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4 Stress-free Places with the Best Views of Sydney Skyline

The minute we find ourselves really getting that confirmation that covid-19 is finally truly absolutely unquestionably over, there will surely be an unstoppable rise of travelers coming and going to different destinations. While some of us will have the luxury to do so, others might not be able to. Nevertheless, there’s an easy fix for that: why not find stress-free places that offer some of the best views of your city? Take for example this city down under – Sydney, Australia.

Did you know that they happen to have a lot of areas that offer the best views of Sydney’s skyline? Not necessarily always the aerial view, but more so the chill, unique, creative, and relaxed vibe kind of viewing places that highlight their culture. Can’t decide on where to go? Well, you do not need to stress because you can never ever really go wrong with an amazing view, right?

Sunsets, skyscrapers, or a view of the bay… there is something for you in Sydney, for sure. Check out these places!

Royal Botanic Gardens

Website: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RBGSydney/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbgsydney/

The enchanting Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, is a tranquil oasis on the edge of one of the world’s great natural harbours. You’ll enjoy spectacular views and take memorable photographs of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Read more at: https://sg.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/city-centre/attractions/royal-botanic-garden-and-the-domain

Cockle Bay Wharf

Website: https://www.cocklebaywharf.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CockleBayWharf/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocklebaywharf/

This is the closest part of Darling Harbor to the city, and there are many restaurants and bars on the sea. At night, business is very good. While eating steak and seafood, we can see the sea scenery, especially the Ferris Wheel opposite, which decorates the whole coastline beautifully. This is the essence of Darling Harbor. In fact, this Valentine's Harbor is a misreading. It only suits a Governor's name. English is also the meaning of a lover. So many people mistake it for a lover. But this place is really a good place to talk about love and many tourists flock to it. The lights at night are very beautiful. It is suggested that you can come here for dinner at night and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After dinner, you can also take a walk at the seaside. The sea water is very clear. It is said that there are seafood in it, which can be eaten directly. There are many yachts on the shore. The prepared environment is very well protected and clear. Read more at: https://sg.trip.com/travel-guide/sydney/cockle-bay-wharf-22951155/

Sydney CBD at Night

Website: https://www.10best.com/destinations/australia/sydney/central-business-district/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityofsydney/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sydneycbd/

I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of living in two of the most fantastic cities in the world: New York and Sydney. While the fast paced, cut throat NYC lifestyle contrasts sharply with the casual beach bum mantra of Sydney, I found myself drawn to certain things that both cities do super well: coffee (NYC / SYD), street art (NYC / SYD), and city views. And just as I’ve documented the best views of NYC, I’ve done the same for Sydney. From beaches, bridges, and hilltop parks, here are the best views in Sydney (21, in fact!) Read more at: https://frugalfrolicker.com/best-views-of-sydney/

Darling Harbour

Website: https://darlingharbour.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlingharbour/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlingharbour/

Although its sparkling waters are dazzling by day, there’s something especially magical seeing all those bright lights at night. There’s a buzz in the air and plenty to see. So, for a completely different Darling Harbour experience, head down at dusk and enjoy our pick of the best things to do with kids after dark. Read more at: https://www.ellaslist.com.au/articles/the-best-kids-activities-darling-harbour-by-night

July 2020: 20 Newly Visited Nearby Cafes & Bars in Singapore

Post pandemic, I think all of us will agree that we just don’t need an excuse to stay at home? Whether a place may be an hour or two away from Singapore’s city center, it’s definitely a must include agenda, especially if you plan to meet up with your loved ones. Whether it calls for some social distancing, or some mask-wearing along the way, that’s okay – for every human experience at a new place of gathering will make it worthwhile.

From fine dining set-ups, post-museum dates, spa getaways, or a trip to inspired restaurants, the only dilemma you’ll probably be having right now is having to choose from all of these cafes and bars in Singapore with a dazzling view of this sprawling city. There’s a newfound love for all things Singapore, all thanks to the refresh and reset button given to us by the COVID-19. Now, it’s time to gather up and be out and about. See you whenever!

