Curio Collection Local Guide, Sydney

We sent Sydney, Australia based Yodeler Demas Rusli to West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton to create a Sydney Local Guide. The West Hotel Sydney is a boutique hotel that marries urban city elegance and amazing, contemporary design, with serenity. One of the hotel’s highlights is an open-air garden Atrium, with lush green foliage. The hotel is surrounded by activities and attractions and is only moments from the Barangaroo on the Western Corridor a growing business, fashion, and design hub in Sydney. Demas created an incredible local guide full travel tips just for you.

Name: Demas Rusli

Occupation? I am an architectural graduate and photographer

Can you sum up the city you live in? Sydney is a perfect mix of the urban and the natural. No matter what you do – from exploring the central business district to relaxing at nearby beaches along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk – there is something here for you. Sydney also is a very multicultural city. You will meet a wide variety of people, and you will have the opportunity to sample food from many different countries. Getting around is quite easy; there are good train, bus, and ferry options, and a new light rail (tram) system currently under construction will make it even easier to access every part of the city. The best part about Sydney is the Sydney Opera House. There is no other building like it in the world, and its iconic shape is instantly recognizable as the symbol of Sydney!

How long have you lived in Sydney? I’ve lived in Sydney for 20 years.

What is the best thing about Sydney? The best thing about Sydney is how close this urban area is to beautiful natural areas, The Sydney skyline, harbour and beaches all combine to make Sydney a unique location for visitors from around the world.

What is a perfect day in your city? The perfect day in Sydney starts at one of Sydney’s many delicious brunch restaurants, followed by a trip to one of the beaches along the coastline, where you can relax with a cold drink or even go for a swim. Some of my favourite brunch spots include:

Culture Bean Cafe – Try the Acai Bowl. Perfect on a hot summer day.

Shuk – A Mediterranean café where the Shakshuka and the Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich are must-tries.

Bread and Circus – Offering healthy, fresh, and tasty food, this restaurant has a quirky pink interior with communal tables. Try the Chicken Congee and one of the sandwich boxes.

Single O – My favourite coffee spot in Sydney!

At sunset, I head to one of the many locations where I can see the city skyline, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Finally, at the end of the day, I enjoy dinner with friends or loved ones at one of the city’s many fine restaurants. My top four dinner spots are:

Out of the Blue A very busy, small shop near Clovelly beach and a popular spot to grab a takeaway burger to enjoy at the beach. The service is very fast and friendly. The fish burger is my absolute favourite!

Manpuku – If you are looking for Ramen, this is the place to go. There are 2 locations, one in Kingsford and another in Chatswood. Try the Number 7 Ramen (Kono Deaini Kanshashite Aijou to Jonetsu Komete Issheukenmei Tsukutta Uchirano Icchan Sukina Manpuku  Shiawasi Ramen) or Number 4 Ramen (Tonkotsu Shoyu) – both are delicious and remind me of Ramen in Japan.

Chat Thai – An authentic Thai experience with a great selection of food. The Emerald Duck and Pad See Ew are my favourites.

Chef’s Gallery The interior of this restaurant is like a gallery, and you can watch the chef’s cooking as you eat. The cuisine is modern Chinese and the best dishes are the Green Seafood Noodles, Wagyu Beef and Pork Floss Roti.

What are the people like in Sydney? The people in Sydney are very relaxed and easy going. They love to go out for drinks and just have a good time with mates. They also love the beach, whether it be just relaxing or going surfing. People from all around the world live here and each suburb has its own unique identity and cultural vibe,

If Sydney was a person who would it be? Sydney is like Hugh Jackman because he is very likable and multifaceted, just like Sydney!

What was your impression of West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton? Our experience at the West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton was great in every way. We stayed in the King Barangaroo Suite, which included a separate living room and private bedroom, with all the amenities required for a relaxing two nights stay. The hotel is also located very conveniently, within walking distance to Darling Harbour (one of Sydney’s largest dining, shopping, and nightlife areas); Barangaroo (Sydney’s growing business, fashion and design center); and Circular Quay (Sydney’s main ferry terminal and the gateway to many of Sydney’s main attractions).

Tell us about your experience as a guest at the hotel: The Team Members and service was the best part of the West Hotel Sydney experience. Everyone was so friendly, and they always knew our names when greeting us. Another standout was the architecture and the hotel’s interior decoration. The architecture and the hotel’s décor is very unique, and we felt like we were transported away from Sydney for a weekend getaway. Finally, we really enjoyed the food at the hotel restaurant, Solander Dining, Dinner was delicious!

If a friend was visiting Sydney for 24 hours what would you suggest they do? I would tell my friend to wake up early and go to Hickson Road Reserve where you can experience the sunrise with a view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Afterwards, they should go for brunch to Devon on Danks at Barangaroo.

After brunch, my friend should visit Sydney’s central business district, a dense area which is home to some of the city’s most important architecture. Check out old buildings from Sydney’s earliest days as a colony (Queen Victoria Building and the Sydney Town Hall), as well as the city’s modern high rises and skyscrapers. The architecture scene in Sydney is definitely on the rise, and there are a number of great buildings if you’re into architecture. Some standouts include the Charles Perkins Centre at University of Sydney (USYD) and Building 11 and Building 7 at University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Go inside and check out the amazing staircases inside each of these buildings. One Central Park is also a unique building as the entire façade of the tower is covered with plants! Towards the Circular Quay side of the city, I would recommend having a look at 1 Bligh Street where the central atrium lights up the lobby.  Last, but definitely not least, visit the Sydney Opera House. Completed in the 1960’s it is still the most modern looking building in the Sydney skyline.

For shopping, I suggest that my friend visit the Pitt Street Mall, a one block pedestrian mall between Market Street and King Street, This is one of Australia’s busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping areas, and it is also a good place to grab lunch.

In the late afternoon, they should head toward the Royal Botanic Gardens via the Sydney Opera House in time to catch the sunset from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (probably the best spot for a sunset in Sydney).

In the evening, I recommend that they head back to the hotel and grab dinner at Solander Dining. I enjoyed the Hazelnut Scallop entrée, Beef Fillet for the main, and Chocolate Mousse for dessert. After dinner walk to Darling Harbour via Barangaroo and if you happen to be there on Saturday, you can catch the fireworks show at 9 pm!

 

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City:

Sydney

Best place to eat:

Out of the Blue (fish burgers close to Clovelly Beach)

Best place to drink:

Archie Rose

Best place to shop:

Bondi Westfield

Best activity:

Relaxing at Bondi Beach

Local tip:

Visit the Sydney Opera House (the best piece of architecture in the world in my opinion!)

Best place to stay:

West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton