The 16 Best Things to Do in Sydney
Searching for the best things to do in Sydney? You’ve come to the right place.
The largest city in Australia offers something for everyone. From vibrant nightlife and world-class cultural attractions to iconic beaches and beautiful national parks, there is a lot to keep you busy.
Sydney has seemingly struck the perfect balance between the big city buzz and a laid-back approach to life. Whether you’re after a stimulating city break or a relaxing time by the ocean, you will find what you’re looking for in this city.
I’ve visited the city several times as it was easy to do when I was living in Auckland, New Zealand, and keep discovering new things on every trip. It is one of my favourite cities in the world. I hope this guide will inspire you to fall in love with it too.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note, I only recommend products and services that I know and love. Read full Privacy Policy here.
The Best Things To Do In Sydney
This list focuses on some of the most iconic attractions in the city, as well as some of Sydney’s most famous beaches and natural wonders. Chances are, one trip to Sydney is not going to be enough.
Visit Sydney Opera House

No trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit to the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it is one of the most iconic buildings in Australia.
The best way to learn about the building’s fascinating history is to join a guided tour. You can book a tour on the Sydney Opera House website, with prices starting from $45 AU ($30 US) per person.
You can also book a tour via Get Your Guide, which offers free cancellation, perfect if you want to keep your plans flexible.
However, the Sydney Opera House is more than just a monument; it’s an active theatre. To fully appreciate the architecture and acoustics, consider seeing a live performance.
There are multiple venues within the building hosting hundreds of performances annually, ranging from classic opera and ballet to contemporary theatre and cabaret, offering something for everyone.
Have a Drink at Opera Bar
Can’t get enough of the incredible Sydney Opera House? Then look no further than the nearby Opera Bar.
Here, you can enjoy a glass of excellent Australian wine while soaking in the epic views. The bar also offers a menu that celebrates local produce and fresh seafood.
Due to its prime location, Opera Bar can get quite busy. Groups of four or more can book a table in advance.
If your group is smaller, don’t worry. There’s plenty of seating, and you’ll likely find a table without much trouble.
Stroll through Royal Botanic Gardens
Just a short stroll from Circular Quay in the heart of Sydney’s central business district (CBD), you’ll discover a serene oasis at Australia’s oldest botanic gardens.
Here, you can discover thousands of plant species, spot unique wildlife, or join a guided tour to learn about the Aboriginal history of the gardens.
Alternatively, this is the perfect spot to simply relax and enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour (don’t forget your camera!).
Explore the Rocks
The Rocks is a bustling historic precinct where Sydney began. This area was chosen by European settlers as the landing spot when the colony was formed in 1788. It was once home to a motley crew of convicts, soldiers, and street gangs.
Today, the cobblestone streets of The Rocks are known for popular markets, cool cafes and bars, and quirky shops and art galleries.
Walking tours offer a great introduction to the history of the precinct. Also, don’t forget to check out Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub, the Lord Nelson.
If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating area, consider checking out this walking tour that showcases the best spots in The Rocks.
Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Another iconic feature of the Sydney skyline is the impressive Harbour Bridge. Opened in 1932, it is the largest steel arch bridge in the world.
The bridge connects the city centre with the North Shore and can be crossed on foot. Another popular, albeit pricey, way to experience this landmark is to climb to the summit with BridgeClimb Sydney.
From there, you can enjoy epic 360-degree views over Sydney. Tickets can be booked on the BridgeClimb website.
Visit Bondi

