The suburbs that make up Sydney’s Inner City are a blend of history, culture, and modern living, offering a dynamic urban lifestyle just moments from the Central Business District (CBD). These neighbourhoods, each with its unique character and charm, have evolved over time from early colonial settlements and industrial hubs into vibrant communities known for their rich heritage, eclectic dining scenes, and thriving arts and culture. Explore them to discover the heart of what makes Sydney one of the world’s most exciting cities. There are 33 suburbs that are included in the ‘City of Sydney’ LGA, and one CBD.


Map of Inner City Sydney

Explore the Inner City suburbs of Sydney with this interactive map, featuring a red outline to guide your discovery. Feel free to use the Zoom buttons, span around the map, or view the larger map for more context.

List of Inner City Suburbs

Below is a list of the 33 Inner City suburbs in Sydney, grouped by distance from the City of Sydney CBD *. Each suburb has its own unique character, amenities, and lifestyle options. Browse through the list to discover the perfect suburb to suit your needs. There are three different ranges:

  • A Comfortable Stroll (under 20 minutes)
  • A Moderate Walk (20-40 minutes)
  • Catch a Ride: Longer Destinations (over 40 minutes)

*Walking distance & times have been provided, using Google services.

A Comfortable Stroll

Take a leisurely stroll through these charming suburbs, approximately 1-2 kilometers from the CBD. That’s about 0.6-1.2 miles, or 12-24 city blocks – easily walkable in under 20 minutes. Enjoy the sights without feeling rushed!

  1. A comfortable stroll (under 20 minutes) Sydney CBD: Grew alongside Millers Point as the administrative and commercial centre of Sydney. Developing alongside Millers Point, George and Pitt Streets became key trade routes. As the colony grew, Sydney’s CBD emerged as a commercial hub with flourishing warehouses, markets, banks and government institutions to support the growing population and economy. This early foundation evolved into the bustling heart of the city. Today, the CBD offers modern, high-rise residential living amongst a variety of businesses. [Read CBD Profile: Sydney CBD]

  2. A comfortable stroll (under 20 minutes) Haymarket (1.1km, 15mins via George St*): A diverse and lively neighbourhood, known for its convenience, markets, restaurants and Chinatown. Haymarket began as the site of Sydney’s early markets, evolving in the late 19th century into a hub for Chinese immigrants, which led to the creation of Chinatown. The area also saw the rise of theatres, cinemas, and entertainment venues, making it a vibrant cultural precinct. Haymarket retains its historic roots while offering contemporary high-rise living, boutique hotels, and budget accommodations. [Read Suburb Profile: Haymarket]

  3. A comfortable stroll (under 20 minutes) Barangaroo (1.2km, 16mins*): A recent development focusing on commercial, residential, and recreational spaces along the waterfront. Barangaroo was a key maritime and industrial hub before becoming derelict by the late 20th century. In the early 21st century, a major urban renewal transformed it into a vibrant waterfront precinct, reconnecting the city with its harbor. Today, Barangaroo blends green spaces like Barangaroo Reserve with modern infrastructure, symbolizing Sydney’s evolving relationship with its waterfront. [Read Suburb Profile: Barangaroo]

  4. A comfortable stroll (under 20 minutes) Woolloomooloo (1.2km, 16mins via St Mary’s Rd*): Characterised by the iconic Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, and picturesque waterfront views. This suburb originally developed as a working-class area, with a mix of residential and industrial spaces. The redevelopment of the Finger Wharf into luxury apartments, restaurants, and a hotel in the 1990s was a key moment in the suburb’s transformation. This, along with the construction of modern housing developments and the influx of new residents, shifted Woolloomooloo to a more affluent, mixed-use suburb. [Read Suburb Profile: Woolloomooloo]

  5. A comfortable stroll (under 20 minutes) Pyrmont (1.3km, 19mins via Pyrmont Bridge*): Recent housing redevelopments have replaced much of the older industrial architecture. Pyrmont started as an industrial hub with sandstone quarries, wool stores, and sugar refineries. By the mid-20th century, industries moved out and the area became neglected. Major redevelopment projects were initiated in the 1980s to rejuvenate Pyrmont, and following Ultimo’s residential and educational development, Pyrmont began converting industrial sites into luxury apartments and modern housing. [Read Suburb Profile: Pyrmont]

  6. A comfortable stroll (under 20 minutes) The Rocks (1.4km, 19mins via George St*): The first suburb formed after Sydney’s settlement, renowned for historical architecture. West of the original settlement in Circular Quay, The Rocks grew quickly, with early infrastructure taking shape as houses, pubs, and shops sprang to life, catering to its population of convicts, soldiers, and settlers. Today, The Rocks is known for its luxury apartments and heritage properties. Nestled among colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, these homes command high prices, making it an expensive place to live. [Read Suburb Profile: The Rocks]

A Moderate Walk

Step up your pace with a moderate walk through these vibrant suburbs, approximately 2-4 kilometers from the CBD. That’s about 1.2-2.5 miles, or 24-40 city blocks – a great way to get some exercise while exploring the area, in around 20-40 minutes.

