A weekend in Parramatta can be simple and enjoyable, with riverside walks, good food, parks, cultural attractions and plenty of places to browse. A little planning helps you enjoy the area without filling every hour, leaving enough time for a long breakfast, a leisurely lunch or an afternoon back at the hotel.
Choose A Convenient Place to Stay
The right hotel can make a short weekend feel much easier. If you are wondering where you should stay in Parramatta for a relaxing weekend escape, start by looking at what you want to do once you arrive and choose accommodation that keeps several of those plans within easy reach. PARKROYAL Parramatta, for example, is close to Parramatta River and Church Street, putting guests near many of the city’s popular attractions. Parramatta Park, Westfield Parramatta and Parramatta Square are also nearby, so you can create a full weekend without spending large parts of the day travelling. This is useful when you only have two days and want time to enjoy the hotel as well. You can have breakfast nearby, head out for a walk, return to your room for a break and then go out again for dinner.
Give Mornings a Slow Start
There is no need to begin your weekend with a packed schedule. Start with a good breakfast and give yourself time to decide what you want to do afterwards. Parramatta has plenty of restaurants around the city centre, particularly around Church Street and Parramatta Square. You could spend an hour exploring the area, pick up another coffee and then head towards the river. Another option is to have a later breakfast and make your first activity a walk through one of the nearby parks. Keeping the morning open also gives you room to change your plans if the weather is different from what you expected. For couples, this could mean taking your time over breakfast before heading out for a walk and some shopping.
Spend An Afternoon Outdoors
Parramatta has several outdoor areas that work well when you want a break from shops, restaurants and indoor attractions. Parramatta River runs through the city, providing walking routes where you can spend some time outside without planning a major activity. Parramatta Park is another easy choice, with open areas, walking paths, playgrounds and historic places to visit. Old Government House is located within the park and is one of the area’s best-known historic sites. Lake Parramatta Reserve is another option if you would like a longer walk surrounded by bushland.
Pick One Cultural Experience
Rather than trying to visit every attraction in Parramatta, choose one cultural experience that suits your interests and build the rest of the day around it. Riverside Theatres has a changing programme of theatre, comedy, music, dance, musicals and family shows, so checking the schedule before your visit can help you find something suitable. PHIVE also has exhibitions, events and activities throughout the year, while Parramatta Library is nearby if you want a quieter stop. History enthusiasts can explore Old Government House within Parramatta Park or visit Elizabeth Farm, one of the city’s important historic attractions.
Make Food Part of Your Weekend
Parramatta is a strong choice for travellers who enjoy trying different food, with restaurants and cafes spread across Church Street, Parramatta Square and nearby areas. Harris Park is also close to the centre and is well known for its Indian restaurants, giving you another area to explore when choosing where to eat. Instead of planning every meal, pick one or two restaurants you are keen to try and leave the remaining meals open. This gives you the chance to discover somewhere that catches your attention while walking around the city. Saturday could begin with breakfast at a local café, followed by a walk through Parramatta Park and lunch on Church Street. You could then return to the hotel for a break before heading out for dinner. Sunday could be slower, with a late breakfast followed by coffee and an early lunch before travelling home.
