Live Like a Local: My Favourite Sydney Spots for Bondi-Based Travellers 🌞🌊🇦🇺

Sydney is full of iconic sights—but if you’re staying in Bondi or close to the City, and want to experience the city like a local, I’ve curated a list of my go-to places across cafes, markets, nightlife, walks, and beach life. Whether you’re here for a few weeks or just passing through, these tips will help you blend in like you’ve lived here for years.

☕ Cafes You’ll Want to Camp At

Start your day the Sydney way—with a strong coffee and ocean breeze:

• Harris Bondi Beach: Great for locals watching and pre-surf brews.
• Shuk: Israeli-inspired menu, and always buzzing.
• Blackwood: Trendy interiors and nourishing bowls.
• Grounds of Alexandria: Insta-famous and worth a morning trip.
• Luxe (Westfield): Handy and reliable when in the shopping zone.

 

🍎 Quick Snacks & Essentials

Need a quick bite or to restock your fridge?

• 7-Eleven: Cheap coffee, $1 slushies—yes, really.
• Woolworths / Coles: Everyday groceries.
• Harris Farm: Local produce and ready-to-eat treats.

 

🍽️ Lunch Faves for Every Craving

Fuel up with flavours from around the globe:

• Fishbowl (Bondi or Darling Quarter): Poke bowls that never disappoint.
• Guzman y Gomez: Aussie-loved Mexican fast food.
• Cali Press: Wraps, smoothies, salads—clean eating done right.
• El Indio Bondi: Colombian arepas that taste like home 🇨🇴
• Spice Alley: Street food from Asia, set in lantern-lit laneways.
• Home Thai / Thai Phatong: Authentic Thai in the city or Newtown.
• Bangkok Bites Bondi: Quick, spicy, satisfying.
• Chargrill Charlies: Chicken, salads, chips = comfort food central.
• Woollahra Hotel: Pub grub in a leafy, upmarket spot.
• Four Frogs Crêperie: French savoury + sweet, oui oui!

🥪 Top Sandwich Shops

• Small’s Deli
• South Dowling Sandwiches
• S’wich, Bondi

Expect hearty, creative combos that’ll ruin all future sandwiches for you.

 

🥖 Bakeries That Locals Love

• Bourke Street Bakery, Surry Hills
• Iggy’s, Bronte
• Baker Bleu
• La Renaissance: Their almond croissant is basically famous.

 

🍻 Pubs for a Pint or Sunset Drink

• Bondi Rd Hotel / Hotel Ravesis: Close to the beach.
• Ryans Bar (CBD)
• The Glenmore Hotel: Rooftop views of the Opera House.
• Opera Bar: Iconic harbour views.
• Coogee Pavilion / Golden Sheaf: Big vibes, always fun.

🍸 Cocktail Bars & Nightlife

• Henry Deane (Barangaroo)
• Zephyr Sky Bar (Hyatt Regency)
• Slims Rooftop / Lobo Plantation / Baxter Inn
• Dean and Nancy on 22: Chic, creative cocktails with skyline views.
• The Ivy / Shark Hotel / The Argyle: Big nights start here.

 

🖼️ Museums Worth a Visit

• Art Gallery of NSW
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
• Powerhouse Museum
• Australian Museum

 

🧺 Markets for Treasure-Hunting

• Paddy’s (Haymarket): Souvenirs, snacks—open Wed–Sun.
• Kirribilli Markets (2nd Sun of the month)
• Glebe Markets (Sat)
• Bondi Markets (Sat & Sun)
• The Rocks Market (Sat)

 

🏖️ Beaches Locals Actually Go To

• Bondi (of course!)
• Bronte / Tamarama: Walkable, less crowded.
• Coogee / Maroubra: More chill, family vibes.
• Little Bay: Hidden gem.
• Redleaf / Shark Beach (Nielsen Park): Calm harbour water.
• Manly: Great for a ferry day trip.

👉 Before you hit the sand, don’t forget to pack your beach essentials! Check out Tolu Australiafor bold and sustainable men’s swim shorts and soft, lightweight Turkish cotton beach towels.

All our board shorts are made in Colombia—perfect for beach days with a splash of personality. 🏖️👕

 

🥾 Unmissable Coastal Walks

• Bondi to Coogee: Classic cliffside beauty.
• Spit to Manly: Bush meets sea.
• Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay: Peaceful and historic.
• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair: Views + Botanical Gardens.
• Watsons Bay Lighthouse / Camp Cove
• Palm Beach Lighthouse: A bit of a drive, but stunning!

 

🧺 Best Picnic Spots

• Barangaroo Reserve: Harbourfront chill.
• Centennial Park: Big green spaces, bike hire, and picnic zones.

 

🌇 Bonus Tip: Sydney Tower

Go up for a 360° view of this gorgeous city—it’s worth it!

 

🏋️ Where Locals Train

• Fitness First (Westfield Bondi): Full gym access.
• JIM: 30-min infrared sessions, great for quick results.

 

🚶Community Clubs to Join In

• Beach Walk Club:
  @Selfdom – Thursdays 6:30am at Bondi Pavilion
• Run Clubs:
  @harrisbondi – Fridays 6:10am
  @the_440 – Saturdays 5am from Bronte

 

🎾 Tennis Anyone?

• Moore Park | Coopers Park | Rushcutters Bay
  (Racket hire available!)

 

🏊 Ocean Pools & Swimming Spots 

• Icebergs Rockpool (paid): Bondi’s most iconic pool.
• Bronte Rockpool (free)
• Prince Alfred Park Heated Pool (Central)

 

🏊 Indoor Swim & Swim Club 

• Phillip and Cook Pool / Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre (paid)
• @bondi.ocean.surf.swim_squad: Sat 8:15am for confident swimmers.

Don’t forget to check out Tolu Australia for stylish, eco-friendly men’s boardshorts and family-friendly beach towels that travel light and dry fast.

From sunrise swims, weekend markets, rooftop drinks, to discovering a hidden café gem, Sydney has something for every curious soul. Keep this list close and explore your new local life by the beach. Feel free to add any other tips on the comments to keep sharing the love! 

Happy adventuring! 🌞🕶️

— Lili 💛

Tolu Australia – for family, fun, and sunshine