What’s Actually Worth Exploring in Sydney’s Newtown on a Slow Solo Day
Some neighbourhoods just unfold better when you’re not in a rush.
Newtown, just 15 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, isn’t about landmarks or lists — it’s the kind of place you wander through with no map, no goal, just the right backpack and time to spare.
Morning: Good Coffee, No Schedule
I started at Campos Coffee — probably the best-known roaster in the area. Their espresso and flat white never disappoint, and the early hours here are quiet, mostly locals passing through.
From there, I strolled through the leafy side streets behind the University of Sydney. Old buildings, bits of graffiti, hidden corners. The light was perfect for photos, the pace was perfect for nothing.
Lunch Options Are Almost Too Good
I ended up choosing Maeda, a quiet spot for Japanese brunch. The plating was beautiful, and the coffee surprisingly solid. Another time I’d try Thai Pothong — packed even on weekdays, and always mentioned by locals.
If you’re after something heavier, The Italian Bowl serves wide pasta dishes with rich, creamy sauces. The kind of food that stays with you all afternoon.
Afternoon: Shops Worth Slowing For
Newtown’s King Street is filled with places that don’t take themselves too seriously. I ducked into Hands Lifestyle, where the shelves are full of things you don’t need but might fall in love with anyway.
Then on to Elizabeth’s Bookshop — green vintage signage, old timber floors, and a corner full of blind-wrapped mystery books. I picked one without reading the clue on the tag.
Evening: Aperitifs and Tin-Canned Nostalgia
Dinner (or drinks) at Continental Deli Bar Bistro was the perfect wrap-up. Tin-packed gourmet food lines the wall, and the cocktails are unapologetically strong. Their "Mar-tinny" is exactly what it sounds like — a martini served in a tin.
🎒 Travel Note: I did the whole day with a lightweight expandable backpack, 20L capacity. Held a camera, a water bottle, a book I didn’t read, and the scarf I ended up not needing. Ideal for unhurried wandering, where you collect things slowly.