The truth that we’ve been travelling the world full-time since 2008 and this was our first go to to Australia is fairly loopy. For sure, we have been excited to lastly be right here and to see what this iconic metropolis has to supply!
Sydney is a kind of cities that delivers instantly – iconic landmarks, world-class seashores, limitless meals choices, and a laid-back vibe that makes it straightforward to take pleasure in.
Finest Issues To Do in Sydney
We spent 5 days in Sydney at first of April, and I’m completely happy to say that the town lived as much as the (excessive) expectations we had. On this submit, I’ll share our favorite issues to do in and round Sydney for first-time guests.
1. Sydney Opera Home
As quickly as I noticed the white “shells”, I had an enormous grin on my face…we had lastly made it to Sydney!
Ask anybody what to do in Sydney, and seeing the Opera Home might be on the high of their checklist. This UNESCO-listed website has been featured in motion pictures like The Fall Man, Mission Unattainable and the Nice Gasby. It’s distinctive structure makes it a really recognizable website.
There are a couple of methods to expertise the Opera Home. You may see it by land or by boat (extra on that under), and you may (in fact) go inside to see a present, or be a part of a tour of the constructing.
Tickets to the Opera Home e-book up quick! Click on right here to order your spot on a guided tour of the unimaginable constructing, and click on right here to order tickets for a really reasonably priced efficiency by Opera Australia.
2. Stroll Throughout the Harbour Bridge
For beautiful views of the harbour and the Opera Home, make your means throughout the Harbour Bridge by foot – both on the bridge, or on high of it…
That is one thing that I had no need to do!
For those who’re not afraid of heights, one of many coolest issues to do in Sydney is the Bridge Climb throughout the Harbour Bridge. It’s a really secure, thrilling expertise and we noticed a lot of individuals doing it whereas we have been in Sydney. Click on right here to be taught extra and to e-book your spot!
If heights aren’t your factor, you possibly can merely cross the bridge on foot on the jap aspect. The western aspect of the bridge is reserved for cyclists.
👉 See Additionally: Finest Finances Campervan Routes in Australia
3. Go On a Dinner Cruise
A dinner cruise in Sydney is among the most memorable methods to expertise the town after darkish. You’ll cruise previous the Opera Home and Harbour Bridge (each listed above), you’ll take pleasure in a multi-course meal or buffet, which is often paired with drinks and dwell leisure.
Seeing the skyline throughout the day is nice, however watching it gentle up from the harbour at night time is among the most memorable issues to do in Sydney.
There are many cruises to swimsuit totally different kinds, from traditional dinner cruises to modern glass-boat experiences with panoramic views. Some cruises supply dwell music, cabaret, or DJs, making the night into greater than only a meal.
Whether or not you’re celebrating one thing particular or simply need a distinctive method to see the harbour, it’s one in every of Sydney’s most iconic nighttime experiences. Click on right here to seek for a cruise and value that fits your model.
4. Go to the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Backyard is among the most lovely and accessible inexperienced areas within the metropolis, sitting proper on the sting of Sydney Harbour. It’s only a brief stroll from the CBD, which is the place we have been staying at YEHS Resort, and proper close to the Sydney Opera Home, making it a straightforward cease whereas exploring the town.
We walked by these lovely gardens on our method to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (extra on that under).
The gardens cowl a big space with a mixture of manicured lawns, themed plant collections, and shaded strolling paths – which is at all times good throughout the scorching days in Sydney! It’s a spot the place you possibly can wander, lay out a picnic, or simply take a break from the town with out really leaving it.
The gardens are free to enter and open day-after-day, which makes them one of many high free issues to do in Sydney. You’ll additionally discover guided excursions, cafes close by, and seasonal occasions relying on whenever you go to.
Click on right here for particulars in regards to the gardens, and click on right here for instructions on Google Maps.
5. Sundown at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
You’ve in all probability seen sundown photographs of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera Home and are questioning the place to get that good shot! Effectively, it’s right here at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.
The sandstone chair dates again to 1810 and was carved for Elizabeth Macquarie, the spouse of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. She was recognized to sit down right here and take within the harbour views. Lately, it’s among the best picture spots in Sydney – particularly at dawn or sundown when the sunshine hits the skyline excellent.
