A local’s guide to the best Airbnbs in Sydney’s trendiest suburbs

Sleeps: 2 people

Tucked away in the lanes bordering Paddington’s iconic Oxford Street, this architect-designed Airbnb is the perfect Sydney hideaway. Boasting bold, design-led interiors, a supremely tranquil courtyard, and even a king-sized Danuli bed, dressed in Kenzo bed linen (because, why not?), the Little Edie Cottage isn’t merely a place to stay; it’s an experience in and of itself.

A recent guest at the Little Edie Airbnb praised the location, calling it both ‘close to the action, but somehow still serene.’ She went on to add, “Every object is chosen with care, from the monkey lamp, art, a good coffee machine, soft furnishings that avoided the cold cliche of a showroom. The place had warmth, personality, and rhythm”

Sleeps: 2 people

For an undoubtedly decadent stay, I’d opt for the Velvet Room in Paddington’s Medusa Hotel. Drenched in rich berry tones, elaborate wallpaper, and velvet, this unique Sydney Airbnb simply exudes luxury. Even the amenities, including a Dyson hairdryer, smart TV, slippers, and bathrobe, are of the highest quality; why expect anything less from accommodation of this calibre?

The Velvet Room’s central location is just another perk of this dreamy stay. Located just off Victoria Street, the hotel is surrounded by trendy cafes, bars, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries to explore to your heart’s content.

Sleeps: 4 people

This covetable 1980s terrace house, situated at the Paris end of William Street (which is, essentially, the beating heart of Paddington), is host to dreamy interiors and a particularly fascinating history. Since operating as a salon for bespoke wedding dresses, this Airbnb has been lovingly restored by its current owner – but the divinely romantic atmosphere persists.

Whether you’re surveying the divine wall art, unwinding in the blooming courtyard, or tucking yourself in between French Linen sheets, this stay makes every moment of your Sydney trip feel elevated. Just take it from Sarah, a recent Airbnb guest who wrote, “This is a lovely place, beautifully presented and light and airy. Easy walking distance from multiple shops, pubs, restaurants, and Centennial Park.”

Sleeps: 2 guests

This Loft Style Apartment Airbnb perfectly captures the alternative, but endlessly chic, aesthetic that Sydney-siders associate with Surry Hills as a whole. From sleek leather furnishings to cool chrome counters, every inch of this stylish Sydney Airbnb is curated to perfection. And, better yet, it’s situated a mere two minutes away from Central Station, making city excursions more accessible than we ever thought possible.

While this stay is perfect for an afternoon spent unwinding with a Negroni (or listening to the host’s extensive vinyl collection), guests beware; even spending a single night in this loft can result in a strong urge to redecorate your own home to match.

Sleeps: 4 guests

Nestled on the top floor of a 3-story walk-up between Crown and Bourke Street, this Sunny Surry Hills Apartment is the perfect space to unwind after a long day of exploring all that Sydney has to offer. And with its cosy bedroom and plush pull-out bed (is that a Koala sofa bed I spy?), you can bring your friends along too.

Caitlin, a recent guest at the Airbnb, left a five-star review that described the apartment as “An absolutely beautiful home in a fantastic part of the neighbourhood.” She goes on to say, “I was blown away by how walkable and pedestrian-friendly the area was and the quantity of food options nearby.”

Sleeps: 4 guests

Situated in the quiet side streets flanking Crown, this private terrace Airbnb in the heart of Surry Hills is very central and surprisingly peaceful, too. Like the Loft-Style Apartment Airbnb I covered earlier, this stay boasts an extensive record collection, and guests can even select a vinyl to take home for just $10.

Softly lit, art-filled, and boasting a dreamy French-inspired courtyard, this is the perfect Sydney Airbnb for a tranquil weekend away. If I were a guest here, you’d find me biding my time in the (many) surrounding galleries and cafes before returning to Whiteley House for a soak in the generously sized bath.

Sleeps: 2 guests

This certified Guest Favourite Airbnb is located right on the water, boasting breathtaking views of Bondi Beach for guests to take in over their morning coffee. Despite the Sunrise Oceanview Studio sitting on the smaller end of the Airbnb spectrum, the minimal interiors and light-filled space make it feel much larger than it is, making it a perfectly intimate romantic getaway (that doesn’t feel smothering).

One guest, hailing from sunny California, writes, “The views over Bondi Beach are even better than the photos. Waking up to that ocean backdrop every morning was unreal,” later adding, “The location couldn’t be more perfect; easy access to the beach, great cafes, and everything Bondi has to offer, while still feeling like a peaceful retreat.”

Sleeps: 2 guests

Operating since the 1950’s, the Gumleaf Suite at the Bondi Beach House Boutique Hotel is another cosy Airbnb located just a stone’s throw away from Bondi’s tranquil waters. Simply stroll outside, and in a mere two minutes, you’ll find yourself sandy-footed and soaking up the sun. And having been recently refurbished by the host’s Australian design team, each room feels fresher and more considered than ever before.

