Martin Place — Attraction in Sydney

Martin Place is the city’s spine done right. It runs like a stone canyon between grand old sandstone facades and glass towers, so you get that mix of history and momentum in one stroll. Office crowds stream past in the morning, then the pace loosens at lunch when buskers set up, suits swap jackets for sunglasses and every bench seems to turn into a tiny meeting room. The Cenotaph sits quietly and draws you in for a moment of respect, while the old GPO and clock tower still give the whole strip a sense of occasion. In December the big Christmas tree flips the space into a nightly hangout, but even on a regular weekday there is usually something happening.

Food options are better than you might expect in the heart of the financial district. There are hole-in-the-wall espresso bars that understand the morning rush, bakeries with proper pastries, and a spread of quick lunch spots tucked into the side lanes if you want to sit somewhere less windy. The stone underfoot stays surprisingly clean and there is enough seating to pause with a sandwich and watch the swirl without feeling in the way. Photographers get nice angles in late afternoon when the light bounces off the facades, and on rainy days the reflections turn every puddle into a small cityscape.

Getting here is easy. It sits between Wynyard and St James with light rail close by, so you can cut through on the way to the Domain or down to Circular Quay. Shade can be patchy at midday and the corridor can funnel a breeze, so bring sunnies and a light layer if you plan to linger. For a quick coffee, a lunchtime wander or a five minute people watch, Martin Place rarely...

George Street, Elizabeth Street, and Castlereagh Street, which cross Martin Place, are all major bus routes in Sydney's CBD. In addition, Martin Place railway station is located underground. Also nearby are St James railway station (near Macquarie Street end) and Wynyard railway station (near George Street end). The new Sydney Metro City & Southwest line includes a Metro station located underneath the existing train station and opened in August 2024. The initial "Martin Place" was the section between George Street and Pitt Street, officially opened 1892, and was named in honour of Sir James Martin, the three time Premier of New South Wales and Chief Justice of Supreme Court of New South Wales. Closed to traffic in stages from 1971, Martin Place is surrounded by many heritage buildings and features the 1927 World War. Martin Place, in the heart of the Sydney CBD, truly embraces the festive spirit. From 28 November 2024 until 3 January 2025, there's a super-sized Christmas tree woven with more than 110,000 LED lights, providing a beautiful backdrop for city strolls, selfies and post-shopping dining. Christmas in The Rocks  Celebrating Christmas in Darling Harbour  Jolly Market, Sydney CBD  Martin Place Christmas tree  Woolworths Carols...

Martin Place is a vibrant thoroughfare in the heart of Sydney’s business district. Lined with greenery, a large water fountain and benches, Martin Place offers a sense of serenity in an otherwise bustling environment. Designed as an amphitheatre, buskers enjoy good acoustics, as well as larger events that are showcased on unique occasions, such as public holidays, Anzac Day, Christmas and Easter. There’s always something going on in Martin Place.

Surrounded by architectural elements such as The Reserve Bank and The Australia Post Office, the heart of Sydney’s CBD breathes a sense of history and staying power.

With the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary urban design, Martin Place affords a sense of familiarity, alongside the dynamism of urban change.

Martin Place is a cultural & business hub that enriches the Sydney landscape. Sydney dwellers, and visitors feel connected to Sydney after spending time in Martin Place. It really is an understated, yet dynamic cog in what makes the Sydney CBD a...