Mister Wu

Website: https://misterwu.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misterwutea/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterwutea/

A large piece of poached chicken breast and a piece of leg. Nice natural chicky sweetness in the tender, moist chicken meat. A trickle of truffle oil added a bit of that distinctive aroma which lifted the dish. I know lah.... there's no truffle in truffle oil but it does make everything taste nicer to me lah.... Read more at: https://johorkaki.blogspot.com/2020/02/mister-wu-menu-review-good-lunch-in.html

Black Fairy Coffee

Website: https://www.blackfairycoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackfairycoffeesg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfairycoffee/

Hanging lightbulbs and marble tables fill Black Fairy Coffee, a charming new cafe with an enchanting tale. I like to believe that Tyrwhitt Road is a whole other realm — a place that provides respite for anyone who’s had a long day. The streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, and presents visitors with endless dining options. Black Fairy Coffee might just be yet another cafe in the area, but this new kid on the block warrants a visit. Read more at: https://www.misstamchiak.com/black-fairy-coffee/

Paik’s Coffee

Website: https://royaltgroup.com/our-brands/paik-s-coffee.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paiks.coffeesg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paiks.coffeesg/

Many would be familiar with Paik’s Bibim by celebrity chef Jong Won Paik, who had a total of 6 outlets in Singapore, specializing in Bibimbap (as their name implied) and their sister outlet Bornga Following the success of multiple stores islandwide, the first Paik’s Coffee 빽다방 outlet opened at Mapletree Business City catering mainly to the office crowd. If you have been to Seoul Korea, Paik’s Coffee chain is almost EVERYWHERE, known to be both cheap and fashionable. How difficult to achieve. Read more at: https://danielfooddiary.com/2016/05/17/paikscoffee/

Mellower Coffee

Website: https://www.mellowercoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MellowerCoffeeSG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellowercoffee_sg/

Gone are the days when any dose of caffeine would suffice – welcome to the age of specialty coffee. Joining the list of franchises opening in Singapore is Mellower Coffee, a specialty coffee chain from Shanghai. Reputed as one of the leading cafe chains in China, Mellower Coffee focuses on the overall coffee drinking experience, and the branch along Robinson Road in Singapore is definitely a place I’d like to sit and have a cuppa at. Read more at: https://sethlui.com/mellower-coffee-singapore/

Wine Connection

Website: https://www.wineconnection.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wineconnectionsgp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wineconnectionsg/

I’m not going to lie….it took a little convincing to come visit the Wine Connection Tapas Bar located at Robertson Quay. While it’s definitely visually pleasing with sleek modern design, it’s just so large! Not exactly a hidden gem by any stretch of the imagination. Despite all this, in the interest of fairness, it would be wrong to not at least try it, especially when they are one of the only places in Singapore to serve wine at super reasonable prices… Starting with a couple of salads, we ordered the tomato mozzarella salad ($13), and the rocket and smoked duck breast salad ($13) deciding to pair them with a champagne – Drappier Carte d’Or ($15); and a rosé – Cotes de Provence – Les Vignerons de Saint Tropez ($8). I love a bit of champagne and rosé to start a meal, and seriously – who doesn’t? Read more at: https://www.citynomads.com/wine-connection-tapas-bar-bistro/

Boulevard Millenia

Website: https://www.boulevard.sg/outlet/millenia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boulevardmillenia/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milleniawalk/

Skyscrapers, smartly dressed white collar workers and busy traffic. That’s the impression most will have of the CBD (central business district). No doubt such an environment promotes a sense of efficiency that is vital to the financial centre, yet the fast paced lifestyle can get stifling at times. Feeling the need to unwind, one desires a little escape, but to where? There is work to be done, leaving one with little but a few hours for relaxation. In comes Boulevard Restrobar, the hidden gem within the CBD. Read more at: http://blog.wearespaces.com/review-boulevard-restrobar/

The Providore Cafe

Website: https://theprovidore.com/home/cafe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProvidore/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprovidore/

The folks at The Providore have certainly made a success of their foray into the cafe business at Mandarin Gallery. Even with new competition, they continue to enjoy a strong following. They have expanded the Mandarin Gallery outlet and opened a new one along Orchard Road at Tangs (see our post The Providore Cafe at Tangs). We went to their outlet at Mandarin Gallery on a weekday morning and almost every table indoor was occupied. Read more at: https://ordinarypatrons.com/2015/03/31/breakfast-at-the-providore-mandarin-gallery/

