For the people who live in Sydney, the city may not be the first holiday destination off your lips. Hell, it's probably not even the second. But there's a lot to be said about a staycation. It's a very Carrie Bradshaw thing to say, but think of it as a date. You. Sydney. Getting to know each other. An opportunity to experience your city as though you were a tourist to remind you why you chose it in the first place. Need a recap on how to do this? Revisit Season 5, Episode 1 of Sex and the City or book yourself in at any of the below Sydney Airbnb spots.

And if you're not from Sydney, welcome! We've filtered through the best Airbnbs you can stay at in this city; whether that's for a dose of the sea, a spot of shopping, for business or for pleasure. These ones stand out for their attention to detail and their ability to make you feel like a local. Because otherwise you'd just opt for a hotel?

Bismarck House

Where:

Bondi

Designed by Andrew Burges Architects, this Bondi Airbnb is truly an oasis. As a Sydney-sider, it's always striking to see homes that aren't overrun with mould, or that have more than one bedroom. This is proof that it is possible to find a place to stretch your legs in the city, and so close to the sea too. Bondi Beach is an easy 10 minute from Bismarck House, which sleeps eight guests, boasts free parking in one of the busiest suburbs, and has minimalist design cues and rendered walls to die for. Which you probably will, when you see it's $1200 a night. Just be sure to bring friends and split the cost.

"Luxury Warehouse Home"

Where:

Lilyfield

I've got two words for you: converted warehouse. If your idea of Sydney is less beach-oriented and more city-slicking then journey inland to the inner west. This huge Airbnb is dripping with an industrial spirit, it used to be a candy factory after all? Bring guests, you're going to need them to make this place full. Or don't if you want that terrace and swimming pool to yourself. This joint sleeps ten, with five bedrooms and four car spots too. There's a barbecue, a fireplace, and the place offers laundry and babysitting services too.

Little Black Shack

Where:

Pittwater

Substance always trumps style, but this hidden gem proves you can have both. Unlike all the slick polished surfaces and glass everything of ultra-modern Airbnbs, the Little Black Shack is laden with character. Timber and sandstone conspire for this cosy fishermans cottage perched on the water's edge of Mackerel Beach in Pittwater. Bring a lover or come solo and snorkel, swim, fish, surf, rent a tinny or simply wind down with one of the classics that line its bookshelves by the fireplace. Outside there's a pizza and a hammock fit for daytime napping. A place so secluded it can only accessed by ferry.

Sweet Escape

Where:

Paddington

There's nothing more quintessentially Paddington than a terrace. This one is seconds away from Centennial Park, Oxford Street and a short bus ride to the city or Bondi Beach. The intersection is just down the road, as is a host of Paddington restaurants like RUSSH favourite 10 William Street, Porcine, P&V and more. With its leafy backyard, floorboards, fireplaces and balconies, this three-bedroom stay is how we'd do Sydney.

Kambala

Where:

Bellevue Hill

Elegant, spacious and above all private, meet Kambala tucked away in the Eastern suburb of Bellevue Hill. It's central to the beach and city, flanked by lush greenery and gardens and as the sun sets you can catch that honeyed silhouette of the cityscape. Bring eight including yourself, this stay has four bedrooms with a nursery for those with children. Tall French doors, a generously sized pool and plenty of alfresco dining, what's not to love?

Chimneys

Where:

Redfern

If blending in like a local is your modus operandi, then stay a while at this Redfern apartment. Carriageworks is nearby where you can visit its farmer's market on Saturday, and the accommodation is a short distance from Prince Alfred Park, Redfern station, everywhere really.

The Sanctuary

Where:

Bondi Beach

You may not be in the tropics, this is Bondi after all, but everything about this cosy property with its summery decor and juicy colour palette suggests island living. Replete with barbecue, hammocks, a secluded garden and mere minutes away from Bondi cafes and restaurants, escape to this little sanctuary. You won't regret it.

See Sydney through a local's eyes. As far as food is concerned, we have you covered. Here are our favourite bakeries and the places that we go to for delicious yum cha. Fine-dining is done best at these Sydney joints and romance is easy to kindle at these local haunts.

In the mood to relax? These are our favourite facial spots and the best beaches in Sydney according to the RUSSH editors.