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37 Best Things To Do In Sydney At Night For Couples 2024 Guide

It’s easy to plan your date in the sunshine, but choosing the best things to do in Sydney at night may take a little more thought. At first impression, it may seem like Sydneysiders remain indoors once the sun sets over Sydney harbour yet its nightlife is unique and vibrant. With its iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky, Sydney actually becomes even more romantic after dark.

There are obviously the classics like strolling hand-in-hand along the shores of the dazzling Sydney Harbour or jumping on a sunset dinner cruise and enjoying unforgettable views of the sparkling Sydney Opera House. But, you’re not just here for the obvious harbour bridge suggestions and we’re not here to be just another standard blog article either!

This romantic things to do in Sydney at night guide will show you the cute hidden gems in Sydney to get you off the tourist trap and into the heart of Sydney nightlife. By the end of this Sydney couples guide, you will be able to surprise your love and have an amazing date night. You are welcome in advance!


Table of Contents

1. Go On A Secret Sydney Pub Crawl

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Sydney is the kind of city that you really need to know where to go on a night out, otherwise you’ll just end up in an Irish bar in the city (haha, we actually do have an Irish Pubs In Sydney guide if you’re interested!)

If you’re new to the city and looking for some secret bars in Sydney which are hidden inside other pubs, in basements, through secret alleyways and more, then jump on an award winning Drink & Discover Secret Bar Crawl. There really are a lot of hidden bars to know about, so this tour is the perfect way to introduce you to some new places if you’re visiting Sydney.

On this 4 hour tour, you’ll be introduced to some of the best small bars in Sydney. What I love about it, is that at the end, you’ll be given a map with all of the bars you’ve visited, plus more to continue your night away.

Run by Aussie locals, these tours usually combine a mixture of Australians and tourists, perfect to have fun and make new friends.


2. Impress with a picnic for 2 on Sydney Harbour at night

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Enjoy a super romantic picnic for two at Copes Lookout in Kirribilli. We used to live in Kirribilli and always came down to the Harbour at night time to enjoy the amazing views. It’s a super special place and much quieter than the other side on Circular Quay, so book this picnic for two and enjoy a memorable night together while watching the famous Sydney sunset over the Bridge.

It’s also a perfect opportunity if you’re looking to propose as well, but you can read our guide: Where To Propose In Sydney if you’re looking for more options.


3. Enjoy a fun Sydney crime tour around The Rocks

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Looking for fun things to do in Sydney while learning about the history of the city? Learn about Sydney’s dark past in this popular 90 minute Sydney crime tour around The Rocks which will be more than a memorable night. Be prepared though, you’ll never look at Sydney in the same way again!


4. Have fun in a live escape room in Sydney

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Escape rooms aren’t just for the corporate team building event. We’ve been to one in Sydney together and had a great time! This is a super easy way to break the ice if you’re in a new relationship or if you’re looking to do something other than go to the pub.

Bring friends a long as teams up to five people have to work together, solving clues to escape the room before the time runs out. Find out more about the Live Escape Room in Sydney here.


5. Romantic Sydney Harbour sunset cruise

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One of my favourite things I’ve ever done in Sydney was go on a Sydney Harbour Tall Ships Cruise. We went on a huge pirate ship, had loads of space to walk around it, cruised on up the harbour whilst we drank too much wine and ate all of the canapes being served up.

After a few hours, we sailed back into Circular Quay and watched all the lights sparkle around us. When the sunset cruise finished, I knew I would always remember it being one of my favourite moments living in Sydney.

If you’re looking for something extra special to do in Sydney – like ideas on where to propose in Sydney – check out this beautiful Tall Ships Twilight Cruise. You won’t regret it, especially as you sail past Sydney Opera House at sunset.


6. Have a hauntingly good night tour

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A ghost tour is one of the coolest ways to spend an evening, and Sydney sure is full of haunted stories. I just hope you are a night owl as you may not be able to sleep after this popular creepy ghost tour around The Rocks.


7. Glow the night up

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Ever seen a cave lit up with glow worms? Well this super cool Glow Worms Tour can take you on a glow worm adventure to the Blue Mountains to see natures magical light show. This is one of the most awesome things to do in Sydney at night and the best thing? They pick you up from a Sydney CBD location!

