Vivid Sydney is one of Sydney’s most significant celebrations, as the city lights up with 3D light projections and is filled with mesmerising art displays, an eclectic lineup of musical performers, thought-provoking talks and workshops from some of the world's greatest minds.
Now in its 12th year, the Vivid Sydney program continues to evolve, challenging imaginations and providing creative fuel.
If you want to take a break and experience a relaxing or intimate night out with your friends while still enjoying the sights and sounds of Vivid Sydney, you can opt for some drinks at the best bars in town.
Want to know which ones to head to? We’ve got you covered! Here are our top picks of the best bars in the very heart of Vivid Sydney:
- Opera Bar
- Museum of Contemporary Art Bar
- The Glenmore
- Mary's Circular Quay
- Maybe Sammy The Rocks
- Henry Deane Millers Point
- The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room (CBD)
- The Overseas Passenger Terminal
- Hacienda Bar Sydney
1. Opera Bar
During Vivid Sydney, all the iconic landmarks will light up with the brightest and most beautiful light installations. At Opera Bar, you’ll have an incredible view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House while sipping on their fine array of drinks and listening to live music.
Opera Bar is a great place to chill with friends. The bar offers outdoor dining where you can feel the energy of the city buzz around you. This makes it a perfect place to relax and indulge in locally-sourced food, wine, and cocktails while gazing at the colourfully lit city during Vivid Sydney.
2. MCA Café
Who knew the Museum of Contemporary Art is also a great place to have some mimosa Image credits: @mca.cafe on Instagram
The Museum of Contemporary Art, or the MCA, is known as a place to visit when you want to view the finest works of art, but did you know it’s also a great place to wine and dine with your friends? If you want to opt for rooftop dining, you can head to MCA Cafè, where you can sip on your choice of beer, ciders, cocktails, wines, and more. There you’ll have a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour, made even more stunning during Vivid Sydney.
3. The Glenmore
If you find yourself at The Rocks during Vivid Sydney, you definitely need to visit The Glenmore’s rooftop bar. There, you’ll have a great view of the buildings that line the city streets, and even the Sydney Opera House!
Watch the whole city come alive with lights and sound as you listen to their staple live music and enjoy their wide array of food, from steaks, burgers and more. Of course, the drinks are absolutely classic and flavourful!
4. Mary's Circular Quay
Get a little crazy at Mary’s Circular Quay. Image credits: @marysgetfat on Instagram
It’s bound to be a fun time at Mary’s Circular Quay—the perfect place to get loose and go a little crazy. Known for their live music from the best, most outlandish bands, Mary’s is definitely a great ingredient for a fun night out.
Of course, Vivid Sydney adds a splash of colour to everything! Munch on their assortment of scrumptious burgers (there are vegan options) and pair with your favourite drink as you rock out to the music right in the heart of the city, near the Vivid Sydney action!
5. Maybe Sammy The Rocks
Chill out at Maybe Sammy at The Rocks. Image credits: @maybe_sammy_sydney on Instagram
Another great bar at The Rocks is Maybe Sammy, a 50’s-inspired bar that serves an assortment of beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, which you can pair with some delicious shucked oysters. The drinks here are so good, Maybe Sammy was even named the 11th best bar at the World’s 50 Best Bar Awards!
Plus, you won’t miss out on any of the action during Vivid Sydney!
6. Henry Deane Millers Point
Have a fabulous view of Sydney at Henry Deane. Image credits: @hotelpalisade on Instagram
Henry Deane Millers Point is a two-floor bar situated at the Hotel Palisade with amazing views of Sydney no matter which direction you look. If you want to feel posh as you wine and dine during Vivid Sydney, then this is the perfect place for you!
Salivate at the fantastic lunch and dinner creations of Head chef Cian Mulholland, and pair it with your choice of cocktails, champagne, wine, and more. You’ll have an incredible view of the spectacular light displays during the festival!
