Paddington

City-close and leafy-edged, with harbour glimpses and parks nearby. Walkable, handy and good for a quick lap.

Old rail yards turned markets and maker spaces, beside Redfern's buzz. Gritty, creative and walkable, with green pockets close by.

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.

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-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.

Harbour finger-wharf glamour with city grit, a stroll from the CBD. Walkable, characterful and handy for a waterside lap.

Green Square's high-rise heart, with new parks and wide footpaths threading between the towers. Brand-new, city-close and laid out for a quick loop.

Boutiques, brunch and a harbour edge at Steyne Park, where the off-leash set holds court. Polished, pricey and very happy to see a well-groomed dog.

Erko keeps it small and friendly — village pubs, leafy lanes and a water bowl at every door. Inner-city character without the crowds, dog by your side.

Harbourside paths, pocket parks and big-city buzz. The CBD hides a few four-legged-friendly corners — just mind the no-go zones like the Botanic Garden.