City Guide – Things to Do in Sydney

Are you looking for tips on things to do in Sydney?

As part of our city guides series, we share with you our insider tips on the best things to do in Sydney, including advice on where to eat, sleep, drink, shop and explore.

Why Visit Sydney?

If you are going to visit Australia then you can’t miss Sydney. Besides being Australia’s largest city, there are many reasons why it’s also the most visited.

It has the stunning harbour side location. the iconic beaches, excellent restaurants, fantastic cafes and pubs, world heritage sites, terrific shopping, incredible festivals, a multicultural population, and good year round weather.

Don’t just use Sydney as a gateway to Oz, with so much to see and experience give yourself a week. Trust me, Sydney won’t let you down.

Things to Do in Sydney

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a stunning coastal walk with plenty of coves and beaches to visit along the way for a swim or a drink and a bite to eat. The walk starts behind Bondi Iceburgs and usually takes us 2 hours with the kids. Catch the train from Central to Bondi Junction, then a bus to Bondi Beach.

Ferry to Manly from Circular Quay

A great and cheap way to experience Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Can also make for a great day trip. Walk down the Manly corso, spend a few hours at Manly beach, eat an ice cream or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views from the Botanical Gardens. A great free way to spend a few hours in Sydney. Walk from the Opera House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for one of the best vantage points in Sydney. Take a picnic lunch, a blanket and a bottle of wine.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Learn to Surf at Bondi Beach

You can’t get any more Australian then learning to surf at Bondi, Sydney’s iconic beach. Bondi is perfect for any beginner as the beach faces south so you are protected and the surf is not so wild. Let’s Go Surfing is the only learn to surf company in Bondi.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climbing one of the most famous bridges in the world is a once in a lifetime experience. Take either a dawn, day, twilight, or night climb and take in the breathtaking views. Visit BridgeClimb.com.

Walk through Hyde Park

Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park and the city’s central open green space. The park contains St Mary’s cathedral plus numerous monuments and statues, and the central pathway through the park is an impressive fig lined road.

Sydney Tower

Sydney Tower is Sydney’s tallest free-standing structure at 309 m above the CBD. It has an observation deck, and for an unforgettable Sydney experience consider the Sky Walk 268 metres above the city streets looking through a glass floor.

Sunset Cruise on the Harbour

How about taking a small private cruise of Sydney Harbour. Each sail has a maximum of 12 people, helping you to feel like you are more on a sailing day out with friends than a tour. Visit SeaSydneyCruises.com.au and cruise like a local.

Sunset Cruise

Razorhurst Bar Tour

The Razorhurst Bar Tour is a tour of some of Sydney’s infamous small bars in Darlinghurst. This now trendy neighbourhood used to be full of illegal shenanigans: bootlegging, laneway gambling, buzzing brothels, drugs, and bloody razor gang fights. Visit BarTours.com.au

Walking Tour

Two feet and a heart beat offers small guided tours introducing visitors to the sights, sounds and tales of the city’s interesting history, culture and heritage in a fun, relaxed and informative way.

Tall Ship Cruise on the Harbour

Need a slower pace? Tour Sydney Harbour on a replica of a timber tall ship whilst eating fresh oysters, barbecued prawns, crab rolls, and sipping on a glass of champagne. Visit SydneyTallShips.com.au 

Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia’s leading art museums with five levels of art with extensive collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian and contemporary art. Located adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Taronga Zoo

The World Class Taronga Zoo is situated on Sydney Harbour in a natural bushland setting with spectacular views out over the Harbour. With a wide variety of animals from around the world, shows, keeper talks, and animal encounters all day makes it a great family outing.

Kayak Middle Harbour

I’ve known Sydney Harbour all my life, but experiencing her on a kayak Caz discovered a different side: quiet, calm, and natural. The Middle Harbour Eco Tour with Sydney Harbour Kayaks is a unique Sydney experience.

Hangout on the Beach

Sydney’s beaches are famous and free to enjoy (besides the parking fees). From the Northern Beaches to the Eastern Suburbs you have many great beaches to explore. Our favourites include: Palm Beach, Freshwater, Dee Why, Manly, Queenscliff, Balmoral, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, and you must visit Bondi once.

Bronte Beach

Walk Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

A much cheaper option (FREE) is to simply walk across the Harbour Bridge and take in the same panoramic views on a lower level. OR, visit the Pylon Lookout for just $11 and get fantastic views plus 3 levels of exhibits and learn about the history of the Bridge.

