CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. For more than 25 years, this club has provided Sydney with the best artists music has to offer. Recognized as the country's number one jazz venue, it delivers a range of styles, including acoustic, folk, acid jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and blues. All ages come for the music, and you'll often see businessmen who hang out for happy hour and then to hear the night's band. The stage is surrounded by a restaurant area but beyond that it's standing room only. A large bar dominates the rest of the room. Bands play almost every night, so there's no excuse for not seeing Prince, Tim Rogers, Lloyd Cole, James Morrison, Renee Geyer, Vince Jones, Guy Sebastion, and others. Take the train, bus or ferry to Circular Quay; then it's a 3-minute walk to the club.

PYRMONT. A more dressed-up venue where patrons over 30 don't feel ancient, this club welcomes a slightly older, slightly classier clientele. Inside, you can choose from the Cave Bar, which has a huge dance floor, or the Velvet Room, which is more laid back with comfy chairs and cushions. Either way, you'll be entertained by a mix of music, including dance, R&B, Latin, and funk. Live bands play on the weekends, and you can nurse a drink on the perimeter or jump in and show off your favorite dance moves. Take the light rail, the free shuttle bus to Sydney Harbour Casino, or the monorail to Harbourside.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. The Civic Hotel consists of three levels: the top level is a Mediterranean style restaurant, the middle level is a pub and the lower level is a nightclub. A perfect spot for unwinding after a hectic day at work, the pub attracts lots of professionals during the week and a more funky clientele on the weekends. On any given day, DJs and bands play a range of music, from jazz and lounge to house and techno. On Saturdays, drag shows will often hold your attention; otherwise, the attractive patrons and the Art Deco architecture will serve that purpose. The hotel is a short walk from either Central or Town Hall station.

COOGEE. Situated right on the beach, this huge place has several components, including a live music venue and a nightclub called Selina's. Local celebrities and university students are constant patrons, but the most prominent clientele are backpackers passing through. With a host of hostels nearby, the Coogee Bay Hotel is a well-known, convenient destination. Live bands play most nights (mainstream rock is the music of choice), but you can also catch a game on TV, try your hand at pool, or just sit outside and drink. Everyone's eager to have a good time, and with so many options, it's not hard. To get there, hop the 377 or 315 bus to Arden Street.

Rated the number one nightclub in the hemisphere by Harper's Bazaar, DCM offers three bar areas and two quiet-time spaces. State-of-the-art sound and lighting contribute to the high-energy atmosphere of this club where anything goes. With rhythmic music and uninhibited patrons, you'll have no choice; everyone gets up and boogies with abandon. Friday nights are 'Chocolate City' with DJ's playing R&B and hip-hop; Saturday nights are DCM Saturdays with high energy and electro music. To get there, take the train to Museum Station or follow bus routes 380, 378 or 389 along Oxford Street from Circular Quay. The club has a 24 hour license, so hours vary - call ahead.