Planning a trip to Sydney, Australia? Haven’t decided the places to visit, activities to do, and attractions to see? Then read our guide below to find out the best things to do in Sydney.
Sydney, the largest city of Australia is a culmination of exhilarating lifestyle, thrilling adventure, and easy-going residents. It is one of the country’s finest tourist spots offering endless opportunities to explore.
Sydney has always been preferred as the foremost starting point in many Australian itineraries. Considering the range of attractions you see in the city, you can draft a whole new itinerary exploring only Sydney’s landmarks. From iconic beaches and world heritage sites to acclaimed wine regions & classy cuisine, there’s always much to discover and find interesting stories behind Sydney’s enriching class.
The city has been my all-time favorite destination. I still think of visiting this place, knowing that there’s much more to it. If someone tells you to stay only a couple of nights to explore Sydney – then probably they are wrong! You could almost stay an entire week & not get tired. And this saying comes with an experience.
With hundreds of experiences and local excursions to do in Sydney, it’s amazing to see travelers now choose to stay for a longer duration. One day you could simply get lost in the hustle & bustle of the city’s raging atmosphere and another day – you could hit the golden calm beaches of Bondi and Manly.
With Sydney’s top attractions, beaches, restaurants & amazing sights, the place could be a great vacation place for families, youth & solo travelers. And if you’re still wondering, which places to visit in Sydney – then this article will come to your aid.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
HOW TO GET AROUND IN SYDNEY
Sydney is located on the southeastern coast of Australia, within the state of New South Wales. With a cosmopolitan nature & international population living in the city, Sydney is highly accessible from all other interior cities of Australia. Considering the built-in infrastructure, traveling to & fro from Sydney is much easier giving tourists plenty of travel options.
By Air – The main international airport in Sydney – is the Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. It’s one of the busiest airports in Australia – well linked to other major cities of the country. From the airport, traveling to any other part of the city is much easier. With options like a cab, suburban trains, and local buses – you could travel to your hotel easily.
By Train – Sydney is well connected to other major cities via rails including Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. One best way to get around the city – is to use the City Circle that runs in a loop. The train stops at all main stations & can save you a couple of bucks while traveling. Alternatively, you can use an Opal card to get cheaper fares. These cards act as smartcard tickets that can be used for traveling in NSW.
By Bus – Traveling via bus is another convenient way to get around Sydney. Fares depend on the number of zones you travel to and slightly change as per the season. Here too, Opal card can save you money, offering relatively cheaper rates than usual.
Rental Cars – If you prefer renting cars while traveling around, then this might be the option for you. Finding rental cars in Sydney is easy and rates can start from 60 AUD (44 USD). One of the best ways to travel short distances – is using bicycles. You need to use a mobile app in order to locate bike-sharing stations & then book it for short-travel purposes. Prices will vary as per the distance.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA?
The best time to visit Sydney is from September through November and from March to May. Traveling during this period generally offers good sunny weather, giving tourists comfortable temperatures to get around the city. I would highly suggest traveling during the mentioned period for a more enjoyable atmosphere in the city.
Between the months of September and November, the city’s warm weather is pretty sublime with a manageable tourist crowd. Airline fares & hotel prices will be pretty decent considering the season. If you prefer lesser crowds during your travel, book your tickets during the mentioned period.
Sydney’s peak season starts between December and February. Due to the city’s warming temperatures, you will usually see an influx of tourists flooding Sydney’s major attractions. And obviously, with large crowds, airline fares & hotel prices will drastically increase making it difficult to book.
It’s also advisable to book all your guided tours, sightseeing & hotels well in advance to take advantage of slightly cheaper rates. During March and May, the city will be less occupied with tourists considering Australia’s winter season. Although nowadays, you can see much more travelers visiting to catch Sydney’s whale-watching event.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
One of Australia’s iconic landmarks – Sydney Harbour Bridge is the most-visited and one of the best attractions of Sydney. Known as a ‘coat hanger’ to its local residents, the harbor bridge is regarded as the largest steel-arch bridge in the world.
