Paddington

The basics

Being a residential and commercial neighborhood, there are many attractions for travelers to explore in Paddington. Keen shoppers won’t want to miss the Saturday markets, or the art galleries, boutiques, and artisan food stores along Oxford Street. The side streets off the main thoroughfare hide some beautifully restored colonial-era architecture, and the heritage-listed Paddington Reservoir Gardens are a surprising oasis of green and antique columns in an urban neighborhood.

Many travelers visit Paddington independently, or stay at one of its boutique hotels. Private guided tours, or hop-on hop-off bus services, are a convenient way to add Paddington to a Sydney itinerary.

Things to know before you go

• There are many British-style pubs in the neighborhood, for a pint of beer or a bar meal.
• The Paddington Markets fund a charity that works with Sydney’s homeless and disadvantaged, so shopping at the markets can be a good deed.
• Film buffs won’t want to miss the Chauvel Cinema, which shows international art-house films in a heritage-listed building.

How to get there

Paddington is about a 20-minute walk east of Sydney Town Hall. Regular buses from Circular Quay, Town Hall, and Central Station stop at Oxford Street. It’s better not to use your own car (or rental) in central Sydney, as the traffic and parking conditions can be difficult.

When to get there

Paddington is a popular destination on Saturdays, when the Paddington Markets set up along Oxford Street. As this is a mixed residential and commercial suburb, there’s no bad time to visit. For dining and nightlife, come in the evening. To stroll around outside, avoid the middle of the day in summer, when temperatures are very hot.

Visit Paddy’s Market

Don’t confuse Paddington with Paddy’s Market, in central Sydney’s Haymarket/Chinatown area. Less upmarket than Paddington, Paddy’s Market is nevertheless a popular place for affordable food and souvenirs, and is conveniently located quite near Darling Harbour. It operates from Wednesday to Sunday.

What is Paddington in NSW famous for?

The suburb of Paddington in Sydney is famous for its combination of Victorian-era terrace houses and countless opportunities for shopping. Chic boutiques line Paddington’s most important road, Oxford Street, while many people come to the area on Saturdays to snap up deals and local goods at the not-for-profit Paddington Markets.

Is Paddington in Sydney worth visiting?

Yes, the neighborhood of Paddington in Sydney is worth visiting as you explore the city, whether you want to do some sightseeing, go shopping, or just get coffee. Five Ways is a good place in Paddington for coffee and food and to see some of the local terrace houses. The suburb also has vibrant jacaranda trees that bloom in spring.

Do I need tickets for the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, and what are the opening hours?

No, you don’t need tickets to visit the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, as admission is free. The street level of the gardens is always open, but the lower section is only open from morning until mid-evening when the elevator is operating.

Do I need to make reservations in advance for the top cafes and restaurants in Paddington, Sydney?

Yes, making reservations for more popular restaurants in Paddington a little in advance is a good idea, as tables often get booked up, particularly on Friday nights, Saturday lunchtime, and Saturday nights. Many local cafes don't take reservations for breakfast or brunch, so you’ll either need to wait or look for an alternative if where you want to go is busy.

Are there any special events or festivals in Paddington worth planning a visit around?

One of Paddington's most popular special events is the outdoor Moonlight Cinema held in Centennial Park during the summer, where you can picnic in the evening and watch a movie with friends and family. For live music, you’ll regularly find cover bands performing gigs at the Paddo RSL.

Are there any workshops or classes in Paddington, such as art or cooking classes, that tourists can participate in?

Yes, various workshops and classes are occasionally offered around Paddington in Sydney. Tourists can head to Padre Coffee Paddington for a beginner’s course to learn the ins and outs of brewing coffee or hone their cooking skills as a family while helping the less fortunate at the Kids Giving Back Hub.