Visiting Sydney
Coming to Sydney for Festival of Dangerous Ideas? Welcome! Check out these things to do and places to stay.
The Festival takes place 20-30 August 2026, at venues across Sydney.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Sydney City
Planning a trip to Sydney and want to stay in the centre of the action? From luxury suites with views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge to budget-friendly hotels in Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, the CBD and surrounding suburbs has a stay to suit every type of traveller.
FOOD & DRINK
The Sydney side of dining
Sydney is, without a doubt, one of the world’s great food cities. You can dine at three-hatted restaurants where the chef is as big a star as the food. Or chow down on authentic Asian cuisine in a food hall and have change left from $20. Sip cocktails made by the globe’s best mixologists in a hidden bar or enjoy a cold beer in a neighbourhood pub where everyone’s your new best mate.
Galleries and exhibitions
Discover Sydney’s arts and culture
From major establishments to small independently run initiatives, Sydney’s gallery scene is dynamic and diverse. Permanent and visiting exhibitions give you the chance to explore the work of up-and-coming artists one day, and take a deep dive into some of the world’s most applauded classic and contemporary creatives the next. An exciting roster of annual arts festivals seals the deal.
Bookshop trails
Sydney’s literary treasures
Looking for something new to read and craving that old-school feeling of holding a hard copy book in your hands? Sydney has a great collection of new and second-hand bookshops stocked with everything from the latest page-turners to vintage classics.
STAY CURIOUS. STAY AT THE OLD CLARE.
Enjoy 20% off accommodation at The Old Clare Hotel when you book with promo code FODI26. As a Festival ticket holder, you’ll also receive 20% off food and beverage throughout your stay. Simply present your event ticket to enjoy food and drinks at Clare Bar, or even late-night room service. Great ideas don’t have to end when the talks do.
Book via the button below, select The Old Clare Hotel, and use code FODI26 to save 20% on your stay.
*Terms & conditions apply. Offer valid for weekend of 28-30 August 2026.
Gallery
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country on which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
The views and opinions expressed by the Festival participants are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.