Sydney, Australia: 31 Best Things to Do and See

If you haven’t had Sydney on your travel list until now, add it right away. The largest city in Australia definitely has a lot to offer, and it will be a somewhat different world for you than what you know from Europe.

In Sydney, people wake up before dawn. Before the classic eight o’clock strikes and everyone heads to work, they manage to go for a run, swim in an ocean pool, or catch a few waves. The locals are so kind that they’ll apologize with a smile even if you bumped into them, and everyone without exception looks like they just stepped off the cover of a fitness magazine. And they also love dogs and coffee here. Isn’t it paradise?

In this guide, “Sydney, Australia: 31 Best Things to Do and See”, I’ll introduce you to 31 must-see places in Sydney, and I’ll add practical tips on how to fully enjoy your trip to the red continent.

Summary, if You Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article

• Best time to visit: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists
• Airport transport: The fastest is train (15 min, 20 AUD), the cheapest is bus (30-45 min)
• Accommodation: Coogee Sands hotel, Miss Baker’s Boutique or 28 Hotel
• Must-see sights: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, Manly Beach
• Activity tips: Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee, swimming in Bondi Icebergs Pool, trip to Blue Mountains or Royal National Park
• Cultural attractions: Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of NSW, The Rocks
• Best views: Sydney Tower Eye, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Milsons Point
• Day trips: Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, Watsons Bay
• Don’t forget: Travel insurance (e.g., SafetyWing), sunscreen, power adapter, eSIM, eVisitor tourist visa

When to Visit Sydney

Sydney boasts a pleasant climate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you expect from your stay.

• Summer (December-February): Temperatures range between 18-30 °C, an ideal time for beaches and water activities. However, be prepared for the tourist season and higher accommodation prices.
• Autumn (March-May): Pleasant temperatures 14-22 °C, lower humidity, and fewer tourists. Ideal time for city walks and exploring the surroundings.
• Winter (June-August): Temperatures between 8-17 °C. The coldest period of the year, but still relatively mild. June usually has the highest rainfall. From May to August, with a bit of luck, you might spot migrating humpback whales!
• Spring (September-November): Temperatures 11-23 °C, a period of blooming plants and an ideal time to visit botanical gardens.

TIP: If you like festivals, the Vivid Sydney light festival takes place in May and June, when the city’s main landmarks, including the Opera House, are illuminated with light projections.

Sydney Public Transport: how to get from the Airport to the City Center

You can get to the city center from Sydney International Airport in several ways:

• By train (Air Train): The fastest option. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around 20 AUD. Trains run every 10 minutes, and you can use line T8.
• By bus: A cheaper option, but the journey takes longer (30-45 minutes) depending on traffic.
• By taxi or Uber: The most comfortable, but also the most expensive option. The journey will cost approximately 50 AUD.

Sydney’s public transport is excellently covered by trains, buses, and ferries. When boarding and alighting any public transport, simply tap your credit card or Opal Card (even on your phone). Each week, you have a maximum limit on how much you can spend on public transport (50 AUD per week), and on Sundays, a journey costs a maximum of 2.80 AUD.

Sydney: where to Stay

Sydney offers accommodation for every budget, from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. The best places to stay are:

• City Center (CBD): Ideal location close to main attractions like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. More expensive, but you’ll save on transport.
• The Rocks: Historic district with charming streets, cafes, and harbor views.
• Darling Harbour: Modern district full of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Suitable for families with children.
• Bondi Beach: Perfect location for beach and surfing. Offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the city center.
• Manly: Seaside district accessible by ferry from the center, with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed pace.
• Surry Hills: Trendy district with hipster cafes, boutiques, and great restaurants. Popular among young travelers.

I recommend these accommodations:

• Coogee Sands hotel (near Coogee beach),
• Miss Baker’s Boutique (Bondi beach),
• 28 Hotel (city center).

TIP: If you want to save money, consider staying in a hostel or an apartment through shared accommodation services. Public transport in Sydney is very efficient, so even accommodation further from the center can be a good option.

