There is no doubt Potts Point is THE place to be in Sydney. Call us bias, but we really cannot wait to share the best parts of our local area with you during your time with us.
A neighbourhood bustling with colours, sounds, architecture, creative ventures, history… and did we mention one killer dining scene.
Spending so much time here, our team has hand picked some of what we think are the top must see events, activities and places around Potts Point and within our community for those who come to visit.
If you have any questions about how, where, when and what – don’t be afraid to ask us. We have great relationships locally and know our way around.
1. McElhone Gardens – Billyard Ave, Elizabeth Bay
Talk about an Urban Oasis – this is a local secret and one we are not willing to keep from you. Please don’t miss checking out this gorgeous garden before you depart your time in Potts Point.
This little green gem is the perfect spot to soak up some sunshine and take some time out. Take a rug and some snacks and you have yourself prime picnic realestate.
Overlooking the spectacular Rushcutters Bay, this small public garden boasts water views, a colourful lily pond teaming with Coy fish (for good luck of course..!) and grassy knolls made for spreading out. The frontage to historical Elizabeth Bay House (1835) this is arguably one of our most spectacular examples of times gone past in the area.
Be it for lunch, sun, or a spot of meditation – this is the perfect slice of urban paradise to claim back your bit of zen.
2. Kings Cross Saturday Market – Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street
Saturday’s are market days here in Potts Point – and good ones at that!
Grab a strong Salvador Coffee and take a stroll up to the markets located right beside the famous El-Alamein Memorial Fountain. No need to eat breakfast, the variety of local organic vendors have it covered.
Grab a loaf of fresh sourdough, a hand made Turkish Gozleme or treat yourself to a French-style Croque Monsieur we are sure you will not forget.
Did someone say a warm Portuguese tart…?
Whilst you are there don’t forget to pay a visit to the infamous flower lady. Often hosting a 2 for $30.00 deal, this is a great bargain option for the days gifting requirements.
Markets are before 1pm, and open from 8am – 2pm.
3. Potts Point Hotel – Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross
The only thing you absolutely need to know when in Potts Point on a TUESDAY.
Head down Macleay Street just 10 mins from our door step to Potts Point Hotel; a recently refurbished classic pub. Tuesdays weekly they are serving up a ‘killa’ steak, chips and salad/ vegetables at the superb price of just $15.00.
If you want to head up top for a roof top experience, head on upstairs to the ‘Suger Mill’ for a great view and ambience.
Funky tunes, awesome on weekends and a casual spot to grab lunch or dinner any night of the week… with a cold brew in hand of course!
4. Opera House via Woolloomooloo Warf
Fancy some fresh air? Or maybe it’s time to work off those market treats?
Head to the Opera House via Woolloomooloo Wharf for one of Sydney’s best scenic stroll’s. This path offers numerous opportunities and stunning views for the perfect instagram pic, including a stop by Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Here you will find an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, on a peninsula in Sydney Harbour.
The views, are simply note worthy.
The walk is 2.5 km each way so we advise some comfortable shoes. Grab a world famous “Tiger pie” from Harry’ pie cart on the wharf before you head off! Here you too can check out other celebrities to have enjoyed the moment including Elton John, Chris Hemsworth, The Blues Brothers and Olivia Newton John!
Visit Guest Services 7 days for a map and a pointer in the right direction.
5. The Art Galley of NSW
Established in 1871, the Gallery is proud to present fine international and Australian art in one of the most beautiful art museums in the world.
Alongside curated annual collections they regularly are changing their exhibitions so be sure to check out their website fort more details on what is in. Often there is films, live performances and lectures that you can sit in on also.
You can reach The Art Gallery of NSW from The Jensen Potts Point in under 20 mins walk – a relatively easy stroll that does include steps.
6. Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens
A beautiful day out for all.
