Chippendale

Things to do

Chippendale is emerging as a top arts precinct, home to cutting-edge galleries and performance spaces. One of the main attractions is the White Rabbit Gallery, where you can admire contemporary Chinese art, followed by a visit to the lovely teahouse. The Japan Foundation Gallery is on level 4 of Central Park, and showcases traditional and contemporary Japanese works.

White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale

The Seymour Centre, part of the University of Sydney, is the place to go for performance arts. There’s everything from festivals and large-scale theatre to small, independent productions. Check out the events calendar to see the selection of plays, music and dance on offer in this vibrant suburb.

The area’s colonial heritage is apparent by the old Kent Street Brewery, built in 1835, which has been transformed into the urban village it is today. The reimagined complex is known as Central Park, which includes the restored terrace houses along Kensington Street, as well as the high-tech 21st-century vertical garden on the towering apartment complex and the surrounding Chippendale Green.

Streetscapes of Central Park buildings in Chippendale

Eat & drink

Chippendale is a dining destination thanks to Kensington Street, a vibrant lifestyle precinct in Central Park with over 25 restaurants, galleries and shops. There’s a delectable range of eateries to enjoy, from cheap and cheerful hawker-style meals in Spice Alley to acclaimed eateries like Olio and Ester Restaurant.

Spice Alley, Chippendale

Start your day with a flaky pastry from Brickfields Bakery or coffee at Café Giulia. The Rose Hotel and The Duck Inn are two great pubs with lovely beer gardens, located along bustling Cleveland Street, while the Sneaky Possum does casual bites and craft beers. Head to the rooftop at The Old Clare Hotel for cocktails (and a pool) with a view.

For cheese and wine, try Handpicked Cellar Door or Zigi's Wine Bar. Kindred does excellent Italian in a cosy setting, Jung Sung offers a fantastic contemporary Korean menu, Paripe is perfect for Spanish tapas and Eastside Bar & Grill cooks up seafood and meats on an open fire in a New York-style warehouse setting.

The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale 

Getting there

Chippendale is an easy walk from Central Station and Chinatown or catch a bus from the city centre to Broadway, which takes about 15 minutes.