Woolloomooloo
The East Sydney Hotel
They call themselves the last "Country Pub" in Sydney and are proud to have no poker machines in the building. Nothing fancy here, but the place is relaxed and down-to-earth. Good drinking.
The Tilbury Hotel
A popular spot with the CBD after-work crowd during the week, while on weekends the upstairs balcony is a good place to enjoy some quietish drinks and music. Food is served in the contemporary style, Italian restaurant downstairs or eat at the bar from the cafe menu.
Kings cross
Hugos Lounge
Situated right in the middle of the Cross, Hugos tends to attract a reasonably young and sometimes pretentious crowd. It's been around for over 10 years and is still a favourite place for trendy Sydneysiders to see and be seen.
Soho Bar and Lounge
171 victoria street, potts point, â +61 2 9358 6511 (http://www.sohobar.com.au/). open until 6am. the lounge bar of choice for celebrities, trend setters and those-who-aspire since the 1980s. the soho bar is spread over 2 levels just off the main drag down from kings cross, combining dance and cocktails in a consistently stylish, up-to-date manner.
Kings Cross is the red-light district, but don't let that put you off it that is not your scene. There are many pubs and nightclubs here, but it is still strip clubs that are the most prominent. There are brothels and some street prostitution as well. The strip clubs aren't the sort of place you would go for a drink and regard the entertainment is a sideshow. Due to the licensing laws the drinks on sale are limited and expensive, and the entertainment on stage is very much the focus. They also tend to be a bit dingy, where the nightclubs and pubs in the area generally are bright, with a vibe. Weave your way past the touts at the doors of the strip clubs and you'll find a slice of eclectic Sydney in the many bars and hangouts.
As the sun begins to think about rising, about 4-5AM many of the nightclubs start to close It could be time to move on to one of the day clubs, which have their crowds arriving around 5AM and continue until the afternoon. Try Spice for an international party crowd. Move back to the pub in the afternoon to round off 24 hours in the Cross.
Paddington
Royal Hotel
Located in a prime position at the Paddo Fiveways, the Royal is a good spot for a drink before having a meal at one of the surrounding restaurants, or at the hotel itself.
The London Tavern
Cosy local favourite tucked away in amongst the terrace houses of Paddington.
Royal Sovereign Hotel
Trendy retro-styled pub with a couple of bars and a bottle shop. A good place for a quiet drink or to get a big night started. There is an outdoor area with a bar on the first floor.