Bondi is probably Australia’s most famous beach and neighbourhood. Located in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, Bondi is where you go to catch a glimpse of the sun-kissed seaside lifestyle that Australia is famous for.
The area boasts a vibrant dining scene with casual cafes, scrumptious gelato, and cool pubs. There are also some good shopping opportunities, including the Bondi Markets held on Sundays.
The beach itself is beautiful, and you can swim there all year round. It is also the perfect spot to finally take that surfing lesson. This 2-hour surfing experience is ideal for beginners.
Just be mindful that since Bondi is such a popular spot, the beach can get quite busy.
Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path
If you’re heading out to Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, the Bondi to Coogee coastal path is a great way to see the beautiful beaches, cliffs, and bays of the area. It is six kilometers long, so it will probably take about two hours to complete.
However, there are many opportunities for pit stops at delicious cafes and swimming sessions in rock pools. So be prepared that this might become a full day affair.
In the winter months, you might even be able to spot humpback whales making their annual migration.
Visit Taronga Zoo
Just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, you can find the largest zoo in Australia. Taronga Zoo is a hub for conservation and research, home to over 5,000 animals from more than 350 species.
It is the perfect destination to get up close and personal with Australia’s unique wildlife. Additionally, the zoo offers guided tours, keeper talks, and animal encounters to help you learn more about native and exotic animals.
General admission is $47.70 AU ($32 US). Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors.
Book your tickets on the Taronga Zoo website or on Get Your Guide if you would like to keep your plans flexible.
Shop at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

Located in Sydney’s central business district, the grand Queen Victoria Building is an iconic shopping and dining destination.
Constructed in 1898, the elaborate Romanesque building fills an entire city block. It features a unique stained-glass dome, an original 19th-century staircase, and many other beautiful architectural details.
In terms of shopping, the QVB is home to Australian and international brands. Many of them can be found elsewhere, but it is the heritage atmosphere of the building that makes this spot unique.
Aside from shopping, the QVB offers more than 20 eateries, including the spectacular heritage Tea Room.
Take a Ferry to Manly

Manly is another popular beach suburb that brings together the best of seaside lifestyle and urban comforts.
The neighbourhood offers spectacular beaches, scenic walks, excellent dining, and a wide choice of water-based activities. You can even join an eco-tour to learn about the natural wonders of the area.
With regular ferry services from Circular Quay, Manly is easily accessible from Sydney’s CBD. The 30-minute ferry ride is also a great way to experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour.
Venture to the Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness area just a 90-minute drive away from Sydney.
The 10,000 square kilometre area features ancient rainforests, valleys, rugged sandstone cliffs, spectacular lookouts, and waterfalls. It is home to the famous Three Sisters rock formation and numerous hiking trails.
The Blue Mountains is a popular day trip for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney. You can even get to the park by train from central Sydney.
There are also a number of small group tours that cover the highlights of the area, with prices depending on the tour package.
This full-day Blue Mountains tour, for example, includes pick-up from your Sydney accommodation, a visit to a wildlife park, and a scenic cruise.
If you’d like to spend more time exploring the Blue Mountains, there are a number of villages that offer accommodation and dining options.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)

