Discover what the Inner West has to offer

Balmain is the perfect embodiment of Sydney's allure and charm, with its unbeatable harbour views and friendly neighbourhood atmosphere. Hop on a ferry from the CBD and stroll down Darling Street to Stem, a haven for design lovers where you can easily spend an entire afternoon lost in its wares. When the clock strikes 3pm, join the locals at Unity Hall Hotel for a glass of wine and savour the smooth sounds of Sunday afternoon jazz. End your day at Fabbrica Pasta Shop's first Inner West outpost inside the Exchange Hotel, a historic landmark that's been at the heart of Balmain for generations. Book ahead to savour their handmade pasta – yes, including their famous spaghetti cacio e pepe.

Wander around the windy lanes of Rozelle and you will quickly forget that you are in the big smoke. Win the morning with a revitalising yoga class and a cup of coffee at Sydney’s first integrated yoga studio and whole foods café, Egg of the Universe. Then, immerse yourself in the captivating world of contemporary art at Artereal Gallery or take a tour of Rozelle’s culinary delights including Belle Fleur Fine Chocolate’s luscious red velvet ganache or Willowbrae Cheese’s 100 per cent goat milk fetta (cellar door cheese sales by appointment only).

Norton Street is the beating heart of Sydney’s ‘Little Italy’, with a plethora of red-sauce pasta joints, and traditional grocers and cafés. For an authentic taste of Rome, head to Capriccio Osteria & Bar, where you'll find fresh housemade pasta and wines that champion some of the under-appreciated vintages of Italy. For a more eclectic experience, head to Otis – Leichhardt’s newest neighbourhood bar serving creative breakfast cocktails, five days of happy hours and a seven-cheese toastie (yes, seven). Don't forget to explore Leichhardt's thriving art scene too, including urban Indigenous works at Boomalli Aboriginal Artists' Co-op.

This rich historical suburb often falls off the Inner West radar, but has lots to offer for foodies and shoppers alike. Revolver Café is a long-time local favourite serving old-fashioned milkshakes and cheeseburgers straight out of New York. Meanwhile, Cherry Moon General Store offers a more modern take on artisanal fare, with a mural of baked goods, humble breads and freshly brewed coffee. Finally, if you're a vinyl enthusiast, don't miss the Vintage Record, where you'll find everything from rock to soul to comedy albums.

Petersham, known as Sydney’s ‘Little Portugal’, isn’t quite as flashy as its Inner West neighbours, but we think that’s part of the suburb’s charm. Sweet Belem is your first port of call for a sweet, flaky Pastéis de Nata (or Portuguese custard tart), followed by some traditional charcoal chicken (butterflied, grilled and spiced with plenty of hot sauce) at Frangos. You’ll find queues out the door at both of these Petersham hot spots, but it’s well worth the wait.

Marrickville is a melting pot of cultures, heavily influenced by waves of Greek and Vietnamese residents. These days most people head to Illawarra Rd for some of the city’s best bánh mì, along with fresh Vietnamese spring rolls and bento boxes at VN Street Food. Whereas, the Greeks go to Lamia Super Deli on Marrickville Road to stock up on cold cuts, cow’s milk cheese, olives and fresh paninis. Plan your visit on a Sunday so you can explore a wonderland of fresh produce at the Marrickville Organic Market, or align your visit with a side-splitting comedy show at the Factory. 

Italian cuisine is king on Ramsey Street where you’ll find small family-run businesses selling everything from pasta and pizza to cakes and cheesecake. Pasticceria Papa has a cult following for its light and fluffy ricotta cheesecake, while people travel across Sydney for Paesanella’s gourmet cheeses, olives, oils and meats. If you're craving classic pizza and pasta, head to La Disfida. Just be sure to arrive promptly at 6pm to avoid a long wait.