Balmain

Sydney
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


Top hotels in Balmain

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM450 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM450
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,267 reviews)
"room booked was unsatisfactory but management were very obliging and upgraded us to an ideal unit. Surprised to find cooking facilities. I would recommend that they upgrade the foyer outside the lifts and clean inside the lifts particularly the carpets"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is RM586 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
RM586
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,648 reviews)
"If you like airplanes, this is the place for you!! Really enjoyed our stay here"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is RM828 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM828
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,707 reviews)
"Spectacular outlook of the harbour and the Opera house."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Shangri-La 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 RM911 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM911
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,572 reviews)
"It’s a beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is RM1,016 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM1,016
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,178 reviews)
"Loved this hotel. Best location."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is RM713 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
RM713
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,154 reviews)
"We had rooms with great views over Darling Harbour. The hotel is well positioned to explore central Sydney. Good gym open 24hrs. Excellent buffet breakfast - the upfront discount offer was good value for money. Pleasant and helpful staff on reception and in the restaurant. All were excellent, especially ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hyatt Regency 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 neighbourhoods around Balmain

Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Lyric Theatre, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

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

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The Rocks
Sydney Town Hall which includes cbd, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Capitol Theatre featuring street scenes as well as an individual female

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
Default Image

North Sydney

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to North Sydney. A stop by North Sydney Oval or St. Leonards Park might round out your trip.

North Sydney
Surry Hills

Surry Hills

Travellers come to Surry Hills for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Crown Street and Belvoir Street Theatre while you're in town.

Surry Hills

Balmain