Sydney, Australia: 31 Best Things to Do and See

For those of you planning your stay in Sydney, I’ve written down 31 tips on what to see and do there. So let’s get to it.

Opera House

When you say Sydney, everyone automatically thinks of the Opera House. The Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly Australia’s most famous icon. This architecturally unique building, resembling ship sails, is located at Bennelong Point and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.

It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, and its construction took an incredible 14 years (1959-1973). The Opera House is not only stunning from the outside – it also offers interior tours or visits to one of its many cultural performances. In total, you’ll find 5 theater halls here, hosting over 1600 performances each year.

Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, nicknamed “the Coathanger” by locals, is a steel structure connecting the northern and southern parts of the harbor. The bridge was opened in 1932 and remains one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world today.

The bridge weighs over 52,800 tons, and six million rivets were used in its construction. Its arch measures 503 meters, and its highest point is 134 meters above the water.

You can explore it:

• On foot: Walking across the bridge is free and offers amazing views.
• By bike: There’s a cycle path along the western side of the bridge.
• BridgeClimb: An adrenaline-pumping climb to the top of the bridge (but it’s quite expensive, starting from 344 AUD)

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a harbor and popular recreational area full of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The area has undergone revitalization in recent years and has become a kind of second city center.

You can visit:

• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world with over 700 species of marine animals.
• Madame Tussauds: Wax museum.
• WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo: Encounter Australian animals.
• Australian National Maritime Museum: Exhibition on maritime history.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Sydney and one of the most renowned beaches in the world. This kilometer-long beach with fine sand is a mecca for surfers and regular tourists alike. Bondi is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, so you can spend the whole day here.

Bondi is great for surfing, but be careful of undertows, which can be dangerous. If you’re not an experienced surfer, stay between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are on duty.

Coastal Walk Bondi to Coogee

This six-kilometer coastal path is one of the most beautiful walks in Sydney. It leads from Bondi Beach through Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly to Coogee Beach. Along the way, you’ll have magnificent views of the ocean and cliffs.

The walk takes about 2 hours and is suitable even for less experienced walkers, just be prepared for a few steeper sections. Along the route, you’ll find several beaches where you can refresh yourself, as well as cafes for refreshments.

Luna Park

Luna Park Sydney is a historic amusement park located beneath the northern side of the Harbour Bridge in Milsons Point. Its iconic smiling gate has been welcoming visitors since 1930. The park offers classic carnival rides and amazing harbor views.

Entry to the park is free; you only pay for individual attractions or you can purchase an all-day pass. Additionally, Luna Park offers one of the most beautiful views of the Sydney skyline.

The Rocks

The Rocks is a historic district where Sydney’s European history began. Originally, it was the settlement of the first European colonists and convicts; today, it’s a beautiful area with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, galleries, and cafes.

Visit:

• Cadman’s Cottage – the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney (1816),
• Observatory Hill – beautiful views of the bridge and harbor,
• The Rocks Markets – weekend markets with handicrafts and local products.

In this district, you’ll also find the oldest pub in Sydney, Fortune of War, which was founded in 1828.

Milsons Point

This location offers one of the best views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s located on the northern side of the harbor, right next to Luna Park. It’s a popular spot, especially for sunsets.

You can get here from Circular Quay in just 3 minutes by ferry (lines F4 and F8), which is a great experience in itself.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is the heart of Sydney’s harbor and a transport hub where ferries, trains, and buses meet. From here, you can take harbor tours, stroll along the waterfront, or simply relax in one of the cafes with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Circular Quay was historically Sydney’s first port, where the first British ships landed in 1788, marking the beginning of modern Australian history.

Rose Bay

Rose Bay is a popular district in eastern Sydney, located on the eastern side of Sydney Harbour. It’s a paradise for sailing and other water sports. Here you’ll find smaller, quieter beaches than Bondi, and beautiful views of the city.

You can easily get to Rose Bay by ferry from Circular Quay (line F4); the journey takes about 20 minutes.

