Whether you’re looking for things to do in Glebe or thinking about moving to this awesome suburb in Sydney, we’re sharing everything there is to do, where eat & drink and so much more. While many people might come to the area to visit the famous Glebe Markets or to visit the Glebe bookshops, there are so many more little gems to discover. Expect to find an incredible heritage-listed Chinese temple, loads of cool small bars, fab places to eat and so much more.
Although I visit Glebe a lot because my hairdressers, Stevie English, are located there, I recently spent quite a bit of time exploring the area to bring you this guide. Expect a friendly mixture of locals living here.
Living in Glebe
I love Glebe because it’s sort of like a small Newtown with alternative people, but it’s got more of a village or small-town vibe. If you’re looking to live within easy access into the city, there are so many buses constantly going up into Sydney CBD which takes like 15 minutes.
The only downside to living here is a lot of the housing is old and there have been plenty of reports of mould. But it is Sydney and it’s not uncommon! Just make sure you check out the housing first before committing to any rental. You’ll be able to smell mould pretty much as soon as you walk in. Regardless of what the real estate says, mould is difficult to get rid of. If you find the right place to live, Glebe could be a great choice !
Understanding Where The Centre Of Glebe Is
If you’re new to Sydney or you haven’t ventured to Glebe much before, the centre is on Glebe Point Road which runs from Broadway and all the way up to Rozelle Bay. This is where most of the independent Glebe shops, bookshops, restaurants and bars are located.
Alternatively, you’ll also have access to Broadway Shopping Centre which stocks most Aussie high street shops (including H&M!), plus regular buses which take you right into the heart of Sydney CBD.
If You’re Short On Time
If you haven’t got a lot of time to spend in this Sydney suburbs, we recommend you visit the following places! Go to Stevie English to get your hair cut, have a drink in the Friend In Hand Pub to remind you of a fun pub back home, eat at the Tramsheds and visit the beautiful Sze Yup Temple.
Glebe Local Legend
Let’s get started and introduce you to our Glebe Local Legend!
Stevie Corthine
Local Legend
Stevie Corthine is the British owner of the amazing hair salon in Glebe called Stevie English Hair. He’s recently won the best colourist of the year again at the prestigious Australian Hair Industry Awards in 2021. Make sure you check out his salon when you’re in Glebe!
Things To Do In Glebe
First, watch our Glebe video!
Sze Yup Temple
I have to admit, my most amazing find is the Sze Yup Temple in Glebe. Situated off the far end of Glebe Point Road and near to Jubilee Park is a stunning heritage-listed Chinese and Taoist Temple. You probably wouldn’t have any idea it’s there because it’s located at the bottom of a residential street.
I love this Glebe temple not only because it properly feels like a hidden gem, but as soon as I walked through the gates, it made me feel like I was back in Asia. The energy is amazing and with three rooms to discover inside the small temple, I thought it was really beautiful.
When visiting any temple, please be respectful and make sure you cover up and wear clothes below the knee and cover up your shoulders (if visiting in Summer, bring a scarf you can drape over your shoulders). Also, keep noise to a minimum when entering inside.
Address: Sze Yup Temple, 2 Edward St, Glebe NSW 2037
Glebe Markets
It’s an obvious one but Glebe Markets is popular for a reason. I love this awesome Sydney market as you’ll find loads of independant stores to support, people selling their second-hand fashion and of course plenty of vintage clothing to be found. I would say this one and Kirribilli Markets are my favourites in Sydney!
Address: Glebe Markets, Glebe Point Rd &, Derby Pl, Glebe NSW 2037
Sappho Books & Cafe
I’ve walked past Sappho Books & Cafe so many times and just assumed it was a bookshop. What I didn’t realise is there is a cafe and wine bar out the back. Get a good book and discover this little hideaway from the world to settle into for the day. They serve up an all-day menu as well as a vegan menu too.
Address: Sappho Books & Cafe, 51 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Stevie English Hair Salon
Stevie English Hair is my go to hair salon in Sydney which I just love. The staff are mostly English and they are really welcoming whenever I go to see them. This Sydney salon is regularly nominated for for prestigious hair awards and often win. Owner Stevie is the best hair colour technician I have ever been to, who used to have his own salon in Covent Garden!
Address: Stevie English Hair, 153 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Watch my video at Stevie English Hair below!
Natures Energy Spa
Steve took me to Natures Energy Spa in Glebe a few years back for my birthday and we had a great time. Although they have a shop, offer massage, tarot readings and healings, the underground spa feels like a bit of a hidden gem you could spend a good few hours feeling like you’re well and truly away from it all.
We loved it when we visited and wouldn’t hesitate to spend an afternoon here again (especially as we were the only people there when we visited!). It’s something to put on your list when you’re looking for things to do in Sydney when it’s raining. Plus! They have more Sydney spas in Newtown and Balmain as well!
