It goes without saying that the best tattoo shops and artists in Sydney are among the best in Australia too.
Whether you are wanting to get inked to improve your self-esteem, show your allegiances to a particular cause, or honour an event or person, there are plenty of venues you can head to in the city to get the work done.
For this reason, it can be difficult to know who to put your trust in when it comes to indelibly marking your skin with your chosen design. That is why we thought we would help you out by putting together this list of the 11 best tattoo shops and artists in Sydney.
Specialising in everything from classic Americano and traditional Japanese to tribal or watercolour artwork, these places are renowned for the quality of their work, the skills and personality of their artists and the outstanding hygiene practices they adopt.
1. The Darling Parlour
Over in Balmain, The Darling Parlour is one of the city’s most visually appealing tattoo parlours. While looks can be deceiving, what you see is definitely what you get here.
Set across two levels, the studio is full of vibrant artwork and interesting antiquities that foster a very creative environment. It is also bathed in natural light which gives it a relaxed and welcoming feel.
Housing a crew of exceptional resident artists, their team is also bolstered by acclaimed international guests who work here on sabbatical. This allows them to regularly bring new design styles to the party.
Collectively their combined talents enable them to provide their clients with a range of tattoo styles and designs including dotwork, Oriental, fine line and Americana.
For those not keen on existing artwork they may have previously got, The Darling Parlour also offers a state-of-the-art Neighbours Fade Laser solution to remove it for them.
Address: 4/13 Beattie Street, Balmain, Sydney NSW 2041
Phone: +61 2 9555 6316
Hours: Tue – Sat 11 am – 6 pm
2. Hunter & Fox
If you are wanting bold colours and traditional patterns with a healthy dose of good old-fashioned customer service then head on over to Hunter & Fox.
Situated in Beaconsfield, the studio shows off plenty of its designs in the form of artwork that adorns the walls.
With decades of experience behind them, the house artists are well adept at assisting you to come up with the perfect design for your skin tone and body shape.
Unlike other tattoo shops walk-ins are encouraged and they also have a laser removal technique available to them as well.
Address: 422 Botany Rd, Beaconsfield, Sydney NSW 2015
Phone: +61 2 9341 2527
Hours: Tue – Sat 11 am – 7 pm
3. Stone Heart
An institution in Darlinghurst, Stone Heart is seen by many people in the tattoo community as employing some of the most talented artists in Sydney.
Accommodating five permanent specialists as well as additional talent from abroad, their combined skill sets can cover most design styles.
Situated a stone’s throw from the Town Hall, what sets them apart from many of their competitors is their commitment to providing their patrons with the best and most seamless tattoo experience they possibly can.
From the moment of the first consultation, through the process of design, tattooing and aftercare, they set an exceptional standard of customer service.
Address: 1/77 William St Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010
Phone: +61 2 8095 0100
Hours: Mon – Thu 11 am – 7 pm, Fri – Sat 11 am – 8 pm, Sun 2 pm- 7 pm
4. Authentink
Rocking one of the coolest names of all Sydney tattoo shops, Authentink would be a solid choice for your next tattoo.
Located in Surry Hills, it is run by its founder Kian ‘Horisumi’ Forreal, an Irezumi master from Japan who spent 25 years travelling and working around the world.
While specialising in Japanese-inspired designs, the team here are adept at all kinds of tattoos. That is because they feature an expert team of well-travelled Australian and international artists whose skill set covers everything from geometric and ethnographic to neo-traditional and dotwork pieces.
To help you decide on your next design the walls feature plenty of examples of their stunning work.
Address: Suite 306 4-14 Buckingham St Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 8399 1973
Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am – 7 pm
5. Kaleidoscope
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Bondi Road, Kaleidoscope boasts some of the best tattoo artists in the business. Many of their team have won awards, while their guest international artists are famous names on the scene.
What is unique about this crew is that each of their artists boasts a minimum of 10 years of tattooing experience. Much of which has taken place at various locations around the world.
Subsequently, they are able to provide you with pretty much any type of tattoo you want. They also offer a range of piercings services too.
For the customer, the studio is a relaxed and non-judgemental space that adheres to very strict safety and hygiene standards. So you have peace of mind knowing you are in very good hands.
