Balmain

Sydney
Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet
The bohemian feel of the Inner West meets the sparkle of the city in Balmain, a cozy harborside suburb known for its creative residents and stylish way of life.

Discover Balmain’s gorgeous waterfront and charming streets lined with Victorian-era terrace houses. Its location on the top of a peninsula in Sydney harbour makes Balmain a desirable neighbourhood. Looking at its prized waterfront real estate now, it’s hard to imagine that Balmain was a working-class suburb for over a century. 

Balmain grew rapidly after the construction of shipyards on its foreshore in the 1800s. In the 1970s, the industrial suburb with is affordable Sydney sandstone buildings started to attract bohemians, writers and politicians. They gave Balmain the artistic, cosmopolitan flair that still lingers today.

Shop in artisan and chic boutiques along winding Darling Street. This main thoroughfare also has a variety of bakeries, cafés and exotic restaurants such as Turkish restaurant Efendy. The sweet delights of celebrity chef Adriano Zumbo’s patisserie are equally hard to resist. Have a beer at one of the many historic pubs, such as the 3 Weeds, Cat and Fiddle and East Village. 

If you love art, visit Balmain’s galleries of contemporary and Aboriginal works. On a Saturday, head to the grounds of the St. Andrew’s Church to browse books and collectables at the Balmain Markets, Sydney’s third-oldest markets. Taking a cruise or fishing trip from Balmain’s harbour is an excellent way to spend a sunny day.

There’s a wealth of green spaces in Balmain. Gladstone Park is a peaceful oasis in the busy centre, while Elkington Park has impressive views of Cockatoo Island. Take a dip in the nearby Dawn Fraser Baths, Australia’s oldest pool complex. Illoura Reserve, near the Balmain East Wharf, offers views of the city skyline and Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The most scenic way to reach Balmain is taking a 10-minute harbour ferry from Circular Quay. You can also take a bus from the city centre. Darling street has metered and free on-street parking for those arriving by car. While in the area, also explore Birchgrove, an Inner West suburb of similar charm.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Balmain

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is S$331 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$331
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,450 reviews)
Safe & maximum comfort!
"Love this hotel for its incredible location and unmatched comfort. Bedding is next level good however this hotel still feels dated even after the renovation"

Reviewed on 30 Oct,2024

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is S$260 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$260
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,434 reviews)
"Very good location. Staff very friendly and professional."

Reviewed on 1 Nov,2024

Hyatt Regency Sydney
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is S$188 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
S$188
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,652 reviews)
"Handy to everything. Quite noisy though, no double glazing."

Reviewed on 1 Nov,2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is S$270 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
S$270
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,054 reviews)
"We enjoyed a 2 day stay at this property. The view of the harbour is outstanding. Specific thanks to Hannah the duty Manager for ensuring our stay was as wonderful as it was. Thanks again! Phil Wood Toronto"

Reviewed on 29 Oct,2024

Shangri-La Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The price is S$244 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$244
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,899 reviews)
"A really nice restoration of an historic building, melded with first class service."

Reviewed on 1 Nov,2024

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
W Sydney
W Sydney
5 out of 5
31 Wheat Road, Sydney, NSW
The price is S$321 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$321
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (295 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 19 Oct,2024

W Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Balmain

Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The Rocks
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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Capitol Theatre featuring street scenes as well as an individual female

Haymarket

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Haymarket. Check out top attractions like Market City and Paddy's Market, and jump on the metro at Paddy's Markets Light Rail Station or Capitol Square Light Rail Station to see more of the city.

Haymarket
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North Sydney

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to North Sydney. A stop by North Sydney Oval or St. Leonards Park might round out your trip.

North Sydney
Surry Hills

Surry Hills

Travellers come to Surry Hills for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Crown Street and Belvoir Street Theatre while you're in town.

Surry Hills


Balmain