Surry Hills

Surry Hills is a trendy district full of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and nightlife. The district is popular among artists and young people, and you’ll find many historic buildings with Victorian architecture here.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the oldest public park in Australia, located in the center of Sydney. You can have a picnic here or just stroll among the centuries-old trees. In the park, you’ll find:

• Archibald Fountain (fountain),
• ANZAC Memorial (war memorial),
• St. Mary’s Cathedral .

The park is home to over 580 trees, including fig trees.

Botanical Garden

You’ll find the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney right in the city center, located next to the Opera House. It was founded in 1816 and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. Here, across 30 hectares, you’ll find an amazing collection of plants from all over the world. Admission is free.

TIP: A walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair will offer you one of the best views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. This spot is named after the governor’s wife, who enjoyed sitting here and admiring the ships in the harbor.

Manly Beach

Manly Beach is a beautiful beach and an alternative to the bustling Bondi Beach. You can reach this popular spot with a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, which is a great experience in itself. I felt like I was in a completely different city here.

Manly offers:

• A long sandy beach ideal for surfing and swimming,
• a seaside promenade with shops and restaurants,
• beautiful coastal paths,
• a more relaxed atmosphere than the busier beaches to the east.

Manly is also home to a colony of little penguins, which is the only mainland breeding colony in New South Wales.

Royal National Park

Royal National Park is the oldest national park in Australia and the second oldest in the world (after Yellowstone). It’s located about an hour’s drive south of Sydney and offers breathtaking nature, beautiful beaches, and hiking trails.

Don’t miss:

• Figure Eight Pools – natural rock pools,
• Wedding Cake Rock – white rock formation,
• The Coast Track – a 26 km long coastal path.

Haymarket

Haymarket is a popular district in central Sydney, which includes the famous Chinatown and Thai Town. It’s a vibrant multicultural hub with many restaurants, markets, and shops. The most famous is Paddy’s Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh fruit to souvenirs.

TIP: Visit Haymarket on Friday evening, when night markets with excellent Asian street food are held here.

Swim in an Ocean Pool (Icebergs Pools)

Bondi Icebergs Pool is an iconic swimming pool carved into the cliffs at the southern end of Bondi Beach. This 50-meter saltwater pool offers, in my opinion, a truly unique experience: you can swim to the sound of waves occasionally crashing into the pool, with views of the entire beach. It was opened in 1929 and still retains its historic charm today. Entry costs 10 AUD.

Besides Bondi Icebergs, other Sydney ocean pools like Bronte Baths or Wylie’s Baths near Coogee are also worth visiting. These are free.

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in the city and offers 360° views of Sydney and its surroundings. At 309 meters, it is the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

For more adventurous visitors, there’s Skywalk, an outdoor platform at a height of 268 meters, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience with the entire city beneath your feet.

It’s better to buy tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay is a seaside district at the eastern end of Sydney, offering one of the most beautiful views of the city and the harbor. You can get here by ferry from Circular Quay.

Main things to see are:

• The Gap: Cliffs with Pacific Ocean views
• Hornby Lighthouse: Red and white lighthouse on South Head
• Camp Cove Beach: Quiet beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling
• Doyle’s on the Beach: Famous restaurant specializing in seafood

Coogee Bay

Coogee Beach is a popular beach located south of Bondi. It is less touristy and is mainly popular among locals. At Coogee, you’ll find several natural and artificially carved pools, including the historic Wylie’s Baths, opened in 1907.

Maroubra Beach

Maroubra Beach is an almost two-kilometer long beach about 10 km from the city center. It is the longest beach within the city of Sydney and the calmest of all major Sydney beaches.

About 150 meters north of the beach, you’ll find an artificially carved pool in the cliffs with a natural bottom and seawater, secured with railings and stairs.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is located on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour and offers not only fascinating animals but also breathtaking city views. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including many endangered Australian species.

