintage clothing stores to handmade crafts, there is something for everyone at Pitt Street Mall.

The Central Park Mall is also great place to explore the creative culture of Surry Hills. This former industrial area has been transformed into an exciting space with an array of cafes and restaurants, designer stores, and art galleries. The mall also hosts regular events, including music performances and art exhibitions.

Sample the Local Cuisine

Surry Hills is known for its diverse range of restaurants and cafes serving up local and international cuisine. From traditional pubs to trendy eateries, there is something to suit all tastes in Surry Hills. The area is also home to some of Sydney’s best coffee spots, so be sure to try a cup of locally-roasted coffee while you’re in town.

For seafood lovers, Surry Hills is home to some fantastic seafood restaurants that serve up fresh fish, oysters, and other seafood delicacies. There are also plenty of Asian restaurants serving up delicious dishes from around the continent. And for those looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of pubs offering classic pub fare such as fish and chips or steak and chips.

Shop Till You Drop

Surry Hills is a shopper’s paradise with its array of unique boutiques, vintage stores, and designer outlets. The area is known for its eclectic mix of independent stores, offering everything from designer clothes to handmade crafts. Visitors can also find art galleries selling a range of artwork from local artists.

For those looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of markets in Surry Hills offering fresh produce, crafts, clothes, and antiques. The area is also home to some of Sydney’s best antique stores with an array of rare and unique items from around the world.

Experience the Nightlife

Surry Hills is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with a mix of trendy bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues that cater to all tastes. The area has become an important part of Sydney’s music scene with its array of live music venues offering everything from jazz to indie-rock. Visitors can also find plenty of pubs offering traditional pub grub and a range of craft beers.

For those looking for something more glamorous, there are plenty of bars and clubs serving up cocktails in style. The area also has some great rooftop bars where visitors can enjoy views over the city while sipping on a drink.

Take a Tour

Surry Hills offers many tours for visitors looking to explore the area in more detail. One popular tour is the Surry Hills Walking Tour, which takes visitors through the streets of Surry Hills while exploring its fascinating history and culture. The tour includes stops at some of the area’s most iconic landmarks and stops at local cafes where visitors can sample some delicious local delicacies.

Another popular tour is the Surry Hills Food Tour, which takes visitors on a culinary journey through the area’s best restaurants and cafes. The tour includes stops at some of Surry Hill’s most popular eateries where visitors can sample dishes from around the world and explore the area’s diverse food culture.

For those looking for something more active, there are also bike tours available in Surry Hills which take visitors on a scenic ride through the streets of Surry Hills while learning about its history and culture along the way.

Conclusion

Surry Hills is an exciting part of Sydney with plenty to see and do for visitors. From exploring its unique creative culture to sampling its delicious cuisine, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy in this lively suburb. With its array of independent stores, vintage boutiques, art galleries, and trendy bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Surry Hills.