Local Escapes

18 Of The Best Sydney Airbnbs To Book For A Top 2026 Vacay

22nd Jan 2026
Written by: Urban List Writers
Contributors: Katherine Davison
  • a modern kitchen with a rice paper lamp hanging from the ceiling

Searching for the best Airbnb to rest your weary head at during your next trip to Sydney/Eora? Whether you're a local looking for a weekend staycation, or a traveller needing the perfect base from which to explore, we've got you covered.

From beach houses in sunny Palm Beach to city stays with sparkly pools and dreamy Bondi Beach views, we've done the hard yards for you with a selection of central CBD pads and classic Sydney beach stays. 

So, without further ado, keep scrolling for the best Sydney Airbnbs according to Urban List.

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Sydney Airbnbs: City Stays

Newport

The Salty Dog

  • A view of The Salty Dog on the water, one of the best Sydney Airbnbs
    Image Credit: The Salty Dog | Airbnb

Say hello to your very own floating slice of paradise. The Salty Dog is a a wooden boathouse for two that sits serenely in the water just off Newport, close to Sydney's pretty Palm Beach. This unique Airbnb has been perfectly curated for the dynamic duo kind of getaway, and really sells itself for a no-fuss weekend getaway for those that live and breathe the Big Smoke.

Step aboard and you'll find a continental hamper to tuck into and the kind of nautical flair that would make a skipper blush. Throw on your swimmers and take the ladder down into the water for a dip. Your superstar hosts provide a dinghy with oars to get around with—oh, and don't stress about your luggage because they meet you at the marina on arrival and deliver it right to your door. 

Camperdown

Luxury Architectural City Escape

  • chair in the corner of a design forward airbnb in sydney
    Image Credit: Luxury Architectural Escape | Airbnb

Tucked into the heart of Camperdown, this sleek three-bedroom Airbnb blends architectural polish with easygoing city living. The space spans two bright, open levels with sky-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a flow that moves effortlessly from the lounge to the alfresco patio.

Inside, you’ll find three king bedrooms dressed in premium linens, two modern bathrooms (yes, one with a proper tub), and a fully kitted-out kitchen ready for dinner parties or late-night snacks. There’s secure garage parking, fast Wi-Fi, and a location that lands you within walking distance of Camperdown Park, King Street’s café strip, Sydney Uni, and the CBD. When you're hungry, check out the best restaurants in Newtown for a good time.

Insider Intel

Bringing your four-legged sidekick? Pets stay for an extra $50 per night plus a $100 cleaning fee, which seems like a small price for inner-west bragging rights (and a sunlit nap spot on polished concrete floors).

Woollahra

Frida's

  • fridas woollahra apartment bedroom one of sydney's best airbnbs
    Image Credit: Frida's | Airbnb

This charming 1920s art deco apartment in Woollahra offers a dreamy inner city stay with gorgeous glimpses of Double Bay and Sydney Harbour from the north-facing balcony. 

Styled to perfection by Elise Croker, your Airbnb boasts a queen bed dressed in soft French linen, a textural bathroom with double shower heads, a full-size kitchen, banquet dining nook and a cosy lounge-meets-library complete with a restored gas fireplace and TV with Netflix—what more could you want?

Milsons Point

Drill Hall Apartment

  • drill hall apartment sydney city airbnb boutique accommodation milsons point
    Image Credit: Drill Hall Apartment | Airbnb

This heritage-listed harbourside apartment is steeped in Sydney history. Originally built in 1916 as a WWII army facility, the building has since been converted into luxury apartments.

Inside your Airbnb, expect sweeping ceilings, a spacious kitchen and dining zone, plus three bedrooms and two bathrooms—enough for the whole crew. Pour yourself a gin and tonic, grab the cheese platter and take to one of the comfy chairs in the courtyard for an chilled afternoon. Afterwards, you can pull on those walking shoes and meander the streets of The Rocks and Barangaroo—there's restaurants and bars galore to explore, plus Sydney Harbour is right on your doorstep too.

Redfern

Chimneys

  • Chimneys Redfern sydney airbnbs boutique accommodation apartment
    Image Credit: Chimneys | Airbnb

Original art, a charming Juliet balcony and easy access to all of the fun stuff in Redfern: there's a reason why the five-star rated Chimneys gets booked up fast. This immaculate Sydney Airbnb has been shortlisted for two design awards and it's easy to see why, thanks to its eyecatching bronze shutters that ensure privacy while cleverly letting the light shine in.

This pad is pint-sized and suited for those on the run but with that in mind, a short stay doesn’t mean you have to skimp out on the good stuff in life. When you’re not hitting the town, lap up the Miele oven, a Nespresso coffee maker, and a 50-inch flat-screen. Around the neighbourhood, you’ll have street art to find, art galleries to peruse, and too many coffee shops to count.

