The best areas to stay on the North Shore are Chatswood and Manly, offering excellent options for different types of travellers.
Chatswood is a bustling commercial and residential hub, making it ideal for those seeking convenience and access to a wide range of amenities. It's well-known for its two large shopping centres, Westfield Chatswood and Chatswood Chase, which offer extensive retail and dining options. The area is also a major transport interchange, with direct train lines connecting to the Sydney CBD and other parts of the North Shore, making it very convenient for exploring.
For business travellers, Chatswood is an excellent choice due to its strong corporate presence and easy access to other business districts. Many hotels in the area cater to this audience, offering good connectivity, meeting facilities, and high-end fitness equipment. The variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining, ensures plenty of options for client dinners or unwinding after work.
Manly offers a completely different experience, superb for those who appreciate a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Located on a peninsula, Manly is famous for its beautiful Manly Beach, popular for surfing and swimming, and the quieter Shelly Beach, ideal for snorkelling. The Corso, a pedestrian mall, connects the ferry wharf to Manly Beach and is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The ferry ride itself from Circular Quay is a scenic 30-minute journey, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
Couples looking for a coastal escape will find Manly particularly appealing. It provides a relaxed setting with plenty of outdoor activities, picturesque walks along the coastline, and a good selection of restaurants with ocean views.