Looking for more things to do in Blue Mountains? Read our guide: Best Things To Do For A Romantic Weekend Getaway In Blue Mountains


8. Do something different and enjoy a refugee chef dinner banquet

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Join a small group of other like-minded people and support refugees in Sydney with a two or three course dinner, sampling foods from countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Burma and much more.

Although, be prepared because it’s all about the surprise – you won’t know who’s cooking until the night! Learn about different cultures and enjoy a night of home cooked food from the heart that sure beats eating at a bland restaurant. Find out more about the Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet here.


9. Discover Sydney’s oldest pubs (crawl)

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Sydney Rocks Historical Pub Tour is an amazing way to discover the history of the first pubs built here. George Street starts in The Rocks and is known to be the oldest official street in Australia. So join this pub crawl tour and see what it is like to drink on the first street built.

The tour includes a meal at an Aussie pub, four heritage listed pubs and a taste of Sydney’s craft beer scene. They also include local stories about the bars and alleyways as well so it’s more than just going from bar to bar.


10. Enjoy the best views in Sydney and loads of food

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800ft – that’s 92 stories – above the city sits Sydney Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in Sydney which is also known as the Westfield Tower. This is a great activity for couples and best of all, it costs from $31 to see the city from the top of Sydney Tower Eye.

If you decide to explore it in the day time, go up on a clear day and you might be able to see the Blue Mountains from there. We have indeed been able to see the Sydney skyline, especially the Sydney Tower from Anvil Lookout in Blue Mountains!

But if you decide to go up to the Sydney Tower at night time, it certainly creates an extra special moment. Honestly, I’m a total sucker for city lights.

Make sure you check out the Revolving Buffet Restaurant in Sydney Tower which costs just $85 per person – a total bargain. We went on my 30th birthday and had a great time.


11. Experience a Sydney helicopter flight at night

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Just imagine what it would be like to see all of the buildings and the Iconic Sydney Opera House all lit up on this amazing Night Time Helicopter Tour. Impress your loved one with a beautiful night flight in Sydney, it would make a fantastic proposal too! This is an experience you truly won’t forget and would make one of the best romantic things to do in Sydney at night!


12. Hang Out In The Best English Pubs In Sydney

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There are some fab English pubs in Sydney, so if you’re looking for a pub with a bit of character, head over to our popular guide: 15 Best English Pubs In Sydney. Some of our favourites include The Duke Of Clarence and The Lord Dudley. The Duke Of Clarence was actually an old pub in England which was shipped bit by bit and rebuilt in Sydney! How cool is that?


13. Visit the best Sydney galleries at night

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Did you know two of the biggest galleries in Sydney have late night passes? Art Gallery of NSW is open on Wednesdays after hours.

The MCA is also open late on Fridays until 9pm for anyone who struggles to visit during work hours and their standard entry to see contemporary art is completely free. The cool thing about the MCA art gallery is they have loads of awesome events on from sketch club to music on the brilliant rooftop. If you’ve not been to the MCA rooftop, make the effort to visit as the cafe is awesome and so is the view overlooking Circular Quay and right out to the Opera Bar.

Looking for more art guides? Check out our 18 Best Art Galleries In Sydney Guide


14. A Romantic Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb At Sunset

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You know, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is something EVERYONE needs to do in their life. Having climbed it twice now, I’d happily do it again. You know why? It’s because it gives you one of those “I’m actually standing on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge” moments. There’s really nothing quite like it.

If there’s a specific time of the day to do the famous Bridge climb, opt for the twilight booking. This is because you’ll go up as the sun’s setting, be able to watch the sunset, and you’ll get to come back down in the dark when the city lights up over Circular Quay.

This is one of the best romantic things to do in Sydney and it’s no wonder many people end up dropping on one knee when they go up there with their loved ones! Honestly just do it. 


15. Finally go to see an actual performance at the Sydney Opera House

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I wonder how many of you have actually been inside the Sydney Opera House? I know I was guilty of it for ages until I had an excuse and booked tickets to finally go and see a performance. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Sydney at night for couples, look no further. You must go and see a performance at the Sydney Opera House!

There are so many tours to choose but which one is best for you? If you’re looking to go to see a performance with no bells or whistles on, then check out this Sydney Opera House Tour And Entrance Included.