Helicopter Flight

Why not take to the skies in a helicopter flight and get an amazing view of Sydney’s beaches, coves, harbour precinct, and city skyline.

Walk Around

The Sydney CBD is very walkable. I often like to walk down George or Pitt streets from Central station to Circular Quay to feel the beat of the city. Then wander around Circular, Quay, The Rocks District, and The Botanical Gardens.

Best Neighborhoods in Sydney?

Circular Quay

Wander and take photographs of Sydney’s famous landmarks, The Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and enter the Royal Botanical Gardens. A busy transport hub with outdoor cafes and restaurants lining the harbour.

The Rocks District

An historic area of Sydney near Circular Quay, and possibly my favourite part of Sydney. There’s a story around every corner when you walk the cobblestoned streets and explore the Rocks. Browse the weekend markets or go on a pub crawl at some of Sydney’s oldest pubs.

Surry Hills

A top inner-city neighbourhood and one of Sydney’s most artistically-vibrant with old terrace homes. A great mix of cafes, restaurants, wine bars and pubs serving a wide variety of cooking styles and cultures. Wander Crown Street, Bourke street and Cleveland streets.

Paddington 

Fashionable neighbourhood for boutique shopping on and around Oxford street, and the famous Paddington markets held on Saturdays. Also known for art galleries, cafes, restaurants and rows of pretty Victorian terraces.

Darlinghurst 

Interesting by day and night. The main drag Oxford street plays host to the internationally famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mard Gras. Darlinghurst is great for dining out, small bars, and fashion boutiques,

Manly

One of Sydney’s premier seaside suburbs for all the family. Wander the palm tree lined corso, then hit the promenade on the beach. There’s sheltered swimming in an ocean pool, an aquarium, great fish and chips, ice cream shops, pubs, and a sophisticated dining scene.

Darling Harbour

A lively harbourside precinct just a 10-minute walk from the CBD. Waterside restaurants, cafes, nightlife, a large kids playground, and also plays host to the IMAX theatre, the Convention Centre, and the Aquarium,

Newtown 

Alternative and colourful inner-west neighbourhood. Wander King street for great coffee, over 140 restaurants offering ethnic cuisines, funky bars, beer gardens and interesting people watching.

Where to Eat in Sydney?

With a multicultural population, and a great harbour and beachside setting, there are many places to eat in Sydney for all taste buds and atmospheres. Some of our favourites:

• Ms G’s Restaurant – Located in Potts Point, the fusion of Asian cuisine are out of this world. Order small tapas style dishes or larger main meals. And Ms G’s kooky cocktails are very famous.

• Chinatown – Looking for cheap eats in Sydney then Chinatown is hard to beat. Stroll down Dixon street, see where the locals are dining, and take your pick. For super cheap hit the food courts.

$7 Laksa

• Cafe Sydney – Right in the heart of Circular Quay with sensational views of Sydney Harbour from the roof top location. Yummy food, great cocktails and an outdoor terrace. A bit pricey, but as they say you pay for what you get.

• Sea Bay Chinese  – Cheap and non-descript but full of happy eaters and huge meals. Located in the CBD on Pitt street. Don’t miss the vegetarian dumplings, home-made noodles, and the pancakes!

• Australian Heritage Hotel – Famous for it’s Kangaroo, emu, and crocodile pizzas. Want to try real Aussie tucker? This pub in the Rocks District is where it’s at.

Kangaroo pizza

• El Loco Mexican Cantina – How about tasty $5 tacos! A great little authentic Mexican cantina attached to the Excelsior Pub in Surry Hills serving delicious tacos and Margaritas in a relaxed setting.

• Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore – Surry Hills location with a great breakfast and a place to sipp coffee whilst browsing the book shelves.

• Bondi Iceburgs Bistro – For breakfast, lunch or dinner and have a beer overlooking Sydney’s most famous beach. Even OPRAH dined here (in the upstairs restaurant) but get the same views for a fraction of the price.

• North Bondi RSL – This bistro is another cheap option if you’ve made the trek to Bondi. Sit inside or outside on the deck and enjoy one of the best views in Bondi.

• Sake Restaurant & Bar – contemporary Japanese food set within a designer space in the historic Argyle Precinct at The Rocks. Try the steamed prawn dumplings and a sashimi tasting plate.

