Best Arts and Culture Places in Sydney

"If you’re a fan of cutting-edge Australian and international modern art, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on the western side of Circular Quay is an absolute must. Housed in an impressive art deco building right at the waterfront, the MCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s contemporary artists. The building alone is enough reason to visit this museum."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a cultural marvel and houses a brilliant range of contemporary art. The venue is free to visit and children are warmly received. Throughout both the school term and the Sydney school holidays, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a range of family fun activities."

"Aboriginal Art Galleries (including the Opera Quays, QVB Gallery, and The Rocks Gallery) is the largest collaborative of family-run galleries. Located in some of the most beautiful locations around the city, Queen Victoria Building and Opera Quays Gallery, the collections include artworks from Aboriginal Community Art Centers and private art dealers. Promoting the Indigenous Art industry for over twenty years, the galleries showcase a variety of paintings, crafts, and artifacts from both emerging artists and authors who are nationally and internationally renowned."

"Representing 17 Sydney and Melbourne-based artists, Galerie pompom is a contemporary commercial gallery which opened in March, 2012. It is the creation of Ron and George Adams who for 10 years have successfully run the prominent artist run initiative, MOP Projects. Aiming to develop some of the most celebrated authors, the gallery encourages their creative projects in a dedicated commercial venture."

"Located in the recently refurbished Hilton Sydney, Alysium is a luxury day spa that’s located right next the hotel’s 25m indoor pool and fitness centre. As you may be able to tell by the name, most of the design and ambiance here is drawn from Greek mythology, but the spa treatments are decidedly modern and have been worked up with the business traveller in mind. That’s why you’d find a jet-lag treatment on the menu, right alongside other specials like a thermal green clay wrap, hot stone massage, and a specialised couples massage."

"Services provided:Facial treatments, massages, hand and foot services, spa packages, and more. Price range:$AUD 25 - $AUD 519. Check out Alysium Spa here."

"Located in the old Commonwealth Bank building on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, the incredibly unique Gillian Adams is one of the best places to be if you’re looking for a day full of men’s grooming and spa treatments. This Sydney based spa is best experienced via their signature treatment, the Le Prince Royale, a unisex treatment that beings with an aquademic pool and steam, followed by a Swedish inspired massage, scalp massage, facial, and a gourmet lunch. The list of treatments is easily the most varied in Sydney, with shower rituals, deep tissue massages, aromatherapy salt glows, and – if your missus is expecting – different types of pregnancy massages and treatments."

"Situated in the historic Commonwealth Bank building in Turramurra, Gillian Adams Salon and Spa measures up to its setting impeccably. With an aquamedic pool, steam room, hydrotherapy bath, restaurant and hair and beauty salon, you’ll be spoiled for choice the moment you step foot in the salon-slash-spa. 1356 Pacific Highway, Turramurra"

"Sydney’s answer to Melbourne’s iconic Lune croissants, Textbook Patisserie from pastry chef John Ralley is one for the ages. With fresh bread, cakes and danishes – this is the perfect spot to pick up a sweet treat for afternoon tea. 274 Botany Road, Alexandria"

"Get your sweet treats and caffeine fix by ordering takeaway from Textbook Patisserie. 📍 Textbook Boulangerie Patisserie, 274 Botany Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015"