The best seats at Vivid without the eye-watering price tag. Enjoy winter-warmer cocktail specials including Hot Toddies, mulled cider and Brandy Alexanders on the iconic rooftop or in the upstairs lounge area, both with views of the harbour. This one can also be booked in advance.

There’s plenty going on at Mary’s during this year’s festival, including a late-night cabaret club and a whopping food and drink festival curated by P&V’s Mike Bennie, Chat Thai founder Palisa Anderson and the Mary’s crew. Outside of those events, you won't find a better burger this close to Circular Quay.

One of Sydney’s hottest new venues has opened opposite the MCA just in time for Vivid. While you might be jostling for a table at the Med-inspired restaurant, there are plenty of nooks and alfresco areas within the heritage 1800s space that are perfect for the walk-in crowd. Come for a wine – there are around 300 to choose from.

This chic Japanese restaurant, which sits practically underneath the Harbour Bridge, is opening the doors earlier than usual with a special Vivid bar snack menu. Think salmon tacos and karaage chicken ($13 each) alongside an extensive list of Japanese booze. Walk-ins only.

Right on Darling Harbour, Barangaroo House will burst to life with projections inspired by nature from 6pm. Is also home to three outstanding venues: hit the ground floor bar for casual drinks, DJs and cracking sunsets; Rekodo on the first floor for elegant Japanese snacks and vinyl; and Smoke rooftop bar for elevated cocktails and premium Vivid views.

This fun rooftop bar in Barangaroo is doing two hours of bottomless cocktails (including signature candy-studded frosé) every day during the festival. Also, $36 Mojito jugs to brighten up your evening.

This New York-inspired brasserie is right on George Street, close to all the CBD's main Vivid hubs. Take full advantage of the daily happy hour featuring $10 Negronis and Aperol spritzes; and $7 house beers, wines and spirits. Oysters are half price on Wednesdays from 6pm–7pm.

When you get off the train at Wynyard you'll be moments away from this handsome CBD diner. The $8 happy hour drinks (bottled beer, tap wine and prosecco) are a great way to make a running start to the evening. Monday to Friday from 4pm–6pm.

Vivid is the perfect excuse to get across the theatrical new cocktail program at Maybe Sammy, one of the world’s best bars. Titled Mirage, it’s inspired by the idea of illusion and features 14 new drinks unlike anything else in Sydney (aromatic bubbles and shards of meringue, included). It’s a short walk to the harbour from here.

Because it's in Miller's Point, this cocktail bar atop the Hotel Palisade isn't the sort of place you can go to in the middle of a Vivid excursion. Instead, it's a before or after spot. Grab a cocktail at a window seat – the view of the Harbour Bridge from Henry Deane is one of the best you'll find.

This rum-focused cocktail bar has great drinks, but consider having dinner here, too. Service is fast, and the tight French-leaning menu has plenty of crowd-pleasers including lobster rolls, charcuterie and frites. Kittyhawk is also just near the Botanic Gardens, which is packed with installations.

Whether you’re headed to Circular Quay, Barangaroo or Darling Harbour, this slick Japanese-inspired spot is conveniently placed to access all three. So start your night here with some Izakaya-style snacks and cocktails named after '90s grunge hits.

Your phone might get confiscated and put away in a locker for the length of your dinner at Bistecca, which is good news for your phone's battery: it will need all the rest it can get before you use it to snap and post everything you see at Vivid. Come here for some of Sydney’s best steaks.

Across the road from the Harbour Bridge, this Edwardian-style pub is one of the city’s best craft beer venues. It’s got you covered with Australiana-themed pizzas, a breezy rooftop, and live music if your Vivid excursion falls on a weekend.

Get a group together and head over to Merivale's Cantonese comfort-food king. Barbequed duck and dim sum are the perfect protein and carb fuel for heading out to battle the Vivid crowds.

Our pick for dining if you're heading to the attractions at Taronga Zoo. This three-in-one venue has you covered with a smart public bar, a French brasserie and a lush cocktail lounge upstairs.

If you’re catching a gig at Carriageworks, you need to stop in at RE. It’s one of the country’s best bars, and cocktails are made using rescued ingredients otherwise destined for landfill. The sharp menu of bar snacks and plates is powered by the same sustainability ethos.

Unless you live around Ultimo, The Lord Wolseley Hotel isn’t the most convenient spot to visit. But if you’re en route to Darling Harbour from Central, make a pitstop at neighbourhood gem along the way. One of Sydney’s best burgers awaits.

If you're checking out the installations around the Goods Line near the University of Technology, you’d do well to grab a cocktail at one of the city’s best gin bars while you’re in the area. Sip on a prestige TV-inspired cocktail or G&T from the extensive menu of booze.

Along Wulugul Walk, Belles Hot Chicken is your go-to for Nashville-style spicy chicken, craft beers and natural wines from local producers. There’s also a brand new Belles location right near Circular Quay if you’re hankering for a southern-fried feed in that direction.