Located in the bohemian-industrial hub of Chippendale, this long-standing fixture of Sydney’s rock scene almost closed in 2022 before Oxford Art Factory swooped in to take over operations—and make some aesthetic upgrades (there’s now a stripper pole in the beer garden). Now, the storied hotel and concert hall, a favorite of local stars like The Living End, is back up to its old tricks: rowdy crowds, amped-up guitars, and Thursday night dance parties where locals come to let their hair down.

Inspired by Andy Warhol’s storied Factory, this edgy basement venue serves as a cultural nexus for local and international artists and musicians. It comprises three distinct spaces: a glass-enclosed art space called the Cube, a cozy adjunct space called the Gallery where more intimate shows are held, and the main room. The latter is the real draw: It’s where Lady Gaga crowd-surfed, where Dave Grohl held a secret show, and where alt-J and Courtney Barnett performed shows for the ages.

An Art Deco gem that dates back to 1908, this former silent movie theater is Sydney’s oldest performing arts venue. Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones have graced its stage, and these days you’ll still find an impressive weekly mix of comedians, bands, and touring musicals from home and abroad. Joining an excitable Enmore Road queue is a Sydney rite of gig-going passage—as is sauntering down to beautifully inclusive dive bar The Duke for a raucous debrief over cheap drinks and a game of pool.

Pick a big name—any name. They’ve most likely played here. The epicenter of Sydney’s rave scene in the ’80s, The Hordern has long since served as the venue of choice for the biggest touring acts in the world, from David Bowie to Nirvana, Lorde to Justin Timberlake. This cavernous Moore Park icon—which celebrates its 100th birthday in 2024—is an essential stop for any serious music fan. Expect world-class acoustics and enough room to sit, shimmy, and shout it all out.

If variety is the spice of life, then The Metro must be the place. This downtown Art Deco concert hall hosts a broad spectrum of bands and artists, from underground up-and-comers to global dance and pop heavyweights (Arch Enemy, slowthai, 100 gecs, and Overmono are just a few of the acts who have lit up its main floor stage, The Forum). Head upstairs to The Lair, the theater’s smaller performance space, for more intimate showcases and dedicated dance nights.

Situated at the top of the University of Sydney’s Manning House, Manning Bar has been a launchpad for the larger (and, it must be said, frequently louder) side of music since 1974. One of the first international acts to shake its foundations was the Beastie Boys. The rest is ongoing history. Acts such as INXS, Dashboard Confessional, and Gotye have all left their mark on its well-worn stage, but providing for fans of punk, metal, and hardcore is where the Manning really shines.

This iconic, circular theater has been the social hub at the University of New South Wales since it opened in 1961, but it’s more than just a spot to grab wings or drinks after class. For decades, the center has helped shape the city’s cultural identity, hosting hundreds of memorable concert performances (former letlive. vocalist Jason Aalon Butler once scaled the rafters with a broken arm) along with film premieres, stand-up comedy, and party-starting DJ sets (Sofi Tukker, What So Not).

Sydney has seen its fair share of music venues shutter in recent years, but this long-standing Newtown establishment was actually rescued and brought back to life. After a brief stint operating as the blues-rock bar Leadbelly in 2016, The Vanguard sold again two years later—this time, to owners who eagerly restored its original name and vibe (but with better sound). The move honored the venue’s hard-earned place in the community as an anything-goes space for burlesque, cabaret, comedy, and more.

Nothing less than world class ever sets foot in this vaunted auditorium, Australia’s most famous landmark and a wonder of modern architecture. For 50 years, the Opera House has presented music’s most important voices (Ella Fitzgerald, Kraftwerk, Patti Smith, and many breathtaking operas), cementing Sydney’s rightful place as a global arts destination. In 2022, it reopened after a pricey renovation that modernized the acoustics, improved sightlines, and made every floor wheelchair accessible.

A massive structure of gleaming glass that towers over Darling Harbour, the International Convention Centre’s bread and butter is industry expos. But it’s also where A-list superstars like Ariana Grande, The 1975, and Elton John perform when they’re in town. That means you can see a version of those stadium-sized productions—and that top-flight talent—in a relatively intimate, state-of-the-art theater setting. A bonus: Sometimes the occasional Australian Navy submarine is docked outside.