Address: 255 Bondi Rd, Bondi, Sydney NSW 2026
Phone: +61 2 9365 0167
Hours: Sun – Fri 12 pm – 8 pm, Sat 10 am – 8 pm
6. Little Tokyo
Another terrific tattoo shop in Sydney is Little Tokyo.
Situated in Surrey Hills, this venue overlooks Central Station and features an Aladdin’s Cave of tattoo artwork, artefacts and paraphernalia sourced from all over the world.
Stuffed into pretty much every nook and cranny this serves as an eclectic source of inspiration for the talented team who work there.
As its name implies, they specialise predominantly in Japanese-themed tattoos, although they can give you pretty much any design you are after.
Given how popular they are, it is worth making an appointment with Little Tokyo. However, as they usually have up to five artists working at any given time you shouldn’t have to wait too long if you are a walk-in.
Address: Suite 505, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 8068 4912
Hours: Mon – Sun 10 am – 7 pm
7. Bondi Ink
We couldn’t possibly write a list of the best tattoo artists in Sydney without including Bondi Ink.
For a start, there is an entire smash reality TV show based around them, which makes their studio one of the most popular in Australia.
But also their team are among the best tattoo artists in the country as well. If you want to visit their premises on Campbell Parade you are going to need to book your consultation well in advance.
The demand to get a tattoo done from them is insane!
Address: 2/72-76 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026
Phone: +61 2 9365 5101
Hours: Mon – Sun 9 am – 8 pm
8. Lighthouse Tattoo
With 12 distinguished artists on their books, each of which is an expert in their own particular style, the team at Lighthouse Tattoo have you well and truly covered.
Based within Sydney’s southeast suburb of Botany, their crew focuses pretty much exclusively on custom-designed pieces.
They are highly adept at understanding your concept and aligning you with the most appropriate and skilled tattooist for your piece.
Whether you are after a tribal, traditional, realistic portraiture or illustrative design, you can be sure that the guys and gals at Lighthouse Tattoo will produce something eye-catching and unique for you.
Address: 1 Pemberton Street, Botany, Sydney NSW 2019
Phone: +61 2 9316 4565
Hours: Mon – Sat 9 am – 5 pm
9. LDF Tattoo
You could say tattooing is in the blood of Les Rice, given that his father began a tattoo business in Brisbane back in the 1950s. So when he decided to open LDF Tattoo in Newtown, it may have seemed like a natural progression.
For all intents and purposes, Les is an artist who creates the most amazing designs you could ever hope to adorn on your skin.
Situated on King Street, his squad of tattoo artists comprises world-class inkers from all over the globe.
Whether you are after a simple design or something intricate and custom drawn, they will manage your request with grace and aplomb.
Address: 26 King Street, Newtown, Sydney NSW 2042
Phone: +61 2 9550 6759
Hours: Mon – Sat 10 am – 6 pm, Sun 12 pm – 5 pm
10. Tora Sumi
Tora Sumi is another venue in Balmain that you should consider for your next tattoo.
Set within a bright, airy and downright cool space, you could be forgiven for thinking their studio was an art gallery.
With a team of up 12 of Sydney’s most decorated and acclaimed tattoo artists operating at one time, the Darling Street venue has you well and truly covered.
Between them, they cover all genres and styles, as well as bring a slightly different creative vision to the table.
If you are after a small tattoo you will have this inked on you in the main room. However, if you are looking for a big, statement piece or something that you’ll want to have a bit more privacy for, this work will take place in their VIP room.
Address: 381 Darling Street, Balmain, Sydney NSW 2041
Phone: +61 2 9818 5045
Hours: Mon 10 am – 5 pm, Tue – Sat 10 am – 6 pm, Sun 10 am – 4 pm
11. Monarch Tattoo
Previously known as Royal Tattoo, you will find Monarch Tattoo at two locations in Sydney. One of which is at a small studio in Liverpool, while the other is on Clarence Street in the middle of the CBD.
Set within a relaxed yet professional space, they are known for producing some of the most eye-catching and technically difficult black and grey realism artwork available in the city.
Emanating from Californian prisons and honed in upscale tattoo studios, this distinctive style is only performed by the best of the best tattoo artists. Which gives you some indication of the standard of work you can expect to receive here.
Address: 207 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9279 0085
Hours: Tue – Sat 10 am – 6 pm