Things to see and do in Sydney CBD
The City Centre (CBD), or Commercial Center of Sydney, is the heart of Sydney, with modern towers, classic historic buildings, and a little of everything else. The Sydney Opera House is in the CBD, as is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the shopping on Pitt Street Mall, the Museum of Sydney and cultural centres – lovely spaces to explore. The CBD is a busy business and shopping center during the day, and comes alive at night with high-end restaurants, rooftop bars and entertainment venues. The CBD is accessible by Train, Bus and Ferry – a great starting point for your exploration into the Sydney Region.
Wander around Circular Quay
There is no doubt that the postcard views of Circular Quay are the jewel Things to Do in Sydney crown. I have heard gasps of wonder more than once from visitors to the city when they take the airport train and the train arrives at Circular Quay station where they first see the harbour.
This area gets absurdly busy with tourists which can be infuriating, but there is a reason why people come here in droves. The faces of the Sydney Opera House on one side and the famous arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the other, Circular Quay is second to none for views of Sydney.
The Royal Botanic Garden
If you are looking for a casual walk and more views over Sydney Harbour, you may want to consider a walk around the New South Wales heritage listed Royal Botanic Garden. This venue is a much needed break from the highly pace of the CBD, which is just streets away. A visit to the garden comes at no cost, and there are even free guided walks available for those wanting to delve deeper into the plants in the gardens. Look out for some of Australia’s unique wildlife as well, as kookaburras are abundant in the area.
Tour the Sydney Opera House
Probably the most famous performance venue in the world, the Sydney Opera House has unmistakable white sails that even folks who have not been to Sydney or Australian have seen countless times. Join a tour of the Opera House with a tour guide who understands the stories and history which have made this UNESCO World Heritage site so beloved! End your tour at the famous Opera Bar with a glass of bubbles, a summer favourite hang out of Sydneysiders.
Walk or Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
There are two ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge depending on how much of an adventure seeker you are and how much you are willing to spend. One is the very pricey, but once in a lifetime experience of the Bridge Climb where you are strapped in and scaling the arch on the bridge itself. The second is the more leisurely, at your own pace with a nice stroll as you walk across Sydney Harbour from The Rocks to Milsons Point on the Northern end. Either way, you will have a spectacular view of the harbour on a good day.
Take in some amazing architecture at tWander around the historic Rocks localityhe Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building (or QVB) is one of Sydney’s most impressive heritage buildings, having originally opened its doors circa 1890 and then being restored in 1986. The building is located opposite Sydney’s Town Hall on George St, you’ll be able to see it with ease as there is a large statue of Queen Victoria at the entrance. The QVB is a functional shopping centre but also has an option of high tea at The Tea Room QVB for those looking for a little fancy while soaking in the views.
Wander around the historic Rocks locality
We recommend walking through the historic Rocks area as it is a must do on your Sydney itinerary . It is a great place to explore if you do a walking tour with a Guide that can describe its history. This area is very easy to explore if you wander around the little laneways and have lunch at an historic pub with harbour views like they have at the Glenmore Hotel. The Rocks area has some great cafes and markets to visit on the weekends too.
Go on a ferry ride
Sydney’s famed green and yellow ferries are an institution at Circular Quay, plus a really fun day out (and a legitimate public transport system too!). Taking a trip is easy, you tap your credit card at the ferry terminal on as you embark and off again when you return to the terminal – and that is your ticket. Some of Sydney’s more popular ferry rides from the main ferry terminal at Circular Quay are to and from Manly, Watson’s Bay, Darling Harbour, Cockatoo Island and Cremorne.
Take in beautiful harbour views from Observatory Hill
One of Sydney’s best secret picnic spots is Observatory Hill which is home to the Sydney Observatory, built in 1859 and is absolutely perfect for a lazy afternoon on a picnic blanket. You can observe the ferries chugging back and forth, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and North Sydney in the background. It is exceptionally pretty around sunset with the city lights starting to twinkle.