7. The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room (CBD)
Have a taste of Sydney’s best at The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room (CBD). Image credits: @themorrisonsydney on Instagram
At the heart of Sydney CBD lies The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room, which serves phenomenal drinks. Their delicious oysters are a classic, but you can also try their delicious parlour burgers! Pair with your choice of wine, cocktails, and other fantastic concoctions, and you’ve got yourself a fabulous night out!
It’s also a great place to hang with your mates so that you won’t miss out on all the installations of Vivid Sydney!
8. Cruise Bar Sydney at the Overseas Passenger Terminal
Watch vibrantly lit ships cruise by during Vivid Sydney at Cruise Bar. Image credits: @cruisebarsydney on Instagram
Experience the best of wharf-side dining at Cruise Bar Sydney, situated at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay, where cruise ships and ocean liners run their operations for passengers. Feel the spirit of Sydney’s nautical culture and heritage as you watch the boats and vessels sail across the harbour, all lit up in bright colours during Vivid Sydney. You’ll get a great view of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge here, too!
Here, you can enjoy their delicious shucked oysters, beverages, and fine Australian produced drinks as you enjoy the views of the harbour.
9. Hacienda Bar Sydney
Another great bar with a fantastic Harbour view! Image credits: @hydehaciendasydney on Instagram
Another great bar with an incredible view of Sydney Harbour is Hacienda Bar Sydney. You’ll definitely get a great vantage point during Vivid Sydney, so you can sit back, relax, sip on your drinks and watch the colourful lights illuminate the city!
Delight in their mouth-watering South American-inspired menu mixed with Australian ingredients to pair with their famous signature drinks.
Other Vivid Sydney Activities you can check out:
Now that you know which bars to check out, you might also want to make the most of your Vivid Sydney experience by having a go at these Vivid Sydney-themed activities!
Here are some Vivid Sydney events you can check out:
1. Vivid Sydney harbour lights festival cruises
Have an incomparable view of the Vivid Sydney Lights Festival with this cruise! Image credits: @vividsydney on Instagram
Enjoy the harbour lights festival while cruising in style on the MV Sydney 2000 with this Vivid Sydney-only experience! You can also make this a boozy night out with their selection of local and imported beers and speciality drinks.
2. Vivid Sydney 90-Minute Sydney Harbour intimate catamaran cruise with canapes
This intimate 90-minute cruise is perfect for couples and friends! Image credits: @vividsydney on Instagram
Go on an intimate catamaran cruise for the perfect view of the city skyline and its Vivid Sydney glow! You'll hop aboard a luxury catamaran with four viewing deck areas, leaving enough room for you to take in the amazing views while you enjoy complimentary canapes and a drink of your choice.
3. Vivid Sydney 90-Minute Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise with BYO Drinks
Have an amazing time with this intimate Catamaran Cruise. Image credits: @vividsydney on Instagram
This Vivid Sydney 90-minute Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise is another great option that allows you to escape the crowds for a relaxing and scenic ride during Vivid Sydney. While enjoying the lights, munch on some canapes, an antipasto spread and drinks on board. Feel free to also bring a bottle of your favourite wine - as you have the option to BYO alcohol!
4. VIVID – SYDNEY LIGHTS UP!
Discover the architecture of Sydney that makes Vivid extra special. Image credits: @vividsydney on Instagram
Go on a private walking tour that lets you witness the architectural marvels of Sydney splashed with lights during Vivid Sydney! With the VIVID - SYDNEY LIGHTS UP! Walking Tour, the expert architect provides insights into the city’s urban planning and landscape.
Book here.
5. Luna Park Sydney
Spend time with friends and family at Luna Park. Image credits: @vividsydney on Instagram
Watch Luna Park transform its iconic rides and attractions into their own light installations for Vivid Sydney! Watch the beautiful LED lights flicker atop the ferris wheel, and get the thrill of your life on Wild Mouse and Hair Raiser!
Not only is the theme park itself a great sight, but also the view of the city from the park vicinity. You can catch a peak of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House!
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