City Centre Shopping

Sydney is Australia's fashion capital and after a quick stroll around the city centre, you can see why. Whatever your tastes or budget, whether it's expensive designer goods or lovingly handmade items, you'll find something that makes your heart flutter. Browse bustling markets, step into modern malls and explore grand colonial arcades to see all the different shopping styles that Sydney has to offer.

Where to shop

Start your shopping spree at the Queen Victoria Building. Built in the 1890s and beautifully restored in the 1980s, it's a unique shopping space that combines old architecture with modern stores. There are three levels to explore, from high street fashion to antique jewellery and everything in between.

From there, follow the underground arcade lined with fashion boutiques to reach Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney, home to more than 250 stores. Just off Pitt Street Mall are two of the city’s most beautiful arcades. Even if you don't buy anything from the bespoke designers, jewellers and artisans housed here, you want to explore the 19th century Strand Arcade and The Dymocks Building.

Nearby, on the corners of George, Park and Pitt streets, is a more modern shopping experience, The Galeries. Here you'll find several floors of fashion, food, books and technology. Sydney’s flagship department stores David Jones and Myer sit just a few blocks from each other and stock fashion, cosmetics, toys, electronics, homewares and more.

Luxury stores and international labels line Castlereagh Street and Martin Place, close to Hyde Park. In The Rocks, tiny boutiques are tucked down narrow alleyways and the whole area comes alive every weekend for the artisan market. In the shiny new streets of Barangaroo you’ll find cool independent stores, bespoke tailors and sleek bookstores.

At the southern end of the city you’ll find quirky boutiques in Chinatown, outlet shopping at Market City and the multi-level World Square shopping centre. Don’t miss Paddy’s Markets, a sprawling warren of stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, sporting goods and electronics.

Eat & drink

Recharge with morning or afternoon tea at The Tea Room QVB or its resident champagne bar, Reign at the QVB. If caffeine is needed The Grounds of The City is just across the road. Upstairs at The Galeries you'll find an array of restaurants, but the cult pick is Ichi-Ban Boshi for ramen.

If you're heading down to World Square, it's hard to go past the dumplings at Din Tai Fung. The culinary offerings in nearby Chinatown are incredible, from yum cha at The Eight to high end seafood at the iconic East Ocean.