Sydney is known for many things but a thriving nightlife is not one of them. Despite that, Sydneysiders love a good party and there are plenty of options to go out and have a good time. If you’re always looking for an excuse to get on the dance floor, Sydney offers a number of trendy options from glittery discos and indie bars to thumping clubs and underground hotspots. Start planning your next night out with our handy guide to the best nightclubs, bars and lounges for a night out in Sydney.
1. Club 77
Darlinghurst’s Club 77 has gained a solid reputation for throwing some of the most lit parties in town and remains Sydney’s top after-hours club of choice. The storied clubbing institution has been frequented by partygoers for over 25 years and continues to be the go-to spot for rave seekers in the CBD. Enjoy old-school dance vibes with a stacked roster of local performers and DJs throwing parties that don’t stop until the sun comes up.
📍77 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
2. The Abercrombie
This multi-level venue recently reopened after a mega refurbishment. The Abercrombie boasts three venues that stay open well into the night — a performance and club space, a public bar and an outdoor beer garden. So if you’re looking for a night out after a long week, this sprawling clubbing institution will deliver. The Abercrombie also has a 24-hour license for special events so you know it takes partying seriously.
📍100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
3. Ivy Pool Club
Dance it out at Ivy Pool Club in the heart of the CBD. A regular for Sydneysiders, Ivy boasts multiple venues, DJs, live music and dancefloors promising unforgettable experiences and memories for revellers. If you’re looking to have a good time, plan your night out on Thursday when it regularly hosts some of the biggest and noisiest parties in town.
📍330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
4. Tokyo Sing Song
Newtown’s buzzy Tokyo Sing Song delivers big on kitschy, original and fun entertainment. The underground dive bar is home to an equally diverse crowd and features 2 stages and a dance floor. It’s small but it packs a punch. If you’re looking to add an offbeat spot on your Sydney nightclubs list, this should do the trick.
📍145 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
5. Home
Home is spread across 3 floors with plenty of waterfront outdoor areas that overlook Darling Harbour. Resident DJs bring the house down here and this is the spot you bring the naysayers to when they question Sydney’s nightlife scene. If you like a heavily-packed club with high-energy music and an eclectic crowd to boot, add this to your list.
📍101/1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
6. The Soda Factory
If you’re looking for a spot with great vibes, you can’t go wrong with The Soda Factory. The Surry Hills institution is a US-style diner, cocktail bar and live music venue that knows how to throw a good party. Set in a photogenic building, this is a popular spot for lovers of old-school tunes and disco from the 70s, but there are plenty of contemporary tunes to dance to as well.
📍16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW 2010
7. Noir Sydney
Don your hottest threads and head out to Noir. The swanky spot is a must-visit clubbing spot for fire parties that don’t disappoint. Complete with three separate bars, plenty of neon lighting to get you going and even its own mural, make this your clubbing pitstop on your next night out. If all the dancing makes you a little peckish, you can find excellent cocktails and food at the bar.
📍 163 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
8. Arq
Bringing top-notch entertainment since 1999, Arq is a swanky nightclub with 2 spaces, one featuring regular drag performances for its guests and the second a spot for dance enthusiasts with DJs spinning house. So you get the best of both worlds at this iconic Sydney spot.
📍16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
9. The Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Erskineville re-opened in 2018 but retains much of its vibe that made it such a mega hit with the LGBT+ community. If you’re bar hopping, we highly recommend this trendy spot with live performances, DJs and parties and equally good bites and drinks that add to the fun.
📍 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043
10. Oxford Art Factory
This Darlinghurst favourite describes itself as a cozy venue with live music from local and touring performers. But it’s not shy of hosting a banging dance party. Oxford Art Factory is an edgy venue that is reminiscent of a warehouse and offers an excellent blend of high-energy music and thundering DJ nights.
📍38/46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
11. Maali
This relatively new venue is a Morrocan-inspired nightclub with two large bars serving a variety of drinks and a huge dance floor if you’re looking to throw it down. It also comes with a swanky light and sound system to get you going. You can expect everything from local to international performers, DJs, disco and more.
📍22 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, 2011 NSW
12. The Lord Gladstone
The Chippendale favourite Lord Gladstone Hotel offers a holistic night out with graffitied walls, live music and very good pub grub. Go here if you’re yearning for some of that old-school hip-hop vibe. You’ll find yourself lingering long after the night is over.
📍115 Regent St, Chippendale NSW 2008
13. The Argyle
You’ll find The Argyle in the heart of The Rocks with six bars over two floors, including an outdoor cobblestone courtyard, so you’re bound to find a party you enjoy. There are also fun drinks and delicious food on offer with local DJs spinning tunes late into the night.
📍 18 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000
14. The Lansdowne Hotel
Another local fave, The Lansdowne Hotel brings live music and a retro rooftop to the fray. It’s been bringing live music and high-octane dance parties since the 1930s so you’re in good hands if you’re looking for a memorable night out. The pub has a special spot in Sydney culture and is a fail-safe addition to Sydney’s long list of iconic nightclubs. Find out everything that’s on now here.
📍 2-6 City Rd, Chippendale NSW 2008
15. The Cliff Dive
Not a fan of techno? The Cliff Dive is an electric hideout for hip-hop and RNB lovers so drag your mates for a late-night bop. On offer are delicious cocktails, good vibes, vibrant art and wild nights all under one roof. There are plenty of Insta-worthy shots and a great selection of drinks to enjoy. Plus, local DJs will be spinning tunes until the wee hours of the morning
📍 Basement, 16/18 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
16. The Flinders
The Flinders in Darlinghurst is all about in-house and disco if you’re looking for something else beyond electronic beats. Look forward to great cocktails and dancing and stellar local and international acts.
📍 63-65 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
17. Goros
Goros in Surry Hills offers a low-stakes but no less hip night out where you can choose to enjoy Japanese-inspired food and drink and karaoke or get down on the dance floor and let your hair down to DJs. You’re likely to have a good time at this late-night destination.
📍 84/86 Mary St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
18. The Island
We love a good party, but we love it even more when it’s on water. The Island is Australia’s first and only beach club and the vibes are unmatched. Expect unforgettable dance parties elevated by stunning water views and music that will have you on your feet all night.
📍 Water taxis run from Double Bay Wharf