  1. A moderate walk (20-40 minutes) Millers Point (1.6km, 22mins*): Developed shortly after The Rocks, offering period terraces and cottages for housing. Next to The Rocks, it grew as an early residential and commercial hub due to its accessibility to Sydney Harbour. The area housed workers in shipbuilding, wharves, and warehouses, and the NSW government acquired much of the property for public housing. Despite a period of poverty and neglect, recent gentrification has transformed the suburb, and workers accommodations from the settler-era remain today. [Read Suburb Profile: Millers Point]

  2. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Ultimo (1.7km, 24mins*): Educational hub leading to the development of student accommodation. Initially an agricultural area, it was transformed into residential and commercial spaces after industrial decline. Significant gentrification followed, spurred by the growth of educational institutions like the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and TAFE NSW, driving demand for housing and the conversion of old industrial buildings into modern apartments, boosting Ultimo’s residential appeal. [Read Suburb Profile: Ultimo]

  3. A moderate walk (20-40 minutes) Dawes Point (1.9km, 26mins via George St*): Developed alongside The Rocks and Millers Point, offering stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. As one of Sydney’s earliest residential and military areas, its strategic location made it ideal for an observatory and military fortifications to protect the growing colony. The 1920s construction of the Harbour Bridge included the demolition of homes for the bridge’s southern pylon. Today, Dawes Point is a heritage-rich area with a blend of historic terraces and modern developments [Read Suburb Profile: Dawes Point]

  4. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Darlinghurst (1.8km, 27mins via Burton St*): A vibrant cultural hub famous for its nightlife. Despite a storied past, marked by crime and poverty, gentrification has brought a mix of residential options, and many of the older homes have been renovated, blending heritage charm with contemporary living. Oxford Street, the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community, is famous for its nightlife, diverse dining, and cultural venues, hosting the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. [Read Suburb Profile: Darlinghurst]

  5. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Chippendale (2.1km, 29mins*): Creative and cultural hub with galleries, creative spaces and street art. Chippendale, once an industrial suburb with breweries and factories, transformed from a working-class neighborhood into a vibrant creative and cultural hub in the mid-19th century. The redevelopment of the Carlton & United Breweries site into Central Park marked a key moment in its resurgence, blending heritage and contemporary architecture with a thriving arts scene and proximity to major educational institutions. [Read Suburb Profile: Chippendale]

  6. A moderate walk (20-40 minutes) Potts Point (2.1km, 30mins*): An upscale suburb with historic buildings, elegant dining, and a lively atmosphere. One of Sydney’s oldest and most densely populated suburbs, with a rich history that reflects its evolution from a fashionable 19th-century residential area to a vibrant, cosmopolitan neighborhood. The suburb’s distinctive character is shaped by its grand homes, Art Deco architecture, and its proximity to Kings Cross, which contributed to its vibrant nightlife and bohemian culture. [Read Suburb Profile: Potts Point]

  7. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Surry Hills (2.1km, 30mins via Crown St*): Developed as a residential and industrial area, now known for its arts and culture. This suburb started in the south of the CBD with grand houses and estates but shifted to a working-class suburb during the industrial era with factories and workers’ cottages. As industries declined, gentrification attracted artists, young professionals, and the LGBTQ+ community. Today, Surry Hills is an eclectic hub for creative industries, surrounded by cafes, boutique shops, renovated terrace houses, and converted warehouses. [Read Suburb Profile: Surry Hills]

  8. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Elizabeth Bay (2.3km, 33mins*): A residential suburb known for its upscale apartments and waterfront views. Developed originally as a prestigious residential area with grand estates, which had to be subdivided as population grew, to make way for the construction of apartment buildings. Elizabeth Bay became known for its Art Deco and early modernist architecture, which added to the suburb’s unique charm. The suburb retains a sense of its historical grandeur while offering modern amenities and a peaceful, village-like atmosphere. [Read Suburb Profile: Elizabeth Bay]

  9. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Rushcutters Bay (2.3km, 33mins*): Known for its parklands and marina, Rushcutters Bay established itself as a residential and recreational suburb. Rushcutters Bay Park, established in 1887, reinforced the area’s role as a leisure destination. The suburb also has a notable sporting history with the Sydney Stadium hosting boxing matches and concerts. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, famous for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, further ties Rushcutters Bay to maritime activities. [Read Suburb Profile: Rushcutters Bay]

