Things to do in Sydney: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Sydney is a city by the water. Admire the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, wander The Rocks, take the Manly ferry, walk from Bondi to Coogee along the coastal path, and relax in the Royal Botanic Garden. Keep a day for the Blue Mountains. Remember: the seasons are the opposite of Europe’s.

The Opera House and Circular Quay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sydney Opera House and its white sails are best seen from Circular Quay, the ferry harbour. Catch a show or take a guided backstage tour. In the evening, the quayside terraces offer a magnificent view of the illuminated harbour.

The Harbour Bridge and The Rocks

You can walk across the Harbour Bridge on its walkway, with views of the Opera House; the bold can climb to the top on a guided experience. At its foot, The Rocks, the historic quarter, is lined with lanes, old pubs and a weekend market.

The Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

The Royal Botanic Garden runs along the harbour between the Opera House and the business district. At the tip of the peninsula, the Mrs Macquarie’s Chair lookout offers the classic photo of the Opera House and the bridge together.

Bondi and the coastal walk

The famous Bondi beach is a surfers’ favourite. From there, the coastal walk follows cliffs, coves and ocean pools to Coogee: one of the best walks in the city. Swim between the flags, where lifeguards are on patrol.

The Manly ferry

The ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is a cruise in itself: it crosses the harbour with views of the Opera House and the bridge. Manly offers a long beach, a promenade and trails out to the headlands.

Neighbourhoods to enjoy

• Darling Harbour: waterfront promenade, aquarium and museums, ideal for families.
• Surry Hills and Newtown: cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
• Paddington: Victorian terraces and galleries.

Day trips from Sydney

• The Blue Mountains: cliffs, eucalyptus forests and the famous Three Sisters lookout, reachable by train.
• The Northern Beaches, all the way to Palm Beach.
• The Hunter Valley, for its vineyards.

Getting around

• Ferries, trains, metro, light rail and buses cover the city; contactless payment works directly at the readers.
• From the airport, the train reaches Central Station in about fifteen minutes.
• The sun is intense: sunscreen, a hat and water, even on cloudy days.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Australia.

Where to stay in Sydney?

The Rocks or Circular Quay for a first visit, the CBD and Darling Harbour for convenience, Surry Hills for restaurants, Bondi, Coogee or Manly for the beach. All the areas are covered in our guide Where to stay in Sydney.