Guests enjoying drinks at a hidden Sydney small bar on the Desperately Seeking Sydney's Small Bars tour

    Small-group Sydney walking tours · Six guests, max

    ★ Most Popular Tour

    Desperately Seeking Sydney's Small Bars

    Up to 30 hidden small bars and speakeasies in two city blocks, with a guide who knows every unmarked door.

    A$89 per person3 Hours · 18+ only

    4.94★
    from 9,500+ guests
    6
    guests max, join-in tours
    25+ yrs
    guiding Sydney

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    Recent ★★★★★ Reviews

    In our guests' own words

    Desperately Seeking Sydney's Small Bars

    "John was very accommodating and informative. Also, his comment in the listing that he will take you to bars that you would never likely find on your own is no joke! They are hidden in plain sight. I’d suggest taking the tour early in your visit to Sydney. That way you would have time to return and experience the bar(s) of your choice with friends or family. Me? I took the tour on my last night in Sydney.... :("

    Paul, Astoria, OR

    Airbnb · October 2026

    Desperately Seeking Sydney's Small Bars

    "It was fun to see the variety of small bars in such a small area. The smallest was like a big closet! John interspersed some history too which was interesting. Bars were very cool to see and many you would have no idea that they even existed without being shown. Best cocktail I ever had at one of the them!"

    Kalla

    Google · October 2026

    Desperately Seeking Sydney's Small Bars

    "Absolutely fantastic tour. Would highly recommend this to absolutely anybody. John was incredible and wasn't just a tour guide but a friendly face."

    Dominic

    Google · October 2026

    Desperately Seeking Sydney's Small Bars

    "John was an exceptional guide and I learned more about the cities drinking culture and significance than I could ever have imagined. I recommend this tour to anyone who has wants to have a little drink in the most gorgeous locations ✨🥂"

    Miranda, Los Angeles, CA

    Airbnb · October 2026

    John Pastor, founder and guide at 24 Hours In Sydney

    Who's Actually Guiding

    Born and raised on Sydney's doorstep, John has spent over 25 years uncovering the hidden bars and stories most locals never find, let alone visitors. Every tour is capped at 6 guests, guided by John or his small team, with a healthy dose of Sydney humour thrown in.

    Read John's Story

    What A Big Bus Tour Won't Tell You

    This is the version of Sydney most visitors get sold.

    Forty seats to fill

    A coach tour books every seat it can sell. You get whoever else paid that day, and a driver reading a script over a crackly headset.

    A fixed five minutes

    The schedule doesn't care that you found a laneway worth lingering in. It moves on because the itinerary says so.

    A guide you'll never see again

    Rostered, different every trip. With 24 Hours In Sydney it's John or one of his small team, capped at 6, every single time.

    The postcard version

    Same six photos everyone already has. The hidden bars and real history never make the big-bus route.

    Discover Sydney's Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

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    Passionate Local Sydney Tour Guides

    Expert local guides who share authentic stories, fascinating history, and insider knowledge. Years of Sydney expertise.

    Small Group Experiences

    Maximum 6 people per group for personalised attention. Quality over quantity — every guest gets a truly personal experience.

    Authentic Sydney Storytelling

    Convict history in The Rocks to modern Sydney culture. Sydney heritage and cultural tours that connect you to the city's soul.

    Real Guest Testimonials

    Built on authentic guest experiences. Rated among the best things to do in Sydney by travellers from around the world.

    Before You Book

    Click "Book Now" on any tour page. You'll be taken to our secure FareHarbor booking system where you can select your date and complete payment. You'll receive a confirmation email with your meeting point details.

    All our tours are capped at 6 guests. This is deliberate — we believe small groups make for better conversations, more personalised attention, and a genuinely memorable experience.

    Your exact meeting point is revealed in your booking confirmation email. Most tours depart from central Sydney locations. We'll always confirm by email 24 hours before your tour.

    We offer a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before your tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable but can be transferred to another date (subject to availability).

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