Your Guide to a Glamorous Girls' Weekend in Sydney: Where to Wine, Dine, Dance & Stay

Fire up the group chat, dig deep into your closet for that sparkly dress or trusted going-out top, and grab your bags cause we’re going on a girls’ trip!

There’s something magical about spending quality time with your best friends and as grown-ups, it's so rare that we get the chance for a boujiee big girl sleep-over, packed with an amazing itinerary with the best restaurants, bars, and things to do.

Whether you’re a local planning a city staycation or catching up with your long-distance besties, there are endless reasons to spend your next girls' weekend in Sydney. From wining and dining to entertaining, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to planning the ultimate girls’ weekend.

Bar Topa

For a girls' weekend in Sydney that feels like a Spanish getaway, look no further than Bar Topa. This cosy spot is ideal for gathering your gal pals and savouring an aperitivo on your way to dinner or the theatre. Inspired by the tapas culture of Spain, Bar Topa, nestled in ivy's thriving dining precinct, brings the spirit of 'to come across' to life. Here, you can enjoy small bites inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean coast and savor tapas cooked on 'la plancha'. Whether it's a special bottle of wine, sangria on tap, or a menu of sliced jamon, Bar Topa has the perfect recipe for a memorable girls' weekend in Sydney.

4 Palings Lane, Sydney

Hinchcliff House

Do you have serious foodie friends? A group of gourmet girlfriends? Masterchef-obsessed mates? Bring them to Hinchcliff House to experience four levels of high-end drinking and dining! Start your morning with takeaway coffee and pastries from Grana. Their pain au chocolat is like a little bite of heaven, trust us!

At night you can expect house-made pasta and fresh seafood as well as their famous Grana tiramisu. The pink-hued Lana has an epic set menu with rich drink pairings. If you’re keen to keep the party going, head down to the basement and Apollonia, named after The Godfather’s ill-fated bride and home to an epic cocktail list.

Hinchcliff House, Circular Quay Sydney

Zaffi

Put on your comfiest heels and get ready to rock girls' weekend in Sydney at Zaffi, a thrilling spot made for dancing till dawn—literally! The ground floor offers up a curated selection of Australian-Lebanese mezze plates whilst downstairs, you and your girls can find a jazzy pink bar open until 4am. In between sips of wine and refreshing cocktails, be sure to sample their organic halloumi doused in locally sourced honey. Oh, and don't miss Zaffi’s own Baklava soft serve. With live music and Lebanese hospitality, Zaffi will indulge you and your gals to a night of rhythmic beats and delicious bites.

10-14 Hunter Street, Sydney

Olio, Kensington Street

Between the lot of you, you and the girls can order up every pasta on the menu at Olio to share. We’re talking squid ink pasta with Australian bay bug and shellfish, ravioli with prawn and chives, seaweed butter and preserved cumquat, and reginette with pulled Wagyu brisket with perfectly salty dried ricotta. If you’ve got a bigger group you can even opt for the degustation menu and celebrate with a glass of bubbles or two, after all, how often are the girls all together like this?

Level 2, 2/10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

Reign at the QVB

Looking to elevate your girls' weekend in Sydney? Reign at the QVB, situated in the iconic Queen Victoria Building, offers a luxurious experience with its chic champagne bar and bottomless brunch offerings. With an opulent marble and pink decor, this regal spot provides an extensive selection of over 150 champagnes and sparkling wines—perfect for an elegant tipple after lunch or a sophisticated sip before dinner. The diverse snack menu caters to every taste, but for a better experience, book their special menu for group dining.

Level 1, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney

Untied

For a fab girls' weekend in Sydney, head to Untied in the bustling Barangaroo precinct. This elevated urban sanctuary offers a vibrant and modern rooftop adorned with lush greenery and captivating views of the harbour. The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and refined, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Their menu embodies contemporary Australian flavors, boasting tropical cocktails, shareable dishes, modern BBQ treats from the wood-fired grill, and a diverse range of plant-based options. Whether it's soaking up the Sydney sunshine or savoring the panoramic views, Untied Rooftop is a fuss-free choice for a laid-back and quality girls' hangout in the heart of the city.

