Fans of architecture and design can discover the stories behind the skyscrapers, apartments and city bars in this series of fascinating walking tours, run by Australian Architecture Association.

Sydney City Architecture Walk
Explore some of Sydney’s most awe-inspiring skyscrapers, tracing the development of modernism and the high-rise tower over the past 60 years. Designed by architects from Australia and around the globe, the buildings range from Harry Seidler’s iconic Australia Square tower in 1970 to the recent Deutsche Bank Place by eminent British architect, Sir Norman Foster.

Surry Hills Walk
This inner-city precinct is an architectural cornucopia, boasting tiny terraces, funky warehouse conversions and designer apartments. The tour showcases its most innovative structures, including the gothic-inspired Reader’s Digest building (don’t miss the roof garden!) and the chic redevelopment of St Margaret’s hospital.

City Bar Tour
With the recent emergence of laneway bars and intimate clubs, Sydney’s nightlife has been revitalised with an abundance of hotspots popping up all around the city. Discover the design of these striking and seductive venues, kicking off with Custom House – the place where liquor licensing first started in the colony.

Walk Through Time
This is a journey of Sydney architecture from 1788 right through to 2010, telling the stories about how changes in technology and design shaped our city.

Sydney City Architecture Walk
10am-12pm, Saturday 31 July, 7 August, 14 August
Customs House Main Entrance, 31 Alfred Street
Circular Quay
Cost: $30, $15 students, AAA members free

Book online through Australian Architecture Association

If you like this, you might also like:

1. The Riversdale Story – Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education Centre architecture tours
2. Straight up: on the streets in Sydney online
3. Metamorphoses
4. Specific Merchandise x Third Drawer Down