Did you know that Sydney welcomes over 14 million visitors annually? As a city where rich history meets modern architectural marvels, Sydney offers an incredible mix of experiences that capture the hearts of travelers worldwide. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, this comprehensive guide will take you beyond the usual tourist spots to discover both iconic landmarks and hidden local favorites. From sunrise in Sydney Harbour to laid back coastal vibes, let’s explore the 20 best things to do in Sydney that will make your visit truly unforgettable!
1. Take the Ferry to Manly Beach
The 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly is often called Sydney’s best-value sightseeing tour. For just the price of a public transport ticket, you’ll enjoy stunning harbor views before arriving at the laid-back beach suburb of Manly. The beach itself stretches for nearly two kilometers, offering perfect conditions for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun.
Essential Info: Ferries run every 15-20 minutes from Circular Quay. You can use your credit or debit card or an Opal card to buy tickets. The journey takes about 30 minutes each way.
Public transport in Sydney has a daily cap of $18.70 and a weekly cap of $50.
2. Explore The Rocks
Step back in time in Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, where cobblestone streets and historic sandstone buildings tell stories of the city’s colonial past. The Rocks features some of Sydney’s oldest pubs, weekend markets, and excellent restaurants. Don’t miss the free walking tours that share fascinating tales of the area’s convict history.
Essential Info: The Rocks Markets run every Saturday and Sunday (10am-5pm).
I’m Free offer daily walking tours at 6 pm for free (pay what you think it’s worth). Book your tour here.
3. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
This 30-hectare oasis offers stunning harbor views and houses over 27,000 plant species. Walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for Sydney’s most photographed view of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge together. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a popular spot to watch the sunset from.
Essential Info: Gardens open daily from 7am until 8 pm. Free entry.
Aboriginal Heritage Tours run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (excluding public holidays) Tickets are $30 per adult and can be booked here.
4. Visit One of the Beautiful Beaches
Beyond Bondi and Manly, Sydney boasts dozens of stunning beaches. Bronte is a bit smaller and quieter and is home to Bronte Baths, similar to the Iceberg Pools at Bondi but less crowded.
Coogee is also quieter and more laid-back than Bondi and there are lots of cafes and restaurants nearby.
If you have ever watched ‘Home and Away’, you might recognise Palm Beach, home to a secluded beach with turquoise blue water.
Essential Info: Remember sun protection, swim between the flags and always check the water and weather conditions.
5. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Experience the bridge from every angle – walk across it for free, climb it with BridgeClimb Sydney, or admire it from below. The pedestrian walkway offers spectacular harbor views and connects to North Sydney’s charming neighborhoods.
Essential Info: BridgeClimb prices start from around AUD $298. The pedestrian walkway is free and accessible from The Rocks or Milsons Point.
6. Enjoy Scenic Views of the Sydney Opera House
One of Australia’s most famous buildings is even more impressive up close. Admire the Sydney Opera House from the outside, take a guided tour to discover its fascinating history and architectural genius, or enjoy a performance in one of its venues.
The Opera Bar offers perfect sunset views with drinks.
Essential Info: Guided tours run daily (AUD $45). Book performances well in advance for best seats. The Opera Bar gets extremely busy so make sure to arrive early if you want to secure a spot for the sunset.
7. Explore Circular Quay, Bennelong Point and Visit Benny
The hub of Sydney Harbor, Circular Quay and Bennelong Point buzzes with street performers, cafes, and constant ferry activity. Don’t forget to stop by the northern VIP steps of the Opera House, the favourite sunbathing spot for Benny the wild long-nosed fur seal.
Essential Info: Circular Quay is a major transport hub in Sydney and home to 5 commuter ferry wharves. The Sydney Opera House is only a 5 minute walk from Circular Quay.
8. Visit Queen Victoria Building and Browse the Strand Arcade
Step into Sydney’s grand shopping heritage at the QVB, a nineteenth-century architectural masterpiece housing luxury boutiques and cafes. Nearby, the Victorian-era Strand Arcade offers a similar blend of history and high-end shopping.
Essential Info: QVB is open Mon – Wed 9 am – 6 pm, Thursday 9 am – 9 pm, Friday-Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Free to enter.
The Strand Arcade is open Mon – Wed 9 am – 5:30 pm, Thursday 9 am – 9 pm, Friday 9 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am – 4 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm. It is free to enter.
9. Visit Sydney Tower Eye
Rise 309 meters above the city for 360-degree views from Sydney’s tallest structure. The General Admission tickets gives you access to the observation deck, while the SKYWALK experience lets you step outside the tower on a glass-floor platform.
General Admission tickets are AUD $37 per adult and the SKYWALK tickets are $95 adult
Essential Info: Open daily 10am-9pm and last tour is at 8 pm. Book online for best rates. SKYWALK requires a minimum of 2 people and you are required to wear enclosed shoes, pants or shorts (no skirts or dresses).
