THE ROCKS. The Argyle Hotel is a huge, five-bar music venue with chic new decor in Sydney's oldest inner-city area. The open warehouse setting is great by day or night, with surprisingly reasonable food and drink prices. Choose the candle-lit courtyard, with its indoor/outdoor feel; the Lounge, with its daybeds and booths; The Perch or the spectacular Lava Bar, depending on your mood. Popular venue with corporate types during the week and tourists anytime due to the central, historic location. TRAIN to Circular Quay and walk through to the Rocks.

THE ROCKS. Sydney is all about harbour views and the scene from the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel is nothing less than spectacular, featuring the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour. It's a classy, sophisticated cocktail lounge and a favorite hang-out of local professionals, special-occasion groups, and hotel guests. Drinks are terrific, and whether you come for the people or the scenery, the experience is great. In the afternoons, the bar has a tourist-y feel, but on weekend evenings, the lively vibe is right for mingling. A short walk from Circular Quay.

DARLINGHURST. For those nights when you just want to kick back and relax. A bohemian atmosphere and an eclectic mix of regulars distinguish this place, and you're certain to find artsy and musical types, along with university students and easy-going locals. Jazz plays low in the background, and the ambience is conducive both to quiet conversation and to intellectual discussion. Have a drink, sink back, and enjoy a place where conversation is easy and there's no hassle to reach the bar or just to get in. A menu lists food that can be delivered from the local cafes and restaurants including thai, pizza, burgers, wraps and salads. BUS: 378, 380, 382 from the city.

PADDINGTON. Modeled after LA supper clubs of the 40s, this classy bar sports circular booths, subdued lighting, two bars, and a restaurant. The clientele is tragically hip, composed of international celebrities from the film and fashion industries. Jazz bands play in a relaxed environment while chic 20somethings nurse well-mixed cocktails and scope out the bar scene. Although the atmosphere is laid back, the place is definitely a see-and-be-seen destination and incredibly hard to gain entrance to. If you're up for the challenge, don your most fabulous attire and wear your attitude like a jewel. BUS: Routes 380, 389 or 378 along Oxford Street from Circular Quay.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Polished hardwood floors, arched windows, and historic architecture mark this lovely hotel and its multiple bars. The sleek Ground Bar sports a boomerang-shaped bar, the Pool Bar offers five billiards tables, and the Club Bar has comfortable upholstered seating and a selection of terrific cigars. Throughout the space, air purifiers ensure that non-smoking patrons aren't disturbed by the smoke. Drinks are delicious, and the bar food is satisfying and inexpensive. Business people and professionals comprise the bulk of the clientele, and you'll find them hanging out after work and even on weekends. The place is a short walk from Wynyard.