The Best Arthouse Cinemas In Sydney

Whether you’re keen to catch an independent film, relive some cinema classics, or just watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster in more salubrious surroundings than your nearest chain cinema, here is a selection of the best arthouse cinemas to discover in Sydney. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Golden Age

The Paramount building in Surry Hills was constructed in 1940 as the HQ of Paramount Pictures, containing a small basement theaterette to preview the latest releases to cinema owners… and Golden Age pays home to this heritage with a beautifully restored 60-seat cinema showing a dynamic program of new releases, cult classics and arthouse productions. The adjoining basement bar serves a range of quirky cocktails and finger food that hit the spot before your showing, as well as a range of novel popcorn flavours.

The Chauvel

Palace Verona

Just around the corner from the Chauvel, this Oxford St cinema is another favourite of Sydney’s cinephiles for screening a diverse program of foreign-language films, Australian indie productions, and recordings of overseas stage shows and concerts. The Verona’s modern bar and cafe suits its leafy Paddington surrounds as well as the arthouse offerings in the four boutique auditoriums.

Govinda’s

There are two great things about Govinda’s, a much-loved Darlinghurst institution locals have flocked to for more than a quarter of a century. The first is the all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet, brimming with hearty Indian fare. And the second is the boutique movie room showing a selection of independent and Hollywood flicks every evening, decorated with an array of floor cushions, beanbags, pillows and couches that invite you to kick your shoes off and sprawl out after over-indulging at dinner.

112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, +61 2 9380 5155

Dendy Newtown

What would Sydney’s hipster enclave of Newtown be without one of the city’s premier arthouse cinemas smack-bang in the middle of King St, surrounded by the galaxy of cafes, bars and restaurants that make this cinema such a popular venue at all hours? This Dendy – part of a small independent cinema chain with another location at Circular Quay – is the perfect place for some serious movie-watching, with wide comfortable seats and pin-sharp Dolby digital surround sound.

The Randwick Ritz

We couldn’t finish this listicle without celebrating this ornament of the 1930s, which has added modern facilities to a beautifully maintained 1937 building that’s still family-run and proudly independent. Grab a snack at the retro candy bar or a drink on the balcony at Bar Ritz before heading inside to catch the latest mainstream and arthouse releases. This Eastern Suburbs landmark is one of the few surviving art deco cinemas left in Sydney – another being the equally quaint Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne on the Lower North Shore.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.