Wanton Fu

Website: https://wantonfu.oddle.me/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wantonfu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wantonfusg/

Fast forward a few years later, ARC380 now takes over the grounds of Eminent Plaza and LavenderFood Square. Wanton Fu is one of the first tenants to have moved in and fully operating in the building, situated just right behind the bus stop. Interior fittings and furnishings are simple and functional; a style that gels well with the date that they are serving. As one could infer from the shop name, Wanton Fu’s main focus on the menu would be their wanton mee; offering both dry and soup options, patrons can also order sides such as wanton soup, fried wantons and even greens on the side to share. Beverages include canned drinks, as well as drink dispensed out of the dispenser. Read more at: https://jiaksimipng.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/wanton-fu-arc380/

Coffee Smith

Website: http://www.coffeesmith.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeesmithSG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeesmith_singapore/

We were looking for a place to have coffee the other day and decided on Coffeesmith Orchard Central. It has a wonderful location along the long indoor corridor that stretches from Orchard Central to 313 Orchard. One can walk from Killiney Road to Mandarin Gallery in (mostly) air-conditioned comfort. Which is why there is a constant flow of pedestrian traffic in this area. The song “Music to Watch the Girls Go By” came to mind when we were there. I had initially wanted to borrow part of the title of the song for this post, but decided to use the more gender neutral phrase instead. Read more at: https://ordinarypatrons.com/2019/07/24/coffeesmith-orchard-central/

Mosanco Enchanted Café

Website: https://www.mosancocafe.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedCafeSg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enchantedcafe/

Ambience at Enchanted Cafe is the best thing about the place. With a fantasy, fairy-tale atmosphere, created with wooden shelves, picture frames, mirrors, faux books, faux greenery, warm mood lighting, and painted murals on the walls, every part of this place looks so pretty. The mismatched tables and benches are comfortable, and well suited for lingering. However, a small floor space and limited seating means the place fills up quickly. Read more at: https://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.com/2018/11/enchanted-cafe.html

Commons

Website: http://www.commons.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommonsSG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonssg/

The halal-certified Commons is a family-friendly place that also caters to vegetarian guests. Located right next to the picturesque HSBC Rain Vortex, Commons is an ideal venue for your next gathering with family and friends in between travels or just about any occasion. You don’t have to worry about menu options and portion sizes as they have sharing platters. Food selection is diverse as they specialise in specially crafted Asian-Fusion delights, from appetisers to desserts. And with its all-new, fully revamped menu just launched, you can expect more unique items to choose from. Read more at: https://danielfooddiary.com/2019/12/05/commons/

Kraftwich by Swissbake

Website: http://www.kraftwich.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kraftwichsg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kraftwichsg/

A cafe means a lot more to me than just coffee and food. I used to hunt for the most obscure cafes in town just so I could escape the crowds and sip my coffee quietly. My search for a cafe to call my own brought me to Kraftwich – a new concept by Swissbake, located in an idyllic corner of One Raffles Place. After experiencing it first hand, I want to show you why I think Kraftwich by Swissbake is the young upstart you’ve been looking for in the cafe industry. It’s enigmatic charm and carefully curated interior won me over slowly but surely. Take it from me, you have to see it to believe it. Read more at: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/kraftwich-cafe/

Benjamin Barker Cafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminBarkerCafe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminbarkercafe/

Last Saturday, while at Cathay Cineleisure to watch Solo: A Star Wars Story, I discovered to my surprise my current favourite sit-in milkshake place is closed. After just a few months in operation, and mere weeks after I amended the details on Google Maps, B Burger has ceased operations. In replacement is a stylish café, one’s that managed by the same owners as before i.e. menswear label Benjamin Barker. Attracted by the cozy and jazzy décor, I immediately made plans to return early in the week to check out this new eatery. Read more at: http://scribblinggeek.com/index.php/2018/06/03/benjamin-barker-cafe/

The Wired Monkey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWiredMonkeySG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewiredmonkeysg/

