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Sydney, Australia

Destination Guide

Sydney

Australia

Best things to do in Sydney

60 curated attractions in Sydney, Australia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

September - March

Average temp

19°C/66°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Sydney

Sydney is built around its harbour, where the iconic Opera House and the Harbour Bridge define the skyline. This geographical feature dominates the city’s character, shaping its culture, transport, and even leisure activities. Beaches like Bondi and Coogee are just as crucial, attracting both locals and tourists who prefer sunbathing to cityscapes. The city is a hub with a large population that thrives on tourism, resulting in a atmosphere that can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially in popular areas. Most visitors come for the coastal walks and the chance to take in the views, but be prepared for prices that make you question whether that latte was really worth it.

Who it's for

Those who enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor experiences will find plenty to explore. However, if you’re seeking a quiet retreat or prefer budget-friendly options, Sydney's high cost of living and crowded hotspots might leave you feeling less than satisfied.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The ferry system is a scenic and efficient way to cross the harbour, connecting key areas in about twenty minutes
  • Public transport is generally reliable, with trains and buses that run frequently
  • Walking the coastal paths can take longer than expected, so plan accordingly
  • Sydney's layout means many attractions are spread out, so prepare for some travel time
Palm Beach

Palm Beach

Beaches
Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve

City parks
Observatory Hill Park

Observatory Hill Park

Nature
Chinese Garden of Friendship

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Nature
Centennial Park

Centennial Park

Natural Wonders
Hands - Lifestyle Gift & Homewares Store

Hands - Lifestyle Gift & Homewares Store

Shopping
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Bondi's Street Art

Bondi's Street Art

Street art districts
Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach

Beaches
Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Bridges
Royal National Park

Royal National Park

National parks & nature reserves
The Rocks

The Rocks

Old towns & historic quarters
Surry Hills

Surry Hills

Streets & neighbourhoods
Circular Quay

Circular Quay

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Olympic Park

City parks
King Street

King Street

Urban Attractions
Manly Ferry

Manly Ferry

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Bear Tufting

Bear Tufting

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Sydney By Kayak

Sydney By Kayak

Outdoor Adventure
Wendy’s Secret Garden

Wendy’s Secret Garden

Natural Wonders
Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk

Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Sinki

Sinki

Food
Joystick

Joystick

Entertainment
Tamarama Park

Tamarama Park

City parks
Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Sydney Harbour National Park

Sydney Harbour National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Art Gallery of New South Wales

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Art museums & galleries
Manly Beach

Manly Beach

Beaches
Royal Botanic Garden

Royal Botanic Garden

Botanical gardens
Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Australian Museum

Australian Museum

Cultural
Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

Beaches
Queen Victoria Building

Queen Victoria Building

Shopping streets & districts
Manly Corso

Manly Corso

Shopping streets & districts
Observatory Hill

Observatory Hill

Nature
Sydney Seafood School

Sydney Seafood School

Food and Drink Destinations
Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Historical Attractions
Powerhouse Museum

Powerhouse Museum

Science & natural history museums
The Strand Arcade

The Strand Arcade

Shopping streets & districts
Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo

Zoos
Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo

Wildlife Experiences
The Rocks, Sydney

The Rocks, Sydney

Old towns & historic quarters
Auburn Botanic Garden

Auburn Botanic Garden

Natural Wonders
Milligram

Milligram

Shopping and Markets
Paddington Markets

Paddington Markets

Shopping and Markets
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Aquariums
Maplestore

Maplestore

Shopping
Glebe Market

Glebe Market

Shopping
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Art museums & galleries
Bondi Markets

Bondi Markets

Local & craft markets
Portside Sydney

Portside Sydney

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Hayes Street Beach

Hayes Street Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Paddy's Market

Paddy's Market

Shopping and Markets
Sydney Fish Market

Sydney Fish Market

Food markets & food halls
Luna Park

Luna Park

Theme parks
Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Zoos
The Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Eye

Observation decks & city views
The Argyle

The Argyle

Historic houses & mansions

Where to eat in Sydney

The places worth planning a meal around.

The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria

Homestyle

★ 4.0 · 6,903 reviews

Restaurant Hubert

Restaurant Hubert

French · $$$

★ 4.6 · 5,149 reviews

The Glenmore Hotel

The Glenmore Hotel

Australian · $$

★ 4.3 · 5,004 reviews

Nick's Seafood Restaurant

Nick's Seafood Restaurant

Seafood · $$$

★ 4.1 · 4,034 reviews

Untied

Untied

Australian, British · $$

★ 4.7 · 3,981 reviews

Single O

Single O

Cafe · $$

★ 4.5 · 3,230 reviews

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