No visit to Sydney is complete without capturing the landmark’s beautiful snapshots. Be it sunrise or sunset, any visit during the time of the day serves a memorable occasion. If you seek some more adventure – then bridge climb and take in the magic of sweeping city skylines.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
The glimmering white shells of Sydney Opera House brightens up Sydney Harbour with its striking beauty. In addition to that, the venue blends beautifully to the waterfront location it sits upon.
Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most recognizable buildings attracting millions of tourists every year. Opened in 1973, Sydney Opera House also serves as one of the leading entertainment venues to date. In the past, it has anchored major big events, with 2000 shows running up annually.
As magnificent the Sydney Opera House is, the venue is even known to host more than 5,800 guests with six grand theatres. No wonder why it’s one of the world’s breath-taking architecture.
DARLING HARBOUR
Sydney’s true experience is incomplete without visiting the charming Darling Harbour. Just a short walking distance from the main city center, you’ll stumble upon some of Sydney’s funky nightclubs, wine bars & bistros, waterfront dining, and exciting nightlife.
If you think that’s all the excitement you’ll be showered upon, then you’re wrong. Two of Sydney’s major attractions – SEA Life Aquarium and the Wild Life Sydney Zoo add up your level of experience at Darling Harbour. It’s always enthralling to witness native animals such as koalas and kangaroos real close.
Just nearby to the zoo, you will come across King Street Wharf. Best known for high-quality restaurants and trendy bars – youth & bachelors can have a great time here. Other known attractions also include visiting – Sydney Tower Eye, St Mary’s Cathedral, and the Art Gallery of NSW.
ART GALLERY OF NSW
Sydney is no short of having a major cultural influence. To delve deeper into understanding the primary importance, head to the Art Gallery of NSW. Considered as one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions – the gallery is home to numerous art galleries representing Indigenous art and works.
It brilliantly showcases the culmination of works done by both – past and present Australian & international artists. If you’re more of a history person, the Yiribana Gallery inside the Art Gallery of NSW will exhibit the rich artworks done by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists. You can head to the Art Gallery anytime between 10 am to 5 pm, with free admission.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY
A tranquil oasis right in front of Sydney’s iconic landmarks – serves as a great relaxing spot for tourists. With lush greenery around & spectacular views to capture, the Royal Botanic Garden is home to colorful specimens of birds, fruit bats, and water dragons.
If you needed to have a much-wanted break, then take a stroll around the garden and seek the calmness you need. Moreover, you can also indulge in understanding the area’s rich Aboriginal history through a deep guided Heritage walk.
TARONGA ZOO SYDNEY
Exploring Taronga Zoo is one of the best things to do in Sydney. Located right in the heart of Sydney CBD, the quaint & beguiling nature of Taronga Zoo Sydney offers travelers a unique opportunity to eyewitness native wildlife and rare exotic animals amidst the busy city life.
It’s a good family-driven spot, to enjoy a relaxing time whilst admiring these species in their natural habitats. It also makes a great place, to learn & understand Taronga’s conservation process and sustainability practices.
There are plenty of activities to do around Taronga Zoo – like hopping onto a ‘zoo train’ or riding the ‘Sky Safari’. But, what makes it more interesting is its sky-high ropes adventure. You can catch amazing glimpses of the Sydney Harbour as you take on this thrilling activity.
If you are an independent traveler, you can use the interactive app that guides you to spectate popular native animals. This walking tour can last anywhere between 60-90 minutes & is one of the great experiences to have at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Also, if you wish to stay a night – then you can camp on the Roar and Snore tour.
Recommended – Loving Sydney’s vibrant atmosphere? We guarantee you’ll love Melbourne’s upscaled attractions, trendy bars & artistic laneways. Read our popular guide – “Best Things to do in Melbourne City“.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
VISIT THE SYDNEY’S BEACHES
Sydney is one of the most blessed cities in the world – sheltering over 100 picturesque beaches. No matter which ones you visit, the abundance of activities at every beach will leave you spell-bound.
