Between the lockouts and the lockdowns and a literal rule for no dancing back in 2020, dancing feels like a hard-won pastime in Sydney/Eora. Thanks to some groovy planning around the city's nighttime economy and a lot of energy and resilience from our nighttime industries, Sydney's Footloose days are well and truly behind us.
Many have said that Sydney’s nightlife has lost its way in recent years—but here at Urban List, we say the energy is coming back. With new clubs and venues opening, the streets are now starting to feel alive again after dark. From underground clubs kitted out with supreme sound systems to sleek bars with vinyl DJs and the best impromptu dancefloors in town—if you don't believe Sydney's nightlife is thumping in 2025, well, you haven't read this list. Here are the best nightclubs and dancefloors in Sydney right now.
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Carousel
169 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Carousel | Supplied
Whoever said nightlife in Sydney is dead is about to bite their tongue—inner-city club Carousel is making history as Australia’s first nightclub listed by Nightlife International as one of the top 100 in the world. The 70s cabaret inspired bar and ballroom on Oxford Street is home to all things electronic, house and techno music. The agenda here is events—think curated lineups, international talent, and an emerging household name amongst Sydney’s late-night dancefloor scene.
Insider Intel
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Carousel has quickly become a hotspot of visiting celebrities—yes, Troye Sivan has danced here. Iconic.
Upcoming Events
Chinese Laundry
1 Slip Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Chinese Laundry | Instagram
After a four-year hiatus caused by COVID and all the arrows we’ve been hit with in recent history, a moment of reprieve has arrived. Sydney’s legendary club, Chinese Laundry has returned. The venue, which has been around for over 100 years, has a varied history, from being the spot where illegal parties took place in the 1960s to hosting luminaries like Flume and Dom Dolla.
Now revamped, with state-of-the-art Martin Audio system, minimalist lighting and other-worldy rave rooms, a boogie at Chinese Laundry is a boogie like no other. With a curated music program featuring both local and international acts, you can safely expect big things from Chinese Laundry without an ounce of disappointment.
Insider Intel
- Need to get some air? El Loco at The Slip Inn is situated upstairs from the laundry, so feel free to grab a bite or pull up a chair in between doofs.
Calypso at The Bristol
Level 3, 81 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Calypso | Instagram
Calypso has quickly carved out a top spot in Sydney’s nightlife scene. Located on the third floor of CBD institution The Bristol, dozens of dangling disco balls bathe the d-floor in vibrant reflections, setting the mood while tech house tunes and disco funk beats pulse through the venue.
With a stellar lineup of local and international DJs keeping the energy high, it’s no wonder the club is alive from 10pm til late, making it an absolute must-stop on a night out.
Insider Intel
- The women's bathrooms here have been rated some of the best club bathrooms in Sydney—think Dyson hand-dryers, wireless GHD straighteners, and Coach perfume. You have to see it to believe it.
AURA
16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: AURA | Instagram
AURA is situated in the space formerly known as ARQ, the result of a $2.5 million makeover on the Darlinghurst venue. Equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics, a full LED wall, and a DJ booth positioned in the middle of the dancefloor—expect Boiler Room-esque crowds, and three levels pumping with house and techno.
Insider Intel
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Feels like a mini EDM festival, tucked away behind Oxford Street.
Upcoming Events
Lucky Cat
77 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
In the words of Lucky Cat’s general manager, Andy Bird, “Sydney’s nightlife is coming back”. By the look of things at Oxford Street's coolest new addition, Lucky Cat seems to be the one leading the charge. Lucky Cat is a shapeshifter of sorts. From 5pm, the venue positions itself as a vibrant dumpling bar. Come 10pm, however, the venue morphs into an exclusive live entertainment venue with one of the sweetest dance floors along the Oxford Street strip.
Hosting a range of local and international acts, the venue also offers a $1 dumpling night on Thursdays. So, whether it be for a boogie and a feed, believe us when we say the Lucky Cat is soon to be the place to go.
Insider Intel
- If that were not enough to convince you to attend, Lucky Cat serves the aforementioned dumplings until 2am—so you can skip the post-club kebab trip.
Club 77
77 William Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Club 77 | Supplied
There's something about Club 77. This dark, grungy bar has evolved over the years, but to those in the know, those cherry red walls and sticky floor were once upon a time the beating heart of Sydney's alternative electronic and house music scene, with legends like AJAX, the Bang Gang, and Starfuckers DJs ruling the decks and the dance floor.