Level 4, Exchange Plaza, 400 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

Maybe Sammy

A girls' weekend in Sydney won't be complete without visiting one of the 50 best bars in the world. Maybe Sammy lets you step back in time at a place that channels the swanky vibe of the roaring '50s. This spot celebrates the rebirth of that era when style and fun were at the forefront—a fun way to celebrate your friendship! Channelling the spirit of The Rat Pack and Hollywood glamour, this venue brings forth a fusion of drinks, music, and a laid-back atmosphere. It's an opportunity to embrace the high roller lifestyle a la Sammy Davis Jr.—perfect for unwinding and enjoying a relaxing time with friends in a retro-cool setting.

115 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney

Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge

Between the second and third floors of the Pullman Quay Grand, you will find one of the most Instagrammable bars in Sydney! With greenery cascading from the ceiling and windows that open onto a view of the sparkling harbour and breathtaking bridge, settle in for some snacks and curated cocktails. With this perfect setting, your girls' weekend in Sydney is off to a great start. Be ready to send everyone the memo: Ready your best 'fits and strike your best poses for a night out that will definitely be one for the books.

Pullman Quay Grand, 61 Macquarie Street, Sydney

Gin Lane

Gin lovers rejoice! Gin Lane, which backs onto the ever-trendy, lantern-lit Spice Alley, is known for their inventive cocktails. Think the lemon aspen gimlet with Tanqueray, Cointreau and locally-foraged lemon aspen sorbet and the girls' night out with parma violet and rose-infused gin, raspberry and violet liqueur served with fairy floss and a side of prosecco. 

16A Kensington Street, Chippendale

Bar 83

Just you and your girls above it all! This Jetson-esque bar with gold hues and red velvet accents boasts a perfect panoramic view 83 stories above the CBD. Sit with a spritz in hand at Bar 83 as the bubbles tantalise your tongue and then treat yourself to lobster rolls or tuna tartare. It's the perfect place to kick off an awesome girls' weekend in Sydney.

Sydney Tower, 108 Market Street, Sydney

Eve’s Bar

For a memorable girls' weekend in Sydney, head to Eve's Bar nestled in Downtown. This cool industrial spot is perfect for a cheeky drink with the girls. Their curated menu of delectable cocktails will have you and your girlfriends finding it hard to choose, and the line-up of classic dishes will satiate any cravings. Order up the classics: wings, rump stake with chips, and end with a sticky date pudding and Eve's Fleur 22 cocktail. Yum! 

818-820 George Street, Chippendale

Bar Lucia

Inspired by the elegant architecture from the streets of Madrid, Bar Lucia brings a laid-back air of Spain into Potts Point. The sultry wine bar offers a range of classic Spanish-style tapas including Jamon Iberico Bellota Puro, roast sea scallops on the half shell with saffron butter, Ox tongue with salsa pintxo and salsa verde, anchovies with salsa Spinader all curated by Head Chef Alberto Palacios. Head Sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak takes charge of Bar Lucia's wine list, centred on supporting local Australian producers with an emphasis on female winemakers.

5 Kellett Street, Potts Point

Employees Only

If you’ve ever walked through Martin Place and seen a red neon sign reading psychic out of the corner of your eye, you might have unknowingly walked past one of Sydney’s coolest late-night haunts. When you walk down the stairs you can either turn left to consult a tarot card reader or right to head into the luxe Employees Only.

Employees Only Sydney is the first Australian branch of the famous New York speakeasy which helped kickstart the craft cocktail revolution. With a 1920s, neo-prohibitionist feel, employees only has everything from a delicious dinner menu to a twice-nightly bar-top burlesque performance. This really is one you need to check out for yourself.

9A Barrack Street, Martin Place, Sydney CBD

Goros

Ready your go-to karaoke song and prepare to belt out some serious notes. If you’re near Central Station, you absolutely can’t look past a visit to Goros. With dancefloors, arcade games and a great Japanese-fusion menu, there’s a lot to love about Goros. However, our absolute favourite thing at Goros is their karaoke rooms. Get the girls together and belt out some ABBA at the top of your lungs! It's a memorable way to spend your girls' weekend in Sydney, no doubt!

84-86 Mary Street, Surry Hills

High Tea at Shangri-La 

Want to really elevate your girls' weekend? Shangri-La’s High Tea on Level 36 experience is a must. Head Pastry Chef Kumiko Endo has brought a whole new dimension to the high tea offering, beyond the usual fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam tea time staples.