We headed right here at sundown and loved epic views of the solar dipping behind the Harbour Bridge – plus, some enormous battleships have been docked right here. Click on right here for the Google Maps hyperlink.
👉 See Additionally: Learn how to Get a Working Vacation Visa in Australia
6. Be a part of a Strolling Tour
Each time we go to a brand new metropolis or nation, we at all times attempt to do a strolling tour. It’s such an effective way to get a lay of the land, be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition, and naturally, get some native restaurant and bar suggestions!
A few of the strolling excursions are free (tip primarily based), whereas others are paid. We discover the free ones to be fairly good, however you often find yourself with an enormous group of individuals. Whereas the paid ones are extra intimate and personalised.
In Sydney, you possibly can be a part of this free strolling tour that’ll take you to lots of the predominant sights on this article, together with the Opera Home, Royal Bontanic Backyard, The Rocks, Parliament, and extra.
For those who’d reasonably go on a paid strolling tour, this one contains every little thing listed above, is rated 5.0 and has greater than 500 constructive opinions.
Not solely that, however the group tour is small (round 6 individuals), and also you get a free craft beer or juice of your alternative! Click on right here to be taught extra. You may reserve your spot now, and pay later (there’s additionally free cancellation as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour).
7. Coastal Stroll from Bondi to Coogee
This was a spotlight of our journey to the town and is certainly among the best day journeys from Sydney. Bondi Seaside has turn into fairly well-known as a result of actuality TV present “Bondi Rescue” (I’ve been binge watching these guys on YouTube recently).
The seaside right here is among the busiest in Australia, however circumstances might be unpredictable and tough – at all times adhere to the recommendation of the lifeguards.
Nonetheless, we weren’t there to hangout on Bondi Seaside, we have been there to do the attractive coastal walkway from there all the way in which to Coogee!
Your entire 6 km (3.7 mile) stroll takes you thru totally different cities, seashores, and coves. All whereas having fun with beautiful views of the ocean alongside the way in which. I cherished watching the surfers at Tamarama Seaside!
I like to recommend beginning the stroll earlier within the day because it’s uncovered your complete time. Carry a hat, a water bottle (there are fill factors alongside the way in which), and put on correct footwear as effectively (having mentioned that, Nick did this stroll in his flip-flops!). This is among the finest issues to do in Sydney for certain.
To get right here, you’ll have to take the practice to the Bondi Junction. Then, hop on Bus 333 at Stand A3 to Bondi Seaside. Relying on what time of day you allow, and the place you catch the practice from, it will probably take between half-hour to an hour.
8. Eat Michelin Ramen
The meals decisions in Sydney are limitless. It doesn’t matter what kind of delicacies you’re craving, you’ll discover it right here. For us, having already spent fairly a little bit of time in Australia (and eaten our justifiable share of pies and parmys), throughout our 5 days in Sydney, we went 100% Asian cuisines!
There have been many standouts, however in case you’re into ramen, Mensho Tokyo is about down a cool again alleyway and serves up some distinctive bowls of wealthy ramen soup.
The unique branches in San Francisco and Tokyo are Michelin Really helpful, however since there’s no such score in Australia, technically the Sydney department isn’t Michelin beneficial – regardless that it claims to be.
Both means, it was superb. Nick went with the Signature Toripaitan which had only a contact of truffle flavour, and I selected the Basic Toripaitan and added a wonderfully jammy egg to it. Click on right here for instructions to Mensho Tokyo on Google Maps.
9. Take a Ferry to Manly
Of all of the issues to do in Sydney, a go to to the suberb of Manly was a standout for me! Bondi Seaside will get all of the hype, however in my view, Manly was the winner.
The extensive, sweeping shoreline backed by rows of pine timber provides it a laid-back, postcard-perfect really feel that’s onerous to beat.
Getting there may be half the expertise, with the ferry experience throughout the harbour providing a number of the finest views in Sydney. When you arrive, there’s a cute pedestrian-only walkway stuffed with retailers, eating places and bars, and an extended waterfront promenade that runs alongside the seaside.
The format of Manly is nice. We spent a couple of hours strolling the pedestrian avenue, then alongside the beachside, and continued across the headland to Shelly Seaside – which was completely calm and nice for swimming.