The club celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, relaunching with a little makeover inspired by NYC-style dive bars. The relaunch included a fresh acoustic treatment and a pumping KV2 Audio system specially tuned by Translate Sound (7RANSLA7E). It also scored a 4am license seven days a week—huge news for Sydney's often lacklustre mid-week options after 9pm. There's even a late-night happy hour, from 2.30am-3.30am. The best part? the dance floor heaves just like the good old days.
Insider Intel
- Tickets are sold at the door, so have your cash at the ready.
Upcoming Events
Alcatraz
74-76 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown
Image credit: Alcatraz | Instagram
Transforming from a tapas hotspot between 6pm-10pm to a full-blown boogie haven past 8pm, Alcatraz is one of those clubs that will have you chained to the rhythm well into the night. Setting the vibes here are a bunch of local artists and international tastemakers on deck duty, mixing genre-fusing sounds influenced by Neo-Soul, Alt RnB, Afro-House, Funk and Nu-Jazz.
Open Thursday to Saturday until late, the Traz offers a moody ambience. The amber lighting, antique chandelier and iconic rug add to the intimate and atmospheric setting, providing the perfect backdrop for a buzzing night out.
Insider Intel
- Special Sultry and Sample improv DJ sessions run on Fridays.
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Pleasure Club
6 Wilson Street, Newtown
Image credit: Pleasure Club | Instagram
Draped in purple, the Pleasure Club is the first bar in Newtown in over 100 years to be granted approval to trade until 4am. The bar also features nostalgic cocktails such as the Vegemite Martini (yes, you read that right) and a Coco Pops-themed cocktail.
Owned by the Odd Culture Group, the team behind the Duke of Enmore and the Old Fitz, the venue also features a pool table, a jukebox, and vintage lights. So, as you lovingly sip on cocktails that taste like your childhood, you will naturally find your feet jiving to the rhythm of an unfamiliar beat.
Insider Intel
- Pleasure Hour runs 5pm—7pm, Thursday—Sunday: $2 oysters, $12 grey goose martinis, and much, much more.
Abercrombie
100 Broadway, Chippendale
Image credit: Abercrombie | Instagram
Broadway has changed a lot since the days of Purple Sneakers parties at the Abercrombie. In 2022 the beloved Chippendale boozer reopened after a mega renovation, now sporting three venues in one.
On the ground floor, there's a performance and club space, a public bar, and a refresher of the original beer garden. With a 24-hour license for special events (yes, you read that correctly), this is a space to see Sydney's best record labels dial up the party vibes—Sweat It Out, Future Classic, Motorik, and, of course, Purple Sneakers.
Insider Intel
- Next door is the iconic Bar Freda's, who have taken over part of the historic building, influencing the creative direction and music programming of the pub, club, and rooftop.
Mary's Underground
29 Reiby Place, Sydney CBD
Adorned with candles and writing all over the wall, the team at Mary’s Underground serve up some of the best burgers and fries Sydney can offer. But to sweeten the deal even more, the venue is also one of the grooviest spots in town for a dance.
A mere few steps downstairs and you will find yourself in a rave cave akin to a gothic club. Hosting a range of international DJs and local musicians, Mary’s Underground’s dancefloor is the kind of place where you really do surrender yourself to the music.
Insider Intel
- Their vegan and vegetarian menu is extensive, so you can fuel your dark dancefloor energy without sacrificing your morals.
Two 3 One
231 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Taking its name from its location on the Oxford Street strip, attending nightclub Two 3 One will change any misconceptions you have of a Sydney night out. Closing at 5am, the club comes complete with three floors worth of dance music, each with its own unique feel.
Akin to Berlin’s underground scene, it’s the club where your name is practically already on the door, you just need to head on down.
Insider Intel
- Take the trip to level three to truly lose your mind in puddles of colour and sound.
Upcoming Events
Noir Sydney
163 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Noir | Supplied
Remember when Oxford Street, like Kings Cross, used to be one of Sydney's most vibing nighttime destinations? Noir is the latest venue on a mission to reignite the age-old Oxford Street flame. From the team behind Seadeck—the club has had a $1 million refurb and has since played host to The Gorillaz (just casually).
Fitted with three separate bars, a top-line Martin audio system, blue neon lighting, a 3D mural by visual artist Dallas Clark, plush peacock blue velvet VIP bottle service booths—and even its own custom scent—Noir has been dreamt up as a sensory experience that's part high octane nightclub, part ritzy jazz bar. To drink, choose from six signature cocktails, four signature shots, and all the classics you know and love.