Depending on how much time you have you could join in on a free guided tour which run daily from 10:30 am or if you are wanting to immerse yourself a litte more sensory tours can be booked. These tours are also guided and take you on more a hands on, behind the scenes experience.
They also often have some pretty neat monthly exhibitions.
Our favourite section of the gardens is easily The Succulent Garden which many guests have absolutely fallen in love with. This interesting and strange area is worth seeing to believe it, and is home to cacti, succulents and an incredible mix of unique colours and shapes. The combination of colours in the planting and the rusted metal offers plenty of inspiration for cacti and succulent lovers – all designed by the one and only, Jamie Durie in 2007!
7. Coca Cola Sign – William Street, Kings Cross
How could it be a trip complete without checking out the Cola Cola sign?
With over 800 fluorescent lamps, this billboard is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a very well known landmark.
Shortly after its construction in 1974 it became well knows as the “Gateway into the cross” or now most commonly, ‘The Coke Sign’. This sign was born in the same year the Sydney Opera House was only a year old, and the Kings Cross tunnel was almost complete.
Now, how old does that make you feel?
8. The Roosevelt Sydney – Orwell Street, Potts Point
A Jensen Favourite, for centuries.
One of the most immersive charms about Potts Point is it’s never ending history behind every corner store, apartment building and at the end of every pedestrian crossing.
The Roosevelt first opened 1943 near the end of World War 2, and was a go-to for American Soliders’ taking their Australian girlfriends out for a good night. In 1947, Abe Saffron – who people referred to as the “King of the Cross” brought the establishment with a strong mind set for bringing the glitz and glamour he found in Vegas, to Sydney.
Frank Sinatra and Sammy David Jrn were once frequent visitors behind these doors, and its fit out surely lives up to that expectation.
With traditional cocktails, red velvets, crystal glassware and dim lighting – slip back to a time where dames drank martinis and men boasted loudly about the number of whiskies they had over lunch.
9. Rushcutters Bay Park
These are 2 great spots for a morning jog or workout, or simply to do some people watching with locals enjoying active waterfront entertainment within the confines of our magnificent city.
Fitted with tennis courts and built in exercise circuit stations, this makes for a great opportunity to burn some calories.
The Rushcutters Sailing club, also known as The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is one of the most prestigious in the country. Watching the sun come up over the boats in this marina is as spectacular as watching it set.
There is also lots of room to spread out, soak up some sunshine and maybe even drop in for a cheeky pint!
10. Lankelly Place, Kings Cross
A late night eaters dream!
This cute, bustling lane way is no more than a 10 mins walk and we suggest you visit it come an evening. With a bright light instalment that pays tribute to the neon’s that once flanked the red light district of Darlinghurst Road, you will now find an array of cafes and restaurants to take you to flavour town.
Some of our most favourite stops include…
Wok and Noodle Bar or as we call it, the best ‘hole in the wall’ – a great spot for some ramen! Whilst it may not look like much from outside, the hot bowls of delicious Japanese Soups and/or curries are hard to beat with prices from as little as $10!
Dear St Eloise – A quirky wine bar with phenomenal knowledge. With a selection that is hard to beat, they certainly know all about pairing the perfect drop with your next bite and offer a cute, intimate atmosphere to take it all in.
Room 10 – Sometimes simple is what works best.
And in this case, it absolutely does. Great Coffee, classic salads, breakfasts and sandwiches.
If you are looking for a good lunch fix with quality produce look no further. Be prepared to wait, this is arguably THE most popular place for morning breakfast and lunch in our neighbourhood of Potts Point. With good reason why, jump in que cause you will certainly not be disappointed. A good opportunity to take in the trendy local crowd that gathers here…
Potts Point is arguably Sydney’s answer to West Village New York. We absolutely love exploring our communities many gems and trust all guests at The Jensen Potts Point will too.
For any other local tips, whats hot and event info please call The Jensen Potts Point or drop in to get the latest from our Guest Services team.
Over to you…