Art Gallery of NSW

Did you know that Sydney has free museums? The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s leading art institutions. The gallery has extensive collections of Australian, Asian, and European art and hosts regular exhibitions.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is located in The Rocks and specializes in exhibiting, interpreting, and collecting contemporary art from Australia and abroad. The museum building itself is also very beautiful.

I recommend visiting the museum’s cafe on the top floor, which offers amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You can enjoy coffee or lunch there while admiring the city panorama.

Chinatown

Sydney’s Chinatown in the Haymarket area is a hub of Asian culture and gastronomy. You’ll find dozens of restaurants, shops, and markets here. The traditional Chinese gates on Dixon Street are a prominent feature.

Don’t just visit Chinese restaurants; also try the excellent Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean cuisine, which are also well-represented here.

Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is an island in Sydney Harbour with a rich history. Over the years, it has served as a penal colony, a shipyard, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural center. You can reach the island by ferry from Circular Quay (lines F3 and F8).

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains (Modré hory) are located about 100 kilometers west of Sydney and are ideal for a day trip from the city. This area of forested gorges and pristine bushland is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Main attractions include:

• Three Sisters – iconic rock formation
• Scenic World – cable cars and the world’s steepest railway
• Wentworth Falls – a 187-meter high cascading waterfall
• Jenolan Caves – breathtaking cave system

The name “Blue Mountains” comes from the faint blue haze visible above the mountains. This haze is caused by the evaporation of oils from millions of eucalyptus trees.

You can get to the Blue Mountains by train from Central Station (approx. 2 hours), but it’s better to rent a car.

Mosman Harbour Walk

Sydney has a newly opened 3.5 km historical trail, designed to showcase views of the Middle Harbour peninsula. This latest trail in Mosman, part of the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk, connects Middle Head-Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head and now links to the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk and Chowder Bay trails. The project is part of the New South Wales government’s $257 million commitment to improving national park visitor infrastructure.

Along the route, you can admire over 220 years of Sydney’s defensive history, including restored wartime structures such as a fortress from 1801, built when there were fears of a French invasion, along with tunnels, sandstone gun emplacements, and the “Tiger Cages” from the Vietnam War era.

Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve is a modern park in the western part of the harbor, combining contemporary architecture with nature and the culture of the indigenous Gadigal people. Stroll along the water, relax on the sandstone rocks, and enjoy a perfect spot for a picnic or sunset.

Walk to Hornby Lighthouse

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay will take you to Watsons Bay, with its tranquil beach and excellent seafood restaurants (e.g., Doyle’s). I recommend a walk to Hornby Lighthouse. You’ll see breathtaking views of both the ocean and Sydney city center. It’s less touristy but truly beautiful.

Glebe Markets

If you love flea markets, vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, and mingling with locals, you shouldn’t miss the Saturday markets in the Glebe district. You’ll find plenty of treasures, live music, and good food. Plus, Glebe itself is a beautiful district with historic architecture.

Practical Tips for Visiting Australia

• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). It’s advisable to always carry some cash, although credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. For international payments, I recommend the Revolut card.
• Electrical Outlets: Australia uses Type I outlets, so don’t forget to bring an adapter (or you can buy one locally).
• Tap Water: It is completely safe to drink throughout Sydney.
• Tipping: It is not mandatory in Australia, but it’s common in restaurants to leave 10-15% for good service.
• Road Rules: In Australia, traffic drives on the left. If you plan to rent a car, keep that in mind. Similarly, people walk on the left side or stand on the left side of escalators.
• Travel Insurance: Before your trip, don’t forget to arrange comprehensive travel insurance. Healthcare costs in Australia are quite high. We recommend SafetyWing for long-term travel insurance.
• SIM Card: For easy internet access, you can purchase an eSIM for Australia before your departure, which you can simply activate on your phone without needing to remove your original SIM card. Alternatively, buy a physical SIM card at any supermarket with a data package tailored to your needs.
• Sun Protection: The Australian sun is very intense, so use high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. I recommend buying local sunscreen; it’s much higher quality and formulated for the Australian sun.

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