10. Do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
This six-kilometer coastal walk showcases Sydney’s stunning shoreline, passing beaches, rock pools, and dramatic cliffs. Stop for a swim at Bronte or Clovelly, or try your luck with whale spotting during migration season (May-November).
Essential Info: Allow 2-3 hours one way. Start early to avoid crowds and heat. There are a few cafes and coffee shops along the way but we recommend bringing your own water also.
Regular buses connect both ends.
11. Visit One of Sydney’s Museums
The Art Gallery of NSW offers free entry to its permanent collections, while the Australian Museum showcases natural history and Indigenous culture. The Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay features cutting-edge exhibitions with harbor views.
Essential Info: Most major museums are free or have minimal entry fees. Check websites for current exhibitions
12. Try One of the World’s Best Cheeseburgers at The Gidley
Hidden in a basement on King Street, The Gidley’s famous cheeseburger has gained cult status. Walk down the stairs and ring the buzzer to be let in and get ready for a very unique dining experience.
Essential Info: The Gidley is a sought-after dining spot in Sydney so we recommend booking in advance. We tried our luck with a walk-in and got very lucky but it was definitely busy!
The food is a little pricey but it was a fun experience.
13. Join a Sunrise Kayak Tour in Sydney Harbour
Paddle under the Harbor Bridge as the city wakes up. Several operators offer guided tours suitable for beginners, combining exercise with unique harbor perspectives.
Coffee is often included in the tour so you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while marveling at Sydney’s most iconic views.
Essential Info: Tours typically start at 5:45am. No experience necessary. Book in advance here.
14. Enjoy a Fun Day at Luna Park
This historic amusement park combines nostalgia with modern thrills. The famous face entrance is a Sydney icon, and the ferris wheel offers spectacular harbor views.
Catch the ferry over from Circular Quay and enjoy the views along the way.
Essential Info: Open daily during school holidays, check the website here for regular season hours. Buy tickets online for savings.
15. Explore the Blue Mountains
Just two hours from Sydney, this World Heritage area offers stunning scenery, hiking trails, and the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Visit Scenic World for cable car rides and railway experiences.
Essential Info: Accessible by train or organized tour. Pack warm clothes as temperatures can be significantly cooler.
16. Visit the Animals at Taronga Zoo
Combining amazing wildlife with spectacular harbor views, Taronga Zoo houses over 5,000 animals. Make sure to visit the giraffe enclosure to see one of Sydney’s most photogenic backdrops.
We also recommend checking out the Seals for the Wild Presentation running every day at 11 am and 2 pm and is free to join with your zoo ticket.
Essential Info: Book online for discounted tickets and check for any available promo codes at the time of your visit. Taronga is not-for-profit. Every dollar you spend saves wildlife.
The Sky Safari closed down in February 2023 but Taronga Zoo has announced there is an exciting upgrade coming!
17. Check Out the Local Markets
From Paddington’s fashion-forward stalls to Carriageworks Farmers Market’s gourmet food scene, Sydney markets offer unique shopping experiences and local culture.
Essential Info: Most markets operate weekends only so make sure to check opening times beforehand. Bring cash though cards are widely accepted.
18. Take a Day Trip to Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine region offers world-class wineries, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful landscapes. Join a tour or self-drive to explore cellar doors and cheese shops.
Essential Info: 2.5 hours drive from Sydney. Book wine tours in advance. Designate a driver if self-driving.
19. Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden
This hidden gem in Lavender Bay was created by Wendy Whiteley, transforming unused railway land into a beautiful public garden with harbor views. Perfect for a peaceful escape from the city.
Essential Info: Free entry. Open daily. Access via Lavender Street, North Sydney.
20. Check Out The Grounds of Alexandria
This former industrial site turned urban sanctuary features gardens, cafes, and markets. Famous for its Instagram-worthy settings and innovative food offerings.
Essential Info: Opens Monday-Friday from 7am and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am.
Expect queues on weekends. Make reservations for the cafe.
Final Tips for Visiting Sydney
- Use contactless payments with your credit or debit card for public transport or get an Opal card.
- Public transport is capped at $18.70 daily or $50 weekly
- Book popular attractions and dining experiences in advance.
- Check weather forecasts as conditions can change quickly.
- Remember sun protection year-round.
- Many attractions offer combined tickets for better value.
Sydney’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban sophistication makes it a destination that rewards both first-time visitors and returning travelers. Whether you’re watching the sunset paint the Opera House sails in golden hues or discovering a hidden beach known only to locals, these 20 experiences will help you create unforgettable memories in Australia’s harbor city.
Remember to blend iconic attractions with off-the-beaten-path adventures for the most authentic Sydney experience. Ready to start planning your Sydney adventure? Let these experiences guide you to the very best this magnificent city has to offer!
If you are continuing your travels around Australia, check out some of our other guides and itineraries here.