Adopt Sydney’s laidback lifestyle & explore some of the city’s calm or busy surf beaches or get thrilled by some of the amazing surfing lessons at an accredited surf school. Every beach in Sydney clusters world-class cafes & restaurants, giving you a wide range of options to choose from.
Having a good meal alongside the gushing waves of the Pacific – is nothing but a sort of life experience. Additionally, there are plenty of aquatic activities to indulge in. These include snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. If activities aren’t your thing, then why not please your eyes with a sunset experience at Bondi or Manly.
You can also take a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee to witness more tranquil beaches, colorful birds, and butterflies along your path.
Sydney’s beach lifestyle is all about having fun & spending some quality time with loved ones. Seaside picnics in Sydney are a thing now – and you got to try to spend an evening once during your visit.
TAKE A FREE WALKING TOUR OF SYDNEY
One of the top things to do in Sydney is to take a free walking tour. This is a great way to get introduced to Sydney’s top attractions, landmarks, iconic cafes & restaurants, and local markets. You get to know the city much more deeply, as you normally do taking any guided tour.
To take up this free walking tour of Sydney, explore the “I’m Free” walking tours website. They have got an amazing collection of tours, offering different activities & experiences to do in Sydney.
Their ‘Sydney Sights Free Walking Tour’ is probably a classic example of showcasing the city’s highlights in a short span of time. The tour generally lasts 2-3 hours depending on their daily operation and is usually conducted 3 times a day.
Some of the attractions they cover include – visiting Circular Quay, Sydney Tower, Macquarie Street, Parliament House, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Hyde Park, and many more.
The volunteers who guide these tours are well-experienced and knowledgeable, making it easy for you to have an enjoyable experience. The team has expanded their services to Melbourne now, so you can go check that out!
Recommended: Endless activities & numerous experiences make Sydney one of the happening places around the world. To find out more – discover iconic attractions, tourist landmarks & quicky activities.
EXPLORE MUSEUMS IN SYDNEY
Sydney is home to plenty of museums offering a deeper understanding of Australian history and Aboriginal culture. Luckily, all the public museums in the city are free of cost. If you are a history buff, then this is a great money saver activity for you!
Some of my favorites include – The Edge of the tress and Hyde Park Barracks. It showcases an amazing timeline of the early era detailing much historical information, artifacts, and historical recreations.
Apart from the two museums mentioned, there are plenty more. Some notable worth-visiting ones include Sydney Cricket Museum (cricket’s history), Sydney Jewish Museum (Jewish history), Powerhouse Museum (applied arts & sciences), Australian National Maritime Museum (marine history), and the Art Gallery of NSW (modern art).
ROMANTIC DINNER AT CIRCULAR QUAY
Circular Quay is home to award-winning restaurants, gourmet dining options, and excellent small eateries. What makes it special, is that it’s located right in front of Sydney’s gorgeous harbor.
If you prefer having a romantic dinner somewhere in Sydney, then Circular Quay is the place for you. Plenty of options prevails at your disposal, making it a hard selection for you to choose. However, some of the top restaurants include – Quay Restaurant, Yayoi Garden, ARIA, The Meat and Wine Co, Bar Patrón, and Cafe Sydney.
DISCOVER LUNA PARK
If you’re seeking some great family time in Sydney – then head to Luna Park. It’s quite popular in Sydney for its fun-filled rides & spectacular views. This amusement park is well-known among travelers visiting with families. Some of the notable attractions here include exploring – the Ferris wheel and Tango Train. Surely, the kids will have a great time here!
WALK ON THE COASTAL TRACKS
One of the best things to do in Sydney is to take a walk along the coastal shoreline of Bondi to Coogee. I cannot just express the fact of how beautiful the views are! And while you traverse down the path, you come across the city’s shining sand beaches & lush greenery.
The coastal path is not only charming but also offers visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in local experiences. Right from exploring the striking coastline vistas and cozy beaches to hogging at café strips & restaurants – there’s particularly a lot going on. Bondi to Coogee is a long, 6km stretch – that takes almost 2 hours to complete.
