Sydney is a true world city with a skyline filled with famous landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Tower Eye. This vibrant metropolis on the east coast of Australia offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. You can relax on the sunny beaches, stroll through the green gardens, or explore the lively nightlife. Curious about what to do in Sydney? Here, we share all our tips for the best things to do, top restaurants, and the best accommodations.
Tips for Getting Around Sydney
The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around Sydney is by using the well-organized public transportation system. With a network of metro lines, trams, and bus routes, you can get anywhere, and often faster than by taxi. When you search for your destination in Google Maps and click on the public transport icon, you’ll see exactly which form of public transport is the quickest for that route. Checking in is easy with your credit card.
What to Do in Sydney?
The following attractions and activities are unmissable in Sydney.
See the Sydney Opera House from Every Angle
We’re kicking off this list of fun things to do in Sydney with the iconic Sydney Opera House. Everyone will instantly recognize this architectural masterpiece by its unique shell-like shapes, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. You can enjoy all kinds of cultural experiences, from art exhibitions and opera to theater performances, concerts, and dance shows. Check out the schedule for the full lineup. Of course, the Opera House is most impressive from the outside, and a great place to enjoy it is Opera Bar. Here, you can sip a cocktail by the water with views of the Opera House, the harbor, and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. So be sure to grab a snack or drink around sunset!
Tip: You’ll get the best view of the Opera House from the water with the Sydney skyline in the background! Want to experience the Opera House in a unique and active way? Try the Opera House Kayak Tour during sunset.
Walk Through a Green Oasis at Cremorne Reserve
For a beautiful short walk, we recommend taking the ferry to North Sydney, where you’ll get a great view of the city. Board the ferry to Mosman Bay from Circular Quay. Enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney during the boat ride. When you reach Mosman Bay, step off and take a peaceful walk through the lush greenery of Cremorne Reserve. You’ll cross bridges and winding paths for about 20 minutes until you reach Cremorne Point, where you can catch the ferry back to Circular Quay. Walk a little further to the west side of Cremorne Reserve for a fantastic view of the city.
Watch the Sunset at Observatory Hill Lookout
One of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Sydney is at Observatory Hill Lookout. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the view of Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sky gradually turns orange. This spot is very popular, so be prepared to share it with hundreds of locals and travelers.
See or Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Along with the Sydney Opera House, the city has another iconic landmark: the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This massive bridge connects the central business district with the northern suburbs and is used by pedestrians, cyclists, trains, and cars. You can view the bridge from various spots like the Broughton Street Lookout, but for true adventurers, there’s also the chance to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately, it’s a pricey activity, but it’s an unforgettable experience, and the view from the top is the best you’ll find in Sydney.
Find Peace at the Royal Botanic Gardens
If you want to go for a run, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the view of the Sydney skyline, the Royal Botanic Gardens are the perfect place. This huge park is free to visit and one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. You’ll find both native and exotic plants and trees, divided into various sections. There are flower fields, a palm forest, and even a small rainforest. From this point, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Sydney Opera House.
Relax or Surf at Sydney’s Best Beaches
Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Sydney and perhaps all of Australia, but to be honest, we didn’t find it all that pretty. Right behind the beach is a concrete wall with parking for hundreds of cars, which isn’t very attractive. For a more relaxed afternoon or a surf session, head to the smaller, prettier beaches further down, such as Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, or Coogee Beach. These smaller beaches are much nicer and less crowded than Bondi. Another popular beach in Sydney is Manly Beach. It’s a wide beach that you can reach in about an hour by ferry from Circular Quay.
Hike from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach and Dive into Saltwater Pools
While Bondi Beach itself wasn’t the highlight for us, it’s surrounded by many cute cafes and boutique shops. Hungry? Take a break at The Depot Bondi or The Nine. One thing you must do is the walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and pass by several beaches and pools. Be sure to bring your swimwear and take a dip in the free Bronte Baths or the paid pool at the Bondi Iceberg Club. Start the walk early, as the narrow paths can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Visit the Weekend Bondi Markets
When visiting Bondi Beach on the weekend, it’s also great to check out the Bondi Markets. Local entrepreneurs sell their creations, including ceramics, jewelry, and clothing. There’s also a small food market at Bondi Markets, where you can choose from delicious snacks from all around the world.
Visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney
Just 1.5 hours by car from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is one of the highlights of our trip to Australia. The mountainous region is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers. There are many short and long hikes, opportunities to rappel down waterfalls, and impressive viewpoints to visit. If you’re traveling around Australia, we recommend staying several nights in the Blue Mountains, but if you don’t have the time, you can also visit as a day trip from Sydney. There are various tour providers, but most only visit a few viewpoints and often a zoo that’s not related to the Blue Mountains. If you want to truly experience the Blue Mountains, you should, of course, explore it by hiking. We recommend this Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney, where you’ll visit the most beautiful viewpoint and explore the nature during one of the most scenic waterfall hikes. Check out our Blue Mountains tips.
Find Fun at Darling Harbour
For a fun night out, head to Darling Harbour. Formerly the hub for international trade, today it’s all about recreation. From large cinemas and casinos to hidden bars and trendy nightclubs, you can find whatever kind of night out you’re in the mood for at Darling Harbour.
Discover Sydney’s Sights by Bike
Want to learn more about the fascinating history of Sydney and its main sights? The Sydney bike tour is the best way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. You’ll go on a small group tour with an enthusiastic guide who will tell you all about the nine fun stops and attractions along the way. You’ll cycle past the Opera House, through Chinatown, the botanical garden, and Darling Harbour.
Shop at Queen Victoria Building
Queen Victoria Building is a historic shopping center in downtown Sydney, built in 1898 as a tribute to Queen Victoria. The impressive Romanesque-style building is famous for its glass dome, beautiful mosaic floors, and graceful staircases. Once home to offices and a library, it’s now a luxury shopping center with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. If you get hungry while shopping, you can grab a tasty sandwich at Lüneburger German Bakery.
Feel Like You’re in China at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
Sydney has several beautiful gardens to visit, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship is one of the most beautiful, though lesser-known. It’s a small garden in traditional Chinese style with little bridges, waterfalls, stones, Chinese architecture, and a large pond with koi carp. It’s a peaceful retreat, especially with the towering skyscrapers surrounding it. At 11:30, they feed the hundreds of fish.
Tip: For great Asian food in Sydney, visit the Spice Alley food court. Here, you’ll find stalls serving the best dishes from Singapore, Japan, India, and many other Asian cuisines.
Free Things to Do in Sydney: Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley and her husband, artist Brett Whiteley, lived in Lavender Bay from 1970. After Brett’s death in 1992, Wendy focused on cleaning up a neglected piece of abandoned railway land next to their home. Without permission from the city, she created a garden as a living work of art, with winding paths and a wide variety of plants and trees. The garden grew into an impressive botanical garden, and it’s a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Best Restaurants in Sydney
- Sri Lankan Street Food – If you’re a fan of Sri Lankan cuisine, Sri Lankan Street Food is a must-visit, serving delicious traditional dishes.
- Opera Bar – This is the perfect spot for a drink with a view of the beautiful Opera House.
- Spice Alley – This collection of small eateries offers dishes from various Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Japanese. It’s a cozy spot under lanterns.
- The Depot Bondi – This cozy and trendy restaurant is a great place for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner with live music performances. Check Google for the current opening times, as they aren’t always open.
- Uncle Mings – This intimate, underground cocktail bar serves amazing drinks and snacks in an Asian-inspired setting.
- KOI Dessert Bar – If you have a sweet tooth, KOI Dessert Bar is the place to go for the most delicious desserts. They’re a flavor explosion and beautifully presented. It’s not cheap, but definitely worth it. One of the owners participated in Masterchef Australia, so that says a lot, right?
Where to Stay in Sydney?
Sydney has several great neighborhoods to stay in. For most travelers, Sydney CBD (Central Business District) will be the ideal base, especially if you only have a few days to explore the sights. Almost all attractions are easily accessible from here, and you’ll also be close to Darling Harbour for a fun evening. Bondi Beach, Surry Hills, and Newtown are also nice areas, but they’re a bit far from the main attractions. The accommodations we recommend below are all located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District).
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Sydney
As in many big cities, accommodation prices are a bit higher here. Traveling on a budget? Wake Up! is a great choice. You’ll easily meet other travelers, the location is top, and the rooms and dorms are simple but fine. Looking for more luxury and peace? YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD is a perfect mid-range hotel. You’ll stay in a great room in a prime location with all the comforts you need, such as a good bed, TV, fridge, and air conditioning. If you’re after a unique stay in Sydney and love design and interiors, Ace Hotel Sydney is a must-see. Every detail has been thought of here. You can borrow bikes for free, and there’s a restaurant, bar, and fitness room.
 Wake Up! |
 YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD |
 Ace Hotel Sydney |
