What to do in Sydney? The Ultimate Travel Guide

Sitting on my balcony, I look out over Hyde Park and see the harbor and the sails of the Opera House. I also spot countless little sailboats and a cruise ship leaving the harbor, probably on its way to New Zealand or Tasmania. I spent over a year living in the center of this vibrant city, and I got to know it inside and out. What impressed me most were the views of the city from the water, the spectacular coastline, and the stunning national parks surrounding Sydney. I also fell in love with the Australians’ outdoor lifestyle, the many fantastic restaurants, and the sheer beauty of the Opera House. I could go on and on, but with this blog as your guide, you’ll have everything you need to experience all this city has to offer. Enjoy!

Content:

• The 7 Best Sights in Sydney
• The Best Museums in Sydney
• The Best Beaches of Sydney
  
  

The 7 Best Sights in Sydney

1. Sydney Opera House

The shining star of Sydney is the Opera House, beautifully located on Bennelong Point in the harbor. It has become the city’s ultimate symbol and is endlessly fascinating to see. The Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened to the public in 1973. With its white sails, the building has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Each year, more than 2,500 performances are held here, and guided tours are available. Tours cost AUD 37 for adults and last about an hour. Tickets are sold at the shop at the far end of the Opera bars and restaurants beneath the building, which is also where tours begin. Inside, you’ll also find Bennelong, one of Sydney’s top restaurants.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The widest arch bridge in the world is another unmissable Sydney icon. The bridge connects the northern suburbs to the city center and offers one of the city’s most thrilling experiences: the BridgeClimb. With a guide, you’ll scale the top of the bridge and enjoy panoramic views. The climb is pricey, but there’s a cheaper alternative: the Pylon Lookout, which costs way less and offers equally gorgeous views. You can also walk across the bridge or pass beneath it on a ferry.

3. The Rocks

This is where the first European settlers landed in 1788. Today, The Rocks is a historic neighborhood filled with cozy cafés, charming shops, and the city’s oldest pubs. You’ll also see beautiful sandstone Victorian terrace houses. Thanks to local protests, many of these historic buildings were saved from demolition during Sydney’s skyscraper boom. On Fridays, there’s a Foodies Market, and on weekends it expands with artisan and craft stalls. Attractions here include the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), the Rocks Discovery Museum, the Sydney Observatory, and the Customs House, which has a large city model you can actually walk across. Guided tours are available, and there’s also a Walking The Rocks app.

4. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is Sydney’s entertainment district, set around a lively waterfront. At night, it’s buzzing with dozens of restaurants, but during the day, it’s home to attractions like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, a wildlife zoo, and the Australian National Maritime Museum (featuring Captain Cook’s ship). You’ll also find an IMAX theater and the Chinese Garden of Friendship nearby. From here, you can embark on harbor cruises, such as those by Captain Cook Cruises. In December, fireworks light up the harbor at 9 p.m. on weekends. Just across the Pyrmont Bridge is The Star, Sydney’s second-largest casino, which also features hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and a theater. Don’t miss the rooftop bar for spectacular city views.

5. Whale Watching

From Circular Quay, you can join whale-watching cruises between mid-May and early November. Majestic humpback whales are often seen near the harbor entrance, sometimes even performing acrobatics right by the boat. In 2016, a record number of humpbacks were spotted, proof that the species is thriving again. Captain Cook Cruises organizes whale-watching trips.

6. St. Mary’s Cathedral

This neo-Gothic cathedral stands proudly by Hyde Park in the heart of Sydney. Its two tall towers make it a striking landmark. Inside, you’ll find valuable religious artifacts as well as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In winter, the square in front transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice rink. During the Christmas season, the façade hosts a spectacular light-and-sound show, preceded by a choir performance. There’s also a nativity scene and even Dutch-style poffertjes!

7. Sydney Tower Eye

The tallest building in Sydney. After a 4D pre-show, you’ll ascend by elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking 360° views of the city. For an added thrill, join the SKYWALK, a 45-minute outdoor guided walk around the tower. You can also dine at the rotating Sydney Tower Buffet, where entry to the tower is included in the meal price. The food is simple, but the view is unforgettable. The tower is located in the Westfield Shopping Centre on Pitt Street Mall.

