34 WAYS IN TWO DAYS: A GUIDE TO THE BEST GIRLS’ WEEKEND IN SYDNEY
Are you organising your annual girls’ weekend or finally getting that girls’ trip out of the group chat and into real life? Or maybe you’re looking for a weekend away on your own? We’ve got you covered with a two-day itinerary packed with everything a girl needs to have fun.
Credit: Destination NSW
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, living it up on a bachelorette weekend or escaping the grind on a much-deserved vacay, there’s plenty to see and do in Sydney.
If you want a mix of relaxation, great bars and pubs, excellent eats and a bit of culture, then look no further than basing yourself in the inner-city village of Pyrmont. Everything you need for 48 hours of fun with your girls can be found here for your one-night getaway or multi-day staycation.
And the best bit? Everything you need to make for a memorable holiday is within walking distance. No designated driving, no waiting for Ubers and no forking out for stretch limos required (unless, of course, that’s your vibe).
Here’s 34 different ways to get the most out of your trip away.
Day 1
Morning
You can’t do a girls’ weekend without brunch, and for this you’re spoiled for choice in Pyrmont. Kick-start your morning with a beautiful brunch at Two Sis & Co, an Instagrammable café known for colourful drinks and wow-factor dishes. We’re talking ricotta hotcakes dowsed in edible flowers, egg truffle croissants, rainbow-hued lattes, and so much more.
Or wander over to brunch-tastic Quick Brown Fox Eatery on heritage-listed Union Square for an alfresco experience with a menu of delicious mod Oz favourites with interesting fusions – like babaganoush bruschetta, French Roast with coffee cream, miso caramel and choc cereal balls, and one of the best congees in Sydney. Pair these with a spritz or Gabriel coffee and you’re onto a winner.
On the way back to the hotel, stop by some of Pyrmont’s cutest stores like Urban Oasis, where you can pick up locally-designed homewares, gifts and clothing. Perfect for a last-minute gift or a special souvenir! If you’re wanting to gift a special friend some flowers or want to take home a bunch for yourself, head over to fragrant Floral Desire Studio for fresh flowers.
Afternoon
Time to relax! Head to The Darling Spa to be pampered for the afternoon. Located within The Star, this spa features 11 treatment rooms, two exclusive couples suites, a Moroccan Hammam chamber, steam room and a jacuzzi. Take your pick from a variety of massages, facials and body exfoliations. Or if you prefer to get your relaxation on by way of a sauna and float therapy, head to City Cave Broadway to experience lying in a pool filled with 400kg of Epsom salts, with water perfectly heated to your body temperature.
Credit: City Cave
If you and your gals are more of the adventurous types, make your way around Blackwattle Bay to Paddle Pirates in Glebe for a half-day kayaking adventure around Sydney Harbour. Spot seals, penguins and White Bellied Sea Eagles that inhabit the area and see Sydney from a different viewpoint.
Carry on into the afternoon with a drink in the sunshine, sip on one of the many local wines at Gallon, or head to the rooftop of the Quarryman’s for views and a pina colada (or two).
Evening
After a rainwater shower and refresh at the hotel, it’s dinner time. Treat yourself to one of Sydney’s best waterside restaurants, LuMi enjoying artfully-plated dish after dish matched with wines, while perched on the wharf overlooking the harbour. Or for something cheap and cheerful, enjoy local favourite, Rice & Curry, serving up authentic Thai food in Pyrmont.
Feeling adventurous? Join Local Sauce Tours on a Secret Bar Crawl which will take you to some of the best watering holes in town. It’s a great way to meet other people, hear more about the history of the area, and discover some of the best bars in town.
Credit: Miami Bar
Or if you’re preferring to stick close to your hotel home, head to the hottest new cocktail bar in town, Miami Bar for premium whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails and that Miami feeling. Still going? Finish up at The Laneway for a late-night dessert or cocktail or head to the casino at The Star for a round or two.
After a big day, head back to your hotel and embrace all the elements of Aiden Darling Harbour’s Sleep Ritual Program – from your choice of pillow to blackout blinds. And if you are in need of hydration, you can drink your fill of complimentary Moda sparkling or still water before hitting the hay.
