Discover the best things to do in Kings Cross, Sydney’s vibrant hub of nightlife, dining, and entertainment. From trendy bars to iconic attractions, there’s something for everyone. For a comfortable stay nearby, check out Big Hostel, offering affordable, stylish accommodation just minutes from Kings Cross and Sydney’s top hotspots.
☎️ Tel: +612 9281 6030
📞 Free Call: 1800 212 244
📧 Email: reception@bighostel.com
📍 Address: Big Hostel, 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia
Big Hostel Sydney offers top-notch facilities for a seamless stay! Enjoy 24-hour reception (call ahead for late check-ins: (02) 9281 6030 | Night Caretaker: 0435 995 085), unlimited free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and free luggage storage before check-in (2 PM) and until 10 PM after checkout (overnight storage: $5 per bag). Soak up the sun on the rooftop terrace, perfect for relaxing and meeting fellow travellers. Stay fresh with 24/7 laundry facilities ($4 per wash/dry). Plus, make yourself at home with our fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge/dining area, and Netflix on a large flatscreen TV—all available 24/7!
✨ Big Hostel Sydney Awaits You!
Things to Do in Kings Cross: Top Attractions, Dining & Nightlife
Once notorious for its nightlife and edgy reputation, Kings Cross has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of Sydney’s most lively and diverse districts. While still recognised as the city’s red-light quarter, the arrival of trendy cafés, unique bookshops, and stylish bars has made Kings Cross a hotspot for all kinds of visitors. Though it retains a lively and sometimes unpredictable character, “The Cross” offers an array of great clubs, restaurants, and bars worth exploring.
Food & Beverages
Ezra
Located at 3 Kellett Street, Potts Point, Ezra brings the essence of Tel Aviv’s dining culture to Sydney. Co-owned by Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden, with Head Chef Ben Sears (formerly of Paper Bird and Moon Park), Ezra offers a menu that blends Ashkenazi, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavours. Diners can enjoy dishes like authentic hummus with smoked egg, spanner crab falafel, and a baklava ice-cream sandwich. The restaurant’s design features two courtyards, an open kitchen, and a striking mosaic archway made from handmade Lebanese tiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ezra is open Monday to Thursday from 5:30 PM until late, and Friday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM until late. Reservations are recommended.
For more information, visit ezrarestaurant.com.au
Friggitoria
Friggitoria, situated in the heart of Kings Cross, offers an authentic Italian street food experience. Specialising in traditional fried delights, the menu features arancini, panzerotti, and a variety of pasta dishes, all crafted with fresh ingredients and time-honoured recipes. The casual, rustic setting, complete with communal tables, encourages a convivial dining atmosphere reminiscent of Italy’s bustling street food markets. Friggitoria is a go-to spot for those seeking a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on quality or flavour.
For more information visit; friggitoria.com.au
Farmhouse Kings Cross
Nestled at 4/40 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay, Farmhouse Kings Cross offers a unique dining experience with its set menu that changes regularly to showcase seasonal, locally sourced produce. The intimate, rustic setting features communal tables, fostering a warm and engaging atmosphere. Diners can expect a carefully curated selection of dishes that highlight the best of Australian ingredients, complemented by a thoughtfully chosen wine list. Farmhouse is open Wednesday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Due to its popularity and limited seating, reservations are highly recommended.
For more information, visit: farmhousekingscross.com.au
Each of these establishments contributes to the diverse and dynamic dining landscape of Kings Cross, offering unique culinary experiences that cater to a variety of tastes.
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Bars & Pubs
Piccolo Bar, Kings Cross
Established in 1952, Piccolo Bar is Sydney’s smallest and oldest surviving café bar, offering a nostalgic slice of Kings Cross history. This intimate spot, once a late-night haven for artists, musicians, and bohemians, has been transformed into a stylish aperitivo bar. With a strong Italian influence, Piccolo specialises in classic Negronis, Amaro-based cocktails, and a curated selection of wines. The cozy, dimly lit ambience and vintage décor transport patrons to a bygone era, making it the perfect place for an intimate drink.
For more information, visit piccolobarkingscross.com.au
Kings Cross Hotel
A true icon of the Kings Cross nightlife scene, the Kings Cross Hotel is a multi-level venue that offers something for everyone. This venue is a staple of Sydney’s party scene, from the lively rooftop bar with stunning city views to the underground club featuring live music and DJS. The heritage-listed building blends old-world charm with contemporary vibes, attracting a diverse crowd. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pub meal, creative cocktails, or a night of dancing, Kings Cross Hotel delivers a quintessential Sydney experience.
For more information visit; kingscrosshotel.com.au
Vermuteria
Vermuteria is a European-inspired bar focusing on vermouth, fortified wines, and artisanal cocktails. Tucked away in Kings Cross, this stylish venue offers an impressive selection of aperitifs paired with Mediterranean-style tapas.
For more information, visit vermuteria.com.au
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Living Around Kings Cross
Budget Accommodations
Kings Cross Backpackers remains a top choice for budget travellers, offering mixed dorm beds from $35 per night (adjusted for 2025 inflation). Guests enjoy:
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Free airport pickup via electric shuttle
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Complimentary plant-based breakfast buffet
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High-speed Wi-Fi
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A renovated rooftop with solar-powered charging stations, hammocks with skyline views, and weekly sustainability workshops for eco-conscious travellers.
Funk House Hostel on Darlinghurst Road is another affordable gem, with dorm beds starting at $29 per night and private doubles from $85 per night (2025 rates). This hostel embraces Sydney’s green initiatives, featuring:
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Rainwater showers
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A zero-waste café
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A prime location just steps from the newly expanded Light Rail—making it easy to reach Bondi Beach or the 2025 Sydney Festival (Jan 10–26).
Luxury Stays
For those seeking a premium experience, The Macleay Apartments in Potts Point now offers AI-integrated units with rates ranging from $220 to $720 per night. Guests enjoy:
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A heated infinity pool
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A revamped gym with VR fitness classes
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A rooftop BBQ area with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House
This is an ideal stay for families or groups attending major 2025 events like Vivid Sydney (May 23–June 14) or the Rugby World Cup matches.
Long-Term Stays (2025 Listings)
For travellers planning extended stays, here are some current rental options:
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Darlinghurst Road (1-bedroom): $400/week – Perfect for solo travellers looking to experience Kings Cross’s revived nightlife, now just 5 minutes from the new Metro station.
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Elizabeth Bay (2-bedroom): $510/week – A tranquil location near the Royal Botanic Garden’s 2025 “Rainforest Revival” exhibit.
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Potts Point (2-bedroom): $720/week – Close to hotspots like the award-winning Kaffeine 2025 café and the reopened Kings Cross Theatre, with access to Sydney’s expanded bike-share network for easy CBD commutes.
Note: 2025 rental prices reflect recent adjustments to Sydney’s short-term rental tax, though weekly rates remain competitive compared to hotels.
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How to Get to Kings Cross
Kings Cross is easily accessible thanks to its well-connected transport network. The Kings Cross Train Station is on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line, offering links to Bondi Junction, Hurstville, Cronulla, Waterfall, and beyond. The station also provides convenient access to Sydney Airport.
If you’re travelling from Circular Quay, take the 323 bus via Elizabeth Street, or opt for a scenic walk. Given its central location, Kings Cross is within walking distance of many key Sydney areas, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
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