There are plenty of options for a great night out in Sydney, whether you’re looking for a more interesting date idea, midweek fun or something that’s open into the night on the weekend.
"A thriving nightlife includes a range of interesting entertainment options for people of all ages," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“Sydney has the largest night-time economy and the biggest number of visitors in Australia. OPEN Sydney is our strategy for long-term development to expand the choices of things to do at night”
From go-karting to a bohemian-inspired buffet and movie, here are a range of options for when the sun goes down.
1. Dinner and a movie with a difference
Govindas
112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
Opening hours:
Thursday - Sunday 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Closed Easter weekend
No wonder Govindas has been around for more than 40 years. This bohemian inspired institution serves a vegetarian and vegan buffet. As one of Sydney’s first plant-based restaurants it’s still going strong with a generous spread of delicious food on offer from India and beyond. Dishes like dahl soup, plentiful salads, crispy cauliflower pakoras, vegetable curries and shepherd’s pie. Go back for seconds, or thirds of your favourites, but don’t forget to leave room for dessert!
After dinner kick off your shoes and head upstairs to the cosy movie room filled with comfortable upright seats, couches and reclining cushions. There are several films to choose from each night, check the Govinda’s website to time your meal (and appetite) accordingly.
If you like this you may also like:
Oz Harvest Refettorio’s neighborhood dinners for a good cause - Surry Hills
Golden Age cinema and bar’s art deco stylings – Surry Hills
2. Laid back, Instagrammable challenge rooms
Hijinx Hotel
75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday : 12pm – 10pm
Friday: 12pm – 12am
Saturday: 10am – 12am
Sunday: 10am-10pm
Extended hours for school holidays, check the website for more details.
If you like games, but want something more chill, you have to check in here. At Hijinx Hotel quick immersive games are set within the quirky interiors of a New York-style hotel. There are 15 rooms with puzzles and challenges centred around childhood games and themes like Tetris, Twister, Pinball, Scrabble, historic events like Titanic and wild concepts like Floor is Lava.
Unlike escape rooms, the goal of these challenge rooms is a simpler single objective like shooting the most hoops, solving scrambled words or recalling song patterns on a giant piano. In groups of 2 to 6 you’re aiming to collectively accumulate the most points against other teams in a few minutes. The difficulty ramps up with each game completed.
This fake hotel really commits to the beautifully over-the-top theme, adding to the experience and making for excellent Instagram photos. When you’re ready to refuel there’s a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks at 3 different bars and food to keep you well-fed from old school toasties to burgers and pizzas.
If you like this you may also like:
Escape Hunt's creative escape rooms – Sydney CBD
Make your own ceramics at The Pottery Shed - Surry Hills
3. Race your mates in electric go-karts
Hyperkarting and virtual reality
The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Opening hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 10am -12am
Thursday – Sunday: 7am - 12am
Start your electric engines rain, hail or shine! Race around Australia’s longest indoor go-karting track that’s 410-m. Most other go-kart tracks in Sydney are further afield from our local area, but this one is at Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
The main event here is the electric powered go karts. They’re not only more sustainable than petrol karts, but also quieter, and fume and grease-free. This makes the steering and racing experience a lot smoother but no less exhilarating. If you come before sunset you can drive with an amazing view in your sights. At nighttime, the fluoro lights come into full-force
To change things up arcade games and virtual reality offer something (slightly) more subdued. The games will have you fighting off the zombie hordes, dicing and slicing to a finished meal in a chaotic kitchen, go head-to-head in Battle Royal and even a nostalgic race for your life in Mario Kart.
If you like this you may also like:
Enter Mission’s VR escape rooms - Sydney CBD
Living out your pilot dreams with Flight Experience’s flight simulator - Ultimo
4. Get into the groove with 80s flare
Retrosweat dance classes (at Hiscoes gym)
525 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Class hours: Thursday from 7pm Saturday from 11:15am
Exercise has never looked this stylish or fun. Retrosweat brings you an hour of power with 80s inspired music, moves and choreography. Dress up or down to the 80s theme as you please and break a sweat. You’ll probably forget you were even exercising. This fun full body aerobic workout is suitable for everyone. Classes are hosted by Shannon Dooley and her team on Thursday nights at 7pm. Book your spot as these classes fill up fast. You can nab a single pass to suss it out, or a 10 pack if you’re really feeling it.
If you like this you may also like:
Hip-hop classes at Dance Central - Surry Hills
Going for a climb at 9 degrees’ indoor bouldering gym - Alexandria
Reggaeton classes for beginners at Latin Dance Australia - Broadway
5. Take a trip to an old school American-style arcade
Archie Bros Cirq Electriq
75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday : 12pm – 10pm
Friday: 12pm – 12am
Saturday: 10am – 12am
Sunday: 10am-10pm
Extended hours for school holidays, check the website for more details.
Step right up! There’s something for everyone’s inner child at this circus-themed wonder. From classic arcade-style games complete with prizes to bowling, bumper cars, karaoke, and more modern laser tag and virtual reality experiences.
The activity-filled warehouse has vibrant carnival styled interiors and prizes at every turn. To round out the whole experience there’s American diner with milkshakes, pizza, burgers and chips. If you’re bowling you can even get drinks sent directly to your lane, so you can keep your eyes firmly on the prize.
If you like this you may also like:
Old school bowling at Manhattan Superbowl - Mascot
Timezone’s arcade and huge range of games - Haymarket
These are just some of the inspiring nights out in our area. What did we miss? We’d love to hear your favourites. Share them with us on Instagram, just tag @cityofsydney.
Just want to visit a bar? See Sydneysiders' picks for an after-work drink.
Published 27 August 2023