Day 2
Morning
After a great night’s sleep, head to a morning yoga class at Pyrmont Yoga on Harris Street. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, there’s something here for everyone. Or if you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, head to a session of Puppy Yoga, which pops up across the city and is exactly what you think it is, yoga with puppies.
Credit: Puppy Yoga Sydney
Finish up the morning with a matcha and pastry from Akipan, an authentic Japanese café bringing Japanese bread culture to Sydney.
If cooking is more your thing, Australia’s premium seafood cooking school is right on your doorstep. Established in 1989 and hosting around 12,000 guests each year, the Sydney Seafood School hosts a variety of classes throughout the year teaching beginners and pros new recipes and techniques for seafood dishes. AND friends of Aiden Darling Harbour score a special 20% discount on all cooking classes! Simply add the code AIDEN20 when making your online booking. And if you’re still feeling hungry after the class, dig into some of the freshest seafood you’ll eat at the Sydney Fish Market.
Or if you’re looking for some fresh air and time out, you can’t pass up The Chinese Garden of Friendship. A hidden oasis in the city. Find solitude among the lotus plants, towering willow trees, trickling waterfalls. For lunch, spoil yourself with some yum cha at The Gardens by Lotus restaurant or check out one of the 40+ eateries at Darling Square.
Afternoon
Keen to hit the water? Hop onto a sailing trip by Sydney by Sail. Sit back and relax for the afternoon taking in the iconic views of Sydney and don’t forget to snap that iconic selfie for Instagram.
If sailing is not your thing, head to the Powerhouse Museum to discover the latest exhibition. The Powerhouse is known for being the intersection of the arts, design, science and technology and hosts events bringing diverse communities together. Better yet, the majority of exhibitions are free (and interactive). If you have time, take a look at Audrey Fine Art Gallery to see both emerging and established talent come to life from Indigenous artworks to abstract creations.
Have a best friend bond that you want to make permanent? Head to Mayu Beauty located on John Street for some permanent jewellery. Perhaps a matching friendship bracelet or a waist chain?
Evening
Dine at the hot new addition in Pyrmont, Norcino. An authentic Italian eatery owned by Arnolfo Raimondi and Fabio Battisti, both hailing from Rome (so you know it’s going to be good). We’re talking fresh pasta with slow-braised ragu made with home-made sausages, only the best red wines direct from Italy, and a cosy feeling that’s like you’ve walked into an Italian family’s kitchen.
If Italian is not the mood tonight, don’t look past Umami Dojo, a husband and wife run ramen house. Don’t miss their signature siphoned ramen. Or have a bite of traditional Mexican street food at an authentic taqueria called Nativo Mexican.
After dinner, take a short walk to the Sydney Lyric Theatre to catch the latest musical theatre show on. This stage has seen everything from Hamilton to Wicked, Cinderella to Mamma Mia! Have a show-stopping night out with the girls singing show tunes over a glass of wine. Hot tip: Make sure you book ahead or check out TodayTix for last minute ticket finds.
Credit: Destination NSW
Not ready for bed yet? Stay up late streaming Netflix in your room for free via the hotel’s super speedy wi-fi with complimentary chromecasting in your room.
Sleeping Arrangements
Get the girls together and stay at Aiden Darling Harbour, choosing from a range of different room types, from The Exhibitionist (perfect if you’re on a solo stay or want a room each, for when you just need a place to lay your head) and The Good Twin (with two single beds, so twice the fun!), to the top floor The Balcony rooms with oodles of space and a private balcony overlooking the city. Some rooms are also interconnecting, joining together two adjacent rooms.
Take a look at our current special offers and packages here.
Bookings & activities
Our team of hosts would be delighted to assist with creating and booking a tailored itinerary of local activities for your trip. Get in touch with questions and requests, as well as other insider tips and suggestions on what to see and do in Sydney.
Please note, businesses and tour operators may not be in operation or may have adjusted opening hours during special event periods and major holidays. Some activities require pre-booking and are subject to availability. It’s always best to check first!
A gift that keeps on giving?
Looking to treat a special person in your life to a vacation? Perhaps as an engagement present, birthday, thank you gift or a romantic gesture?
We’ve got just the answer, an Aiden Darling Harbour gift voucher. Purchase here.