Spend a Weekend Exploring Arts & Culture in Sydney

A weekend of art and culture in Sydney

Sydney is a vibrant city with a rich multicultural heritage that contributes to its diverse culture and exciting arts scene. In the inner city precincts, the epicentre of Sydney’s arts and culture, you’ll find wonderful galleries, public artworks and fantastic annual events, showcasing that Sydney is a world class destination for the arts. Here is your ultimate creative weekend in Sydney.

2:00pm: Check-in to the Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale

Arrive at The Old Clare Hotel and check in to the Showroom Suite, complete with a vintage bar, salvaged and restored from the former brewery building onsite. The beautifully appointed, design-forward room includes vintage furniture and lamps, a super king-sized bed and a modern oversized bathroom.

3:00pm: Visit the White Rabbit Gallery

Stop in at White Rabbit Gallery, which presents four floors of vibrant, original, thought-provoking art. The work of at least 35 artists is on show at any one time including painting, photography, sculpture, video art, drawing and installations. The gallery also houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art.

SUPERNATURAL art exhibition being showcased at White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale

Women walking through an exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale

5:00pm: Dine at Chin Chin in Surry Hills

Chin Chin melds Australian and Southeast Asian flavours in a modern converted warehouse space in Surry Hills. Try their tasting menu ‘Feed Me’ for a selection of dishes to share.

7:30pm: Catch a show at the Belvoir

Belvoir St Theatre is one of Australia’s most respected theatres, with Cate Blanchett and other stars gracing its stages. For over 30 years, this much-loved venue has engaged prominent and promising playwrights, actors and directors for an evocative annual artistic program.

9:00am: Breakfast at Cuckoo Callay Newtown

Soak up the culture of the Inner West, starting with breakfast in Newtown. Located at the heritage site of Newtown Station, Cuckoo Callay is a quirky cafe serving colourful brunch and great coffee.

1:00pm: Grab lunch at The Stinking Bishops

Curate your own cheese board at The Stinking Bishops using a selection of 40-plus hand selected artisanal cheeses. You can also choose from cured meats and light grazing meals, all paired with an extensive wine list.

3:00pm: Shop ‘til you drop in Newtown

Explore the unique boutiques, bookstores and vintage shops in Newtown, like SWOP, U Turn, Pentimento Papeterie, P&V Wine & Liquor, Rising Sun Workshop, Better Read Than Dead, The Social Outfit, Made590, Milk & Thistle and Status Anxiety.

Street art in Newtown - Church Street mural

Street art in Newtown - Phillip Street mural

6:00pm: Find your inner Drag Queen at Priscillas in Erskineville

Priscillas at The Imperial is a jewel of the Inner West. Join the fun at ‘Rood Food’ Drag and Dine and be treated to a delicious vegetable-forward dinner and drag show. You might even be called on stage for an impromptu performance.

9:00am: Head to Henry Lee's in Redfern for breakfast

A truly creative space, Henry Lee's is located in the 16 Eveleigh Creative Precinct. Admire original artworks including “Lucky Penny” designed by Vince Frost of Frost Collective.

11:00am: Visit the Art Gallery of NSW

Drop in to the Art Gallery of NSW to see the latest exhibitions and the Sydney Modern Project – a new standalone building that nearly doubles the gallery's architectural footprint and exhibition space.

1:00pm: Grab lunch at Graze MCA

Walk through The Domain and make your way to the MCA to enjoy lunch on the patio at Graze MCA. Overlooking Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, enjoy dishes like twice-cooked duck leg and pan-seared king prawns with linguine.

2:30pm: Check out exhibits at the MCA

Discover Sydney’s major modern art venue, which hosts regularly changing exhibitions by major international artists such as Annie Leibovitz, Anish Kapoor, Yoko Ono, and Grayson Perry.

Installation view of the 19th Biennale of Sydney (2014) at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

5:30pm: End your arts and culture playcay with drinks and dinner at The ArtHouse Hotel

The ArtHouse Hotel lives in a refurbished 1836 arts school, and is the perfect spot to send off the fabulous weekend that was. Enjoy drinks and dinner in the Graffiti Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge and cheers to an arts and culture-filled weekend in Sydney.