Sydney CBD

The CBD has shops, restaurants, and major attractions like the Opera House, but also higher crime rates. Fine during the day when it's busy, but can feel sketchy at night when the office workers go home.

The CBD is pretty typical for a business district - busy and safe when office workers are around, but gets a lot quieter after 6pm when everyone goes home. The northern end around Circular Quay and the Opera House is your best bet, especially at night - there's always something happening with tourists and ferry traffic. Stick to that area and the main shopping streets like Pitt Street Mall if you're out in the evening. The southern end near Central Station is where things get sketchy after dark - lots of empty office buildings and not much foot traffic. George Street south of Town Hall turns into a different scene at night with some rougher crowds. During the day everything's fine - just typical big city awareness needed. Staff at restaurants and shops are helpful, and you'll have no problem dining alone anywhere in the business district.