Sometimes tour groups lead you to local "shop", and occasionally the visit was well worth the time…read moreand sometimes money. So was our recent OAT experience at Altmann + Cherny, especially if you were a woman. I enjoyed the orientation video and demonstration on how Opal mining works, and was certainly impressed with the low pressure and experienced professionalism of staff. After discounts, "sticker shock" receded for some really amazing looking pieces.

Whether you are an opal specialist or a visiting tourist with little knowledge about opals, we…read morehighly recommend that you stop by Altmann + Cherny in downtown Sydney. Staff is very professional and helpful. They have extensive experience in working with tourists from various parts of the globe. We were fortunate to work with Fiona Altmann, a third generation owner of the business. She never pressured us into buying costly jewelry. She was very helpful in telling us about various types of opals. The shop has an extensive array of opal inspired jewelry in just about all price ranges. We consider ourselves fortunate to have found this store, and we bought opal rings to help us remember our great time in Sydney.

Great pottery studio with a very nice atmosphere. Joe and the team are great teachers. Really…read moreenjoyed spending time in this oasis in the city.

What a great experience and an excellent way to unwind!…read more I took the first wheel throwing class this afternoon and I loved every minute. The instructor (Ian?) and his assistant were patient, knowledgable, friendly and professional. They offered appropriate support throughout class to all students, the talented and the struggling ones equally :) It was little talk and a lot of hands-on (90% of the time). You get to practice with as many pieces of clay as you want, but you only keep your best two, which is plenty. The shed is an extremely cool, inspiring warehouse style workshop! I recommend the class for a single person, a date night, a family or a birthday party. I'll be going back for sure.

Funktion's window display of handmade pop-up cards was the first thing to catch my eye. What a…read morefabulous, creative, lovely idea! Intricately... scissored? Carved is the wrong adjective... designs like an incredible grand piano, an owl, an Eiffel Tower, mean you'd be hard-pressed not to find something special and suited to whoever you're buying for. Funktion sells more than these cards, although I can see a niche for an entire shop dedicated to them in Paddington or an area that "gets" that type of thing. There is a $10 clothes rack just inside the door and lots of cute, Japanese-quirky types of tops and frocks to peruse at a reasonable price. I walked out empty-handed as everything that caught my eye was "almost but not quite" upon further inspection. Big fan of the cards though!

Everyone wants to wear clothes that are fashionable but not everyone can afford the expensive…read moreprices of European labels. Good thing that there's Chantal B in Paddington! Chantal B is a clothing and accessory store that sells European and Italian merchandise at very affordable prices. They have fashionable clothes that will make you look fantastic and accessories. Who says achieving the run way look has to be expensive? With so many things to choose from and really knowledgeable staff, Chantal B is a shop to make you look great without spending a lot of money. They also have an excellent range of jewellery, that would be perfect for Christmas gifts. Highly recommended!

From the owner: Achieve Effortless French Chic ! Tips From French Born…read moreSydney Boutique Owner. Come and enjoy the playful world of talented artist and Creators . Our Jewellery and Fashion are dedicated to enhancing Beauty , Style and promoting pleasure. Fashion Coach , Personal assistance , Wardrobe assessment. Chantal B French Touch in the heart of Paddington

A great little bargain basement store with everything under the sun on its shelves. You can buy…read moreinexpensive dinnerware, stainless steel saucepans, bits and pieces for your dog, lifesize Santa Claus', large jardiniere, slippers, exercise books. Ths list goes on and on. The staff are very pleasant and it's a great place to go for filling in time while waiting for a prescription at the chemist. You will always find something to buy that you 'need'.

One of the best kept secrets in Sydney, located on level 4 of the Museum of contemporary art in the…read moreRocks precinct. Great views from terrace and inside as well, amazing coffee and service with a range of breakfast and lunch offerings. Always friendly and you can even check out the amazing museum when you finish your cafe visit.

This was the first cafe my friend and I saw after flying to Sydney. I yelped the place and saw it…read morehad good reviews. Starving, we decided to give it a try. First impression was that the view was perfect. You can see the Sydeny Opera house to the Bridge. Food wise, was awesome. I ordered a potato onion tart with a side of salad and salmon ($19). It was the perfect size for a person. Next we decided to stay for a while to have afternoon tea. Best part was FREE WIFI! I ordered a hot chocolate and it was OMG. The best hot chocolate I've had since I flew to Australia and I've tried a lot. It had the perfect amount of sweetness and the chocolate bits just melted in my mouth smoothly. Highly recommending it to give it a go!