SYDNEY CITY GUIDE
There’s a certain rhythm to Sydney — where neighbourhoods unfold slowly and sun-drenched corners reveal hidden gems. Whether you're spending the day in the East or winding your way from the MAISON ESSENTIELE Showroom to wine bar, the city holds its own charm for every MAISON Girl.
Here’s our curated guide — a collection of places to stay, eat, shop, and wander.
Where to stay?
- Ace Hotel, Surry Hills
Design-led, culturally connected, and perfectly placed in the heart of Surry Hills. An ideal base for discovering the city — with in-house dining, rooftop drinks, and creative energy woven throughout. - 3 Rooms Sydney, Potts Point
A design-lover’s dream — each apartment is styled by top Australian studios (including Sarah Ellison), blending heritage charm with modern luxury. Perfect for a couple’s getaway with character, privacy, and serious interiors envy. - Oxford House, Paddington
Just a stone’s throw from the MAISON Showroom, Oxford House Hotel is perfectly positioned amid the buzz of Oxford Street’s wine bars, boutiques, and vibrant city energy.
Where to Dine
- Theeca
A café by day and vinyl bar by night, Theeca sits just beneath the MAISON Showroom in the heart of Darlinghurst. Perfect for a post-showroom coffee or a wind-down drink, it’s a hidden local gem that blends great music, curated interiors, and a considered menu. - AP Bread & Wine, Darlinghurst
Just next door to our showroom — a European-leaning wine bar and bakery. House-made bread, anchovy toast, and a perfectly minimal interior. Come for the lunch, stay for the light. - Pina, Potts Point
One of the city’s most iconic breakfast spots — known for queues and cult-favourite scrambled eggs. Worth the wait. - The Hood, Paddington
A pocket-sized café serving ceremonial-grade matcha in minimalist ceramics — ideal for mid-shop resets. - Paddington Alimentari, Paddington
An iconic Italian deli and café with true neighbourhood charm. Grab a takeaway panino and sit streetside. - Superfreak, Marrickville
A cult-favourite café tucked into Marrickville’s creative pocket. Great coffee, perfectly chaotic energy, and one of the best breakfast menus in the Inner West.
Where to Wine & Dine
- Bessie & Alma’s, Surry Hills
Cheese, charcuterie, and natural wine — the essentials done effortlessly well. - Bar Copains, Surry Hills
French-leaning, charming, and low-intervention — a go-to for late afternoons and long chats. - P&V Wine + Liquor, Newtown & Paddington
A bottle shop that feels more like a moodboard — local makers, rare finds, and beautiful labels. - Caravin, Potts Point
A new-generation wine bar with low-lit interiors and polished simplicity. Stop for a glass, stay for the aesthetic. - 10 William Street, Paddington
Tucked just off Oxford Street — cult wine, cult dishes, and a forever MAISON Friday favourite. - Piccolo Bar, Potts Point
An old-school Italian bar with edge. Opens from 2pm — perfect for slipping into golden hour.
Where to Shop:
- MAISON ESSENTIELE Showroom, Darlinghurst
By appointment or open to the public on Saturdays — our home in the heart of Darlinghurst. Come in for styling, collection previews, or to find your piece of the season. - Carhartt WIP, Darlinghurst
Workwear done right — delivering everyday staples with effortless edge. The Darlinghurst store reflects the brand’s roots with cool, industrial interiors: concrete floors, steel fixtures, and considered details that nod to utility and street culture. - HAY, Surry Hills
Danish design for your home or studio. Soft colour palettes, elevated shapes, and clean energy. - SWOP, Darlinghurst
Circular fashion done right — a destination for second-hand gems, Y2K flashbacks, and unexpected archive finds. - Potts Point Bookshop, Potts Point
A beautifully curated edit of literature, photography, and design. Quiet, intimate, and always inspiring. - Ariel Books, Paddington
Where fashion meets art. Coffee-table dreams and rare design books to get lost in.
What to See & Do:
- Vaucluse to Watsons Bay Coastal Walk – Winding paths along the harbour, historic architecture, and unbeatable views.
- Cremorne Point Walk to Manly – A longer journey filled with ferry moments, harbour beaches, and hidden staircases.
- Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk – A Sydney classic — best at sunrise with coffee in hand.
- Redleaf, Double Bay – A hidden harbour gem with floating pontoons and a wraparound boardwalk.
- Bronte Rock Pool – Iconic and rugged, nestled right at the cliff’s edge.
- Camp Cove, Watsons Bay – Quiet, clear, and calm — perfect for golden hour dips
Markets We Love:
- Potts Point Markets (Saturdays)
Tucked behind the El Alamein Fountain, this Saturday market offers vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, coffee carts, and fresh flowers — a stylish local favourite. - Carriageworks Farmers Market, Eveleigh
A Saturday ritual — seasonal produce, bakery goods, local olive oil, and warm pastries. Come early for the full experience. - Glebe Markets, Glebe
Sydney’s go-to for pre-loved fashion and $10 treasures. A mix of vintage, handmade goods, and classic market energy.