Get creative at MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the Circular Quay area and is a great place to soak up a bit of culture. It’s a wonderful free activity to do in Sydney as it is free to enter, unless there is a major exhibition during the summer each year as well as showcases many works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and boasts over 4000 Australian art works.
Explore the dinosaurs at the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is situated directly across from Hyde Park on the trek up from the city to King’s Cross. It’s a terrific attraction and even better it is FREE to wander about. The kids level on level two is a fabulous option for rainy days and I would take my toddler there several times when looking to escape the house during miserable weather. The dinosaur display is also awesome with a T-Rex autopsy as well as some very large skeletons to wow your kids (and you).
Things to see and do in Darling Harbour and surrounds
Enjoy a seafood lunch at the Sydney Fish Market (Pyrmont)
If rows upon rows of fresh seafood excite your taste buds then you are definitely going to want to include the Sydney Fish Market on your things to do list. The seafood market located in Pyrmont (about a 25 mins walk from the Q.V.B), suitable for a normal seafood lunch in a beautiful setting. Be wary of the seagulls if you plan to eat outside as they have been known to snatch food right off people’s plates!
Sea Life Aquarium
One of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, especially for families is the Sea Life Aquarium at Darling Harbour that has two Dugongs and a walk-through shark tunnel. In the past 12 months, the aquarium has added two pengiun exhibits – one of which has a great little boat ride through the snow to watch them in their natural habitat.
The aquarium is easily accessible by ferry or you can simply walk down from the CBD to Darling Harbour.
The Australian National Maritime Museum
In terms of the most suitable to families, the Maritime Museum is a great all rounder Sydney attraction. Kids can enjoy the water playground, dress up area and lego room but there is enough to keep other visitors interested including a fleet of vessels that visitors can board and explore. You can hop on and wander through a submarine, HMAS Onslow which is a real highlight. If you’re bringing little kids, please note that there is a height restriction to board the ships of 90cm so very small children may not get the more exciting experiences of the museum.
Things to see and do in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Experience an Aussie pub with a twist at Watson’s Bay Hotel!
Watson’s Bay Hotel is famous with tourists and locals alike, as this trendy pub has been a premier destination for many of Sydney’s summer. The fun starts with taking a ferry from Circular Quay to Watson’s Bay. Have an indulgent seafood lunch of prawns and oysters (or something more traditional if you want!) and wash it down with an Aperol Spritz. Conclude with a wander along the quaint little waterfront. The Hotel specializes in accommodation, so why not make your stay in Watson’s Bay overnight?
Dive in to an ocean pool
Sydney and New South Wales are known for their beautiful ocean swimming pools and some of the most storied ones are undoubtedly the highly instagrammable Bondi Icebergs pool. However these ocean pools are located all along the coastline so if beach swimming is too your liking, there are a number of other beautiful pools to swim in including Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra, Dee Why, and South Curl Curl.
Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Track
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Track is a truly beautiful scenic walk but be forewarned – it gets incredibly busy. It’s absolutely worthwhile fighting the crowds, though, because you’ll encounter a magical portion of coastline that could only exist in dreams. The length of the walk will take you 2-3 hours and is 6 km one-way. To avoid hitting the crowds at Bondi, you can start your walk from the Coogee end and you can stop as many times as you like to swim, drink coffee and take in the view. Each year, the crowds start coming in around November to see the Sculpture by the Sea exhibit, an open-air exhibit where sculptures are placed along the walk.
Things to see and do on Sydney’s North Shore
A beach day at Balmoral
Sydney is well known for its beaches with plenty to choose from. I take pleasure in the unpretentious, but beautiful Balmoral Beach on the lower North Shore. It’s a sheltered bay which is flat and perfect for swimming without the surf. There is a combined greater amount of sand and grass for a picnic. The buses go direct from the city to a short walk to the beach.
