Balmain

Sydney

Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet
Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet

The bohemian feel of the Inner West meets the sparkle of the city in Balmain, a cozy harborside suburb known for its creative residents and stylish way of life.

Discover Balmain’s gorgeous waterfront and charming streets lined with Victorian-era terrace houses. Its location on the top of a peninsula in Sydney harbor makes Balmain a desirable neighborhood. Looking at its prized waterfront real estate now, it’s hard to imagine that Balmain was a working-class suburb for over a century.

Balmain grew rapidly after the construction of shipyards on its foreshore in the 1800s. In the 1970s, the industrial suburb with is affordable Sydney sandstone buildings started to attract bohemians, writers and politicians. They gave Balmain the artistic, cosmopolitan flair that still lingers today.

Shop in artisan and chic boutiques along winding Darling Street. This main thoroughfare also has a variety of bakeries, cafés and exotic restaurants such as Turkish restaurant Efendy. The sweet delights of celebrity chef Adriano Zumbo’s patisserie are equally hard to resist. Have a beer at one of the many historic pubs, such as the 3 Weeds, Cat and Fiddle and East Village.

If you love art, visit Balmain’s galleries of contemporary and Aboriginal works. On a Saturday, head to the grounds of the St. Andrew’s Church to browse books and collectables at the Balmain Markets, Sydney’s third-oldest markets. Taking a cruise or fishing trip from Balmain’s harbor is an excellent way to spend a sunny day.

There’s a wealth of green spaces in Balmain. Gladstone Park is a peaceful oasis in the busy center, while Elkington Park has impressive views of Cockatoo Island. Take a dip in the nearby Dawn Fraser Baths, Australia’s oldest pool complex. Illoura Reserve, near the Balmain East Wharf, offers views of the city skyline and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

The most scenic way to reach Balmain is taking a 10-minute harbor ferry from Circular Quay. You can also take a bus from the city center. Darling street has metered and free on-street parking for those arriving by car. While in the area, also explore Birchgrove, an Inner West suburb of similar charm.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Balmain Hotel Deals

Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,538 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥24,538
¥26,992 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,354 reviews)
"The cost of breakfast was high in relation to the cost of the food in the lounge which was great value for money. The process for the buffet breakfast was not explained so we were somewhat unprepared when a waitress asked for our egg order. Check in was somewhat poor as the staff member did not appear ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥31,111 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥31,111
¥34,222 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,899 reviews)
"The hotel is beautifully presented and the staff are very professional and extremely friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥23,574 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥23,574
¥25,931 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,771 reviews)
"good location and nice hotel. but some of the staff are not so nice"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥27,068 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥27,068
¥30,179 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,489 reviews)
"Great spot centrally located"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥22,636 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
¥22,636
¥24,899 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,218 reviews)
"Everything we needed. Great location.Helpful staff.The decor was rather tired so could do with a refurb - this did not detract from our experience."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
View Sydney

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥18,616 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥18,616
¥20,781 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,070 reviews)
"I love the location of this property: make sure you pick a harbour view room - well worth it. Excellent breakfast offering and friendly staff. While the property has been around for many years, it is clean, well presented and largely renovated. Would be even better with a comfy chair in the vacant ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

View Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Balmain

Darling Harbour which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(269 area reviews)

Adjacent to Sydney's city centre, Darling Harbour boasts a pedestrian precinct with attractions like the Australian National Maritime Museum and Chinese Garden of Friendship. Enjoy dining at Cockle Bay Wharf, explore Tumbalong Park, and access various transport options, including the Inner West Light Rail and ferry services.

Darling Harbour
Star Casino featuring modern architecture

Pyrmont

Enjoy the captivating waterfront views in Pyrmont. Star Casino is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Wentworth Park Light Rail Station or Fish Market Light Rail Station to see more of Sydney.

Pyrmont
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

The Rocks

Historic area near Sydney's city center, The Rocks boasts close proximity to Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge views. Explore weekend Rocks Market, galleries, and historic pubs like Fortune of War, while enjoying walkable streets and easy rail access.

The Rocks
Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(1,320 area reviews)

Historical and commercial heart of Sydney, the CBD boasts towering skyscrapers, lively café culture, and nightlife in areas like Darling Harbour. Explore parks such as Hyde Park and cultural institutions, while enjoying easy access to public transport.

Sydney Central Business District
Capitol Theatre showing street scenes as well as an individual femail

Haymarket

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Haymarket. Check out top attractions like Market City and Paddy's Market, and jump on the metro at Paddy's Markets Light Rail Station or Capitol Square Light Rail Station to see more of the city.

Haymarket
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North Sydney

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to North Sydney. A stop by North Sydney Oval or ISKCON Sydney (Hare Krishna Temple) might round out your trip.

North Sydney

Balmain