• Thanon Khaosan Thai Restaurant – Need authentic Thai food? This popular lunch and dinner destination has a layed back atmosphere in a great location on Pitt street near Central station.

• Harry’s Cafe De Wheels – Harry’s is an Australian icon serving pies, pasties and hot dogs to celebrities, tourists and locals. Their Pie and Peas is a particular favourite. Locations include Woolloomooloo and Haymarket.

Where to Drink in Sydney?

The Rocks District has our favourite pubs in Sydney:

• Harts Pub – great hand crafted beers.
• The Observer Hotel – Listen to live music while downing pints of Guinness and Kilkenny.

Caz enjoying a pint at the Observor Hotel

• The Glenmore – awesome roof top terrace with views over Sydney Harbour.
• Australian Heritage Hotel – oldest continuously licensed pub in Sydney with a good selection of Aussie beers,

Surry Hills is also has excellent pubs. Two of our fave are:

• The Clock Hotel – huge pub with a great balcony overlooking Crown Street.
• Forresters – cold beer, good pizzas, easy walk from Central Station.

Other pubs we like around Sydney:

• Newport Arms – home to Australia’s largest waterfront beer garden.
• The Clovelly Hotel – one of the eastern suburbs most stylish pubs.
• Lord Dudley – popular English style pub
• Manly Wharf Hotel – seaside pub with views into Sydney Harbour.

Where to Stay in Sydney?

Budget:

For hostels you can’t beat the two YHA properties:

• Sydney Harbour YHA  – Top location in The Rocks District, built over the remnants of an archeological dig of white Australia’s first settlement, awesome roof top terrace, modern and great for solo, couples, and family travellers.

• Sydney Central YHA – Terrific location with walking distance to Central Station , Chinatown, Darling Harbour, CBD, Surry Hills, and. Newtown. Large, spacious and modern. Also great for solo, couples, and families.

Note: Become a YHA Member and get 10% off.

• Wake Up! - Another top choice next to Central Station. Clean, modern, cool vibe, street cafe, side bar, one of the best hostels in Sydney.

Amazing roof top views from Sydney Harbour YHA The Rocks

Mid-Level:

• Vibe Hotel North Sydney – Harbour views and great location next to Milson’s Point station or an easy walk across the Harbour Bridge into the CBD. Modern with a great VIBE.

• Vibe Hotel CBD – in the heart of the city, walk to Central Station, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Chinatown, Circular Quay, Sydney Tower, Hyde Park, The Rocks. Chic and modern.

• Cambridge Hotel - conveniently located near CBD in the top neighbourhood of Surry Hills.

Vibe Hotel North Sydney

High-End:

• Park Hyatt Sydney – contemporary luxury with an un-rivalled Sydney Harbour location.
• Shangri-La – luxury in the Rocks District.
• QT Sydney - a designer boutique hotel in the centre of the Sydney CBD.
• Hilton – great location on famous George street with award winning restaurants and bars.

Camping:

For a unique Sydney experience, consider camping on Cockatoo Island, a heritage listed island in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Not a camper? The island also boasts houses and apartments.

Markets and Shopping in Sydney?

Markets:

• Paddington Markets – Open Saturday’s with 150 unique stalls offering creative fashion and accessories.
• Bondi Markets – Open Sunday’s offering original designer clothing, hand made jewellery, arts, crafts, retro furniture, vintage clothes and more.
• The Rocks Markets – Saturday’s and Sunday’s offering fashion, arts & crafts, jewellery, music & books, health & beauty, souvenirs.
• Paddy’s Markets – Huge market near Chinatown selling fruit & vegetables, clothing, CDs, flowers, sunglasses, jewellery, tourist souvenirs, and much more.
• Sydney Fish Market – authentic working fish market. Catch the metro light rail from Central.

The Rocks Markets

Shopping Precincts:

• Queen Victoria Building – Located on George street. The place to go for the finest fashion boutiques, jewellery and homeware, plus cafes and restaurants.
• Pitt Street Mall - Described as ‘Sydney’s Fashion Centre” boasting retail giants and specialty stores in the heart of the CBD.
• Westfields - Over seven levels of famous departments stores, Australian designers, and world class dining located on Pitt Street Mall.

Shopping Streets:

Darlinghurst’s Oxford Street is probably Sydney’s most famous shopping street offering designer brands including Australian designers, funky boutiques, retro, vintage, dancewear, gift stores, and people watching.

