October 24, 2016

Last Updated on November 24, 2022 by Dominique de Merteuil

The Perfect Weekend in Sydney – Where to Wine, Dine & Shop

The Perfect Weekend in Sydney – Tips for where to eat, drink, and shop for vintage and sexy lingerie.

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Australia and even though most of my time was spent taking in spectacular sunsets from the picturesque beaches of Perth on the country’s west coast, I did get the chance to go for a weekend to Sydney on the east coast, a city that I now consider to be one of my favourite places in the world.

Now, I don’t know about you but for me travelling to a new place is often incredibly stressful, as I’m forever trying to cram way too much in a day, running like a headless chicken from museum to art gallery, taking in a few brands that I want to write about along the way and at the end of it all, I’m left exhausted!

So, this time around, the moment Mr de Merteuil mentioned the idea of us going to Sydney, I suggested that instead of the usual cultural highlights, I would want us to focus on the best the city has to offer by way of shops, restaurants and bars, throwing in a few obligatory places that every first-time visitor needs to cross off their bucket list.

Putting the plan into action, I have to say, this had to be one of my most pleasant city escapes! And in true travel diary fashion, I thought I’d share with you my experience but rather than going into lengthy details about every one of my recommended places, I would let the pictures do most of the talking.

To make it easier and more coherent for you, I added all my favourite places onto a map so you can see the distance between them.

The Royal Botanic Garden – The Perfect View of the Sydney Opera House.

One of those, which I highly recommend is the Royal Botanic Garden with its spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House (which should be admired only from a distance as it’s not very impressive up close).

And the Harbour Bridge, which always looks amazing no matter what the time of the day or night If you think about it you are getting two birds with one stone here.

It’s a great starting point for the perfect weekend in Sydney as it’s in close proximity to Hacienda bar, which happens to have the best Espresso Martini I’ve ever had. 

Shopping in Sydney

EDIT: WHEELS & DOLLBABY SHOP IN SYDNEY IS CLOSED BUT YOU CAN STILL PURCHASE LOVELY CLOTHES VIA THEIR WEBSITE.

Wheels & Dollbaby – for the most perfect, luxurious, vintage-inspired cardigans, dresses and pencil skirts!

Address: 259 Crown St Darlinghurst 2010 Sydney

The brand is a dream for anyone, like me, who is fond of the glamorous style of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s but can’t get their hands on the original pieces.

 If you are not a Dollbaby yet, read my article about my favourite Australian brand and what it means to be a Dollbaby, you will be after spending 5 minutes in this incredible boutique! For all the vintage vixens, Femme Fatales and rock-luxury craving ladies.

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Baby Likes To Pony – For the Most Luxurious & Sexy Lingerie!

Address: 319 South Dowling St, Darlinghurst Sydney

For luxury lingerie head straight to Baby Likes to Pony, a boutique with the best selection for those, who like myself, believe that what’s underneath counts.

You will not only find brands such as; Bordelle, DSTM, Something Wicked, MURMUR, AMORALLE, Jean-Paul Gaultier and The Model Traitor but you will also find incredibly welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable staff who’ll help you find the perfect treat for the body and the soul.

As you can see from the picture below I didn’t keep my clothes on for long. What can I say except that It Was Beyond My Control. 🙂

Potts Point Vintage – For the Best Selection of Vintage Clothes!

Address: 2/8a Hughes St, Potts Point NSW 2011 Sydney

For a fantastic selection of vintage clothes go to Potts Point Vintage owned by the wonderful Arnold Kieldaard. You can find there both; vintage and pre-owned designer clothes and accessories.

Very reasonably priced and you will get great customer service. Had it not been for the fact that I had no space in my suitcase I would have bought half the store, especially some of the coats!

Potts Point is one of my favourite parts of Sydney!

Dining and Wining in Sydney

Hacienda Bar – for the perfect drink and spectacular views!

Address: 61 Macquarie Street 2000  at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

Beautiful interior design, breath-taking views of the Sydney Harbour and the best Espresso Martini I’ve ever had.

Bennelong Point with a dreamy view on the Sydney Harbour Bridge near Hacienda Bar!

The Commons– For the Perfect Lunch.

Address: 32 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Sydney

The Commons was a serendipitous find and the result of turning into the wrong street. What attracted me to this place was its cosy interior, great selection of wine on the menu and excellent background music which is more important than you might think:)

Very welcoming, entertaining staff and good food – I had a delicious mushroom risotto- make the place perfect for a lunch or dinner.

Martin Place – For the Perfect Matrix Moment in Sydney

Address: the corner of Martin Place and Pitt Street.

I’m a big fan of The Matrix and couldn’t resist having my picture taken in one of the film’s locations. I was considering the bridge at first but the fountain from the scene with the woman in the red dress turned out to look more impressive in reality.

P.S From Perth with Love!

In the picture taken on one of Perth’s beautiful beaches, I’m wearing a vintage,  from the 1960s to be exact, dress by David Warren and sunglasses by Megumi O. Photography Gregory Michael King.

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DISCLOSURE: I’m part of an affiliate program, and I get a small commission for purchases made through the Bookings link in this post. That’s how I keep my website alive, for which I’m very grateful to you. Shopping via my affiliate links comes at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are mine! 

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