Tuck into a range of sweet and savoury delights including pumpkin tart, Atlantic smoked salmon, muscat grape shortcake and caramelised apple tart, all whilst you look out over the incredible views of Sydney Harbour. Pair with tea and coffee, a glass of Australian sparkling wine or free-flowing bubbles.

Available daily. First seating 12pm to 2pm and second seating 2:30pm to 4:30pm. 

176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks 

Oxford House

An inner-city sanctuary, situated in the heart of Paddington but the moment you perch by the pool (with a margie in hand, naturally) you'll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Boutique hotel Oxford House opened in late 2022 and has fast become the go-to location for a luxe weekend staycation. With 56 chic rooms (which have Grown Alchemist amenities!), a Palm Springs-inspired pool bar, and an all-day restaurant, our fingers are already flicking through our diary to see when we can book a stay. 

21 Oxford Street, Paddington

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

The Shangri-La Hotel is a firm favourite on Sydney’s hotel scene and for good reason. When you can pull yourself away from the view in your room, CHI, The Spa is the go-to for some serious relaxation. To keep the good vibes going you need to look no further than Altitude Restaurant for some fine fare, and Blu Bar on 36 for award-winning cocktails and jaw-dropping views of the city and harbour.

176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Swissotel Sydney

Check in to Swissotel for a luxury stay in the CBD, with spas and a rooftop pool as well as lush accommodation and dining options. This is the perfect hotel for girls looking to indulge in some retail therapy during the day before ending the night catching a performance or downing cocktails at some of the city's best bars.

68 Market Street, Sydney

Harbour Rocks Hotel

Perfectly positioned in the heart of The Rocks, this hotel is dripping in old-world charm. Built in the early 1800s, it hints at its heritage with sandstone walls and exposed beams. This charming hotel has 59 rooms of varying sizes, and offers modern creature comforts like pillow menus, beautiful bathrooms, and king-size beds.

Want to splash out? Book the aptly-named Harbour View Suite on the top floor. With everything you need for an iconic Sydney weekend escape under one roof, you’ll never want to leave!

34 Harrington Street, Sydney

Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney

Looking for a four-star stay in the city that has enough room for your whole group? Look no further than Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney. Situated in the heart of the CBD, the beautifully styled rooms are modern in look and feel and have been designed for absolute comfort.

Make the most of your stay by exploring everything the hotel has to offer. Make some time to work out in the gym before putting on your swimmers and taking a dip in the outdoor pool and spa.

Corner George Street and Bond Street, Sydney

Novotel Sydney Central

A short stroll from Sydney’s Central Station you’ll find Novotel Sydney Central, an ideally located home base for your next Sydney weekend. Steps from the entrance you’ll find The Goods Line, the elevated former railway that connects Haymarket to Darling Harbour. Complete with sculpture installations and lined with cafés and buildings from the infamous UTS ‘paper bag building’ to the Powerhouse Museum, follow the Goods Line and you’ll find yourself in Darling Harbour ready to enjoy some of the city's best nightlife.

Or explore Chinatown and gorge yourselves on dumplings on Thomas Street or stroll through Spice Alley for an upmarket dessert at KOI before heading back to your hotel to crash. Their rooms are available with a choice of one king or two queen beds, so you and your queens (aka. your besties) can have the ultimate slumber party!

From $259 per night

169 – 179 Thomas Street, Haymarket

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

Keen to catch a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge from your bedroom? The Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has you covered. With friendly and dedicated staff, two epic dining options and holding the enviable position of being one of the only hotels along Circular Quay, this is one of our favourite hotels in Sydney.

With one and two-bedroom suites, you can choose to either look over the sparkling turquoise water and the majesty of the bridge or, you can choose a garden view suite that overlooks the Botanic Gardens towards Government House. Either way, you can’t lose!

From $429 per night

61 Macquarie Street, Sydney

Mantra on Kent

Overlooking Darling Harbour and just steps from the CBD, Mantra on Kent has some killer shopping and dining locations on its doorstep as well as our favourite sight-seeing spots from Hyde Park to Sydney Tower. Choose from studios, suites or two-bedroom apartments which can sleep five and get ready for the ultimate girls’ trip.

From $229 per night

433 Kent Street, Sydney