Discover Sydney's Darling Square

Filled to the brim with enticing eateries, lively bars, and the best in fashion and retail, Darling Square should be an essential stop on your Sydney itinerary.

As one of the city’s most connected and walkable places, Darling Square makes it easy to eat, play and explore in Sydney, experiencing everything this spectacular city has to offer.

Bordered by Pyrmont, Ultimo and Chinatown, Darling Square is right in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant CBD, just a few minutes’ walk from what is often thought of as the world’s most beautiful harbour.

Staying here, visitors not only have Darling Square on their doorstep, but Darling Harbour and the rest of Sydney beyond. Accessible on foot, or by train, bike, car or light rail.

Paying tribute to the area’s rich history, Darling Square is the place to meet, connect and experience. Whether you want to sample some of the world’s most delectable cuisines, chat over coffee, indulge in some retail therapy, or simply wander Darling Square’s captivating laneways and inviting spaces, you can find plenty to keep you busy – or not so busy, if you prefer – right here.

Looking for things to do and entertain you in Darling Square? This lively precinct has an abundance to offer. Take time out to stroll through the Chinese Garden of Friendship, crank up the excitement at the 9D Action Cinemas, or let the kids tire themselves out at Darling Harbour’s expansive children’s playground.

Fancy taking in a show or expo? ICC Sydney offers a fantastic calendar of events, while the Capitol Theatre attracts some of the best shows in town.

From workshops and walking tours, to mini festivals and live music, Darling Square really does have something for everyone. You can explore Chinatown’s night markets and pick up something unique, grab a bubble tea and check out the precinct’s art installations, or test your general knowledge against the locals by trying out a trivia night.

Want to find out what’s going on and when? Check out the Darling Square website for info on all upcoming events. 

Anyone who has visited Sydney knows this is a great place to go for truly tantalising food. Happily, some of the best places to eat in Sydney just so happen to be on the doorstep of Darling Harbour and Darling Square.

Visit Pumphouse Restaurant & Bar for seasonally inspired menus and drinks. If craft beer is something you enjoy, you won't want to miss Batch Brewing Co. For coffee, Edition Roasters is not to be missed. Marrickville Pork Roll also has a home in Darling Square and is where it's at for bánh mì.

Close by, visitors from across Australia and around the world come to sample the delights on offer at Darling Harbour restaurants. There you'll find exquisite eats and a warm, convivial atmosphere.

Want to know where to go in Darling Square? Here are some of Darling Square’s hotspots.

Labelled ‘Sydney’s largest little laneway’, Steam Mill Lane offers a mix of emerging fashion and lifestyle retailers, alongside an ever-so alluring selection of eateries. Whether it’s a barbershop trim at Men's Culture, or an evening of karaoke and drinks, Steam Mill Lane shows Melbourne’s laneways a thing or two.

A hub for creativity and invention, The Exchange is a modern Sydney’s architectural icon. This six-storey building has been designed by world-renowned Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, and features a state-of-the-art City of Sydney library, a childcare facility, a ground floor market food hall, mezzanine restaurant, and rooftop offering sweeping views of Sydney’s skyline.

As one of the world’s most captivating, Sydney’s Chinatown is an institution for anyone searching for a taste of Chinese culture and some of the best Asian cuisine you will find outside Asia. With an enthralling past, Chinatown offers a heady mix of restaurants and bars, shops and markets, home to Market City, the Chinatown Night Markets and the only place to be during Chinese New Year.

A Darling Square hotel provides the ideal place to relax and recharge amid the buzz and excitement found within this dynamic precinct. Perfectly placed and ever-so accessible, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is your home away from home, offering modern amenities, contemporary spaces and the warmest of welcomes.

Having completed a $20 million refurbishment across all 230 guest rooms and public spaces, the hotel’s restoration has taken inspiration from its surroundings. Providing an experience that is both comfortable and contemporary, it echoes the tranquility of the nearby Chinese Gardens in its overall colour scheme, lighting and ambience, offering an urban oasis that is connected to its local community.

Ready to see a new side to Sydney? There really is no better place to be than Darling Square.