  10. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Glebe (2.6km, 37mins*): Known for its eclectic community and the vibrant Glebe Markets. Developed in the early 19th century as land granted to the Church of England, primarily used for farming and large estates. It urbanised with the subdivision of these estates, and the nearby University of Sydney, established in the 1850s, spurred further growth. It was later subdivided into residential plots, and is now a diverse community. Today, Glebe’s heritage architecture, trendy cafes, green spaces, and markets make it a sought-after area in Sydney. [Read Suburb Profile: Glebe]

  11. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Paddington (2.7km, 39mins*): A residential suburb with a strong arts and cultural scene. Transitioned from farmland into a residential area known for its Victorian terraces and fashion scene. Since gentrification, it has become known for its boutique shopping, art galleries, and historic charm. Its proximity to the city and the allure of its heritage architecture attracts artists, professionals, and creatives, who began restoring the old terraces. [Read Suburb Profile: Paddington]

  12. A moderate walk (30-45 minutes) Redfern (2.7km, 38mins*): Central to Sydney’s Aboriginal community and urban renewal projects. Redfern was a working class suburb that became a hub for Sydney’s Aboriginal community, many of whom moved to the area in search of work and affordable housing. Urban renewal projects and the upgrading of public amenities have transformed the area, reducing much of the stigma associated with it in the past regarding crime and socio-economic issues. These days, Redfern is increasingly recognised for the positive changes it has undergone. [Read Suburb Profile: Redfern]

Catch a Ride: Longer Destinations

Embark on a daily commute to our further-flung suburbs, covering distances over 4 kilometers from the CBD. That’s more than 2.5 miles or 40 city blocks – a great opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. Alternatively, consider using buses, trains, or light rail to make the journey more convenient. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, cycling is also a great option. Either way, catching a ride or pedaling your way will become a regular part of your routine.

  1. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Darlington (3.2km, 45mins*): Home to educational institutions and a mix of residential and commercial areas. Adjacent to the University of Sydney, Darlington developed in the late 19th century primarily as a residential area for workers. The suburb has maintained a close connection with the university, attracting a mix of students, academics, and young professionals. It has a strong creative and artistic presence, with many artists, writers, and performers calling it home. [Read Suburb Profile: Darlington]

  2. A bit of a trek (Over 45 minutes) Eveleigh (3.3km, 46mins*): Known for Railway Workshops established to support the growing rail network. This led to the construction of terrace houses, shops, schools, and churches to cater to the growing population. Later, the former railway workshops were transformed into the Australian Technology Park (ATP), a hub for technology, media, and innovation. Today, Eveleigh is known for creative industries, technology companies, and vibrant arts scene. The Carriageworks, housed in the workshops, has become a key cultural venue in Sydney. [Read Suburb Profile: Eveleigh]

  3. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Forest Lodge (3.3km, 48mins via St Johns Rd*): A small residential suburb with historic terraces and proximity to Glebe. Designed with a suburban, garden-oriented feel, Forest Lodge became a residential suburb by the late 19th century, attracting middle-class families and professionals. Its proximity to Glebe and the Sydney CBD made it desirable for those seeking a quieter environment. While the suburb saw gradual modernization, it largely retained its historic charm, with active community efforts to preserve its heritage-listed buildings. [Read Suburb Profile: Forest Lodge]

  4. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Moore Park (3.3km, 48mins*): Primarily a large park and sports complex with some residential areas, Moore Park developed around its vast parklands. Dedicated as a public park in 1866, it’s one of Sydney’s oldest parks. Today, it’s a key recreational and sporting precinct, home to major venues like the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, alongside green spaces, golf courses, and walking tracks. Moore Park remains central to Sydney’s cultural and sporting life. [Read Suburb Profile: Moore Park]

  5. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Waterloo (3.5km, 49 mins via Pitt St*): Initially a rural area named after the Battle of Waterloo, reflecting British influence. It developed into a working-class suburb with public housing, and small streets lined with workers’ cottages, later becoming an industrial hub with factories and warehouses. Today, Waterloo is known for its vibrant, diverse community, having undergone significant gentrification with modern developments, and public spaces. It is part of the Green Square urban renewal project, blending its industrial past with contemporary urban living. [Read Suburb Profile: Waterloo]

  6. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Camperdown – part (3.8km, 53mins*): Known for its proximity to educational institutions and health services. The establishment of the first University of Australia, the University of Sydney, in 1850 and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1882 were pivotal in shaping Camperdown’s development. It continues to attract a diverse community of students, academics, and medical professionals. The ongoing development in this part of Camperdown reflects its status as a key educational and healthcare hub in Sydney. [Read Suburb Profile: Camperdown]

  7. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Centennial Park (3.8km, 54mins*): One of Sydney’s most iconic public spaces. Centennial Park was originally used for grazing and water storage before being transformed into “People’s Park” by Charles Moore. Opened on January 26 1888, to mark the First Fleet’s 100th anniversary, it was designed for relaxation, recreation, and social gatherings. The park has since become central to Sydney’s social and cultural life, hosting numerous public events. [Read Suburb Profile: Centennial Park]