If you got a good place to keep up – then probably a little less time – but of course, you can take small little breaks admiring the city’s rich vibes.
LEARN TO SURF IN SYDNEY
Sydney is one of the fantastic places in the world to learn surfing. Not just the Aussies but travelers from all around the world, travel down to Sydney to register for guided surf lessons. And fret not, if you don’t know a single technique about surfing! You can easily catch up with the basics and move on to the advanced part.
The guided sessions are meant for all skill levels, and you’ll learn more about its history & past development. I took a few of the classes back when I visited Sydney –and I must say Bondi is the best place to learn surfing. There are many companies here offering different lessons – but I suggest you try out “Let’s Go Surfing“. You’ll be guided at every step of your coaching & in no time you’ll learn some of the most intriguing techniques.
EXPLORE SYDNEY’S VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE
Sydney’s nightlife is just as vibrant as its locals, with buzzing cafes & bars rolling in every night! Whether you want to shake your leg, or simply want to grab a casual drink – you’ll fall in love with Sydney’s upscaled nightlife and its adventures.
If you find yourself in Oxford Street (Sydney’s gay center), then you can stumble at any one of the trendy clubs & bars to discover the city’s energetic atmosphere. The most popular venues are Arq, Chinese Laundry, Qudos, and Grasshopper.
There are few bars in Kings Cross, but I wouldn’t recommend them as they can be very shady at night.
VISIT THE ROCKS
Emerged from a rowdy & raucous settlement of convicts – the Rocks is essentially the birthplace of Sydney. From cobbled laneways and colonial buildings to the modern styled architecture of cozy cafes & pubs – the Rocks serves as a great tourist place for travelers to stay, eat, drink and shop. Moreover, the live events and weekend markets here present the Rock’s buzzing vibes throughout the calendar.
Travelers often admire the historic setting it enlightens with its heritage walking tours. You can take a guided ‘The Rocks Walking Tour’ to know more about its past & modern development. On these heritage tours, you’ll come across some of the area’s dazzling pubs and sandstone churches. Either way, you’ll get to know more of the precinct’s striking past, making it one of the best places to visit in Sydney.
WATCH A GAME AT THE SCG
Be it any sport – cricket, rugby, or AFL – Aussies love to watch a game of sport and there’s absolute madness amongst the fans cheering for their favorite team. One such place where you see how passionate these locals are – is Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Watching your favorite team play in this iconic, atmospheric stadium is one of the best things to do in Sydney. The whole energy, rage, and enthusiasm are on a different level – making the stadium bounce with every roaring cheer.
Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s fun to catch glimpses of SCG’s palpable excitement. There are even guided walking tours of the stadium, showcasing its history and sports development over a period of time.
VISIT SYDNEY’S LOCAL MARKETS
Soak up the sunshine & discover some of Sydney’s most attractive markets. Being an outdoor multi-hub, the city is known to host markets all over the city. Each one offers a unique vibe with amazing collections of designer clothes, artisan goods, and local produce straight from the farm.
Travel to the Rocks on weekends, to discover a colonial-styled era architecture – with stalls selling fashion, jewelry, textiles, art, and more. You can also head to Paddington Markets on Saturdays, offering more clothing & attires for fashionistas. Other markets include visiting – Glebe Markets, Rozelle Collectors Market, and Balmain Markets.
DO A BAR-HOPPING IN SYDNEY
It’s very clear, that Sydney is home to hundreds of amazing pubs & bars. But, how do you experience most of them in a short span of time? The answer is – bar-hopping.
Sydney’s pubs have played a very crucial role since the days of European settlement. So, there’s enough history and fascinating stories to hear, enjoy and experience. As you wander through the alleyways of Sydney, crawl its oldest and newest pubs, and discover hippie culture, brothels, pop-music scenes, and much more.
As interesting as it sounds, it’s fun to hear dramatic stories from the locals as you pub crawl.
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