Haymarket

Inner-city grit turned good. Indie cafes, Redfern Park's open green and a crowd that walks its dogs proudly. Close to everything, easy on four legs.

Old warehouses turned cafes and roasters, with foodie weekends and room to spread out. South Sydney's quiet upgrade, easy-going and dog-friendly.

Darling Harbour-close and city-dense, with Wentworth Park's green just over the road. Urban, studenty and handy for a quick lap between the high-rises.

Tight, hilly and caffeinated. Darlo crams cafes, courtyards and dog-welcoming corners into every block. A short lead-walk from the city, big on character.

Terrace streets beside Sydney Uni and Redfern's buzz, leafy and walkable. Inner-city character with green pockets close by.

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.

Historic harbour-edge terraces beside Barangaroo's foreshore green. Sandstone-old, walkable and made for a scenic city stroll.

Cobblestones, harbour pubs and weekend markets under the Bridge. Sydney's oldest corner does history and a waterfront wander in one — dog by your side.

Harbour foreshore beneath the Bridge, beside The Rocks' history. Scenic, walkable and made for a waterside city stroll.

Wide parklands beside Centennial Park, with open green and off-leash space close by. Room to run, right on the city's edge.