The Best Museums in Sydney

There is more to do than these seven sights! If you have the time check out:

The Australian National Maritime Museum

Located in Darling Harbour, this museum showcases Australia’s rich maritime history. In addition to a fascinating permanent collection, it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. The highlight is a replica of the Endeavour, Captain Cook’s ship that reached Australia’s east coast in 1770. Other must-sees include a navy destroyer and a submarine. Great for families with kids.

Hyde Park Barracks

This historic building, located on the north side of Hyde Park, was originally a prison built by convicts themselves. It is one of the most important convict sites in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, it housed female immigrants. With the help of an audio guide, you’ll get an authentic sense of life here during that era. The barracks is part of Sydney Living Museums, which includes 12 historic museums, houses, and gardens. A museum pass is available.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Located in The Domain, this museum houses Australian, European, Asian, and modern art. It also hosts world-class international exhibitions. Highlights include the collection of colonial paintings, offering a glimpse into how early settlers viewed Australia. Aboriginal art is also strongly represented. Free guided tours are offered daily, and general entry is free (special exhibitions may have a fee). The gallery also manages the former home and studio of modern Australian artist Brett Whiteley, located in Surry Hills.

State Library of New South Wales

This impressive sandstone building sits opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens. On entering, you’ll see a floor mosaic of an old Abel Tasman sea voyage map from around 1640 (the original is held in the Mitchell Library). Don’t miss the grand reading room with its beautiful skylight. The library hosts rotating cultural and historical exhibitions and offers free guided tours. These also cover the statue of navigator Matthew Flinders, who mapped much of Australia’s coast, often accompanied by his loyal cat Trim, who even survived a shipwreck with him.

Taronga Zoo

Sydney’s largest zoo is located on the city’s north shore and is best reached by ferry from Circular Quay. From the ferry terminal, a cable car or bus takes you up to the entrance. The zoo is beautifully landscaped and offers activities such as Animal Encounters, shows, talks, rope challenges, and behind-the-scenes tours. Don’t miss the iconic view of giraffes with the Harbour Bridge in the background.

Overview of the Best Beaches of Sydney

1. Bondi Beach

Australia’s most famous beach! Swim in turquoise waters, surf the golden waves, or relax on the sand. Don’t miss the scenic Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, which can be extended all the way to Coogee Beach, with breathtaking cliffside views and chances to spot dolphins and whales. In late October, Bondi hosts Sculpture by the Sea, a free outdoor exhibition featuring over 100 sculptures from artists around the world.

2. Manly Beach

Located on the north shore, easily reached by a scenic 45-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. After walking down the lively Corso, you’ll reach this pine-fringed surf beach. From here, stroll to Shelly Beach for snorkeling and diving. You might even spot dolphins or whales along the way. Grab a bite at The Boathouse or visit the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary, which cares for injured marine life. Highlights include diving with sharks and watching the feeding of little penguins.

3. Bronte & Coogee Beaches

Two lovely beaches just south of Bondi. Both offer rock pools, great cafés, and leafy parks, and they’re popular with surfers.

4. Balmoral Beach

A beautiful northside harborside beach, perfect for weekend picnics, sunset fish and chips, or a relaxed swim.

5. Shark Beach

Located in Nielsen Park, this harborside beach offers a scenic coastal walk past Milk Beach to Rose Bay, with stunning city skyline views. Part of the swimming area is netted for safety—hence the name.

6. Palm Beach

Sydney’s best-kept secret! The city’s northernmost beach is palm-fringed and almost tropical in appearance. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city, or you can arrive by bus or seaplane. Walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for incredible views over the narrow strip of land with the ocean on one side and Pittwater on the other. The northern end is great for surfing. Lunch at The Boathouse or Palm Beach Wharf. Fun fact: Palm Beach is the filming location of the soap Home and Away, where it’s known as “Summer Bay.”