Darlinghurst

Artsy Terrace

  • The green couch at Artsy Terrace one of the best Sydney Airbnbs
    Image Credit: Artsy Terrace | Airbnb

The whole fam will love this quirky terraced home in Sydney’s vibrant Darlinghurst neighbourhood, not least because it boasts three bedrooms and three bathrooms, meaning no more arguments come shower time.

There’s so much creativity in this Airbnb, with pops of colour and statement spaces everywhere, and it’s fully-equipped for long-term stays with a full kitchen, washing machine and free parking on site. You’re close to restaurants, cafes and bars and walking distance to the city at this short term rental, but once you’ve stepped inside this unique pad we reckon you’ll find it hard to leave.

Kurraba Point

The Attic

  • the attic sydney city airbnb boutique accommodation
    Image Credit: The Attic | Airbnb

If you're the kind of traveller who loves a pad with character this Sydney Airbnb could be just your thing. Taking inspo from New York's secret attic scene, this stylish loft studio puts you right in the thick of it, a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Yes it's compact, with sloping ceilings and a functional kitchenette, but it also takes in oodles of light from its huge slanty skylights—and offers 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour which is a serious win. Catch a ferry to Sydney’s north or cruise over to Sydney’s Inner West. Ferry access for boats to Circular Quay are a literal three-minute toddle away, so the city really is your oyster.

Paddington

The Barn

  • A view of the living space at The Barn one of the best Sydney Airbnbs
    Image Credit: The Barn | Airbnb

Trundle on up a charming historic laneway in Paddington and you’ll find this architecturally-designed one-bedroom Airbnb. You’re minutes from Five Ways here, with William and Oxford Streets on your doorstep, so there’s heaps of CBD activities to explore.

The Barn is located at the rear of the owner’s property, but it’s super private with its own entry, plus on-street parking is readily available and hassle free. Wake up in Egyptian cotton sheets in your queen size bed, before refreshing in your bespoke ensuite. From there, it’s a trip down the beautiful spiral staircase to your open-plan living space. Throw open the doors and let the light in—a coffee in your private courtyard is calling.

St Peters

Newtown Area Warehouse Apartment

  • Newtown area warehouse apartment sydney airbnb boutique accommodation city inner west
    Image Credit: Newtown Area Warehouse Apartment | Airbnb

Love city living but fancy yourself some chill time in the best private courtyard too? You're not alone. This Sydney warehouse apartment delivers luxe indoor/outdoor vibes in spades and it sleeps four so your mates can come too. The living space at this Airbnb is seriously appealing, thanks to its soaring ceilings, artistic touches and of course the mega windows that open right up into that outside space you've been dreaming of.

Whip up a snack (or a feast) in the full kitchen and the crew can munch away at the long table, no trouble. But let's be real, when you're a stone's throw from South King Street and beautiful Sydney Park and an easy distance from all those epic Inner West restaurants, we reckon you're going to be spending heaps more time outside than in. 

Kirribilli

Harbourview Apartment

  • harbourview apartment sydney airbnb interior living space
    Image Credit: Harbourview Apartment | Airbnb

Picture this. You've poured yourself a glass of something bubbly, taken a load off in the living room, and now you're gazing right out over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge. This two-bed, two-bath Kirribilli Airbnb offers just that—which is why it's worth forking out the big bucks for. The location is quite frankly unbeatable, with the CBD, Luna Park and the best eateries in North Sydney on your doorstep.

The star of the show is definitely the huge glass windows that open up to jaw-dropping views of the sparkly city skyline, but there's two bedrooms and two bathrooms too, plus a full kitchen with a breakfast table for filling up before all that exploring.

Darlinghurst

Converted Industrial Chic Warehouse

  • converted industrial chic warehouse darlinghurst sydney best airbnbs
    Image Credit: Converted Industrial Chic Warehouse | Airbnb

Nestled in the heart of sunny Darlinghurst, this converted New York-esque warehouse, with exposed timber beam ceilings, is the definition of an industrial-chic city escape. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, or families, it has one comfy queen bed with an inflatable mattress that can be set-up on request. 

The kitted-out kitchen is perfect for cooking up a storm, or let Sydney’s dining scene do the work with some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants and bars just steps from the door.

Sydney Airbnbs: Beach Getaways

Dangar Island

Banksia Boathouse

  • A river-side airbnb, Banskia Boathouse, looks out onto the waters of the Hawkesbury
    Image Credit: Banskia Boathouse | Airbnb

Perched right on the sand, Banksia Boathouse is a waterfront hideaway for two on Dangar Island—a car-free slice of paradise on the Hawkesbury River, just an hour from Sydney. Wake to the sound of the tide, sip your morning coffee with river views, and slip easily into island time.

Inside, you’ll find a light-filled studio with a plush queen bed, air-conditioning, heating, and a cosy lounge with Smart TV and Netflix. The compact kitchenette has everything you need for relaxed meals—stovetop, air fryer, mini fridge, toaster and all the essentials.

