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. 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 2024, well, you haven't read this list. Here are the best nightclubs and dancefloors in Sydney right now.
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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. Check out what's on at Chinese Laundry and get tickets here.
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.
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.
Soon to be hosting a range of international acts, the venue also offers a dumplings-and-jazz night on Wednesday (slinging $15 margaritas), Latino nights on Thursdays, and RnB on Fridays. If that were not enough to convince you to attend, the venue serves those aforementioned dumplings until 2am. So, whether it be for a boogie and a feed, believe me when I say the Lucky Cat is soon to be the place to go.
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.
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 with special Sultry and Sample improv DJ sessions on Fridays. The amber lighting, antique chandelier and iconic rug add to the intimate and atmospheric setting, providing the perfect backdrop for a buzzing night out.
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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.
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.
Arq
16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Arq | Website
Arq is Australia's biggest, longest-running purpose-built queer venue. First opened back in 1999, the club has played host to the likes of Lady Gaga while making room for some of the country's best homegrown talent. Behind its iconic revolving doors and beneath its cluster of disco balls and laser beams, this is one of those special venues that means a lot to Sydney.
In 2022, ARQ reopened complete with a multi-million dollar reno. “The iconic legacy of ARQ lies within our team's passion for the entertainment industry and the overwhelming support from the community, which we are endlessly thankful for,” said Arq's owner, Shadd Danesi. "We believe we are finally in a position to revitalise Australian entertainment, starting with ARQ, reclaiming its position as the jewel in Oxford Street’s crown."
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. Check out what's on at Mary's Underground and grab tickets here.
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, take the trip to level three to truly lose your mind in puddles of colour and sound. It’s the club where your name is practically already on the door, you just need to head on down.
JAM Record Bar
320B George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: JAM Record Bar | Supplied
With over 15,000 vinyls displayed on its neon red walls, and a Japanese-themed menu complete with sandos, skewers, highballs, and sake, a trip to JAM Record Bar will make you feel less guilty for skipping out on that trip to Japan you couldn’t afford.
Located in Merivale’s Ivy precinct, the venue plays the kind of infectious tunes that can’t help but make your feet move. So, head on down and get your groove on.
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. Throw in a 3am license all weekend long, and it might as well be Friday night back in 2007.
LABEL.
Level 1/642 Pittwater Road, Brookvale
Image credit: LABEL. | Supplied
LABEL. is a multi-purpose warehouse-style spot that's part club, part bar, and part art space, with an in-house recording studio, and an outrageous festival-like sound system unseen anywhere else in Sydney. Inside, there's a sunlit Miami Vice-style cocktail bar pouring seriously good mandarin Tommy's margaritas and rhubarb gin sours alongside craft beers from the club's neighbouring Northern Beaches breweries.
Beyond the two recording studios—set up for touring artists to record and collaborate—the space gives way to a jaw-dropping marquee-like dancefloor. Drenched in lasers and bordered with moveable booths, ruling over the space is a state-of-the-art VOID Air Motion system. Pizza from downstairs is available from open til close (that's 3am), ensuring no one goes hungry on the dancefloor.
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 Ivy pool club). 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?
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 God it’s Thursday) featuring $5 house spirits and wines to countless drag shows.
The only gay club open seceb 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.
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, complete with views of the sparkly city skyline. House music is the vibe here, with local and international DJs hitting the decks on weekends.
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. 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. It's a good time—so book your tickets here.
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. Cruises typically happen on Saturdays and you can check out what's happening here.
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.
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.
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. You can check out who's set to play via its website—or roll the dice and rock up for a night of cutting shapes on the DF.
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. For its line-up of live music, head to the website—then get ready to move to the tunes.
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.
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.
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.
Main image credit: LABEL. | Facebook
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