Top 10 things to do in Sydney at night

As the sun sinks low in the Sydney sky, new possibilities for fun come to light.

You can kick the evening off with a cocktail; Sydney has a multitude of scenic spots for sunset appreciation. Then stroll into the night for great restaurant food, after-dinner music and maybe a late-night ferry ride.

1. Say "cheers" at Hyde Hacienda

Discover Cuba-meets-Miami and one of Sydney's best sunset views at Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge, where you can drop in for a cocktail or linger longer for a fabulous Latin-flavoured meal. On Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ puts this spectacular evening destination into party mode. Hyde Hacienda's also a top spot for lunch.

2. Discover taste sensations at Smoke

Take your tastebuds on an intrepid journey at Smoke in Barangaroo House. As well as a menu that focuses on smoked, charred and artfully-spiced food, this food and drink destination offers rooftop harbour and skyline views. Dress up for Smoke - it's a place to show off your fashion sense.

3. Climb Sydney's biggest icon

The view from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is epic, taking in a 360-degree panoramic view of Sydney. The Summit climb with Sydney BridgeClimb gets you to the summit of this Australian icon, weather permitting. You can do the Summit Climb at Dawn, Day, Twilight or Night. You'll get a close-up look at 'the Coathanger' - it's an amazing structure and this is a great way to see it.

4. Explore the flavours of Australia at Bea

Australia's a huge country with big flavours that you can explore thoroughly at Bea in Barangaroo House, one of Sydney's top restaurants. From Sydney rock oysters and Tasmanian ocean trout to roast duck from the Southern Highlands and O'Connor beef from Gippsland, the menu is an unforgettable edible adventure.

5. Settle in at The Pav

The Coogee Pavilion, locally known as The Pav, is a three-storey beachside pub that includes a magnificent rooftop area with views over Wedding Cake Island. Whether you're fresh from the beach or dressed in your evening finery, there's a place for you here. Menus have a Mediterranean focus and the décor is amusingly eccentric - there's even a games arena.

Couple enjoying breakfast at Coogee Pavilion Sydney.

 6. Enjoy a breath of fresh air on the way to Manly

Riding a green and yellow ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is one of the cool things to do in Sydney at night. This ferry service has been operating for more than 155 years, so it's a classic Sydney expedition. Once you get to Manly, park yourself at the 4 Pines Brew Pub, a microbrewery with great sharing plates and a huge range of craft beers on tap. Manly also has some brilliant breakfast options.

7. Get an eyeful of Vivid Sydney

Every year from late May to mid-June, Sydney comes alive with Vivid Sydney an annual celebration of light, music, ideas and food. Enjoy large-scale light installations and projections, live music performances, public talks and workshops, food experiences and much more. Explore the city on foot or enjoy the brilliant spectacle from the comfort of a harbour ferry or cruise vessel. Visiting Vivid is one of the most unique things to do in Sydney.

Sydney view of harbour lights during Vivid Sydney 2019

8. Have a spooky time around The Rocks

The Rocks is one of the oldest areas of central Sydney and it's steeped with stories of mystery and horror. On a haunted walking tour you can discover eerie places that are usually under lock and key. While this experience is captivating at any time of the year, it's extra spooky in winter.

9. Scream your heart out at Luna Park

Luna Park is Sydney's old-school, heritage-listed amusement park, so it has decades of fun to share with you. Walk under the gaping smile of the famous gateway to ride the Rotor, get lost in the Mirror Maze and scream your heart out on the Hair Raiser. The park is handy to Milsons Point train station near the northern end of the Sydney harbour Bridge.

10. Cocktails with a view

Discover an elevated experience at Aster, Sydney's exclusive rooftop bar. Set atop InterContinental Sydney on the 32nd floor, this signature bar offers an outdoor terrace welcoming uninterrupted views across Sydney's skyline. Indulge in creative cocktails, artful small plates and highly-personalised service as you gaze out into a sky full of possibilities. Exclusive to guests aged 18 and over, bookings are essential. Aster is a place to feel on top of the world.

Couple enjoying drinks at the Aster Bar at the Intercontinental hotel in Sydney, Australia

Keep exploring Sydney

Vivid Sydney harbour lights image courtesy of Destination NSW; Image of Aster Bar courtesy of Destination NSW; Sydney Harbour image courtesy of Destination NSW; Sculpture by the sea, Tamarama Beach, Bondi, image courtesy of Destination NSW; Archie Rose Distillery image courtesy of Destination NSW.; Bondi Icebergs Club image courtesy of Destination NSW.; Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk image courtesy of Destination NSW.; Scenic World Blue Mountains image courtesy of Destination NSW