11 Best Nightclubs in Sydney

Candelaria is the place to go if you want to add some Latin rhythms to your night out. The club exudes the flavor and warmth of a Central or South American setting, with resident DJs that attract revelers from around the world. The soundtrack pulses with the beats of salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, and cumbia. When you’ve worked up a thirst, take to the bar for margaritas and mojitos.

Candelaria is in a prime nightlife spot in Elizabeth Street, a short walk from the metro stop at Martin Place. Watch out for Candelaria’s neon parties, student nights, tropical events, and rumba raves.

The Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale is a legendary Sydney institution for live music and headbanging parties. Although not your usual nightclub, Lansdowne still features a small dance floor complete with a disco ball downstairs while upstairs offers space for 250 frantically moshing fans and hosts everything from record label launch parties to solo acts and band tours. Tickets are affordable. Check online for event and performer details.

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in Sydney and don’t mind sleeping above a lively pub, The Lansdowne Hotel would make a great base for any adventure-seeking and party-minded traveler. You’ll find this unique pub and hostel just an 11-minute walk from Central Station and opposite the Broadway Shopping Center.

Party the weekend away at Melao, where Friday nights are filled with music, fun, and laughter. With a soundtrack that combines Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin mashups, and a generous amount of salsa, you’ll soon find yourself on the dancefloor of this lively, colorful club. On tropical theme nights, you’ll hear merengue, reggaeton, bachata, vallenato, cumbia, and more.

When you’re ready for refreshments, choose from a large range of infused cocktails and tequila beverages, and try a bite to eat from the Mexican menu. You’ll find Melao in Elizabeth Street, the nightlife center of Sydney.

Located in one of Sydney’s finest buildings, The Arthouse Hotel in the Central Business District, Embassy is a club that will offer you a night to remember. The heritage-listed venue was once a School of Arts, and dates back to 1836.

At Embassy, you’ll find a fantastic atmosphere, great vibes, and a mix of music, featuring EDM, RnB, and much more. There are places to sit and relax with a drink when you need a rest from dancing. If you’d like a V.I.P. experience, you can book a special table service package that includes a standby table host, express entry, unlimited mixers, and your name on a sign board.

Discover the club nights at Ivy, a landmark entertainment venue and luxury party destination in the center of Sydney’s Central Business District. By day, you’ll find restaurants, stores, and event spaces at Ivy, but when the sun sets over the city, the nightlife begins. Start your weekend early with Thursday’s club night, where DJs play the best in house, dance, RnB, EDM, and hip-hop sounds. 

On Fridays, you could treat yourself to a night at WAO Superclub, where the V.I.P. experience includes a private entrance and Vegas-style service in booths. It’s worth checking the website for all the latest Ivy events.

Goros is a Japanese booze and snack palace that turns into a neon-bathed party house after hours and offers partying with exceptional sides. Where else could you find amazing karaoke booths, fluorescent arcade games, and regular early '00s and '90s nostalgia nights? At Goros, you can first wolf down a delicious plate of yakitori and then dance to Nelly until the sun comes up. 

To loosen up those vocal cords before cranking out your best D. Parton rendition, head over to the bar where you’ll find great options from the extensive sake and cocktail list. Or, if you need fortification after too many power ballads, order golden fried cubes of salt and pepper tofu, or tender, silky gyoza.

The Soda Factory is all about cheap eats and retro tunes. They pump out party vibes even on a Wednesday with a humpday special of burgers and fried chicken for a few dollars. Mondays are for movies, Tuesdays pull in the crowd with one of Sydney’s cheapest hot dog dinners, while weekends are dedicated to boogieing soul, golden oldies, and disco tunes from the ‘70’s, ‘80’s, and ‘90’s.  

If you’re lucky enough to be in the city on your birthday or want to surprise a mate for theirs, book Soda’s Big Birthday Package. You’ll get a priority entry, a round of drinks on the house upon arrival, and a signature cocktail for the birthday legend. 

The Burdekin is a retro-chic converted 1840s hotel in Darlinghurst, just east of central Sydney. It’s the perfect place to sip cocktails, nibble canapes, and enjoy the energetic atmosphere of club nights. If you arrive early, you can enjoy a drink at the elegant rooftop bar, with spectacular views of Oxford Street, Centennial Park, and the city.

The Burdekin offers an ever-changing program of events, including house and techno nights, drag shows, musical bingo, live music, and DJs playing the best emo and hardcore anthems. The welcoming and inclusive club nights feature new DJs each week.

At The Vanguard, you’re invited to join the glitter and glamor of some of Sydney’s best cabaret, vaudeville, circus, and burlesque shows. Booking dinner tickets will admit you to an evening of exciting entertainment as well as a 2-course meal with champagne. There’s also frequent live music, comedy, and drag on offer at this fabulous venue. Check for details of the ever-changing program of events.

You’ll find The Vanguard a short walk from Newtown Station, with Central Station about a 10-minute drive away.

A proud icon and bastion of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community, The Imperial Erskineville’s basement hosts parties, DJs, live performances, and much more. After dark at 'The Impy', there’s a warm welcome for all at the late-night dance venue. If you arrive early, you can enjoy a drink or a dinner upstairs, where your food is often accompanied by a dazzling drag performance, or on the rooftop, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas.

The Imperial Erskineville is in Newtown, a suburb of Sydney that’s renowned for its inclusivity, bohemian spirit, and eclectic theater spaces.

NOX Fridays is a late-night party run by Club Nox Sydney. It’s located in the former Bank of Australia’s 1879 heritage building, now the home of 3 Wise Monkeys, a popular pub and cocktail lounge in central Sydney.

There are 2 levels of energetic dance music to choose from. On Level 1, you’ll find hip-hop, K-hip-hop, and RnB beats. Climb to Level 2 for house, EDM, and hardstyle. The atmosphere is energetic, and the DJs are among Sydney’s best. There’s always a party feel on this exciting night out.