Lifestyle and Shopping in Sydney

On a map, it looks so far away from the rest of the world, but expats will hardly find the lifestyle in Sydney removed. The city is a top choice for many expats to relocate to thanks to its minimal culture shock, gorgeous weather year-round, pristine beaches, and thriving nightlife.

 

Not to mention, Sydney was recently ranked as the seventh best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual index, a study that takes into consideration environment, health care, culture and infrastructure. That said, it’s also among the top twenty most expensive destinations in the world, but its high cost of living seems to be a small price to pay for many, and it certainly hasn’t stopped expats from migrating to Sydney’s sunny shores. 

 

Sydney provides working professionals with an attractive work / life balance, and on top of a general respect for time outside of the office employees can expect to receive at least four weeks of paid holiday every year, generous health benefits and contribution to superannuation. This leaves many expats not only feeling appreciated and highly-valued, but also well-situated to take advantage of those things that make Sydney such an attractive city: outdoor pursuits, a world-class culinary scene, and a culture centred on camaraderie. 

 

Even recent university graduates and young professionals who migrate to Australia on a working holiday visa will find they can attain a great lifestyle for only a little money (or one year for U.S. citizens).  Hostels are on nearly every corner of the city, nightclubs abound and are known to host “Backpackers Nights” with drink specials, and employers often hire backpackers for temporary work.  

 

 

Fashionistas may choose Paris, Los Angeles or New York City as the destinations with the best shopping and fashion on the planet, but Sydney is quickly earning its stripes as a world leader. The city claims boutique clothing stores, vintage stores, high-end shopping malls and anything else under the sun, for that matter.

 

The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a must-see for anyone who loves to shop.  Located on George Street and conveniently connected to the Cityrail train station (Town Hall stop), the venue is filled with clothing, shoes, accessories, and so much more.  You can even check out one of the many cafés that are tucked away throughout the building if you need to take a break or recharge your stride!

 

The Rocks Markets, located in The Rocks, are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Whether you are searching for vintage clothing, fancy (but inexpensive!) jewellery, or handmade purses and wallets, the Rocks Markets should be high on your list of shopping bests.  Don’t forget to stop by one of the surrounding cafés for an espresso, or to check out one of the delicious food vendors serving scrumptious sandwiches and quick bites on-sight.  

 

Westfield Shopping Center is another great place to look for clothing, shoes, home furnishings and accessories.  

 

 

Whether you are in the mood for Italian, Thai, or authentic Aussie food (kangaroo burger, anyone?), Sydney has something to satisfy your palate.  

 

Like many big cities around the world, dining out can be expensive, but if you know where to look you can keep your costs low without sacrificing an opportunity to indulge.

 

Pubs and hotels are popular quick eats choices, and many offer happy hour specials featuring A$4 pints and 5 AUD wines, as well as dinner deals, like a chicken schnitzel sandwich and chips for A$10.  

 

If you are celebrating a special occasion or are in the mood for a fancier restaurant, be sure to scope out Darling Harbour, where you can enjoy good seafood and watch the sunset over the water.  

 

Tipping at restaurants (and to taxi drivers) is not considered customary because Australia’s wages are higher than in most countries.

 

 

While Sydney may be known for things like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and kangaroo burgers, its nightlife is thriving at all hours, and the city boasts some of the best night clubs and pubs in the world.  Whether you’re in the mood to shake your booty on a dance floor or kick back with your mates and watch the sport at a pub, Sydney certainly offers a little of something for everyone.

 

If you want to go where the crowd is on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to head to Kings Cross, where you will find some of the city’s best nightclubs, like Hugo’s Lounge, The Kings Cross Hotel, and Trademark.  

 

On Friday nights Hugo’s Lounge offers a happy hour special of A$5 pizzas and A$5 cocktails from 5 to 8pm.  Make sure to dress to impress and arrive before 9pm if you want to avoid paying a A$10 cover charge.

 

Alternatively, the Arthouse, located on Pitt Street in the CBD, is a good spot for happy hour, birthday parties, or just a Saturday night out.  Join their free membership program and enjoy discounted drinks on each visit and free happy hours every Thursday from 5 to 6pm.

 

Looking for a trendier spot?  Head to Darling Harbour and check out places like Bungalow 8 and Cargo Bar, located right along the wharf.  Cocktails can set you back about A$8 a pop, but the drinks are strong and the DJ spins hits to keep you on the dance floor all night long.  Another fun spot in Darling Harbour is La Cita, a Spanish restaurant that offers salsa dancing on the weekends.

 

Other areas of the city to check out include Kings Street in Newtown and Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. 

Both of these areas offer a wide selection of pubs to choose from and drink prices tend to be slightly cheaper than in the CBD venues.