Hottest new nightclubs and bars in Sydney

The title of Australia’s party capital is hotly contested, but with its variety of venues from sophisticated waterside bars to big brash nightclubs to increasingly common swanky small bars, we reckon Sydney is a top contender.

Best of all, these promising new venues are set to make the nightlife even hotter. Best yet, they offer a snapshot into the diversity and vibrancy of the party scene, from a big name casino to cosy wine bars, historic harbour-side pubs to an uber-cool alternative club. Check out which new clubs and bars are currently exciting Sydneysiders of all persuasions.

Marquee, The Star

The opening of this super-club in 2012 was an explosion of colour, sound and American celebrities (plus Avicii) that jolted Sydney’s party scene. Set in a private cranny in The Star casino, revellers ascend the elevators, stop for photo ops beside the huge self-branded wall, and find themselves in one of Sydney’s biggest and best.

Marquee is everything a big nightclub should be: huge capacity, a killer sound system and light display, LED screens. It even sports a stage for go-go dancers to strut their stuff, overlooking the main dance-floor’s party atmosphere. In short, it’s a spectacle. As you’d expect from a place like this – where fashionable partygoers come to see and be seen – both entry and cocktails here are on the pricy side. Look out for the pretty little ballerina who dances in the windows overlooking Darling Harbour (we’re not kidding).

The Glenmore, The Rocks

This iconic, heritage-listed hotel re-opened its doors in late 2012 and had Sydneysiders cheering. A popular watering hole since the early 1900s, having seen local patrons through plagues, wars and depression, a period of TLC and restoration has returned The Glenmore to its former glory. A particularly scenic little club, its rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of Sydney’s famous harbour – where better to sample the tasty yet affordable fare on its menu, or indulge in a selection from its extensive drinks list? (As for drink recommendations, given the historic setting, we feel a James Squire is most appropriate).

Looks poised to become the most atmospheric venue in the quasi-European, historic yet ever-trendy area of The Rocks. You won’t want to have your pre-drinks anywhere else.

One22, Pitt Street

Concealed in a laneway off the busy rush of Pitt Street, not far from the big boys of Sydney’s club scene, One22 is possibly the most exciting alternative bar the city has to offer. Soon to be the one-stop club for electronic music, One22 has already drawn an impressive range of international DJs, playing soul-house through to techno. It has the distinct feel of a private party that only the cool kids got the invite to, yet with a laidback vibe.

Reasonably priced drinks are on offer, but don’t expect anything fancy; the diverse clientele of this establishment are here for one thing, and that is the blasting music. On that note (pardon the pun), we should advise that its sound system packs a punch, with speakers stacked from floor to ceiling. Consider yourself warned…or tempted.

Monopole, Potts Point

Here’s one for the foodies. This small wine bar/restaurant is a welcome addition to both Sydney’s nightlife and dining scene. In the heart of Sydney’s fashionable and well-heeled Potts Point district, Monopole has the distinction of boasting that it does food and drink remarkably well, all in a refined, sophisticated yet fun-loving vibe that epitomises Sydney’s cosmopolitan appeal.

Over 500 wines are ‘on tap’ so to speak, including many rare and boutique flavours (the Lammershoek Roulette Blanc for one is a real conversation starter), along with some quirky beers by the aptly-named Pinchgut Brewing Company. Though certainly not cheap, and not exactly party-oriented, Monopole is a worthy place to kick off a long night of Aussie partying.

The Wild Rover, Surry Hills

Ah, The Wild Rover. This eagerly-awaited small bar has already got trendy Sydneysiders’ tingling with excitement. Favourites from Sydney’s much-loved Grandma’s Bar have teamed up again and, tantalising us with suspense, shared that the bar is to be named after an Irish drinking song – for the record, about a guy who spent all his money on beer and whisky. Rather fitting. In terms of vibe, expect an Irish bar crossed with New York City chic (perfect, right?), all within the effortlessly cool Surry Hills setting.

Visitors, take note: Surry Hills is also a good area for affordable accommodation in Sydney. A wide variety of dining options and, yes, some of Sydney’s trendiest small bars await discovery in this area, and it’s central enough to be close to many of the city’s most famous sights and attractions to while away the daytime hours.

Staying at a place like Cambridge Hotel, which is close to the Surry Hills small bar and trendy dining precinct, is a smart move for making the most of Sydney’s nightlife.

Author bio: Sarah Trevor is a freelance writer and student from Sydney with a passion for exploring the nightlife of her home city. When she’s not writing, she can be found sampling its clubs, bars and dance-floors.