What to do in Sydney? 15 tips!

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Australia. What to do in Sydney and what are the most beautiful sights? Check out my tips!

Table of contents hide

1 This is why you want to visit Sydney

2 What to do in Sydney?

3 Explore Blue Mountains National Park

4 Best time to visit Sydney

5 Read more about Sydney & Australia

This is why you want to visit Sydney

Sydney’s history dates back to 1788 when it was founded as a British colony. The city has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from all over the world.

People visit Sydney for different reasons. The city offers a range of activities, from swimming and surfing at famous beaches such as Bondi Beach and Manly Beach to exploring the historic precinct of The Rocks and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Nature lovers can explore the beautiful Blue Mountains or stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden.

But Sydney is more than just tourist attractions. It is a vibrant city, there is always something to do.

What to do in Sydney?

I couldn’t get enough of Sydney and stayed there extra long during my tour in Australia. In this blog post, I’ll tell you what to do in Sydney and the most beautiful sights in this iconic city.

Visit Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is the icon of Sydney and for sure one of the most famous landmarks in Australia. You will see the image of the Opera House in every tourist shop. When I first saw this iconic building, it was the first time that I realized that I was actually standing on the other side of the world. I still get goosebumps thinking about that moment.

The building looks magnificent from every angle and there are many awesome angles to check out. The best place to see the Sydney Opera House is from a ferry (many of them depart from Circular Quay). If you have some extra time in Sydney, make sure to visit a concert in the Opera House, because the building also looks fantastic on the inside.

Tip! Don’t feel like attending a concert but would still like to see the inside of the Sydney Opera House? Book a guided tour!

The Harbour Bridge

Another icon of the city is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, also affectionately known as “The Coathanger” because of its arch construction. This is a steel arch bridge that spans Sydney Harbour and connects the central business district to the North Shore. Built in 1932, the bridge is not only a symbol of the city but also an engineering feat.

With a length of 1,149 meters and an arch span of 503 meters, the bridge is one of the largest in the world. The bridge offers eight lanes for car traffic, two train tracks, a bicycle path, and a pedestrian path. The top of the arch is 134 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the city and harbour.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a popular tourist attraction. For example, you can climb the bridge for a fantastic view. It is also possible to cross the bridge by train or bicycle or sail under the bridge by boat.

The Harbour Bridge in Sydney during sunset

Taronga Zoo

The Taronga Zoo is a beautiful zoo and is located on the water’s edge, overlooking the Sydney skyline. Not only is the location great, but the diverse collection of native Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and penguins are also fun to see.

In addition to Australian animals, the zoo also houses exotic species from all over the world. You can attend educational shows, see animal exhibits, or even go behind the scenes for a unique experience. The Taronga Zoo is more than just a zoo; it is an important center for veterinary medicine and nature conservation.

Buy your tickets for the Taronga Zoo now.

Luna Park Sydney

Although it may feel a bit like former glory, it is still nice to check out Luna Park. This is a nostalgic amusement park with an iconic smiling face as an entrance. Opened in 1935, the park offers a mix of classic rides and thrilling roller coasters. Suitable for the whole family!

Check the official website for opening times and tickets. Various combination passes are available so that you can try multiple attractions.

Do the Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk

Many people will know Bondi Beach from the TV show Bondi Rescue, filled with footage of a full beach and lifeguards. When I visited Australia in July, I was completely alone at Bondi Beach. The beach is situated in a beautiful bay and the waves are big.

There is a beautiful coastal pathway from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach (about 6 kilometers, 3.7 miles). During your walk, you will pass some amazing cliffs, beautiful bays, and see surfers catching some enormous waves. A fun activity!

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach itself cannot be missed on this list of Sydney sights. The beach is located 7 kilometers from the center of Sydney and it is one of the most famous beaches in the world. The crescent-shaped beach with its white sand and turquoise water attracts millions of visitors every year.

The waves of Bondi Beach are perfect for surfing, and there are numerous surf schools where you can take lessons or rent surfboards. Swimming is also popular, and several rescue swimmers are on site to ensure swimmers’ safety.

Bondi Beach is also a very nice area to discover, it is bursting with cozy cafes and restaurants.

Tip! Have you always wanted to learn to surf? You can also take surfing lessons at Bondi Beach.

Take the ferry to Manly

One of the places in Sydney you can visit by taking a ferry is Manly. This is one of the most expensive and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney. It’s a peninsula with lovely beaches and a beautiful coastline.

Fun fact: the movie The Great Gatsby (2013, the one with Leonardo DiCaprio) is filmed in Manly. After filming they edited it digitally to make it look American.

Sydney Tower Eye

Towering above the city is the Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney’s tallest structure. This 309-meter-high colossus offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the iconic skyline, the harbor, and the vast surroundings.

Here you can fully enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck, dine in the restaurant with breathtaking vistas, or push their boundaries with the Skywalk, an open-air platform that hangs outside the tower.

Get your tickets for the Sydney Tower Eye here.