For those who’re into Thai meals, take a look at the lunch particular at Manly Thai Gourmand ($12 AUD!), seize a drink on the Boathouse, and end off the day with a tasty gelato at Anita Gelato. Attending to Manly is straightforward on the Manly Quick Ferry from Round Quay. Click on right here for present particulars.
10. Get a Chicken’s Eye View in a Helicopter
Seeing Sydney by boat or on foot is nice, certain…however seeing it from above could be actually subsequent degree!
We’ve taken scenic helicopter rides in a couple of different locations (like Chicago and after we obtained engaged in France!), however sadly, we didn’t have an opportunity to do it in Sydney.
Nonetheless, we noticed a lot of helicopters flying round (each for sightseeing and discovering sharks) and the views they’d be seeing could be incredible.
Take a look at this highly-rated, 20 minute flight over Sydney – it’s an effective way to see all of the sights in a single go! This 5 star firm means that you can reserve now, and pay later, and provides cancellation as much as 2 days earlier than the journey. Click on right here for extra particulars.
11. See the Sydney Tower Eye
One other superior method to see Sydney from above – and to get your bearings within the metropolis – is the Sydney Tower Eye. Dominating the skyline, this landmark rises above the CBD and provides a totally totally different perspective on the town.
Take the elevator as much as the commentary deck (which is round 250 meters above the streets under), and also you’ll be rewarded with unimaginable 360-degree views.
Flooring-to-ceiling home windows make it straightforward to take all of it in, however in case you’re after one thing a bit extra memorable (or terrifying, relying on the way you have a look at it!), the Skywalk helps you to safely step outdoors onto a glass platform above the town. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the Skywalk and reserve your tickets.
12. See Hyde Park & St. Mary’s Cathedral
Proper within the coronary heart of Sydney, Hyde Park is the town’s oldest public park and an ideal place to calm down and wander round. That is precisely what we did after our flight landed in Sydney and we checked into our lodge.
With its extensive pathways, towering fig timber, and open lawns, it’s an amazing place to take a fast break from the busy streets. You’ll additionally see St. Mary’s Cathedral from right here – it’s onerous to overlook its tall Gothic towers. You may merely test it out from the park, or go inside to see the stained glass, excessive ceilings, and quiet inside. Click on right here to seek out Hyde Park on Google Maps.
13. Store (or gawk) at Queen Victoria Constructing
Each time we stepped out of our lodge, we have been greeted by this grand constructing – and it by no means obtained previous! Constructed within the late 1800s, it was initially designed as a market however at the moment it’s a chic procuring middle proper within the coronary heart of the CBD.
What makes it particular isn’t simply the procuring, however the structure. Inside, you’ll discover towering ceilings, stained glass home windows, intricate ironwork, and a collection of grand domes that make it really feel extra like a cathedral than a mall.
The constructing stretches for a whole metropolis block alongside George Road, and strolling by it’s an expertise in itself. Click on right here to seek out the QVB on the map.
👉 Click on right here for the very best areas and lodging in Sydney
14. Wander Round The Rocks
The Rocks is about proper beneath the Harbour Bridge and is among the most character-filled areas in Sydney. With its cobblestone laneways, historic sandstone buildings, and mixture of cafés, retailers, and bars, it’s an amazing place to wander round.
Our Aussie pals advised us we should go to the oldest neighbourhood in Sydney. Sadly, the day we deliberate to go to The Rocks, we weren’t feeling effectively, so we solely actually noticed one lane close to the harbor!
This space is touristy in fact, however for good motive. After exploring the streets, pop into Fortune of Battle, which is Sydney’s oldest pub! Click on right here to seek out The Rocks on Google Maps.
15. Study to Surf
Australia and browsing go hand in hand, and also you don’t must go removed from Sydney to seek out some good waves – for rookies or extra superior surfers.
After we did day journeys to Manly and Bondi Seaside, we noticed a lot of individuals having fun with the surf. For those who’re a newbie, it’s finest to be taught from an expert. Take a look at this 2-hour lesson with a information, it’s good in case you’ve by no means surfed earlier than, or if you would like a little bit of a refresher.
In Conclusion
Having 5 days within the metropolis was a great period of time, however we might’ve simply spent per week in Sydney! We actually preferred how the town was laid out and the way straightforward it was to get round by metro, foot, and ferry. Whether or not you’re into seashores, tradition, meals, or craft beer, Sydney has one thing for everybody.
