History meets nightlife @The Rocks, Sydney

As you walk down the cobblestone streets and lane ways through the sandstone buildings you can't help but feel as though you have been transported back in time, a stark contrast to the modern city surrounds.
 The Rocks, Sydneys oldest preserved historic area and one of the most visited parts of Sydney. It is rich in Australian history with buildings that have been around since the colonization of Australia, and with the Harbour Bridge its neighbor, the Rocks is a popular destination for all who want to experience a meeting of old and new. Tourists flock to this historic precinct to visit the iconic markets on the weekend, enjoy the bars and restaurants, shop and visit the galleries and of course take in some of Australias history and best sights in Sydney.

But dont write this off as just another tourist fest, as a Sydneysider it is a great place to be day or night. The Rocks is home to some of Sydneys oldest bars, which play live music on a regular basis and as far as atmosphere goes, there is plenty on this pub scene.


There are also some great restaurants though you can expect to pay for it, or for something a little cheaper you can get a good pub feed at the majority of the historic bars surrounding. Weekends you will find are the best nights to go out for drinks and food as there is entertainment and the atmosphere electric. Or if you prefer to do relaxing activities you can visit the markets from 9-5 on the weekends and in the summer there is the moonlight markets on the Friday night.
Although a little touristy, you can walk around the harbour to the Harbour Bridge which is situated in Millers Point in the Rocks precinct and if your feeling energetic you can walk the bridge or climb it! Observatory Hill, located on the outskirts of the Rocks, is a beautiful spot to view the bridge and take in some of Sydney harbours sights. It can be very peaceful and serene sitting there and looking over some of Sydneys most beautiful sights, whether it be day or night. There is also Sydneys oldest observatory, hence the name Observatory Hill. You can visit the observatory for a fee, but the Observatory Hill park is free.
It is really hard to sum up the Rocks urban life as there is so much thats worth mentioning. Personally, this place resonates with me and would have to be my favourite place in Sydney.

View from Observatory Hill

This post was written by Kea for Sydney Urban Life.