The Wired Monkey is a new speciality coffee shop nestled just off Little India along Dunlop Street. Besides serving up amazing coffee, they also have some interesting food offerings that delve away from your typical cafe fare. Their Falafel Burger comes highly recommended and their banana cake is the perfect accompaniment for your freshly brewed coffee. The Wired Monkey uses a blend of coffee from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, a veteran in Singapore’s coffee scene. If you’re tired, The Wired Monkey is, without a doubt, an excellent place to get wired. Read more at: https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/12/the-wired-monkey/

KICK Cafe (Global Kitchens) @ Science Park

Website: https://www.globalkitchens.asia/tenants/kick-cafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SciencePark1/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/649124768602235/kick-cafe-at-ascent-science-park/

The best place to chill out away from work with great value gourmet coffees and affordable yet healthy meals. Read more at: https://www.singaporeexpats.com/food-and-leisure/places/201498/KICK-CAFE

Dutch Baby Cafe

Website: https://munchowl.com/eatery.php?id=107

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dutchbabycafe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1035161461/dutch-baby-cafe

A thick stack of warm, fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup is my all-time favourite brunch. Yes, I’m basic like that. So when I heard of a new type of flat pancakes being served at Dutch Baby Cafe in Paragon, I was a little skeptical. Known as Dutch baby pancakes or German pancakes, these are crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. They are as thin as an omelette and are served individually on a skillet – nothing at all like typical American pancakes. So I decided to check it out to see if it tastes as good as my brunch must-have. Read more at: https://eatbook.sg/dutch-baby-cafe/

Spinelli Coffee

Website: https://www.spinellicoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpinelliCoffeeCompany/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinellicoffeecompany/

Many of us would have probably queued for the 1 for 1 Starbucks coffee, chilled at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, or even have a tea break at Joe & Dough. If you haven’t, you might still have walked past these outlets while shopping. Spinelli Coffee may not ring a bell in many people. But do you know that there are currently 22 Spinelli stores in Singapore and they are still expanding? Mostly located in the CBD area such as Raffles Place, Marina Bay Financial Center and Changi Business Park, the consumer market is mainly working professionals.But soon, a new outlet will be finally opened in the suburban mall at Our Tampines Hub – with bigger offerings exclusive to the outlet. The outlet will also have its first alfresco area that caters to a larger crowd and one-of-a-kind Cold Brew Soft Serve in Singapore! Read more at: https://www.oo-foodielicious.com/spinelli-coffee-cbd/

1927 Rooftop Bar

Website: https://www.sofitel-so-singapore.com/meetings-events/1927-rooftop-bar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1927RooftopBar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1927_bar/

In keeping with its swank decor, 1927 calls its creations “Equatorial Classics” but just know it’s a menu filled with rum-based favourites like the Rum Runner, Fog Cutter and Painkiller. All classics here, equatorial or otherwise, are executed effectively – which is to be expected of any decent hotel bar – so it’s in the original creations that one can witness 1927’s genius. Read more at: https://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/1927-the-secret-rooftop-bar-in-the-cbd/

Tapas Club – Authentic Spanish Club

Website: https://www.tapasclub.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapasclubsingapore/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapasclubsg/

The Place Newly opened in June, Tapas Club located at Orchard Central is run by Chef Alonso, who is also the Executive Chef of popular Binomio Spanish Restaurant at Craig Road. The concept of Tapas Club is to serve authentic Spanish food in a casual setting with wallet-friendly prices. The group is also behind the popular llaollao franchise in Singapore, so yes there’s a dessert here using their famous frozen yoghurt. Read more at: https://therantingpanda.com/2017/08/06/food-review-tapas-club-at-somersets-orchard-central-casual-authentic-spanish-food-by-binomios-chef-alonso/

Five Tapas

Website: https://www.fivebar.sg/five-tapas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fivetapasbar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivebar/

Just what makes this the perfect bar for after-hours drinks? $5 cocktails? Of course! $5 pub grub? Definitely! $5 Asahi drafts, sakes and wines? Yes, yes and yes. This local incarnation of Tokyo’s 300 Bar drives a good bargain indeed and it’s regularly drawing in the hordes of suits and execs looking for a shot of booze after 5pm. If you’re no penny pincher, they also have premium drinks on the list such as the sakejito. Read more at: https://sgmagazine.com/nightlife/singapore-bar-club/five-izakaya-bar