A Music Lover's Guide to Sydney

There's nothing like the thrill, buzz and energy of a live music gig, and Sydney has plenty of performance spaces that have played host to some of the world's biggest acts as well as local up-and-comers. From intimate venues to big stages, in the city centre and on the city's fringe, here are nine spots to get a fix of live entertainment.

Enmore Theatre, Enmore

The longest-running live music venue in New South Wales, the Enmore Theatre has been drawing crowds for over a century. Despite having a capacity of just 2,500, the venue's storied history and standing within the industry means legends across generations – including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Coldplay and Oasis – have performed on this stage. The strip of pubs, bars and restaurants (ranked 17th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out) comes alive when a gig at The Enmore is on – some pre-gig Enmore Road favourites to check out include Earl's Juke Joint, Cairo Takeaway and Little Lagos.

The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale

No Sydney venue inspires memories of thriving dance and sweaty late nights better than The Lansdowne Hotel. The Chippendale pub, in Sydney's inner city, has been hosting rock, punk and indie gigs for decades and continues to platform local up-and-coming acts as well as a late-night party vibe. Combine that with a menu of sangas, burgers and fried chicken plus local beers and natural wine, and you have a legendary student haunt – charmingly grungy and welcoming to all.

Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst

Inspired by Andy Warhol's famed Factory in New York, the Oxford Art Factory, in Darlinghurst on the fringe of the city centre, has been bringing live music and art to Sydney for more than a decade. The two stages, supporting just over 600 in total, have hosted some of the biggest names in music – Lady Gaga played her first ever Australian show here in 2008 when the space was barely a year old. This tiny venue allows performers to interact with the audience, giving the crowd an intimate connection to the artists and each other. As it's located on Sydney's famed Oxford Street, there are plenty of spots for a feed and a drink beforehand including Bitter Phew, Big Poppa's and Chaco Ramen.

Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park

Hordern Pavilion

Originally built in the 1920s as extra space for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and an exhibition hall for the wonders of new technology, Hordern Pavilion became Sydney's home of international rock concerts in the 1970s. The historic venue has hosted countless huge-name acts, including Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Queen, Billy Joel and AC/DC. In the 1990s, it introduced bands like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy and Green Day to local audiences. But despite those huge names, it still has an intimate feel, giving you a rare chance to connect with your favourite acts outside a giant stadium. Before the show, grab a nearby burger at Mary's Entertainment Quarter or a traditional Italian feast at Cipri's Italian.

The Metro Theatre, Sydney CBD

Every local live music hunter has spent at least one epic night pressed against the barriers of the mosh pit at The Metro. Since the 1990s, the inner-city venue has been the place for high-energy gigs from the likes of The Prodigy and Foo Fighters, as well as respected indie acts including Jeff Buckley, Lorde and Aphex Twin. Smaller shows are also held in The Lair, a secondary space that holds just a few hundred people on the dance floor. Pre-party eating options are endless with Chinatown, Thaitown and Darling Square just a stone's throw away.

Mary's Underground, Sydney CBD

Mary's Underground rose from the ashes of Sydney most iconic jazz bar, The Basement. Like the original and aptly named subterranean bar, Mary's Underground has the feel of an old school, alternative live music venue – dimly lit, full of characters and playing a little bit of everything. But unlike The Basement, which was famous for jazz and funk, you can get anything from R&B to punk. It's only open for events but that doesn't mean it's ticket only, check the line up for both big ticket shows and free events. If you need a feed, they serve the same burgers they've made their name with back when Mary's Newtown opened in 2013.

Phoenix Central Park, Chippendale

Of all Sydney's alternative, cutting-edge music venues, Phoenix is by far the most exclusive. Every show, often experimental artists at the forefront of their genre, takes place at the base of an architecturally unique, winding staircase. The audience either stands at on the staircase, peering over the performer, or sits in a circle literally a metre or two from the stage. To get one of the prized free tickets, you have to go into a ballot. Before you head in, check out the street food, small bars and fine diners around Chippendale.

Marrickville Bowling Club, Marrickville

You could be forgiven for thinking the Marrickville Bowling Club is just another great Australian community bowlo: it's humble, welcoming and provides cheap drinks to locals. But at night the club transforms into one of the most energetic venues in Sydney. The stage welcomes both up-and-coming Sydney artists looking to launch the next great album and DJs looking to set the dance floor alight.

Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill

Sydney Colosseum Theatre

This new, state-of-the-art theatre is an architectural wonder befitting its epic name. The Cox Architecture design is like the bow of a futuristic ship rising out of the ground. The 2,000-seat theatre has provided a stage for everything from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to Keith Urban. In between acts it has hosted the live portion of Australia's Got Talent and other big shows. Options to eat include Pizzaperta Manfredi – from one of Australia's most influential Italian chefs, Stefano Manfredi – and the nearby Filipino hub on Rooty Hill Road.

* Destination NSW https://www.destinationnsw.com.au
* Amy Nguyen at amy.nguyen@dnsw.com.au