6 Best Bars in Sydney City Center, Sydney

A former School of the Arts building, The Arthouse Hotel has been renovated into a modern, belle epoque–style hot spot, with four bars and a restaurant spread over three cavernous floors. Art is the focus here, with life-drawing classes available on Monday, a burlesque show in the basement space on Wednesday, and live music every Wednesday and Thursday. Don't miss the very popular happy hour between 5 pm and 7 pm during the week.

Bambini Wine Room is a sparkling little jewel box encased in marble-clad walls and topped with lovely chandeliers. You can sip cocktails, whiskeys and any number of fine wines late into the night and feast on affordable bar snacks.

This is the place to come at sunset for the view, tapas, and cocktails—and the '70s kitsch of a revolving restaurant. Located on Level 47 of the Australia Square building, O Bar has floor-to-ceiling windows, so no matter which seat you have, the view is great, and constantly changing. It's perfect for a predinner drink, or dinner, too. It's open daily from 5 pm and Friday lunch.

One of a string of swanky venues in the area, Hemmesphere is still drawing a hip crowd more than a decade after it first opened. Named for Justin Hemmes, son of iconic 1970s fashion designers Jon and Merivale Hemmes, this is where Sydney's most trendy pay homage to cocktail culture from low, leather divans. The mood is elegant and sleek, and so are the well-dressed guests, who often include whichever glitterati happen to be in town. It's on the fourth level of the Establishment Hotel complex and draws those seeking an escape from the rowdy action downstairs.

This multilevel complex of bars, pubs, and eateries is in an ultrahip George Street complex. Cocktails are great but expensive, and the crowd varies depending on the night. If you don't fancy this bar, then there's the decadent Pool Club bar on the top floor, where if you get there early you can recline in your own cabana overlooking the swimming pool. Also on-site are the Den (a lavish bar with chaise longue furniture, chandeliers, and cigar menu), the casual Royal George pub, and the Ash Street Cellar bistro.

This Cuban-theme bar is a hit in Sydney. Patrons love the palm trees, the cane furniture, and the wall lined with Cuban banknotes. Cocktails are all rum-based, with funky names like Ol Grogram with Lobo's own spiced rum, fresh lemon, sugar, and stout vermouth. The affordable bar menu is limited, with empanadas or tacos on offer, but it helps soak up the alcohol.