This buzzy, bohemian inner-city suburb is a must-visit, home to one of the city’s most beloved weekend markets and a collection of cosy cafes tucked inside colourful heritage terraces.
Just walking distance from the connected Central Railway Station, Glebe is known for its eclectic cafes, shops and restaurants, the majority of which line the suburb’s main artery, Glebe Point Road.
On a Saturday morning, shoppers and brunchers take over the street, looking for a perfectly brewed coffee to sip before they explore the popular Glebe Markets. Continue down towards the harbour, and you’ll hit the new Sydney Fish Market, where freshly-caught seafood can be enjoyed with harbour views and top-tier waterfront restaurants.
Things to do in Glebe
Glebe Markets
Held at Glebe Public School every Saturday, this bustling market features a vibrant mix of vintage fashion, unique jewellery, artisanal baked goods and handcrafted treasures from local makers.
Where: Derby Place, Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Nature’s Energy Bathhouse
Hidden in plain sight on Glebe Point Road, Nature’s Energy’s largest bathhouse features indoor and outdoor wellness spaces, plus a sauna, steam room and ice bath. Visit between 6:30am and 9:30am Monday to Thursday to take advantage of its $39 early-morning offer.
Where: 105 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Glebe Foreshore Walk
Follow Glebe’s scenic Foreshore Walk for unique harbour views. You’ll pass rowers gliding through Johnstons Creek and see the striking Anzac Bridge from below. Along the way, you’ll skirt Blackwattle Bay, home to the new Sydney Fish Market, as well as passing the waterfront vantage point of Rozelle Bay Lookout.
Find out more here
Browse a bookstore
Book lovers are spoiled for choice in Glebe, home to two beloved independent bookstores: Sappho Books and Gleebooks. Both host a regular calendar of author talks, book launches and poetry events, while their cafés make for the perfect spot to linger over a new read.
Where: Sappho Books: 51 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Gleebooks: 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
gleebooks.com.au sapphobooks.com.au
Sydney Fish Market
Home to 40 retailers, Sydney’s new Fish Market brings together renowned seafood vendors, cafés, grocers and even a gelateria under one huge roof. Since opening earlier this year, the waterfront destination has attracted millions of visitors, so if you’re a seafood lover, this is the place to be.
Where: 1 Bridge Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Where to eat in Glebe
Darling Glebe
Set within the historic Darling Mills building, this is one of Sydney’s most talked-about new restaurants. Acclaimed chef Jeff Schroeter brings together French-inspired cooking and exceptional seasonal produce in a striking sandstone setting that’s worth the visit alone.
Where: 134A Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
No. 92
Set in a beautifully restored heritage building, the dining rooms are just as important as the food and wine at No. 92. Their female-led team has created a warm atmosphere with elegant interiors and intimate dining spaces, which you can hire for private events. They also host a $99 bottomless brunch on weekends, featuring wagyu tartare and their famous tostada, plus a three-course lunch set menu from Wednesday to Friday.
Where: 92 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Glebe Hotel
A heritage-listed public bar and dining destination, go to Glebe Hotel for great gastro pub fare (including a warming Sunday roast) plus a great tap beer lineup and dedicated cocktail menu.
Where: 63 Bay St, Glebe NSW 2037.
The Charlie
Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, hit The Charlie if you’re after a relaxed dining experience with a few cheeky drinks to go with it. Serving up seasonal share plates from beetroot cured salmon to confit duck leg and pumpkin risotto, they also run not one, but two happy hours daily, from 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm.
Where: 199 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Ramen Bar Goku
This unfussy ramen bar serves up steaming bowls of broth, chewy noodles and tender meats. Offering BYO, it’s a great place for an informal, homey get-together.
Where: 30 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
The best cafes in Glebe
Mamuki
A strong competitor for Sydney’s best matcha latte, Mamuki is a Japanese-inspired bakery known for its crispy chicken katsu sando and calming, natural interiors. Enjoy Japanese-inspired comfort food, from donburi, onigiri, ochazuke and plenty of baked treats.
Where: 16 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
instagram.com/mamuki.bake.bar/
Ada’s Affair
Famed for their Babi Guling (suckling pork) focaccia sandwich, Ada’s Affair serves up an authentic Indonesian-inspired menu in Glebe. Serving up brews from St. Peter’s roastery, Sample Coffee, make sure you try their Es Kopiko drink, inspired by the Indonesian candy with its chocolate malt base.
Where: 144B Glebe Point Road, Glebe NSW 2037.
Dirty Red
A cosy, duck egg blue cafe (despite its name), Dirty Red is one of the beating hearts of Glebe’s cafe scene, serving an irresistible selection of brunch favourites, expertly brewed coffee, fresh juices and indulgent sweet treats.
Where: 41 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Soul Oasis
Colourful drinks, good coffee and generous portions, Soul Oasis is a great little cafe for a catch-up with friends or a delicious brunch feed. Order their tomatoey shakshuka with the homemade chilli sauce for a perfect warming brekkie.
Where: 34 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
The best bars in Glebe
The Little Guy
This friendly small bar in Glebe is a buzzy local’s spot with a packed weekly program of deals and offers. Secure $14 martinis on Thursday, $12 spritzes on Saturday and play pool for free all Sunday. There’s even a private karaoke room you can book if you’re keen to belt out a few tunes.
Where: 87 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
Friend In Hand Hotel
Tucked away on Glebe’s Cowper Street, Frined In Hand is the perfect place to secure some pub grub and enjoy a cold one. Whether you’re there to watch some sport on the big screen, tuck into a $20 schnitty on a Tuesday or play some pool, this is a great, relaxed spot to do so.
Where: 58 Cowper St, Glebe NSW 2037.
The Toxteth
The Toxteth has been serving Glebe since 1882, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the suburb’s most popular watering holes. Affectionately known as the Tocky, you’re guaranteed an authentic neighbourhood pub experience when you stop by, especially if you head to their beer garden on a sunny day.
Where: 345 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