Darling Harbour

Ok, it is one of the most touristy and busy places in the city, but I still really enjoyed walking around Darling Harbour. I even got a fireworks show! Darling Harbor is a horseshoe-shaped neighborhood surrounded by water, with an array of attractions, restaurants and entertainment options.

Well-known attractions in Darling Harbor include the Sydney Aquarium, with its fascinating underwater world, and the Australian National Maritime Museum, where you can learn all about Australia’s maritime history.

In addition to museums and attractions, Darling Harbor is also home to numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes with terraces overlooking the harbour. Here you can enjoy various international cuisines, from fresh fish dishes to authentic Italian pizza. In the evenings, Darling Harbor comes alive with light shows, street performers, and vibrant clubs.

Relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens

When you’re done with all the walking around Sydney, it’s nice to relax in one of the great parks. The largest park is the Royal Botanic Gardens. It opened in 1816 and consists of dozens of different gardens. At a lot of places in the park, you’ll have great views of the skyline of Sydney, the Opera House, and the harbour. If you’re into wildlife this is also a great place to walk around, because you might see some (huge) flying foxes and cockatoos.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are free to visit.

Relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens - What to do in Sydney

Australian Museum

Want to learn more about Australia’s history? Then a visit to the Australian Museum cannot be missed during your city trip to Sydney. This is Australia’s oldest museum and it has an extensive collection of more than 21 million objects that highlight Australia’s natural and cultural history.

Here you will learn more about the interesting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the diversity of Australian flora and fauna. The museum also has an impressive collection of dinosaurs.

The Australian Museum is free to visit, although you sometimes have to pay extra for specific exhibitions. Check the official website for more information.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park, Australia’s oldest public park, is located in the heart of Sydney. This oasis of peace and greenery is perfect to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. Walk or jog along the paths, relax on a bench, or picnic on a lawn.

In the park, there are several beautiful statues of important Australians that you can admire. Also nice to visit is the beautiful Gothic St Mary’s Cathedral, which is located on the northeast side of the park.

Archibald Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park with St Mary's Cathedral in the background - What to do in Sydney

The Rocks

The Rocks is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Sydney. This district is located on the western shore of Sydney Harbor and it is the oldest district in the city. The narrow cobbled streets, with sandstone buildings, cozy 19th-century pubs, and boutique shops, provide a glimpse of Sydney’s colonial past.

Once home to the Cadigal Aborigines, The Rocks became the first British settlement in Australia in 1788. The district was a center of trade and shipping for a long time but fell into decline at the beginning of the twentieth century. In the 1970s, The Rocks was renovated and preserved, making it a popular tourist attraction. A really fun place to discover!

Tip! Discover the best places and learn more about the history of this neighborhood during this guided tour of The Rocks.

Explore Blue Mountains National Park

I know, Blue Mountains National Park is technically not in Sydney. But it’s so easy to get there from Sydney! You can even go there for a day trip but I would recommend staying at least one night in Katoomba.

If you like hiking, Blue Mountains National Park is the place to be. The cliffs are steep and de views are amazing (especially when the valley is covered with clouds, like in my photograph. It takes about two hours to reach Katoomba from Sydney and the train ride offers some amazing views as well.

Read more: Blue Mountains National Park in Australia: a hiker’s paradise!

Clouds in Blue Mountains National Park — Hiking in the clouds in Blue Mountains National Park.

Where to stay in Sydney

With so much to see and do in Sydney, it makes sense to stay in the city for a few days. These are some nice accommodations in Sydney:

YHA Sydney Harbor – Great location in The Rocks and suitable for all budgets. There are both dormitories and private rooms.
Bondi Beach House – Very nice Bed & Breakfast in cozy Bondi. There are several rooms to choose from and it is not far from the beach.
Medusa Hotel Sydney (4⭐) – Special hotel in a bright red house. The rooms are very comfortable and have a small kitchenette, so you can prepare some food yourself.

I always find it easiest to book my stay via Booking.com, where you can choose from hostels, hotels, and apartments. The Hostelworld website is also very useful for booking a bed in a hostel.

Best time to visit Sydney

Sydney has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. If you want to enjoy the sun on the beach, December to February is ideal.

If you just want to stroll through the city without the crowds and hot weather, the months of September-November or March-May are better. I visited Sydney in winter (July) and the temperature was quite pleasant, but sometimes the rain came pouring down. It is always useful to pack a raincoat.

Book a trip to Australia

Sydney is a great starting or ending point for an unforgettable trip to Australia. Do you want to visit this iconic city? Book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Sydney has a large international airport with good connections from all over the world. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.

🚘 Rental car – Although Sydney itself is best explored by public transport, it’s very useful to get a rental car if you want to visit more remote areas around the city. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals. Please note that in Australia they drive on the left side of the road.

🚍 Travel by bus – You can also travel long distances in Australia by bus. Buses run to almost all popular tourist attractions. You can book tickets via Busbud.

💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours and activities – Are you interested in guided tours and interesting activities? Make sure to check out Get Your Guide.

What to do in Sydney? 15 tips!

This is why you want to visit Sydney