Sydney's best music venues

The Enmore

Big acts, local and OS
The Enmore has an old-world feel and offers a nice alternative to a trek into the city. There's seating, a mezzanine, parking and it's played host to some killer bands over the years - Modest Mouse to Wilco to Divinyls to Queens of the Stone Age - while providing killer comedy too. And when the show's over, spill onto Enmore Road for dinner and a drink.

The Metro

Touring bands, local and OS
This baby's got all bases covered. Good sound? Check. Decent amenities? Check. A bar from which you can see the stage? Check. Another bar? Check. Since the early 90s, The Metro has been showcasing a splashing of all ages gigs while presenting a myriad of musical genres across every night of the week. Bravo!

The Annandale

House of rock
Undisputed home of Sydney rock‘n'roll, the ‘Dale combines the intimacy of a small-scale show with the electricity of the world's best performers. Owners Matt and Dan Rule host all varieties of pop, hip hop and acoustic shows. Some might say the only downfall is the plastic cups, but we know - it's for our safety.

The Sandringham Hotel

Hordern Pavilion

You know you've made it
The Hordern does the job when it comes to bigger audiences. Ample seating wraps around the huge standing area - it's just damn spacious. There are plenty of amenities, the sound suits big gigs and it's easy to get to. Catch a pre-drink at the Fox & Lion and grab a cab home with ease. What more could you ask for?

Manning Bar

Sydney Uni's home of rock
For a while there it looked like the Manning was going to lose its status as a live venue in favour of… well, it wasn't really clear what the alternative was. But thankfully cooler heads prevailed and it remains a key location for live music from touring acts and larger locals. Sometimes the PA buckles under the weight of a complicated mix (as Okkervil River and Of Montreal demonstrated) but put a Regurgitator or a Les Savy Fav in there and your night will go off like an off-going thing on the goingest-offest night of its life.

Oxford Art Factory

Tew kewl for skewl
OAF bridges the gap between hang out and venue in style. The two rooms host socialites and punters, divided by a drawing room and two bars. It's well decorated and interesting, and the lighting's great. The bill brings in obscure hip hop acts and mainstream pop alike. Additionally, it gives scenesters somewhere to go after they get a new haircut: priceless.

The Beach Road Hotel

Where the Rock meets the sand
The Beach Road serves all the eastern suburbs' indie needs. It comes to life of a Sunday night with free bands, DJs and hoards of punters who just aren't ready to give up the weekend. Dancing, drinking (and a little chin stroking) lead you back into the working week in style.

The Gaelic

OS and local acts
There's something about The Gaelic on a good night - packed to the rafters with crowds spilling over the stalls cheering, drinking and singing. Shows are intimate and the venue has a worn, very live feel. From rock to drum'n'bass, you'll see your favourite bands and find a new one too.

The Basement

All class
This one's for all the blues and funk fans out there. The dark but classy Basement hosts a great live performance. No matter where you're standing you can hear the music, see the band and reach the bar. A great musical experience, be it jazz, blues or rock.

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