Insider Intel
- With their licence just extended to 5am all weekend long, and it might as well be Friday night back in 2007.
Upcoming Events
Ivy
330 George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Ivy | Instagram
A list of Sydney's top dance spots wouldn't be complete without the behemoth that is Ivy. The Ivy precinct brings together the best Sydney has to offer under one roof (and umbrellas, in the case of the rooftop pool bar). It also happens to throw many, many good dance parties, including popular events such as POOF DOOF and Lost Sundays. It's known for a party, so what are you waiting for?
Insider Intel
- Located upstairs, Jimmy's Rooftop is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in Sydney—classy, great for post-work drinks, and home to a healthy supply of late-night falafel.
Universal
85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Universal is like the kind of best friend you can always rely on to lift your spirits. It’s always in the mood, decked out with booze and looking to dance your smoke off. An LGBTQ+ club, the venue plays host to all sorts of fun from TGIT Thursdays (Thank Gawd it’s Thursday) featuring $5 house spirits and wines to some of the best drag shows in Sydney.
The only gay club open seven days a week, no matter the night, or the weather, Universal will always be there to lift your spirits. Additionally, as one of the best clubs you can get into for free on the weekend, a night at Universal is a night well spent.
Insider Intel
- Hospo Monday's are a no-brainer for any RSA holders (and between you and me, a great mid-week pub golf destination)—flash your card for $5 house beers, wines, and shots.
Taylor's Rooftop
69-73 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD
If it's a rooftop you're hoping to dance upon this summer—make your way up the stairs to the fourth floor of the Republic Hotel. With a vertical garden and a retractable roof, Taylor's is a little city oasis that "loves going topless", complete with views of the sparkly city skyline. House music is the vibe here, with local and international DJs hitting the decks on weekends.
Insider Intel
- Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, from 5pm to 7pm.
The Marlborough Hotel
145 King Street, Newtown
The Marlborough Hotel, or The Marly, as pretty much everyone in Sydney likes to refer to it, is pretty much a staple for any night out in Newtown. Open until 4am on both Fridays and Saturdays, The Marly is pretty much always decked out with a million sweaty faces.
Here, the music is a safe bet, the drinks are reasonably priced, and the vibes are always immaculate. The Marly is also just the place where magic just seems to happen.
Insider Intel
- Speaking from personal experience, I’ve fallen in love, got broken up with, and met a best friend there. If that’s not an incentive to go, I don’t know what is.
Glass Island
Sydney Harbour
Image credit: Glass Island | Supplied
Sydney’s no stranger to floating parties. Being home to one of the prettiest harbours in the world has meant party boats aplenty are regularly dotted across our sparkly waters. In fact, summer in Sydney isn’t really complete without some kind of sunset at sea, featuring champagne, sweet tunes, and breathtaking views.
Enter: Glass Island. Since launching, Glass Island has played host to Nicky Night Time, Sneaky Sound System’s Sneaky Sundays, Poolclvb, and The One Hit Agency crew. Glass Island sets sail Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with tickets starting at around $40.
Insider Intel
- Their NYE experience is well worth the cash—front row seats to the 9pm and 12pm fireworks, great food, and free drinks flowing all night.
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Inception
Sydney Harbour
Image credit: Inception | Instagram
With three levels and two stages on board, the team at Inception Cruises renovated one of their harbour cruise boats with one goal in mind, to create Sydney’s most fun, safe, and inclusive entertainment space on the water.
Prioritising great service, sound equipment, and interesting entertainment, the Inception boat is the perfect location to overlook one of the world’s greatest harbours. Hosting a variety of events from an Apres Ski event in the middle of winter to a range of international DJs, the Inception boat is the kind of place all your friends will soon be posting about.
Insider Intel
- Come on the right night at you'll be treated to a live magic show.
Upcoming events
The Imperial
35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
If your idea of a good night out dancing involves a basement club vibe—look no further than The Imperial in Erskineville. This LGBTQIA+ proud mega-pub is a spot to watch a dazzling drag show, do a vegan degustation, and yes, hit the damn dance floor like no one's business. The basement is basically an underground rave and the front bar is all cruisy disco beats.
Insider Intel
- Their WTF Friday special pumps out $10 shot of fireball and hard fizz, to start your weekend with a bang (and maybe a sore head).
