With the Australian dollar at an all-time high, “budget Sydney” may seem like a bit of a contradiction. But even if you’re strapped for cash, the best of Sydney can be done cheaply and without skimping on the fun.
Whether you’re visiting relatives, going to study or planning a vacation, there are oodles of things to do on the cheap, and with this handy guide, you’ll even have a few dollars left over for a Fosters and a meat pie on the way back to your hotel.
Snooze
Located right in the heart of the action,
Vibe (
www.vibehotels.com.au) offers contemporary and stylish rooms from $1,014 per night (USD130). Enjoy the funky rooftop pool, relax in the sauna or grab a meal in Curve Bar, where the bubbly waitstaff are all too happy to mix you a cocktail or deliver a fresh and affordable meal while you watch the Sydneysiders scurrying by.
If you’re a lover of boutique hotels, the
Pensione (
www.pensione.com.au) offers simple, comfy rooms from $717 (USD92) per night, as well as a guest lounge with laundry facilities, a kitchenette and wifi access.
For even cheaper accommodation, book a dorm or private room at
Big Hostel (
www.bighostel.com) in Sydney’s central business district from as little as $202 (USD26) per day, which includes a light continental breakfast. Big Hostel is perfectly positioned on the doorstep of major attractions, cool restaurants and nightclubs, and offers guests a lounge and dining area, a discount travel center and rooftop parties.
Munch
There are tons of hip, inexpensive places to eat in Sydney. Check out Bar Italia (169-171 Norton St., Leichhardt, 02-9560-9981) – a vibrant, cozy restaurant in Leichhardt, Sydney’s Little Italy. It serves up scrumptious, plentiful portions of pasta and has a fantastic gelato bar.
