Paddington

Sydney's prettiest terrace-house suburb: iron-lace Victorian streets, art galleries, designer boutiques along Oxford Street and William Street, and the long-running Paddington Markets every Saturday 10am-4pm. Come for a stroll and the markets; it's polished and pricey rather than edgy, and quiet on non-market days.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Paddington good for art galleries?

It's Sydney's commercial gallery heartland — a dozen-plus serious galleries within walking distance, mostly free to enter, clustered around Paddington and Woollahra. Most are closed Sundays and Mondays, so time it for late in the week or Saturday.

Where's good to eat and drink in Paddington?

The Five Ways junction is the local secret — a village-y cluster of cafes and restaurants away from Oxford Street. On the main drag, the grand old pubs (The Paddington, Royal Hotel at Five Ways) do reliable upscale-pub food, mostly $$-$$$.

Can I walk from Paddington to Bondi or the city?

The city, yes — it's about 30-40 minutes down Oxford Street through Darlinghurst. Bondi is too far to walk comfortably, but the 333 bus continues straight there from Oxford Street, making Paddington a natural stop on a city-to-Bondi day.

How do I get to Paddington without a car?

There's no train station, so buses are your friend — the frequent 333 or 380 along Oxford Street from the CBD takes about 15-20 minutes. Get off just past Paddington Town Hall for the markets and main strip.

When are Paddington Markets on?

Every Saturday, 10am to 4pm, in the Uniting Church grounds at 395 Oxford Street — running since 1973 and famous for launching Australian designers. There's also a growers' market corner from 9am.

What's the deal with Paddington's terrace houses?

The suburb has one of the largest intact collections of Victorian terraces in the world, with famous iron-lace balconies. The best streets to wander are off Oxford Street — try the blocks around Paddington Street and Windsor Street.

Where should I shop in Paddington?

Oxford Street and the William Street laneway for Australian designer boutiques, and the Intersection precinct at Oxford and Glenmore for the higher-end names. It's boutique prices, not bargain hunting — the Saturday markets are the affordable end.

Is Paddington worth visiting on a non-market day?

If you like architecture, galleries, and quiet browsing, yes — it's arguably nicer without market crowds. If you want energy and things happening, come Saturday or pick Surry Hills or Newtown instead.

Nearby in Ask Sydney

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