http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20439 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20439 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20440 Not the most authentic experience in some ways, but as Sydney is so huge on the backpacking trail, it’s definitely worth the experience!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20440 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19898 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19898 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19896 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19896 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19894 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19894 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18510
Main bar can have occasional losers, but mostly good. Service can be tricky, but atmosphere is worth it. Upstairs, chilled-out Hemmesphere bar is about lounging, cushions, cigars, good wine, good staff - all in all a good spot. Where Sydney unwinds.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18510 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11602 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11602 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11056 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11056 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10028 www.malt-shovel.com.au). My personal favourite is the Golden Lager, but they do a nice Porter and India Pale Ale as well. No, I don't work for them!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10028 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10017 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10017 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9951 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9951 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9941 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9941 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9936 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9936 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9933 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9933 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7806
The World Bar is an eccentric place, serving alcoholic beverages in tea pots and cool cocktails that slip down a treat. With a comfortable atmosphere, live music and friendly people it’s definitely the place to begin the night’s proceedings.

Down the main street, take your pick from Moulin Rouge, Plan B, YU and Dragonfly, which are just a few of the clubs that will have you dancing till the early hours of the morning.

Moulin Rouge has a seductive feel to it as you enter, with a voluptuous red and gold interior that surrounds you. A small but intimate dancefloor sees the ladies and gents strut their stuff.

If you’re into some thing a bit more deep and progressive then head down to YU, situated off the main street. It’s a dark club with a twist of contemporary art. “Mirror, mirror on the wall you are the fairest of them all”, adorns the toilet area: different, yet somehow it works. The club always pull in a friendly crowd, and is certainly a place to get your groove on.

Trains from Central, Town Hall and Martin Place to Kings Cross are probably the quickest way to get there. Taxis also.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7806 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6382
Food is bistro-style, very reasonably priced and of decent standard. Bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Cocktails are mixed without pretension but with care. My bloody mary was the best I've had outside my house.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6382 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5967
Formerly almost ubiquitous, the practice is becoming less common - some say even dying out - no doubt to the pleasure of many Sydney restaurateurs.

It makes dining far more affordable than when you have to include the restaurant's alcohol mark-up, which is usually greater than on anything else you consume.

It also means you can occasionally splash out on a very nice bottle - of Hunter Valley Semillon, say - to accompany a spread of Sydney seafood without worrying about your starving bank account.

BYO is more common at medium range and casual restaurants.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5967 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4048
The second is the Steyne Hotel. Dodgy name, but a fantastic, busy place, about six bars in one, and a real landmark in Manly. Get upstairs and outside on the balcony.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4048 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3033 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3033 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2918 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2918