For creative types and food connoisseurs, Western Sydney is heaven on earth—you just need to know where to look.
There’s a good reason Parramatta is unofficially known as Sydney’s second CBD, as its vibrant nightlife and endless hole-in-the-wall food joints cater to nocturnal folks on a feverish mission to keep the good times going.
With the help of Porsche Centre Parramatta, we’ve pulled together a handful of things to do in Western Sydney, from two-fork dining to engrossing local performances.
Things To Do In Western Sydney: Eat
Pho Pasteur
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Vietnamese cuisine served to perfection in a family-owned establishment, let Pho Pasteur be your guiding light.
While pho eateries can be notoriously tricky to navigate for vegans and vegetarians, Pho Pasteur caters to both and goes above and beyond the classic ‘vegetable and noodle’ combo—think succulent soy curds in a rich marinade. Scoring a light Vietnamese lunch with mates has got to be one of the best things to do in Western Sydney.
Oribu
Sharing the same street as Pho Pasteur, Oribu has recruited former Nobu prodigy Harry Cho as Head Chef—so you know they’re not messing around with their menu.
Experience fine dining to the nth degree and don’t skirt around the kingfish carpaccio, served with jalapenos, fresh ginger and a signature plum sauce to kick your taste buds into overdrive.
CicciaBella
Italian’s firmly on the menu at CicciaBella, and this industrial-style Western Sydney restaurant will serve up porcini arancini that’ll make you want to order a whole tray to store in the freezer.
Filling and flavoursome, CicciaBella Trattoria hits the bullseye if you’re fiending for multiple courses paired with a smorgasbord of playful cocktails.
Things To Do In Western Sydney: Play
Riverside Theatre
There’s just something so ethereal about sitting in an actual theatre and witnessing artists put their blood, sweat and tears into entertaining the masses, which is why a trip to the Riverside Theatre is one of our favourite things to do in Western Sydney.
As Parramatta continues on an upward trajectory to securing the cultural hub crown, more and more local and international artists are flocking to the Riverside Theatre to put on a show.
From cabaret and comedy to music and film, there’s something playing most weeks to satisfy the cinephiles and toughest critics.
Scram Escape Rooms
Yes, escape rooms have flooded the Australian markets of late, but you (presumably) are yet to attempt a prison break from Scram Escape Rooms.
Found on O’Connell Street and Church Street, the activities vary from family-friendly to full-blown intensity. What better thing to do around Western Sydney than to put your relationships and friendships to the test in an escape room?
Drive To Wentworth Falls
Take a day trip approximately 40 minutes west of Western Sydney and shut off the rest of the world at Wentworth Falls. With trails and hikes to test the sturdiest of legs, Wentworth Falls will guarantee to inspire and tire, so you’ll sleep like an angel at the end of a rewarding day.
Things To Do In Western Sydney: Party
Mr Watkins
Any venue we can go from iced lattes to espresso martinis and get a round of trivia in is a guaranteed good time in our eyes. With moody interiors and menus packed from sunrise to sunset—Mr Watkins is high on our list of things to do in Western Sydney if you want to go from brunch catch-ups to happy hours and belly laughs all in one location.
If you're looking to nurse that post-trivia hangover from the night before we recommend the brekky pie baked with fried egg, bacon, tomato, cheese, mayo and tomato or bbq sauce.
Nick & Nora’s
Not to be confused with the Nick & Nora’s found in Melbourne, Parramatta's own N&N will transport you back to the American prohibition era. Nurse an elegant tipple of whiskey as you gaze down at the city from the 26th floor of the V Building and leave your 2024 modern-day mentality at the door.
Theo’s Rooftop Bar
Not every bar in Western Sydney is named after a person, but every bar named after a person is a guaranteed good time.
For warmer nights, there’s no better place to kick back with a drink than Theo’s Rooftop Bar, complete with a lavish swimming pool and ice buckets of prawns. It’s incredibly Australian with an upscale twist, so naturally it deserves a spot on the list.
Craving an adrenaline-fuelled adventure? Visit Porsche Centre Parramatta and feast your eyes on the stunning display of finely crafted motor vehicles that fill the showroom floor.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Porsche Centre Parramatta and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Pho Pasteur, Riverside Theatre and Uncle Kurt's.