Sydney has a vibrant energy, and is Australia's most culturally diverse, sophisticated city boasting a rich tapestry of experiences. In the inner city precincts, the epicenter of Sydney's arts and culture, you'll find wonderful galleries, public artworks and fantastic annual events, showcasing that Sydney is a world class destination for cultural wonders. Here is your ultimate arts inspired summer weekend in Sydney: 

FRIDAY

3:00pm: Check in to The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale 

Arrive at The Old Clare Hotel and check in to the Showroom Suite, complete with a vintage bar that was salvaged and restored from the former brewery building onsite. The beautifully appointed, design-forward room includes vintage furniture and lamps, a super king-sized bed and a modern, oversized bathroom.

4:00pm: Visit The White Rabbit Gallery

Stop in at The White Rabbit Gallery, which presents four floors of vibrant, original, thought-provoking Chinese contemporary art. Gaze upon works across many disciplines including painting, photography, sculpture, video art, drawing and installations.

5:00pm: Dine at Ito Restaurant in Surry Hills

For dinner head to Ito Restaurant in Surry Hills – a Japanese izakaya with Italian flair. Here dishes thoughtfully combine the two cultures across the menu. Dine on spaghetti with spanner crab and togarashi (Japanese chilli mix), duck ravioli with brown butter and ponzu (citrusy soy), mushroom don with pecorino and black pepper, and mochi sorbetto.  

7:30pm: Catch a show at the Belvoir

After dinner meander over to Belvoir St Theatre, one of Australia's most respected theatres, with Cate Blanchett and other stars previously gracing its stages. For decades, this much-loved venue has engaged prominent and promising playwrights, actors and directors for an evocative annual artistic program. 

9:30pm: Sip a nightcap at Lil Sis at The Abercrombie

Before your head back to your hotel, round out the night with a tipple at Lil Sis at The Abercrombie in Chippendale. Inspired by the wine cellars of Parisian neighbourhoods, Lil Sis pours natural and biodynamic wines without fuss. There's a simple food menu featuring charcuterie and provisions including jaffles, and you can also buy a bottle of wine at the onsite bottle shop and drink it there with a corkage fee.  

SATURDAY

8:30am: Enjoy breakfast at Two Chaps

Soak in the lively culture of the inner west, starting with breakfast in Marrickville. Located at an old warehouse, Two Chaps is a vegetarian cafe renowned for its sustainable approach to wholesome breakfasts with a Mediterranean twist, using seasonal and local produce. 

10:00am: Join a wheel throwing class at Clay in Marrickville

Sign up to a 90-minute class for a taster of ceramics throwing at Clay. Learn how to take a ball of mud and spin it into something beautiful, as the throwing master guides in stoneware clay, firing and glazing. 

1:00pm: Grab a lunch at Continental Deli

Curate your own cheese and charcuterie board at Continental Deli in Newtown with cheeses and deli meats from local producers and Europe. You can also opt to order from the a la carte menu which features more substantial Euro-style dishes, all paired with an extensive wine list. 

3:00pm: Shop 'til you drop in Newtown

Explore the unique boutiques, bookstores and vintage shops in Newtown, like U Turn, P&V Wine & Liquor, Better Read Than Dead, The Wilde Merchant, Aesop and Hunter Candles.

6:00pm: Find your inner Drag Queen at Priscillas in Erskineville

Priscillas at The Imperial Erskineville is a jewel in the inner west's crown. Join the fun at Drag and Dine where a delicious vegetable-forward dinner is served alongside a fabulous drag show. You might even be called on stage for an impromptu performance. 

SUNDAY

9:00am: Head to Henry Lees in Redfern for breakfast

A truly creative space, Henry Lees is located in the 16 Eveleigh Creative Precinct and just a 10-minute walk from The Old Clare. Tuck into dishes you'd find on a classic Sydney brunch menu, but with a Japanese twist.

11:00am: Visit the Art Gallery of NSW

Drop into the Art Gallery of NSW to spend time walking the halls of both the North and South campus. The North Building features Yiribana, the gallery's renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection, as well as The Tank, a reclaimed underground fuel bunker built during World War II now home to a series of art projects.

1:00pm: Grab lunch at Graze MCA

Walk through The Domain and make your way to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) to enjoy lunch on the patio at Graze MCA. Overlooking Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, enjoy a delicious meal with knockout views to match.

2:30pm: Check out the exhibits at the MCA

Post-lunch discover the Museum of Contemporary Art's Sydney International Art Series exhibition featuring Tacita Dean – an exhibition exclusive to Sydney showing key works from Dean's investigation into chance, memory, entropy, history and time.

5:30pm: End your arts and culture playcay with drinks and dinner at Le Foote

Wrap up your weekend with a fine and fancy meal at Le Foote. The heritage-listed venue brings a part-Parisian wine bar, part-Mediterranean dining experience to the city, with mouthful martinis and meat from the charcoal grill.

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