Is Paddington a Good Suburb in Sydney?

On the long list of neighborhoods in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Paddington always ranks as one of the most popular with both locals and tourists. It’s easy to understand why – it’s bursting with character and charm.

Paddington is not only a good suburb, it’s one of the best in Sydney. It’s historic, has great food and shopping, and its central location makes accessing other parts of the city easy.

I’ve spent years in Sydney, and it’s the one suburb I’ve always looked forward to visiting the most. I love the cafe culture, the European aesthetic, and the hidden streets you can get lost exploring.

Paddington has so much to offer at first glance, and these are the reasons why it stands out, based on what I’ve learned after spending countless hours in the suburb.

1. Location

If you want to be in the center of the action in Sydney, Paddington is one of the best suburbs you can choose. Its central location, about 3km east of the Sydney CBD, allows you to explore the city and easily experience a wide variety of activities.

• It’s in the thick of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, bordered by Darlinghurst to the west, Edgecliff and Woollahra to the east, Surry Hills to the south, and Centennial Park to the north.

• Oxford Street, which has a huge selection of amazing shops, great cafes, and restaurants, runs through the heart of Paddington, connecting it to Darlinghurst and Woollahra.

• When you walk down Oxford Street, you see the top of Allianz Stadium sticking out. In a 5-10 minute walk, you can watch the Roosters at the stadium or go next door to catch a cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

• While it’s not on the ocean, driving 10 minutes will take you to Double Bay Beach or Bondi Beach (you can also walk to both, but in my experience, it takes about an hour).

• Paddington is also near Centennial Park and Moore Park, both of which are a 15-20-minute walk away.

• For public transportation options, you can take a bus or go to the nearby train stations at Edgecliff and Kings Cross.

2. Trendy + Historical Vibe

Paddington has a distinctly European vibe that you don’t see in many places in Sydney. It’s where the 1800s meets the present day, and you notice it as soon as you enter.

• The vibe is shaped by the Victorian terrace houses you see up and down the streets. They feel less like residences and more like decorative additions to the suburb.

• These terraces, along with historic structures like the Paddington Reservoir Gardens and the Paddington Uniting Church, add to the impressive architecture.

• Boutique shops, art galleries, and a wonderful cafe scene create an artistic and charming atmosphere.

• The tree-lined streets give Paddington a backdrop of nature that’s far removed from the less “green” suburbs like the CBD and Bondi Junction.

3. Walkability

If you’re looking to be in a suburb that’s walkable, Paddington is very easy to navigate; you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a quick walk.

• End-to-end, you can walk the place in about 15-20 minutes, so it’s ideal for someone looking for an area that isn’t overwhelming. Despite the size, it packs in a lot and doesn’t feel claustrophobic.

• From any starting point, you can easily access cafes, shops, grocery stores, and parks.

4. Art Scene

Paddington is a key art location in the city, with a range of galleries and spaces that feature contemporary art, traditional works, and exhibitions from both local and international artists.

• Art galleries are common in Paddington; my personal favorites are the Matin Gallery for contemporary and the Christopher Day Gallery for amazing oil paintings.

• The Paddington Art Prize is an annual event in which artists from around the country submit their Australian-inspired works for the chance to win $30,000. It’s been going on for 20+ years and has highlighted some fantastic Australian artists.

• In general, Paddington’s streets also contribute to its artistic atmosphere, with public art installations and street art, which complements the traditional gallery experience.

5. Parks & Gardens

Because it’s such a green space, naturally, there are several parks and gardens in and around the suburb. It’s the ideal suburb for quiet relaxation or playing outdoor sports and exercise. As you walk around, small grassy areas with trees and park benches constantly sneak up on you.

• Paddington Reservoir Gardens, one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, is an old reservoir that’s been transformed into a sunken garden and boardwalk. It’s just off Oxford St., next to the Town Hall (it’s easy to miss), and perfect for a quick 10-minute activity.

• Centennial Park is an easy 15-minute walk from Paddington. When you’re there, you can participate in any number of outdoor activities, like walking, cycling, and picnicking. The park has massive lawns, ponds, and tree-lined avenues.

• 15-20 minutes from Paddington is Moore Park, another sweeping park with plenty of activities. This is where Allianz and the Sydney Cricket Ground are located, and there’s even an 18-hole golf course. There’s a driving range at the golf course if you’re looking for a quick activity.

6. Food Options

The cafe scene in Paddington is strong. But it’s not just about the coffees and pastries; you’ll find some excellent options for any time of day.

My Favorite Paddington Restaurants:

Porcine: A taste of France in Paddington; excellent French food with an inviting dining room.

10 William St.: The menu isn’t huge, but this cozy wine bar makes for a great evening out.

Alimentari: More of a lunch option, this Italian deli has great sandwiches and Italian desserts.

My Favorite Paddington Cafes:

The Hood: A hole-in-the-wall coffee shop with tasty matcha and oversized cookies.

Jackie’s Cafe: One of the best brunch spots in Sydney, with a beautiful outdoor seating area.

Bonython Cafe: A hidden gem in Paddington with a spacious and green seating area. It’s down a hidden alley on Underwood Street and easy to miss.

7. Busy Nightlife

Despite Paddington’s relatively modest size, the city can become lively at night. The nightlife has many entertainment and socializing options, with cool pubs and bars, some even occasionally playing live music.

• The pubs in Paddington are central to the nightlife, with spots like The Paddington Inn and The Unicorn Hotel serving a mix of drinks, pub food, and occasional live music.

• The bars in Paddington range from casual to upscale and serve a range of cocktails, wines, and craft beers. The London Hotel on William St. has a massive beverage selection; I highly recommend going here for a night out.

8. Shopping

Paddington is an ideal spot if you’re interested in fashion and design. Along Oxford Street, William Street, and Glenmore Road, you’ll find a collection of local designers and boutiques. The shops offer an eclectic mix of high-end fashion, handmade items, jewelry, home decor, and art pieces.

• For those high-end shoppers out there, “The Intersection” is exactly where you need to be. It’s on Oxford and Glenmore, and you’ll find Australian designers like Zimmermann and Sass & Bide, amongst others.

• On William Street, you can hop from door to door and visit wonderful jewelry stores and boutiques. I recommend checking out CASA by Carolina, a lovely antique shop where you’re greeted by one-of-a-kind items and French music.

• On the main street, closer to the Paddington Markets and the Paddington Public School, are classy shops like Sarah and Sebastian, selling elegant but affordable jewelry, and Dinosaur Designs, a small homeware shop selling colorful homewares with a primitive aesthetic.

• The Paddington Markets are held every Saturday, and you’ll find everything there, from food and flowers to clothes and antiques.