It’s arguably the most iconic view in Australia, but there’s a lot more to Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This vibrant city has everything you could want from a vacation – from a fantastic food, drink and nightlife scene to epic bush walks, and of course, sun-kissed beaches just a stone’s throw from Sydney CBD.
Sydney’s a big place, and it can be difficult deciding where to stay. You have to factor in cost too! A hotel stay in Australia’s largest city could end up mighty expensive, so you should think about vacation rentals in Sydney instead – that’s where we come in!
We’ve put together this list of the 15 best Airbnbs in Sydney – according to your travel style and budget. Not only that, but we’ll also introduce you to five of our favourite Airbnb Experiences. Let’s get started!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Sydney, Australia
Darling Harbour One Bed Apt
- > $$
- > 4 guests
- > Awesome location
- > Internal courtyard
Double Bed in Large Victorian Home
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Good location
- > Air conditioning
Waterfront House with Heated Pool
- > $$$$$$$$$$
- > 8 guests
- > Heated pool
- > Harbour and skyline views
Private in Darling Harbour
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Convenient location
- > Shared swimming pool
Attic Room in Rocks
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Views of Harbour Bridge
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Sydney, Australia
The good news is that in such a big city with so much character and intrigue, the Airbnb scene reflects that. There’s a huge range of Airbnbs in Sydney, all it takes is a little exploring to find one that will suit you perfectly.
Whether you want to be out at Manly Beach combining bush walks with days on the beach, surfing at Bondi, or exploring the attractions (and restaurants) of Sydney CBD, there’s a property to suit you. However, knowing where to stay in Sydney can be a bit of a struggle, since there are quite a few different neighbourhoods.
Let’s look at three of the best types of unique accommodation in Sydney. Which one will you choose?
A loft isn’t all that different from an entire flat, but there are a few small differences. First of all, this one will be at the top of the building – sometimes like a penthouse!
If you’re looking for a relaxed stay in Sydney, consider booking a villa. These large properties are located away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD and surrounding areas – good for those who want to experience nature. You’ll usually find them around beaches or great bush walks.
Okay, you come to Airbnb to get away from hotels – we know! However, boutique hotels aren’t your standard boring chain. Instead of hundreds of rooms, boutiques usually have just a few carefully and tastefully designed spaces – where you can properly sit back and relax.
We love a good deal!
We’ve included links to Booking.com as well throughout this post — as we have found many of the same properties available on Booking and they are usually at a cheaper price! We’ve included both button options where we can to give you the choice of where you book 🙂
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Sydney, Australia
If you weren’t already convinced about staying in an Airbnb, hopefully, you will be now. Now, we’re going to check out the best Airbnbs in Sydney. There are several different categories, so you’ll find at least one that suits you perfectly!
Darling Harbour One Bed Apt | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Sydney
You’ll find this gorgeous 1 bedroom apartment just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Darling Harbour. There are two queen beds and a sofa bed, so that’s space for four guests. Yes, at that price! You’ve got access to the gym and swimming pool on-site, too. Staying in Australia long term and hoping to set up for your working visa? This could be an alternative to a hostel – rentals of between one and three months are available here.
Double Bed in Large Victorian Home | Best Budget Airbnb in Sydney
Sydney is a lot of things, but it isn’t cheap. Fortunately, with a bit of digging, you can find a place to stay that won’t break the bank. This private room with a comfy double bed is part of this historic Victorian home, which you’ll be sharing with your friendly hosts. As well as access to your room, there’s a kitchen with all the amenities, dining area, bathroom, and laundry, which you’re welcome to use.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIWaterfront House with Heated Pool | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Sydney
If you’ve got a lot of money to spend you can get a seriously cool place in Sydney. This four-bedroom apartment boasts an outdoor terrace with a seating area and a heated swimming pool, which you’re very welcome to use. Just imagine a relaxing evening swim as you take in views of the Sydney skyline, or sit in the round chair chilling out with a book. Perfect! The location is right on the Sydney Harbour too, you’re within walking distance of Balmain Village, or you can jump on a ferry to the Central Business District.
Private in Darling Harbour | Perfect Sydney Airbnb for Solo Travellers
Similarly, if you’re travelling solo, you’ll want to keep costs low to prolong your trip as long as possible! This private room offers a low price in a convenient location, with huge windows great for people-watching. Avoiding a hostel when travelling solo might seem like a bad move, but here you’ll at least be able to chat with the three housemates in the shared living room as well as taking a dip in the communal pool.
Attic Room in Rocks | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Sydney for Digital Nomads
Sydney is a great place for digital nomads. There are several cool cafes and co-working spaces, and it’s a delight. However, on those days when you don’t want to leave the house, you’ll need a laptop-friendly workspace and fast Wi-Fi. That’s exactly what you’re being offered here – as well as a view of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, which is within walking distance. The family home is in a quiet and private location, meaning you’ll be able to get on without distractions.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Sydney
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Sydney!
Elegant place for two in Darlinghurst | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
Travelling with your other half? You might have to up your budget to get a place that will sweep them off their feet – but it’ll be worth it! This Darlinghurst one bedroom apartment is in a gorgeous art-deco building and offers an enormous queen bed. This beautiful apartment is within walking distance of heaps of great places to eat as well as the train station. If you’re not enjoying the nearby restaurants and cafes, you could always spend a romantic night in watching a movie on the 65-inch TV. Forgot to get wine? No worries – there’s an honesty box on site!
