The only snapshot you need of Sydney's most famous suburb

The neon heart of Sydney, Kings Cross is arguably its most famous (and infamous) neighbourhood—a place where culture, controversy, creativity and community all simmer together in one glorious, urban hot-bed. 

Where is Kings Cross?

For the uninitiated: Kings Cross is a small, culturally defined zone within the small inner-city suburb of Potts Point. It is understood as the nightlife area, which surrounds Kings Cross train station. Technically, Kings Cross doesn't occupy a place on a map. It does, however, occupy real estate in the collective psyche of Australians. It is as much a vibe as a tangible address. This can sometimes be a source of confusion for tourists.

Kings Cross today

Kings Cross' reputation precedes her as a risqué bohemia, with a long legacy of burlesque, cabaret and drag shows. The truth is, Kings Cross has dramatically dimmed the red-light persona that made her notorious. Kings Cross has even evolved beyond the disco-fuelled wild child she was before Sydney's lockout laws. 

Kings Cross is now a colourful inner-city village with a spectrum of civilised, cultural, nightlife and daytime activities and sights to enjoy- no matter where you fall on the seedy to wholesome spectrum.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the area, here’s a simple, curated guide to experiencing Kings Cross the way we do.

Essential Kings Cross Landmarks:

The Coke Sign

You truly arrived in Kings Cross until you've arranged to meet someone at the Coke Sign, at the junction of Darlinghurst Road and William Street.

The Fountain

Down at the “fancy” Potts Point end of the Cross sits one of Sydney’s most iconic fountains. Locals rarely call it by its formal name (El Alamein Fountain). To us, it’s simply the Fountain. It is also the spiritual boundary of where Kings Cross ends, and Potts Point begins.

The Golden Mile 

This is the historic colloquial name for the main strip of Kings Cross: essentially Darlinghurst Rd between the Coke Sign and the Fountain. Historically, this was the holy land (or Sin City, depending on your perspective) for the highly lucrative businesses of selling booze, babes, and a 24/hr party to non-stop crowds of customers. 

Best (and affordable) Kings Cross Eats:

This is a tough one since there are undoubtedly a plethora of amazing dining options in Potts Point, especially. We have narrowed it down to our affordable favourites:

Bloom Cafe & Bar

This intimate, quaint cafe/bar with European flair is the perfect culinary charmeleon. It transitions seamlessly from a brunch spot (with a mean bloody Mary) to an aperitivo bar to a relaxed nightspot. Hot tip: Try the homemade Tiramisu.

Macleay Street Pizza

New York Italian-style pizza, loaded with toppings. This is a long-term local's go-to. It's like being an extra in The Godfather. 

Boccone Pizza 

Authentic, simple, authentic Naples-style pizza, served with "Sophia Loren" je ne sais quoi. Hot tip: get a luxury Italian soda while you're there.

Potts Point Hotel

Our absolute favourite here is the dozen oysters with seasonal variation. This summer, try the Yuzu Granita for a divine afternoon snack.  Loved by locals and visitors alike, the Chef of the Potts Point Hotel does not disappoint.

Best of Kings Cross Shopping:

Macleay Street

Macleay Street has become like the Sydney equivalent to Melbourne's Chapel Street. While there is no doubt some beautiful antique and boutique shops to peruse on Macleay, the best shopping, in our opinion, is found off the main drag.

Grand Days

Just down from the Coke Sign is this lovingly curated pre-loved Designer and Vintage Clothing. Plus, a fine selection of secondhand books, vinyl records and gifts. This is a must for fashion lovers or anyone in a fashion emergency who needs a fab outfit pronto!

Potts Point Vintage

You'll find this hidden gem tucked away in a Potts Point back alley. This is not just a store, but a destination for real lovers of vintage clothing and culture. Recently featured on the ABC!

Must-See Entertainment in the Cross

The Honeycomb Club - Cabaret Dinner Show

The ultimate place to experience live entertainment and a piece of the cabaret legacy, Kings Cross became famous for. Embedded on the Golden Mile for a decade, this dinner show venue has kept the magic of "old Kings Cross" alive while bringing something completely fresh to the Sydney burlesque and cabaret scene. Book your dinner and show ticket. 

Happy Endings Comedy Club

Located inside the storied El Rocco room, a veteran Kings Cross venue. Cosy, unpretentious, and proudly old-school, with regular stand-up nights. Legend has it Frank Sinatra performed here in the 60s.

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Potts Point

A reputed major hotel with all the perks that go with it. We especially like the overnight parking that comes with a special discount for guests of the Honeycomb Club. 

Spicer's Boutique Accommodation

Right in the thick of the action is this reasonably priced, very quaint and historic boutique accommodation. It's conveniently close to everything, at the axis of the Golden Mile and Potts Point, including being mere metres from the Honeycomb Club. 

Best Bars

The Roosevelt

An up-market and oh-so-Potts-Point lavish cocktail, this is the perfect place for a sophisticated afternoon or late-night drink. The cocktail theatrics are impeccable and entertainment in their own right. It's also in what used to be an infamous cabaret-esque entertainment venue owned by legendary Kings Cross Gangster and Businessman Abe Saffron in the 1950's. 

Sweethearts Terraza

The one and only Rooftop Bar in Kings Cross. Since rooftops are such a feature of the lifestyle and Art Deco residential apartments of Potts Point, if you can't experience it privately, we recommend making a stop here as the next best thing. The cocktails and tacos make it a no brainer.