Glebe, the city fringe suburb where creativity is king

A neighbourhood on the fringe of the CBD, Glebe is Sydney’s little bohemia: a place where creativity runs free, and residents are cool without even trying. It’s always been very proud and a little edgy. Activists, intellectuals and artists have flocked there for years, making it one of the most vibrant suburbs in Sydney – and a fascinating melting pot of people and cultures.

That hasn’t changed. It’s as bohemian, diverse and funky as ever, and its creative core is obvious in the thriving arts and culture scene, and the cafés and restaurants that line the streets.

Glebe Point Road is the suburb’s heart, and it buzzes with activity all day long. It’s known for being one of Sydney’s most multicultural dining spots, with a string of restaurants dishing up the flavours of Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. If you’re craving a cuisine, go for a stroll and you’re bound to find it here. Along the way, expect to pass vintage stores, art galleries, boutiques, co-working spaces, independent bookstores, organic grocery stores, alternative medicine clinics, tarot card readers and plenty of street art. Many of these sites are housed in grand buildings hinting at the Victorian era, which only adds to the village’s cool factor.

The bohemian vibe stretches to Glebe’s weekly event: the Saturday markets. Held at Glebe Public School, the markets are as colourful as the characters manning the stores. Think up-and-coming fashion as well as vintage clothing, jewellery, works of art, candles and essential oils.

Thanks to its proximity to both the University of Sydney and the CBD, Glebe is a stomping ground for students, academics and professionals who love the suburb’s gritty charm. They also enjoy whiling away their weekends at the foreshore parklands, which boast green spaces, and sweeping views of the city and surrounds.