The simple pleasures of being in the heart of Sydney – like after work drinks, seeing a show or going out for dinner with friends – went from weekly rituals to distant memories in 2020.

The good news is that those simple pleasures are right back at our fingertips. It’s still the same old Sydney we love, but with a whole bunch of new experiences.

Here are 5 reasons to get back into the city.

1. New outdoor dining spaces

Warm nights and longer evenings call for dinner outdoors and drinks under the city skyline. The city is full of places for rooftop drinks, lunchtime picnics and dinner with friends.

Plus, thanks to the easing of restrictions on outdoor dining licenses, there are lots more restaurants with alfresco spaces for you to explore this summer.

Savour all food and drink events in the city.

2. More live music

Missed going to gigs with your mates? Craving some live music? We have you covered.

Sunset Piazza brings 32 nights of pop, cabaret, comedy, hip-hop, indie rock and opera to the heart of the city centre. Located opposite Hyde Park on College Street, you can catch Allday, Peking Duk, Alex the Astronaut, comedy galas and more.

Catch all live music events in the city centre.

3. Your favourite galleries and museums, after dark

Culture Up Late is spicing up our museums and galleries this summer. Until late March, venues including the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, State Library, Australian Museum and Hyde Park Barracks will open their doors later with DJ sets, performances and tours.

Don’t miss Sundown Sketch Club at the MCA, the Powerhouse Late series or half price entry at the Sydney Living Museums.

4. Sydney Lunar Festival

Chinatown and Haymarket light up to celebrate the Year of the Ox from 12 to 21 February. What better reason to visit the neighbourhood than a feast, lunar show or tour of the lunar lanterns?

5. Free outdoor art displays

Have your fortune told by a futuristic ghost in Abercrombie Lane or walk through a magnificent suspended installation that plays with the natural light. 4 temporary artworks from artists on a mission to breathe new life into underused spaces are reimagining the city.

Or, catch a free walking tour and rediscover older pieces in the city you may not have noticed before.