16. Check out the unique cinemas in Sydney

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From outdoor cinemas to historic organ shows, Sydney cinema scene is something you should check out! We put together a list of 23 Best cinemas in Sydney, spend your evenings ticking these off and support some indie filmmakers whilst you’re at it. The outdoor cinema such as Moonlight Cinema only operates in summer so plan ahead and book your tickets!

Our favourite is the West Pac Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquarie’s Point. This must honestly be THE best cinema in the world with a view of the city skyline!


17. Don’t forget the Darling Harbour Saturday night fireworks

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Visiting Sydney for the first time and looking for things to do? The Darling Harbour Saturday night fireworks is a must visit. Best of all, Darling Harbour has really become quite a place to visit in recent times. There’s an awesome kids playground there – dare I say it’s one of the best I’ve ever seen! The fireworks take place around 9pm every Saturday (with a short break in June whilst Vivid Sydney is on).


18. Admire the Night Sky at Sydney Observatory

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Did you know Sydney has a historic observatory from the eighteenth century? Situated on Observatory hill next to the Sydney harbour bridge, Sydney Observatory opens up the night sky and shows you what it would look like without Sydney’s light pollution. It’s an amazing night for friends or dates!


19. Go watch the cult classic The Room at The Hayden Orpheum 

If you’ve not heard about The Room yet, you should. The cult classic is known as being The Best Worst Movie Ever Made, has been running on the 1st Friday of every month at The Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne for years now.

This immersive cinema event is honestly like no other. The majority of the audience has probably seen the movie before, if not a lot because everyone shouts out the script, throws plastic spoons at the screen and you’ll see a rugby ball being thrown around during the movie. Sounds random? It is, but you’ll get the references when you’re there in person. We had so much fun at this event that we went back again to watch it.

If The Room isn’t your thing, make the effort to go to The Hayden Orpheum, it’s absolutely beautiful – an Art Deco delight.


20. Check out Spice Alley for a cheap dinner

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If you’re looking for cheap restaurants in Sydney, go check out Spice Alley which is located just a seven minute walk from Central Station in Chippendale. Here you’ll be able to eat some of the best Asian street food in Sydney for less than $15 pp. I loved the ramen at Kyoto.


21. Find our secret spot for a sunset picnic

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I must admit, our favourite hang out around Sydney Harbour is on the Tarpeian Precinct Lawn which is located right about the Opera Bar. You know why we love it so much? You’ll be able to hear the music from Opera Bar without paying the price for the cocktails.

Bring a picnic blanket and a bottle of vino and sit back and watch the sunset over the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free – and without the crowds.


22. Enjoy the views at Luna Park

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There’s nothing like going to Luna Park at night time in Sydney. Being able to see Sydney lit up at night whilst on the ferris wheel is about as romantic as it gets!

Luna Park is one of the most iconic things to do in Sydney at night so make the effort and jump on one of the Sydney ferries from Circular Quay on Sydney Harbour to get over there in style. Go for a walk along the Harbour afterwards and finish the night at either Ripples, or even the swankiest RSL in Sydney at the Kirribilli Club.


23. Go Late night shopping on Thursdays in Sydney CBD

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If you’re new to Sydney, Thursday night is late night shopping night in the CBD. This means all of the shops are open until 9pm around Pitt Street Mall. It baffles me how most shops close by 6pm in the week but at least you’ll have a chance to get some good shopping done if needed.


23. Visit Botanic Gardens until 8pm during the Summer

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Although there are free tours ran by volunteers each morning at The Royal Botanic Gardens, did you know during the summer the gates stay open later? From November to February you can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens until around 8pm.


24. Go to China Town Night Markets

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If you’re a bit overwhelmed with where to eat in China Town in Sydney, check out the China Town Night Markets on Friday nights. It’s located on the appropriately named Little Eat Street. You might like to go for Yum Cha, but make sure you stop off at Emperor’s Puff for a box of delicious cream puffs to enjoy while you walk around.


25. Party at the best gay bars in Sydney

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If you’re looking for the best gay bars in Sydney, look no further. We’ve got a massive guide sharing all of the Best Gay Bars In Sydney so you’ll know which are worth venturing into on Oxford Street and further into Sydney CBD.