Address: Natures Energy Spa, 105 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Gleebooks
As one of the best independent bookshops in Sydney, Gleebooks is a bit of an institution. It first opened in 1975 and actually became a “godsend to intellectuals and those who want new books as soon as possible after they are published.” They now have bookstores in Blackheath, Walsh Bay and Dulwich Hill. The bookstore hosts literary events and has been the location for many book launches and is a favourite for nearby university students.
Address: Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Playground Vintage
If you’re a lover of 90s fashion, make sure you visit Playground Vintage. Stocking tshirts, Levi’s, sweatshirts and more, this is a cool vintage clothing store in Sydney, you’ll be able to pick up a bargain!
Address: Playground Vintage, Ground Floor, 259, Broadway, Glebe NSW 2037
Glebe DVD collectables & Figurines
Glebe DVD Collectables & Figurines is a one of a kind shop. Even if you’re not into buying DVDs anymore, it’s worth a look down memory lane and check out this unique shop on Glebe Point Road.
Address: Glebe DVD Collectables & Figurines, Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Run Or Cycle Around Blackwattle Bay
At the far end towards Rozelle Bay, there’s a fantastic running track and cycle track around Blackwattle Bay. There is about 10km of tracks here where you could cycle over the Anzac Bridge and over to Sydney Fish Markets for fish & chips!
The Couch That Jack Built
I randomly bumped into Jack Cable while walking around Glebe. This Londoner runs cool interior decorators called The Couch That Jack Built. We had a chat for a while as he told me how his business has been booming since things started to open up again after the 2020 lockdown. Obviously, everyone is updating their homes! Check out Jack’s business when you’re in the area.
Address: The Couch That Jack Built, 24A Grose St, Glebe NSW 2037
Best Glebe Restaurants
With so many independent restaurants in Glebe to choose from, it packs a punch for serving up various different cuisines. Here’s what to expect when you’re looking where to eat.
The Tramsheds
Although The Tramsheds are located around the corner in Forest Lodge, it’s a modern, swanky food court in the former historic Rozelle Tram Depot. Since the renovations took place in 2016, the Tramsheds has become a go-to Sydney restaurant destination.
I had a poke bowl at Osaka Trading Co which was good, and of course ice cream at Gelato Messina. I would happily visit after work for drinks at Bodega 1904 and Italian dinner at Flours Eggs Water (both are regarded as THE places to go).
Address: The Tramsheds, 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge NSW 2037
Glebe Point Road Restaurants
With so many restaurants to consider on Glebe Point Road, head to Flying Fajitas or Baja Cantina for a fun atmosphere and Mexican food. Glebe Point Diner offer casual fine dining, while Hannibal Lebanese Cuisine is the place to go to try something a bit different.
Vegan Food In Glebe
For vegan food in Glebe, head to Soul Burger for excellent vegan burgers, Iku Wholefoods for takeaway lunch options (I always go for the lasagna) or Oh My Days which is a vegan-only bakery. The pastries are amazing here! Don’t forget to stop by the Vegan Grocery to pick up essentials. If you’re vegetarian, you must go to Badde Manors, a legendary vegetarian cafe on Glebe Point Road.
Glebe Cafes
There are some fab cafes with outside seating out the back. Dirty Red is a favourite amongst locals, and The Dispensary does a good acai bowl. Chunoma 109 Coffee Shop if you’re wondering where to get good coffee in Glebe.
Head over to Bellevue Cottage for French dining, easily one of the best restaurants in Glebe. Ombretta Italian Restaurant is well known for being a BYO restaurant and No92 is a gorgeous little wine bar and restaurant on Glebe Point Road to check out.
Glebe Pubs
My favourite pub is easily the Friend In Hand. There’s so much character in this unique Sydney pub, it always makes me feel like I’ve walked into a pub back home in England. With a lovely Aussie twist, the resident cockatoo will happily pose for photos at the bar.
The guys at Stevie English told me about some of the other bars you should check out. Firstly, head to The Different Drummer for cocktails, the gin martini or Tommy Margaret are both fantastic.
The Little Guy offers free popcorn and you can play your own music in this awesome small bar. Sit up at the bar and get chatting to the locals. Timbah a bit further up Glebe Point Road is a cool speakeasy wine bar you should check out or 12 Taps for craft beers. And, if you’re looking for live music and stay out all night, head over to Bed Bar. I’ve spent some drunken nights here in the past!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our things to do in Glebe guide! Make sure you check out our Sydney Suburbs Guides page to read more guides about different places to visit near you!
Don’t Forget To Watch Our Glebe Video!
Best Things To Do In Glebe
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