Located on the spectacular Sydney Harbour, the MCA celebrates the work of contemporary artists from Australia and beyond. Every year, the museum puts on a range of diverse exhibitions featuring established and emerging artists.
However, the highlight of the MCA is its collection of Australian art. It contains over 4,000 works, with a strong focus on works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
If you’d like to experience the most cutting-edge Australian art, this museum should definitely be included in your Sydney itinerary. General admission is free.
Go to Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island offers an escape from city life and a glimpse into Australia’s complex history. The island is a former penal establishment used during the time of European colonial expansion.
It features a collection of heritage buildings and a dry dock that serve as reminders of the harsh living conditions that the convicts had to endure. In 2010, parts of Cockatoo Island were inscribed on the World Heritage List as part of a group of Australian Convict Sites.
Today, Cockatoo Island offers scenic picnic spots, history and paranormal tours, quality cafés, and the occasional arts event. You can also stay overnight at a heritage holiday house or a waterfront campground.
Cockatoo Island can be reached via a short ferry ride from Sydney CBD. Entry is free.
Experience Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an opera experience like no other. The highly anticipated annual production takes place at Mrs Macquaries Point on the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
With the iconic Sydney skyline serving as a backdrop, the shows feature a floating stage, world-class performances, and even fireworks. Prepare for a night of glamour, high drama, and opera classics.
You can also make a night of it with a pre-show dinner and drinks. However, bear in mind that the season is only three weeks long, so make sure you check the dates in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
Explore The Australian Museum
Learn about the natural history and cultures of Australia and the Pacific at the country’s oldest museum. Located in a heritage building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, it is an international leader in scientific research and debate.
The Australian Museum boasts extensive zoology, geology, and cultural collections waiting to be explored. During your visit, you will also be able to immerse yourself in the stories and artifacts of Australia’s Indigenous communities.
General admission is free.
Catch a Sydney Theatre Company Performance
Sydney Theatre Company (STC) is an Australian theatre powerhouse. It has launched the careers of many directors, playwrights, and Hollywood actors, including Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, and Hugo Weaving.
If you enjoy theatre, I highly recommend seeing an STC production while you’re in Sydney. Performances are held at the company’s own venues such as the Wharf and Roslyn Packer Theatre at Walsh Bay. Additionally, STC is the resident theatre company at the Sydney Opera House.
Whatever you choose to see, an unforgettable night of world-class theatre is guaranteed. You might even catch an Australian acting legend live on stage.
The Best Time To Go To Sydney
With its wealth of activities and attractions, Sydney is truly an all-year-round destination. Winter, between June and August, is relatively warm, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 16 degrees Celsius.
The high season is during the summer, between December and February. This is when Sydney’s outdoor lifestyle really comes into its own. However, it is also the most expensive and busiest time to visit.
The autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) shoulder seasons offer the best balance of activities, temperatures, and prices.
How Many Days Do You Need in Sydney
You will need at least three or four full days in Sydney to see the highlights and visit parts of the city outside the CBD, like Bondi or Manly, for example.
That being said, my first trip to Sydney was a week long and I still didn’t manage to see everything that I wanted. So, if you have more time, you will be able to fill it quite easily.
How to Get to Sydney
The city has a large international airport with flights to Asia, the Americas, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Getting from the airport to the city centre is easy with the Airport Link train. Taxis are also available.
If you are travelling from other parts of Australia, you may be able to take a train to Sydney. Be mindful that you will be covering large distances and journey times are long. For example, the train from Melbourne to Sydney takes around 12 hours.
Sydney is also connected to the rest of the country by road, so many travellers visit the city as part of their Australian road trip.
How to Get Around Sydney
Attractions in the Sydney CBD are located close to each other, so you’ll be able to get around on foot. To visit some of the beach areas on this list, you can use buses, trains, or ferries.
The Transport for NSW website has the most up-to-date information about routes and fares. It is the best starting point for planning your journeys around Sydney and beyond.
Where to Stay in Sydney
Not surprisingly, Sydney offers accommodation for every taste and budget, from self-catering apartments to uber-luxurious hotels. The CBD has a large concentration of hotels, but other areas such as Bondi, Coogee, and the North Shore also have options.
If you are visiting the city for the first time, I would prioritise a central location. That way, many of Sydney’s biggest attractions will be within walking distance. For example, the Sebel Quay West Suites is located a short walk from the Sydney Opera House.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many amazing things to do in Sydney. In fact, you might not be able to tick everything off your list in just one trip.
Looking for more information on other destinations in the Oceania region? Check out these guides to Fiji and New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
FAQs: Things to Do in Sydney
If I had to narrow a trip to Sydney down to just three things, I would choose the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. All three are iconic in their own right and represent different aspects of life in this city.
I’ve been fortunate to have visited both, and as a tourist, I preferred Sydney. Melbourne has a lot going for it, but it’s hard to beat Sydney’s incredible harbour, excellent beaches, and iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney CBD is walkable, so you can reach many of the attractions featured in this guide on foot. However, getting to places like Bondi, Manly, and the Blue Mountains will require public transport or a personal vehicle, depending on your preference.
Enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Sydney? Bookmark or pin it for later.

Related Reads: Oceania
- The 14 Best Things to Do in Fiji
- The 14 Best Things to Do in New Zealand’s North Island
- The 18 Best Things to Do in New Zealand’s South Island
- Living in Auckland, New Zealand: a (Former) Local’s Guide
- The 11 Best Things to Do in Auckland
- The 11 Best Day Trips from Auckland
- Top Things to See and Do in Wellington
- Top 10 Things to Do in Nelson
- Is Akaroa Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons to Visit Akaroa, New Zealand
- The 21 Best Things to Do in Queenstown
Привет Ксения, классное путешествие по сиднею буду мечтать побывать в этом замечательном городе, спасибо….
Спасибо за комментарий! Да, Сидней – это город-мечта…