26. Go on a pub crawl in Newtown

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If you’re looking for a an area in Sydney to go on a pub crawl which doesn’t require loads of walking around, head to Newtown in the Inner West of Sydney and explore the hipster small bars for live music and much more.

Saturday nights come alive here so head down Enmore Road for bar after bar and catch a gig at the famous Enmore Theatre. Check out our guide for the 40 Best Things To Do In Newtown to find our favourite bars.


27. Have a drink at The Oaks

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The Oaks in Neutral Bay is home to one of THE best beer gardens in Sydney. When we lived in the area, we used to go there a lot because it honestly just reminded me of Christmas. The lights wrapped around the huge oak tree is just incredible. It’s a sight to be seen! 


28. Check out the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney

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If you’re looking to wine and dine your loved one, check out our review of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Sydney and tick off some of the bucket list restaurants on every Sydneysider’s list.


29. Go for authentic Indian curry and a movie

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Govindas in Surry Hills is an institution! Head over to this famous Sydney restaurant for authentic Indian cuisine buffet before heading into their private cinema with bed like seating for under $50 per person! What a bargain!


30. Discover the vegan restaurants in Sydney

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Vegan food in Sydney is so good, and luckily there are plenty of options to choose from. Read our 30 Best Vegan Restaurants In Sydney and discover new places to eat great food with your loved one. Some of our favourites include, Yulli’s in Surry Hills and Cafe Sydney (yes they have a vegan menu too!).


31. Holy Moly, go crazy for golf!

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If you’ve not been to Holy Moly yet, are you crazy? Put it on your list. Drinks, themed fun courses and competition with teammates, what more do you want in Sydney at night?


32. Sing the night away

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Love to sing? Check out Goros a karaoke joint in Surry Hills, which is behind Central Station. The best things about this legendary karaoke bar in Sydney is it’s open really late and you don’t need to pay for a karaoke room! They offer up loads of Asian food and drinks until the early hours of the morning, perfect for those that want to keep on partying all night.


33. Cheer on the local sports team

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Even if you’re not a sports fan, the energy of a stadium full of excited local fans is infectious and you will find yourself joining the cheers, whether you know the rules of not. Sydney Roosters are a huge Australian rugby league team, you can book tickets and see a game in Sydney at night, usually at the Sydney cricket ground.


34. Have a dramatic night at Capitol Theatre

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One of the best things to do at night time is to see an incredible play or musical. Capitol Theatre is a historic theatre in Sydney CBD and arguably shows some of the best shows visiting Sydney.


35. A Romantic New Years Eve cruise

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If there’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do in Sydney on New Year’s Eve, it’s to get myself on a cruise to see the fireworks over the Opera House. This is honestly the best way to see uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour fireworks which are known as the best in the world. Find out more about booking a New Years Eve Cruise in Sydney, but be quick! It gets booked up fast.


36. Eat, Drink and Burlesque!

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Incredible food, cocktails and a burlesque show on the bar top, what more could you want? Employees Only should definitely be on your list of things to do in Sydney at night, great for a group or date night!


37. Go To Vivid Festival

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If you’re visiting Sydney at the end of Spring, make sure you check out Vivid Sydney. It’s one of the biggest events in the Sydney calendar when Sydney truely comes alive. The best way to see Vivid is on a Dinner Cruise around Sydney Harbour.


Discover more things to do in Sydney

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Looking for more things to do in Sydney? Check out our popular guides to help you plan more weekend getaways and fun filled adventures during your stay in the city. If you have any questions at all, drop them in the comment box below and we’ll do our best to answer them for you.


Looking for a Sydney hotel with a cracking view?

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If you’re visiting and looking for Sydney accommodation or looking to do a staycation, here are some of our favourite Sydney hotels with a Harbour view to check out. You can check out our full list: 30 Best Sydney Hotels here.

  1. Luxury: Park Hyatt – it’s renowned as the best Sydney Harbour view hotel for a reason. Views don’t get much better than here!
  2. Mid Range: The Intercontinental Sydney – amazing view of Sydney Harbour at mid-range rates.
  3. Backpacker/Budget: Sydney Harbour YHA – huge rooftop opposite Sydney Opera House and totally worth the budget option for absolutely everyone. There’s no backpacker parties here FYI. Read our Sydney Harbour YHA review to see for yourself.

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