The Iglu Guide | Blog

Why inner west Sydney is so cool

March 20, 2023

Sydney is well known for her beautiful beaches, harbour views and sun-filled days. It’s the perfect place to spend your student years. But those in the know are doing something a little different. Just west of the city, there’s a few suburbs that are quietly making their mark on the urban map. Here’s what you need to know about Sydney’s Inner West.

Multicultural and cosmopolitan

Think Melbourne vibes meets Sydney weather – and there you have it in a nutshell. From Leichardt and Newtown to Marrickville and Summer Hill, this network of urban villages is renowned for its diversity and character-filled streets. Known as the cultural heart of Sydney, there’s no beach culture to rely on for the wow factor. But what the Inner West does have is vibe, energy and ambience in droves. From architecture and people through to culture and history, these suburbs are literally where trend meets with tradition – and they make for a very good time. Rich with multiculturalism that infuses the streetscape, there’s a blend of young professionals, families and students alike which means each area has its own story to tell.

Well connected

The inner west actually starts close to the city, stretching from Surry Hills and Chippendale across to Dulwich Hill and Ashfield. With excellent transport links in place, it has been talked about as one of the most liveable places in Sydney. The area is well serviced by both trains and buses with a night-bus service mirroring the train network overnight. Sydney Ferries will get you along the Paramatta River as well as connect you with Darling Harbour and the new Light Rail service will take you all the way from Central to Dulwich Hill. There’s plenty of cycleways and walking paths that take advantage of the Sydney weather such as the GreenWay corridor that connects the Cooks River Pathway to the popular Bay Run. And if you’re keen to stay close to university, there’s super easy access to Sydney University, Western University, La Trobe and UTS as well as Southern Cross and Charles Darwin.

Foodie heaven

Whether it’s filling your basket with fresh market produce or trying out a local eatery, the Inner West does food like no other. In response to the multicultural mix, there’s a huge array of cuisines on offer, from Asian, African and European to Middle Eastern and more just waiting for you to enjoy. Discover great pub grub, on-trend cafes, delicious delis and tasty treats. And when it’s not about the food, there’s quirky bars, offbeat venues and cosy beer gardens all jostling for space, but welcome to all. And if you’re thirsty for a beer, Marrickville has become the handy capital of the craft beer movement. With more breweries than seems possible, you’ll definitely raise a glass in the Inner West.

Heart of the action

The Inner West is a multi-layered area that’s changing the face of the city. Close to the CBD yet with a unique identity, it has carved out an eclectic and artsy personality that sits outside the traditional Sydney style. Home to theatres, art galleries and comedy, there’s a flourishing festival scene that now includes the Inner West Fest. Focused on reconnecting the post-pandemic community, this series of mini-festivals takes over the local suburbs and offer a range of events from live music and arts to comedy and food. Street art is a regular feature of this area and tells the story of the neighbourhoods as they have each evolved and developed. Shoppers will not leave disappointed. Try Newtown’s King Street for a touch of grunge or something different, or head to Balmain for artisan markets, homeware stores and boutiques. You’re never far away from a high street label, check out Broadway Shopping Centre for all your essentials, movies and more.