Awesome Apartment near CBD | Best Airbnb in Sydney for Families
With space for up to six guests, this beautiful two-bedroom apartment suits families of all ages. It’s moments from the relaxing Hyde Park and just a little further to the heart of the CBD. It’s also within walking distance of the bus station, so you can easily find your way to Bondi Beach or the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When in the flat itself, you can make use of a fully-equipped kitchen, dining table, and living room – perfect for some quality family time. If you’ve got a full Sydney itinerary planned, this will be the ideal home to base yourself in the city.
Luxury loft in Surry Hills | Best Loft in Sydney
The clever use of space in this minimal but modern apartment means you’ve got a lot of room and natural light to enjoy. A mezzanine double bed above a fully equipped kitchen, dining table, and a huge sofa are more than enough for a couple enjoying a trip – or perhaps even a honeymoon seeing as you’ve got the entire apartment to yourselves! Thanks to electricity and gas being offset, this modern apartment is carbon neutral, so you can stay here with a clean conscience! You’re pretty close to Central Station so you can hop on the train over to Bondi Beach if you fancy catching some waves.
Old Clare’s Abercrombie Room | Best Boutique Hotel in Sydney
Now, for the best boutique hotel in Sydney. This is another one that would be great for couples! It’s got a freestanding tub just steps from the bed – perfect for relaxing those muscles after a day of exploring the city. Another bonus of this place is that if this room is available, you can always look for others at the property. It’s in a great location within walking distance of Central Station, so getting to places like Sydney Harbour Bridge or Bondi Beach is easy.
4 bedroom City Livin’ house | Best Villa in Sydney
The location is undoubtedly the showstopper of this stunning villa being just a short walk to Darling Harbour. There’s an outdoor dining table for up to 6 guests, it’s a great place for soaking in some sun or relaxing on a warm evening, pretty uncommon in the Sydney CBD! There are 3 rooms with a double bed and one with a queen as well as a fully equipped kitchen with laundry facilities, making this the perfect home away from home.
Best Airbnb in Sydney for Nightlife | Fab light filled apartment
King’s Cross has some of Sydney’s best nightlife, so you’ll want to be close by to experience all the best bars, restaurants, theatres, and clubs. This two-person spacious apartment has a queen bed, the perfect place to starfish after a night on the town! Should you end up having a few too many, the apartment is almost a hangover cure in itself. With lots of natural light and a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare a substantial meal, what more could you want?! Oh, you’ve got the entire apartment to yourself too and you’re a short walk from Woolloomooloo Wharf.
Perfect Place to Getaway | Best Airbnb for a weekend in Sydney
Right in the heart of the CBD, you’ve got Darling Harbour, Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House all within two kilometres. That’s just the beginning of Sydney’s city centre attractions. It’s also good for transport links if you’re planning a day trip – such as the Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach or Jervis Bay. You probably won’t spend a lot of time in the apartment if you only have a weekend in Sydney, but when you do, you’ll be grateful for the comfy sofas and queen bed.
Luxury Colonial Terrace House | Best Airbnb Plus in Sydney
Airbnb Plus properties are just a cut above the rest. Known for their excellent reviews and host’s attention to detail, you know you can expect a high-quality stay. This luxurious colonial house in Sydney’s Rocks District is the ideal getaway for a family or group of friends who want to treat themselves. Just make sure to save some time for visiting Sydney’s exciting attractions – rather than sunning yourself on that gorgeous private patio!
Gorgeous 1 bed flat in Fairlight | Best Airbnb in Manly
Manly Beach is one of the coolest districts in Sydney, but it’s a ferry ride away from the CBD. If you want to experience epic surfing and adventurous bushwalks all on your doorstep, you won’t mind swapping the bright lights for this. This lovely apartment means you can enjoy your morning coffee with splendid views of the beach. There’s an open floorplan between the kitchen and living room, where you’ll find a flat-screen TV and dining table.
Wolly: Best of city and bushland | Best Airbnb in Sydney for a Group of Friends
This beautiful apartment boasts a king and queen bed – so two couples staying together will have to fight over who gets the bigger bed! Once you’ve decided on that, you can cosy up on the sofa and enjoy a movie through Netflix on the 55-inch TV. Or you could head out into the charming Wollstonecraft for a bushwalk or the Sydney CBD which is just four stops away.
What To Pack For Sydney
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Sydney Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Sydney Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. You’ve not only seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Sydney but the five best Experiences, too. Now it’s over to you to choose how you’re going to spend your vacation. Will you be in a cool city centre loft apartment or a villa by the beach?
Let us give you one last piece of advice if you’re struggling to make up your mind. Go for our overall best value Airbnb in Sydney – the Darling Harbour One Bed Apt. Darling Harbour is an awesome location with some world-class museums on your doorstep, not to mention places to eat and drink. And this flat is exceedingly good value for the area!
All that’s left is for us to give you one more handy tip: get a travel insurance policy!
- Check out our Backpacking Sydney guide for in-depth info for your trip.Â
- Use our Where to Stay in Sydney guide to plan your adventure.Â
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in Australia too.Â
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Australia.Â
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around Australia.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
