Creative Director, Designer, and Co-Founder of Actuel, Paulina Paige Ortega shares her city guide to Sydney.
"I moved to Sydney several years ago thinking I’d give it a go for a year or so. Almost a decade later, I have grown dependent on weekend swims in the ocean, am now unable to love coffee from anywhere else in the world, and am now actually Australian (passport et al!). Suffice it to say, Sydney is a city that is easy to fall in love with and hard to get enough of. Here are some of my favourite things to experience here."
Shop 6C, 11 Ward Ave, Potts Point, Sydney, 2011
"A hole in the wall that’s really more so a stylish, cozy little escape in one of the busiest parts of town. A wine bar with a tight seasonal menu, this place exudes a European homeliness made even more inviting by an exuberant crowd. An evening there feels like stopping by the kitchen of an interesting friend on your way home."
10 William Street, Paddington, Sydney, 2021
"My actual neighborhood go-to. Whipped bottarga dip and pretzel for days, cold, perfect for a cold glass of vermouth, and a warm, convivial atmosphere. Great for an intimate lunch or dinner followed by a little stroll down charming William Street shops."
44 Bridge St, Sydney, 2000
"This place has the air of an old school hotel lobby. Dark, moody, and bustling. The servers are dressed in fantastic canary yellow jackets. And it’s situated in the heart of the CBD. The seafood platter is great (oysters are a must when visiting Sydney). But the real go here is the hidden cheeseburger they leave off the menu, which I love to pair with chips, a Caesar’s salad and a dry martini. Heaven."
547 Bourke St, Surry Hills, Sydney, 2010
"You understand very quickly after having coffee from here why having it in most other places in the world is an exercise often met with disappointment. It’s a neighbourhood hub that fosters a real sense of community. More morning ritual than mindless coffee run."
16 Foster St, Surry Hills, Sydney, 2010
"Both effortlessly cool and deeply considered. This gallery hosts exhibitions of Australian fine artists with interesting perspectives, spanning photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The owners have a wonderful eye for spotting talent. The gallery’s shop features an equally impeccable curation of small-batch photobooks and artist-designed hoodies. It’s a nice cultural touch point of Sydney."
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney, 2000
"Perfect for a run, or a long afternoon walk. This spot offers you that quintessential Sydney postcard view of the Opera House and the Harbour. Great sunset spot with a sprinkling of sea breeze."
87 Paddington Street, Paddington, Sydney, 2021
"My friend Henry Wilson’s showroom which features such beautiful objects — lamps, vide poches, candles. It stocks a carefully curated mix of objects for the home and is a lovely stop for lovers of design and pretty things."
31-33 Elizabeth Bay Rd. Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, 2011
"An unassuming little shop in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay neighbourhood that houses incredible vintage furniture pieces. If you fancy a post breakfast chair purchase, or perhaps are someone who constantly contemplates a new couch (like me), this is great for a little wander."
3-25R Eastbourne Avenue, Clovelly, Sydney, 2031
"My default swimming hole on a hot summer day. Distinct from most of Sydney’s Eastern beaches, Clovelly has long rock formations / cemented paddocks that serve as great spots to (responsibly) tan, and jump straight into the ocean from. Almost like a giant pool that’s actually the sea. And hardly ever too wavy for a leisurely swim."
Pacific Street, Watsons Bay, Sydney, 2030
"If you closed your eyes and imagined the ideal beach shack, it would look like this. Classic watering hole at Camp Cove beach that serves refreshing house-made gelato in fresh fruit husks."
98 Newcastle Street, Rose Bay, Sydney, 2029
"This is where I go to unwind. Situated in a renovated old church, the space does hold a sacred sensibility. I come for facial and body massages, sometimes a bit of reiki, and Normatec leg massager time. I love that many of their therapists perform intuitive treatments, tailor-made to what one’s body needs at any given time."
27 William Street, Paddington, Sydney, 2021
"Where my husband and I do weekly flower runs. Always a delightfully unexpected selection. I’ve bought everything from gorgeous onion flowers to naturally pink and purple corn here."
The Abercrombie, Level 2/100 Broadway, Chippendale, Sydney, 2008
"Where to go when you fancy a dance. They have such fun DJs on every night of the week. Also great for a casual after-work drink and bite."
333 Enmore Road, Marrickville, Sydney, 2204
"Gorgeous cafe in Marrickville. Clean, produce-driven menu, and ridiculously delicious. The interiors are also beautiful and feature works by Australian designers."