Where NOT to go in Sydney

The city on a Friday and Saturday night

Yikes! If you want to disappear into a sea of suits or be swept away by suburban kids who've escaped from Mum and Dad for the night — and have imbibed in all that goes with that — then feel free to head into the heart of the city on a Friday or Saturday night. If you can't avoid it, try the mismatched retro furniture of Grasshopper on the ironically-named Temperance Lane, where drinks come in olive jars, because, well, why not?. You know, it’s probably easier just to head to Surry Hills or Darlinghurst, whether you're looking for dinner, a low-key pub or a bit of a glamorous night out..

Darling Harbour

It's an absolute monstrosity that was built for tourists, which just about tells you all you need to know. The restaurants are expensive and the shops not at all cool. If you want to sit waterside in the city, head about 10 minutes away to Walsh Bay on Hickson Road, where there are some great little spots to eat lunch or dinner among the historic, reclaimed wharves. Try Firefly Tapas & Wine Bar. There is only one excuse to spend any amount of time at Darling Harbour: you are entertaining kids and it's raining. Here, you can take them to Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World and the IMAX theatre, which basically sit side by side, as well as the National Maritime Museum. Alternatively, head to Darlinghurst at the Jewish Museum of Australia and become the world’s best parent by treating them (and yourself) to artisan gelato at Messina.

Pubs by the beach

Listen, we know you want to drink cold beer while watching the waves crash in, but the Bondi Hotel and the Coogee Bay Hotel, although famous, are best avoided. They're overcrowded and have more than their fair share of problems with alcohol-related violence. In Bondi, park yourself on the balcony at Bondi Social or, during spring and summer, head to the first floor of the Swiss Grand to pop yourself on a daybed on the deck at Cream Tangerine or, during spring and summer, head to the first floor of the Swiss Grand. In Coogee, try Oceans Bar, the relaxed but upmarket venue underneath the Crowne Plaza. If you find yourself adrift in Manly, the Shore Club (Ph: (02) 9977 6322, 36-38 South Steyne) is pleasant in the afternoons, but be gone by nightfall when the Northern Beaches youth comes out to prowl.

The ocean

Okay, this might seem a little odd, but the beach — even on a perfect summer's day — can be dangerous, regardless of how confident you are in the water. So if you're keen on a swim, make sure you hit a patrolled beach and that you splash about between the red and yellow flags. Even the most popular beaches — Bondi, Tamarama and Curl Curl — can have dangerous rips that are invisible to the novice, and becoming a statistic isn't a great way to remember your holiday. If you're not a strong swimmer or there are no flags out, try one of the ocean pools that line the coast. A favourite is Wylie's Baths at Coogee, which you can find beyond the south end of the beach, or a harbour beach, like Balmoral or gorgeous Camp Cove.

Got any more places to avoid? Have your say using the comments form below.