Birchgrove

Wedged between Newtown and Glebe, with Sydney Uni's leafy grounds and quiet terrace streets to wander. The inner west's calm achiever — the buzz close by, the pace nicely unhurried.

Inner-west edge with Sydney Park's off-leash acres on one side and a craft-brewery strip on the other. Industrial bones, Newtown energy and plenty of green to burn off.

The very tip of the peninsula, where ferries dock and Illoura Reserve hands you front-row harbour views. Tiny, historic and built for a slow waterfront wander.

Antique shops, weekend markets and a peninsula made for slow laps. Rozelle keeps the village feel inner Sydney usually trades away — dog firmly in tow.

The quiet bit of the inner west between Rozelle and Leichhardt, with the Bay Run and Easton Park close by. Leafy, low-key and made for an easy lap.

A leafy inner-west pocket of quiet streets and village calm, with parks close by. Walkable, low-key and easy with a dog.

Grand terraces, the famous Witches' Houses and quiet streets between Glebe and Leichhardt. A calmer slice of the inner west, made for an unhurried lap.

Cooks River wetlands and a big riverside reserve, with off-leash green close by. Walkable and made for a riverside run.

A leafy inner-west village of cafes, quiet lanes and a friendly local pace. Walkable, low-key and reliably dog-welcoming.

Little Portugal of the inner west — custard tarts, charcoal chicken and quiet terrace-lined streets. Low-key, leafy and made for a tart-fuelled afternoon walk.