Paddington, or “Paddo” to the locals, is another suburb offering designer brands and sophistication on the Paddington designer strip.

Newtown’s King Street offers unique and quirky stores, retro and vintage fashion, music and books, furniture and homeware, collectables.

Major Events and Festivals in Sydney

Sydney puts on some of the best festivals and events anywhere in the world. Highlights include:

New Years Eve – Is there a better setting and fireworks display in the world? I think not.

Sydney Mardi Gras – One of the largest LGBT pride parade and festivals in the world. The highlight of the Festival is the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade which is an eye-catching demonstration of LGBTQI pride as thousands of people make their way down Oxford and Flinders St on colourful floats.

Vivid Sydney – month long after dark festival where Sydney is transformed into a spectacular canvas of light, music and ideas.

Vivid Sydney

The Sydney Festival – Every January a festival of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and installations, talks, free & family events.

Carols in the Domain – Australia’s largest free Christmas concert where 100,000 people enjoying singing of the carols and a musical variety show.

Getting Around Sydney

Walking

The CBD is very walkable and for the most part flat. From Central Station to Circular Quay down George or Pitt streets should take approximately 30-40 minutes.

Free Bus Shuttle

A free CBD shuttle (route 555) runs every 10 minutes on a loop from Central Station to Circular Quay via Elizabeth and George Streets.

Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus Tour

The Sydney Explorer offers commentary tours of the CBD and to Bondi at 34 different stops including all the major Sydney attractions.

City Rail Trains

The City Circle loop will take you around the CBD area with stops at Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum.

Bondi Beach – take the eastern suburbs line to Bondi Junction then connect with buses to Bondi Beach.

My Multi Passes – unlimited travel on all government trains, buses and ferries for just $21 per day or $60 per week.

Family Funday Sunday – Travelling with a family? Every Sunday for $2.50 per person you get unlimited travel on all trains, buses, ferries and light rail.

To the Airport

Airport Link – trains run directly from Central Station to the airport $15.90 one way (approx 12 minutes).

Airport Connect – a Door To Door shuttle services to and from Sydney Domestic and International Airport and to and from the Sydney CBD

Finding WiFi in Sydney

More and more free wireless Wi-Fi hotspots are being installed all over in Sydney (and about time!!), in cafes, restaurants, food courts and hotels.

Free wireless internet is also available at:

• Sydney City Libraries
• Starbucks locations in Sydney.
• McDonald’s
• Sydney Airport
• Circular Quay

Also, Urban Spoon  is a good resource to search cafe and restaurant listings offering free wireless internet.

Best Time of Year to Visit Sydney?

Sydney is a destination you can enjoy all-year-round. There’s always something going on and it doesn’t get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter with rainfall spread throughout the year.

But, if I had to suggest a BEST time it would be summer time for sure. Being a harbour and beaches city the summer is the best time to experience all that Sydney has to offer.

Why not do something different and experience a summer Christmas and Boxing day?  Plus, in the summer you have three other huge events: New Years Eve, the Sydney Festival and Australia Day.

Bondi Beach

Favourite Side Trip?

The famous Hunter Valley Wine Region is hard to beat. Just drive two hours north of Sydney and you could be sampling world class wines, fine dining, enjoying spa treatments, exploring beautiful gardens, playing golf, and having adventures like hot air balloon rides.

Also a great family destination as we discovered on our weekend getaway.

Hunter Valley

Other worth while getaways would include the beach side town of Terrigal on the Central Coast, and Newcastle.

Getting there and Away?

Sydney is Australia’s biggest city, and the gateway to the country with all major airlines running services.

From North America you have many options including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Emirates, and all the major US airlines.

From Asia consider Jetstar, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and budget carriers like Air Asia, and Scoot.

Best “insiders” Tip?

Unbelievably it took me 36 years to visit this place, but the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest and the world’s second oldest National Park behind Yellowstone, is a hidden gem.

Located within an hours drive south of the Sydney CBD, the park’s diversity is in its coastal cliffs surrounded by sandy beaches and mountainous sandstone ridges with deep river valleys.

It offers great coastal and bush walks, picnic spots, camping, cycling, swimming, and drives. If your timing is right consider a full moon walk.

sunrise over the Royal National Park

Can you share any tips on things to do in Sydney?