  8. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Annandale – part (4.1km, 1hrmins*): Vibrant community spaces amongst preserved industry and new developments. Primarily located in the Inner West but a small part of it is under the jurisdiction of the City of Sydney. Originally part of a 1,000-acre land grant given to George Johnston, a prominent military officer, Johnston’s descendants started subdividing the estate to create a residential suburb. This portion was heavily influenced by the area’s transport history, including the Tramsheds and the Harold Park residential development. [Read Suburb Profile: Annandale]

  9. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Zetland (4.4km, 1hr1mins*): Proximity to the Sydney CBD, along with new amenities and transport links, has made it a sought-after suburb. In the early days, the area was characterised by its swampy terrain and was largely undeveloped. However, the Green Square development has revitalised it, with modern apartments, shopping centers, and public spaces, attracting a diverse population of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees. Today, Zetland is a thriving suburb known for its modern urban lifestyle. [Read Suburb Profile: Zetland]

  10. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Erskineville (4.5km, 1hr2mins*): A residential suburb known for its village atmosphere. It was named after Reverend Samuel Erskine, a prominent Presbyterian minister, reflecting the early religious influences in the area. It was known for its small, narrow streets lined with workers’ cottages and terrace houses. The suburb’s growth was driven by its proximity to industries in Alexandria and Newtown. Today, it retains a strong sense of community, with local markets, festivals, and active community groups playing a central role in the suburb’s identity. [Read Suburb Profile: Erskineville]

  11. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Newtown (4.5km, 1hr5mins*): A hub for hip cafes and eclectic shops, drawing in a young artistic crowd. Back in the 1850s, Newtown rapidly developed due to its location on the railway line, attracting working-class families and evolving into a bustling hub, where King Street became the main shopping and entertainment district. It retained its bohemian character and became famous for its vibrant arts scene, dining and live music venues. Today, it remains a culturally rich suburb with a strong alternative community spirit, and a blend of diverse housing. [Read Suburb Profile: Newtown]

  12. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Alexandria – part (4.8km, 1hr7mins*): Vibrant communities in a modern urban living environment, with green spaces and a thriving creative scene. While Central Park is primarily in Chippendale, it extends into eastern Alexandria, bringing with it innovative design and green spaces like the Central Park Tower and rooftop garden. Beyond Central Park, local shops, cafes, and dining options contribute to the area’s vibrancy, with a mix of modern residential and commercial architecture complementing the development. [Read Suburb Profile: Alexandria]

  13. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Beaconsfield (5.0 km, 1hr10*): A small residential suburb with a mix of housing styles. Developed due to its proximity to the industrial hubs of Alexandria and Waterloo, Beaconsfield housed workers in modest cottages and terrace houses. Initially dominated by factories and warehouses, the suburb has seen significant change, with modern developments and new apartments gradually replacing older structures. [Read Suburb Profile: Beaconsfield]

  14. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) Rosebery – part (6.3km, 1hr 27*): During the interwar period, Rosebery saw the construction of many California bungalow-style homes, which still characterize much of the suburb today. Many of the old industrial sites have been converted into modern residential developments, apartments, and creative spaces, attracting a new wave of residents, including young professionals and families. The suburb is now known for its mix of heritage homes, contemporary apartments, and vibrant food and dining scene. [Read Suburb Profile: Rosebery]

  15. A bit of a trek (45 minutes+) St Peters (6.5km, 1hr30 via Mitchell Rd*): Named after St Peter’s Anglican Church, built in 1838 and still stands today as one of Sydney’s oldest churches. The area’s growth was fueled by its proximity to the Cooks River and the establishment of brickworks, which utilized the rich clay deposits found in the region. The closure of industrial sites led to new developments, eg. Sydney Park, which has since attracted young professionals, artists, and families, with creative spaces, cafes, and galleries adding to its vibrant community. [Read Suburb Profile: St Peters]

Suburbs by Alphabet:
Alexandria | Annandale (part) | Barangaroo | Beaconsfield | Camperdown (part) | Centennial Park (part) | Chippendale | Darlinghurst | Darlington | Dawes Point | Elizabeth Bay | Erskineville | Eveleigh | Forest Lodge | Glebe | Haymarket | Millers Point | Moore Park | Newtown (part) | Paddington (part) | Potts Point | Pyrmont | The Rocks | Rosebery (part) | Redfern | Rushcutters Bay | St Peters (part) | Surry Hills | Sydney CBD | Ultimo | Waterloo | Woolloomooloo | Zetland

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Want to explore the other Areas of Sydney? Let’s go to Eastern Sydney, Northern Sydney, Southern Sydney, or Western Sydney.