Radisson Hotel and Suites Sydney

DARLING HARBOUR. Whether you choose to sit inside at the bar or relax on the patio next to Darling Harbour, Pontoon...

DARLING HARBOUR. Whether you choose to sit inside at the bar or relax on the patio next to Darling Harbour, Pontoon should be your end-of-week destination. Popular with business professionals ready to kick off the weekend as well as with varied groups ranging in age from 20s to 40s, the bar is a favorite local watering hole. Music is relaxing, drinks are free-flowing, and Pontoon is a terrific place to decompress while you abandon work-week hassles and prepare for a few days of fun and leisure. DJ's play on Friday and Saturday nights and a live acoustic duo perform on Sunday afternoons. Catch the train to Town Hall, or hop a monorail to Darling Park.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Polished hardwood floors, arched windows, and historic architecture mark this lovely hotel...

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Polished hardwood floors, arched windows, and historic architecture mark this lovely hotel and its multiple bars. The sleek Ground Bar sports a 360 degree bar, the Pool Bar offers four billiards tables, and the Club Bar has comfortable upholstered seating and a selection of terrific cigars. Drinks are delicious, and the bar food is satisfying and inexpensive. Tuesday are free champagne and oyster nights. Business people and professionals comprise the bulk of the clientele, and you'll find them hanging out after work and even on weekends. A short walk from Wynyard.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10pm-Close; Sat 6pm-Close

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

SURRY HILLS. Funky bright, retro hodge-podge décor, set against a wall painted with a Havana sunset and palm trees....

SURRY HILLS. Funky bright, retro hodge-podge décor, set against a wall painted with a Havana sunset and palm trees. It's a great indoor/outdoor place for chilling out the morning after a big night out. Cafe Lounge serves great coffee, cocktails and a good food selection including delicious breakfast/brunch dishes. Thin crusty pizzas are their specialty, and there is a great selection of shareable snacks such as dips and olives. Loads of live music and DJ's playing most nights, with a Stand Up Comedy Showcase on Monday nights (call or check website for details) . Expect a young, arty, edgy Surry Hills crowd enjoying the great vibe, DJ's, plants, courtyard and chilled music.

Hours: Tue-Thu 5pm-10:30pm; Fri 5pm-Midnight; Sat 9pm-Midnight; Sun 9am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

THE ROCKS. A great alternative to the tourist trip up central tower, the Orbit Bar is a revolving bar/restaurant on the...

THE ROCKS. A great alternative to the tourist trip up central tower, the Orbit Bar is a revolving bar/restaurant on the 47th floor. It was big in the 70s and has now been revamped, keeping the floor-to-ceiling windows ­ and the sensational 360 degree views. One full rotation takes about 105 minutes and it really is awe-inspiring at sunset. Great for cocktails (you'll get a couple in for the same price as the central tower trip) and appetizers/bar menu. If you're after more comprehensive dining, The Summit restaurant is on the same floor. TRAIN to Wynyard ­ just across from the George Street exit.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-Late; Sat-Sun 5pm-Late

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Fancy, stylish cocktail lounge on level 4 of the Establishment Hotel. The interior is...

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Fancy, stylish cocktail lounge on level 4 of the Establishment Hotel. The interior is Ottoman-inspired lounge style, and there is also an elegant candle-lit terrace. The clientele ranges from hip 20-somethings on up to mature professionals. Dress code is casually stylish and the door staff have a reputation for being picky. The restaurant serves Japanese food in bento boxes, designed for sharing. The cocktail list offers a great range of original choices. A selection of cigars is available for purchase. There is a DJ from Wednesday to Saturday, and live music on Friday nights. TRAIN to Wynyard Station + 5 minute walk.

Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 6pm-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DARLINGHURST. For those nights when you just want to kick back and relax. A bohemian atmosphere and an eclectic mix of...

DARLINGHURST. For those nights when you just want to kick back and relax. A bohemian atmosphere and an eclectic mix of regulars distinguish this place, and you're certain to find artsy and musical types, along with university students and easy-going locals. Jazz plays low in the background, and the ambience is conducive both to quiet conversation and to intellectual discussion. Have a drink, sink back, and enjoy a place where conversation is easy and there's no hassle to reach the bar or just to get in. A menu lists food that can be delivered from the local cafes and restaurants including Thai, pizza, burgers, wraps and salads. A recently refurbished rooftop garden bar lets smokers do their thing and gives everyone a view of the sky.

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun Noon-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Bar, nightclub, restaurant ­ this place does it all! And a location in the heart of the...

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Bar, nightclub, restaurant ­ this place does it all! And a location in the heart of the city doesn't hurt. Known for carrying more than 100 local and imported beers, Jackson's attracts a diverse and very friendly clientele. The multi-level space contains six bars, pool tables, DJs and a restaurant serving great contemporary Australian fare. Check out the weekly pool competition, have your future told by a professional psychic, or celebrate island living with Thursday's Caribbean Night. Although the place is frequently crowded and can be high-spirited to say the least, it's safe, friendly, and a guaranteed good time. Get there by taking the bus, train or ferry to Circular Quay.

Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-3am; Fri-Sat 9am-6am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

KINGS CROSS. A super-trendy music venue hangout housed underground in the dark recesses of an alleged 1800s sewer pit....

KINGS CROSS. A super-trendy music venue hangout housed underground in the dark recesses of an alleged 1800s sewer pit. It's dark and red down there, with two bars, antique-style furniture and a VIP room with a black and white chequered floor featured in photo-shoots for the likes of Pink, and Australian band Powderfinger. The Aussie band Wolfmother had a couple of their very first gigs at Candy's in early 2004. Some staff believe that the ghost of Juanita Neilson, an heiress who was murdered in the area and whose body was never found, haunts the club... TRAIN to Kings Cross station.

Hours: Thu-Sat 8pm-6am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

THE ROCKS. The Argyle Hotel is a huge (1500 capacity) five-bar music venue with chic decor in Sydney's oldest inner-city...

THE ROCKS. The Argyle Hotel is a huge (1500 capacity) five-bar music venue with chic decor in Sydney's oldest inner-city area, The Rocks. The open warehouse setting is great by day or night, with surprisingly reasonable food and drink prices. Choose the candle-lit cobblestone courtyard, with its indoor/outdoor feel; the Lounge, with its daybeds and booths; The Perch or the spectacular VIP Lava Bar, depending on your mood. Popular venue with corporate types during the week and tourists anytime due to the central, historic location. TRAIN to Circular Quay and walk through to the Rocks.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-Midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

CIRCULAR QUAY. Opera Bar at the Opera House is a somewhat surprisingly cool venue with great free entertainment and...

CIRCULAR QUAY. Opera Bar at the Opera House is a somewhat surprisingly cool venue with great free entertainment and views of the harbour. Live music every night of the week, and weekend afternoons, giving platform to musicians from around the world. The wine list is extensive (40 available by the glass), and the food menu is modern Australian, more restaurant quality than bar, with pre-theatre options as well. The clientele varies hugely from corporate groups during the weeks and theatre goers in the evening to families on weekend afternoons. Described as 'The best beer garden in the world'. TRAIN or FERRY to Circular Quay + walk for 5 minutes.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-Midnight; Fri-Sat 11:30am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club