Get a harbour view from a different point of view at Bradfield Park
For the adventurous who have taken the plunge and headed to Sydney’s North Shore there are so many things to discover. Seeing harbour views and a great picnic spot all rolled into one, you will find a delightful setting in Bradfield Park under the bridge local’s picnic and wander along the water front enjoy the harbour views. Viewing the Sydney Opera House from this angle is rather nice and different. Also in the local area is the spectacular North Sydney Olympic Pool where you can swim under the shadow of the Harbour Bridge.
Explore Famous Taronga Zoo
You can take the ferry from Circular Quay to enjoy a great day at Taronga Zoo, Australia’s second oldest and visually appealing Zoo located in Mosman on the north side of Sydney Harbour, and with a spectacular view.
Taronga Zoo is a great day out for families, but I’ve actually enjoyed visiting as much as my toddler. Definitely ensure you are at the seal show, I think it is the best part of the Zoo. Another favourite is the tiger enclosure, which is like walking into the sumatran jungle. I also really enjoy watching the chimpanzees as they swing from the trees and interact with one another. While this will likely already be on your list if traveling with kids, Taronga Zoo is definitely worth a visit at any age.
Things to see and do on the Sydney fringe
Check out Newtown, Sydney’s most unique suburb
Newtown is located on the edge of the city, and is popular for being a little bit quirky and the place to hit when looking for a good night out. With lots of vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops, and pubs on every corner, this exciting neighbourhood is always a good time. There are many excellent people watching opportunities always available, so get yourself a local beer (Young Henry’s Newtowner is on tap at most pubs around) and enjoy.
Experience some fresh local produce at the Carriageworks Farmers Market
Together with the Sydney Fish Market, I think one of my favourite activities (something I do at least every couple of months) is attending the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market, which happens every Saturday. It is a produce market with seasonal fresh produce sourced from around New South Wales, so the experience is delightful. The market is located in the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops (now called Carriageworks) and is a vibrant experience with plenty of yummy goodness always on offer.
Have an exceptionally Instagrammable brunch
Sydneysiders LOVE brunch. We go absolutely crazy for it. You can hardly go wrong in Sydney, and there is something for every taste. The Grounds of Alexandria has been famous for a long time, presenting brunch within a beautiful garden setting – just be warned it is always busy here. My other top picks are The Winery for a great bottomless brunch, Brewtown in Newtown or the Grounds of the City (run by the people as The Grounds of Alexandria).
Party on Oxford Street
Sydney’s Oxford Street plays host to the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras each year. The iconic parade runs up the now iconic rainbow district of Sydney, immersing the city with colourful and unique floats and costumes. Having walked in the parade in 2019, I can personally say it’s an outstanding night and quite the experience to have in Sydney. You really walk up Oxford Street from around Hyde Park. This part of town is also absolutely pumping in the evening, with a huge array of nightclubs and gay bars still open very late.
Where to Stay While Visiting Sydney, Australia
Sydney has a great range of things to do throughout the sprawling nature of the city and city fringe, with the CBD (Central Business District) being a guaranteed winner in terms of convenience, as you will close to so many of the sights and within good proximity to ferry, train and tram transport modes to access the broader city.
There are a ton of accommodation options in the city to choose from, however, I would always recommend a room at the Shangri-La if you were looking for iconic views of Sydney Harbour. Alternatively, you also have the Ovolo, which is very nice and pet-friendly. And, if you really want something quite special, you could do their Roar and Snore program and spend the night at Taronga zoo – just a one in a million experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sydney
Q1. What is the best time to visit Sydney?
The best time is September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are fewer, and flights/hotels are more affordable.
Q2. How many days do you need in Sydney?
Ideally 4–5 days to cover the main highlights like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, and Taronga Zoo.
Q3. What are the must-see attractions in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, and a ferry trip to Manly.
Q4. Do I need a visa to visit Sydney, Australia?
Most international travelers require a visa (like the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)). Always check the latest requirements before booking.
Q5. What is the best way to get around Sydney?
Sydney has excellent public transport including trains, buses, and ferries. For tourists, the Opal card is the most convenient option.