One guest writes in their 5-star review, “We would definitely stay there again, due to convenience and beauty. Icebergs and the beach are about a 2-minute walk away, and heaps of cafes and restaurants to choose from are all within walking distance. We had a newborn, and it was still an easy experience.”

Sleeps: 4 guests

This cosy Bondi Airbnb, located right in the heart of Bondi, is one you’ll want to rebook before your stay even ends. Dressed in an array of earthy tones and textures, it’s comforting without feeling stuffy. And as this unit boasts both a sofa bed and a queen bed, it’s a location that the whole family (or two couples) can enjoy together. Better yet, with ‘Guest Favourite’ status, it’s a stay you can feel confident about booking.

One guest, who stayed at the Sea Gem Bondi Beach Airbnb over New Year’s, writes, “The Apartment was simply perfect,” adding that she, “couldn’t have found a better place for this price–performance ratio. The location is amazing — one minute to the beach and directly above two great cafés.”

Sleeps: 14 guests

If your Sydney trip is intended as a celebration, be it a wedding, engagement, or honeymoon, this lavishly decorated Airbnb in Dawes Point is guaranteed to elevate any trip. With the property’s rich history dating back to the 1830’s, it’s no surprise that the hosts have leaned in to a luxurious vintage aesthetic. And, with 7 bedrooms on offer, the whole family, or a large group of friends, can comfortably soak up the grandeur together.

Having stayed here for a wedding, one guest writes, “We chose to stay at Darling House instead because of its location and experience – a truly luxurious and 5-star property, service and experience. The private concierge, Sammy, welcomed us on arrival, offering refreshments and a tour of this opulent, historic and luxurious house.”

Sleeps: 6 guests

Nestled on the highly sought-after Trinity Avenue, this Modern Apartment Airbnb is another certified ‘Guest Favourite,’ and for good reason. Boasting 2 well-appointed bedrooms and a sofa bed, it’s a roomy, light-filled apartment you’ll look forward to unwinding in after a long day of markets, art, and delicious coffee.

One happy guest writes, “I honestly thought it was too good to be true; location, price, & amenities. I have to admit I was sceptical. But once inside, my expectations were blown out of the water. It was fantastic. Homely but fresh. Character-filled but modern. The place is a real oxymoron. I could live there in a heartbeat.”

Sleeps: 13 guests

With covetable harbour views and enough beds to sleep a group of 13, this Iconic Luxury Airbnb is worth keeping in mind for your next Sydney vacation. Crafted from beautiful colonial sandstone back in 1830, this stay boasts high ceilings, a tranquil courtyard, and a rich history (as one can expect, given the location).

Gwen, a recent guest, writes, “The home was in a great location close to The Rocks, walkable to the Opera House, and the market was just steps away over the weekend.”

Sleeps: 6 guests

This Luxury Architectural City Escape in Newtown is the kind of space I could admire for hours; the type to justify a vacation in and of itself. While the design leans heavily on materials often perceived as cold or industrial (concrete, marble, metal, and tile), the considered implementation of warm, earthy tones and organic shapes softens the space, making it not only livable, but inviting.

While I could write about this marvel for hours, I’ll keep my ramblings to a minimum. If you’re a design lover, this Airbnb is worth planning a trip (or, for Sydney locals, a staycation) for. And, as it has officially been classified as one of Airbnb’s rare ‘Luxe’ listings, guests can rest assured that this stay has been vetted for quality.

Sleeps: 4 guests

The Bercin 001 is an Airbnb in Newtown, designed with the kind of cool minimalist sensibilities that I’d love to adopt myself (once I finally get my home decor shopping habit under control). Created as a collaboration between Retallack Thompson Architects and MIK Studio, this stay is a private oasis that perfectly captures the energy of the trendy suburb it inhabits.

Unsurprisingly, The Bercin 001 has earned ‘Guest Favourite’ status on Airbnb, with one guest writing, “The Bercin was an incredible stay in an even better location. The listing photos don’t do the unit justice. It’s beautifully designed and styled.”

Sleeps: 4 guests

A creation from the owners of Osteria Mucca (an Italian restaurant which landed on my list of recommendations before I was even aware of the connection), this Designer Newtown Apartment is a peaceful retreat situated right in the heart of the action. Boasting art from the likes of Toni Clarke and Kyle Murrell, and a stylish collection of earth-toned furniture, you’ll feel pampered from the moment you step through the door.

And in addition to the prime design and location, this stay also comes with a $100 dining voucher for Osteria Mucca when guests book for two or more nights; take my advice, you’ll want to use it on the gnudi with brown butter and sage.