This boathouse is perfect for couples, solo travellers, or anyone chasing a slow-paced, nature-soaked escape from reality. Swim at high tide, wander the island’s bush tracks, or simply let the river breeze do its thing.

Bondi Beach

The Arc

  • bondi beach the arc sydney airbnb accommodation
    Image Credit: The Arc | Airbnb

Bondi Beach on your doorstep, an Italian glass mosaic-tiled plunge pool and hot tub, plus enough space for nine peeps—hell, yeah, we're itching to press that Airbnb booking button, stat. The Arc is the kind of place that would look right at home on the pages of an interiors magazine and yet it can be all yours for your next Sydney stay.

It's an architect-designed oasis, with pops of colour, a striking staircase, and a lush garden atrium which punches through both levels of the home. Prep the family feast in the Black Tempal entertainer's kitchen before taking to the Silver Travertine entertainer's terrace to enjoy it in style. Later, you can chill out in the Carrara marble bathtub in the master ensuite—or just take the ten-minute stroll to Bondi and get that Aperol Spritz ordered, before exploring the best Bondi restaurants and cafes.

Vaucluse

Diamond Bay Cliff Apartment

  • A view of the cliffs from the living space at Diamond Bay Cliff Apartment one of the best Sydney Airbnbs
    Image Credit: Diamond Bay Cliff Apartment | Airbnb

Stunning clifftop views float your boat? This bright and airy one-bedroom Airbnb nestled on top of Diamond Bay Cliffs in Vaucluse will take your breath away. Its ocean vistas are insane, oh and it's got a shared pool for morning dips with serious wow-factor.

Wake up and breathe in that salty air before taking a stroll along the cliff walkway right outside. If it's the right season you might even spot some whales along the way. You've got a sleek kitchen in which you can rustle up some brekky—or you can just hop on the 380 bus into Bondi and grab something there, while watching all the beautiful people parade on the promenade of course.

Bondi Beach

Hip Designer Apartment

  • hip designer apartment in bondi beach sydney boutique accommodation
    Image Credit: Hip Designer Apartment | Airbnb

Two things you need to know right off the bat about this Sydney Airbnb: it was a finalist in the Best Design Stay category of the Australian Airbnb Awards in 2025 and it comes with off-street parking included. Woo! 

Your one-bedroom stay sits a short walk from Bondi Beach and all of the best restaurants, and guests get the whole ground floor to themselves, plus a private outdoor plunge pool for chilled out arvo dips. It's the cutest beach escape for two, with vibrant art, heaps of greenery, and a cool little library that you can access via a ladder. Oh, did we mention the sleek black fireplace in the living space? Perfect for those cooler months.

Maianbar

Magical Maianbar Retreat

  • Magical Maianbar Retreat sydney airbnb boutique accommodation
    Image Credit: Magical Maianbar Retreat | Airbnb

How about your very own light-filled studio with a stone bath for two and beach access from a gate in the pretty garden? Magical Maianbar Retreat is located in Sydney's south where it's less urban jungle and more flowers and ferns. 

If you love being amongst nature but want to be within easy reach of the city, this is your stay. Tuck into the organic produce and fresh fruit your hosts provide, before enjoying the 2km stroll through the park to Bundeena. You can always catch the ferry over to Cronulla with its bars, restaurants and shops if you're feeling in the mood, or you can head back to base and book in a massage with Louise, the highly-recommended local masseuse. 

Later, there's a barbecue to fire up on the deck, or that deep bath to sink into. Your host provides candles, bubbles and magnesium salts to make it even more spesh.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach Getaway

  • palm beach getaway exterior sydney best airbnb
    Image Credit: Palm Beach Getaway | Airbnb

Water views, sunsets, palm trees, and an infinity pool—it’s nothing less than Hamptons vibes here. You’ll find this one hidden way up in Sydney’s north, overlooking the iconic waters of Pittwater (any keen kayaker’s version of heaven).

Super private, this Airbnb is dedicated to all the wholesome moments you might not be able to score at home which includes quiet reading spots, a big kitchen to cook up hearty feasts in, and yes, the said 70-litre infinity pool for dips any time of the day.

Malabar

Beachside Private Retreat

  • beachside private retreat in malabar sydney airbnb accommodation
    Image Credit: Beachside Private Retreat | Airbnb

If you’re out to legitimately holiday in Sydney, you’ll want to be out of the city and in the midst of swimming spots, wholesome cafe culture and coastal walks—that’s where Beachside Private Retreat comes in.

Taking up some hot real estate in Malabar, this tiny home Airbnb sets you within walking distance of Malabar Beach, one of Sydney’s best spots for paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling. Elsewhere, you’ll have the likes of Little Bay Beach, La Perouse, Kamay National Park, Malika Bakehouse, One Drop Brewing Co. and Yarra Bay all close by as well. Oh, and back at base you've got access to a shared pool, and an outside cabana in case a cheeky arvo cocktail calls.

Main image credit: The Arc | Airbnb

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