Goros
84/86 Mary Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Goros | Instagram
You might know Goros for its 20-person karaoke rooms, Japanese fare, and retro arcade games, but this Surry Hills spot also packs out its dance floor with hip-hop beats and max vibes on weekends. Kick your night of 90s-era dancing into gear with Goros' sake shots, and you're sure to have a good one.
Insider Intel
- Spice up your karaoke booking with their 2 hour bottle service packages.
Book here
Hotel Harry
40/44 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
This corner pub in Surry Hills is open for lunch, dinner, and drinks seven days a week. Come the weekend, though, Harry's upper level turns up the volume with DJs and dancing till the wee hours of the morning. Roll the dice and rock up for a night of cutting shapes on the DF.
Insider Intel
- Happy hour runs 4—6pm every day of the week, with $8 house wine and spirits and $10 cocktails.
Marrickville Bowling Club
91 Sydenham Road, Marrickville
From afternoons on the green to nights spent catching a live gig, Marrickville Bowlo is one helluva place to spend some time. You can kick back in the sun and play a spot of lawn bowls, get a good feed, and dance the night away all in one day here.
Insider Intel
- Their monster meat raffles run every Friday and Sunday, and are a local fave.
The Soda Factory
16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Soda Factory | Instagram
Sydney bar The Soda Factory is always a good idea. The door is a literal retro vending machine and everyone inside is in such a good mood the low-key "let’s just get merry" atmosphere means your toes will be tapping to the local live acts and DJs. The queue is for a reason so get in quick or be stuck outside in the heat.
Insider Intel
- For the purse-string-clutchers, from 5pm to 7pm on Fridays they take 49% off their entire menu.
The Cliff Dive
Basement, 16/18 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: The Cliff Dive | Instagram
One of Sydney’s best bars for dancing well into the wee hours, The Cliff Dive is a transformed former nightclub turned Papua New Guinean dance hall and tiki bar. With DJs on most nights of the week, the dance floor sure heats up, so get tropical and dive on in.
Insider Intel
- Their kitchen is small but zesty—grab some octopus with chilli and ginger, or chicken with lemongrass and peanut sauce.
Upcoming events
Oxford Art Factory
38/46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Oxford Art Factory | Instagram
Someone fun is always playing at Oxford Art, so you can’t really go wrong here. Drawing anyone and everyone from all over Sydney to see some of the best live acts means that there’s always a great crowd and a bustling dance floor to match. Check out what gigs are on the horizon, nab a ticket, and get yourself down there for dance-inducing tunes.
Insider Intel
- Be prepared to wait in line, ticket or not—for the right event these guys get packed out.
Upcoming Events
Sussudio
2 Kellett Street, Potts Point
Image credit: Sussudio | Instagram
Inspired by the Phil Collins song of the same name, Sussudio is a chic disco club reminiscent of Paris in the 90s. This sleek, coveted venue in Sydney’s East pumps everything from tech house, vibe, funk and disco, with resident DJs and guest artists keeping the music going all night.
Insider Intel
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We recommend this spot if you are missing the vibe of European clubs, and want a night out that feels upmarket and exclusive
Upcoming Events
Arcade
16-18 O'Connell Street, Sydney CBD
Arcade is the CBD bar and club giving Sydney’s nightlife a lesson in luxury and decadence. The heritage 1930s venue is straight out of Gatsby, or the streets of NYC—the multi-level venue has everything from vintage jukebox tunes to a red-hued nightclub which transforms from a lounge to a party room, depending on the day.
Live music is pumping most nights, with every genre from jazz to disco to EDM. In terms of food, their asian-fusion menu is bound to impress—or kick off the night in luxury with an espresso martini topped with gold flake.
Insider Intel
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Happy hour runs Monday to Friday, boasting $10 cocktails, and $7 wine and beer.
Bungalow 8
3 Lime Street, Sydney
Image credit: Bungalow 8 | Instagram
Bungalow 8 is the tiki inspired bar overlooking King Street Wharf, with bookable cabana seating, an open-air courtyard, and a pumping dancefloor—come for their post-work happy hour, and keep on rolling into the small hours. Best known for their live bands and saxophonists, they have just kicked off ‘Keys Gone Wild’ on a Friday night—live piano meets party anthems, singalongs, DJs and a setlist driven entirely by audience request. No more shouting over the DJ decks—you can request as much Taylor Swift as you want, free of judgement.
Insider Intel
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Free entry before 9pm—drop your song requests on the piano fishbowl and get ready to get rowdy.
Main image credit: LABEL. | Facebook
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