Sydney’s 20 Best Things to Do – What Not to Miss

Iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and a diverse cultural scene come together to create a city like no other. Embrace the coffee-fuelled, sun-loving, food-obsessed good life with our guide to the best things to do in Sydney.

Sydney is a dynamic city with impressive natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and world-renowned attractions.

As a cosmopolitan city with an enviable coastal lifestyle, Sydney is designed with the good life in mind.

Top-quality restaurants overlook world-class beaches. Bustling city streets give way to peaceful green parklands. The café scene is thoroughly devoted to supporting the social lifestyle.   

I’ve lived in Sydney for 2 years, finding the best Emerald City has to offer. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Sydney.

MAP: THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY

Most of Sydney’s top attractions are centred around the area between the Central Business District (CBD) and inner south-eastern suburbs towards Bondi Beach.

Our map includes all the top things to do in Sydney that we have included in this guide.

WHAT TO DO IN SYDNEY?

1. CLIMB SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, which opened in 1932, is a globally renowned landmark.

This steel arch bridge spans approximately 500 meters across the harbour, connecting the Central Business District (CBD) to North Sydney.

It carries four railroad tracks, a highway, and two pedestrian walkways. Its imposing presence dominates Sydney’s skyline.

There are several excellent ways to explore it.

SYDNEY BRIDGECLIMB

The climb over the top of the bridge takes around 3.5 hours on an organised tour.

Nothing can be taken on the climb unless it’s physically attached to you, including cameras, phones and watches. However, everything you need, including the jumpsuit, harnesses and protective gear, is included.

Which Tour? – There are several different climbs to choose from, but we recommend the Summit Climb. It’s action-packed from the start without any repetitive bits.

Where? – Check-in takes place in one of the pylons at 3 Cumberland Street, in The Rocks.

WALK OVER SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

One of the other great ways to experience the bridge is by walking the pedestrian walkway, which connects Dawes Point to Milsons Point.

It’s a quick 15-minute walk each way, and the views of the harbour and Opera House are breathtaking. For an even better vantage point, you could climb the 200 steps to the top of the Pylon Lookout. It’s a nice thing to do, but we think the entry fee is a bit steep at $29.95.

SEE IT FROM BELOW

The vistas of the Harbour Bridge from the promontories below are superb.

Stand by the Park Hyatt on Dawes Point, and the sheer magnitude of the bridge is awe-inspiring.

On the other side of the harbour, there are two great locations where you can photograph the bridge.

From the front of Luna Park in Milsons Point and from McMahons Point, you to capture the Opera House framed by the steel girders.

VIEW IT FROM THE WATER

The finest views of the bridge are from the water.

Any ferry ride from Circular Quay provides great views of the bridge, but to appreciate it in style, consider joining a twilight tall ship tour or a sunset harbour cruise that includes dinner.

2. SEE A SHOW AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Sydney Opera House is another iconic landmark in the city.

This 20th-century architectural masterpiece, with its series of large concrete shells resting on a giant podium, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

Situated on the edge of a point that extends into the harbour, its elegant sail-shaped curves appear to float over the waves below.

Attending an event at the Opera House is a great thing to do when in Sydney. There are several venues within the building and a diverse programme with something to suit everyone.

Tours – Alternatively, 1-hour guided tours go beneath the sails and explain the building’s construction. Arrive early to explore the interior and enjoy a drink in one of the bars while watching the sunset over the harbour.

Post-Theatre – The Opera Bar is one of the most iconic ways to end the evening on a beautiful Sydney evening. The views of the Opera House in the background are a bonus.

3. HIT THE SURF AT BONDI BEACH

When we spent a month in Sydney at the start of last year, we weren’t expecting to spend much time at the beach.

Having grown up in Australia, I think I had taken the country’s beautiful beaches for granted. But, it seems 15 years in Europe rekindled my love of the Aussie beaches.

Sydney is blessed with beautiful beaches, but none quite compare to Bondi. It’s consistently ranked as one of the world’s best city beaches, and we agree.

While the large crowds could be a deterrent to some people, it’s best to embrace the hectic, fun-loving attitude for all it’s worth.

The water is clean and refreshing, the sand quality is excellent, and the party vibe makes it a great place to hang out.

Here are a few places we liked in the area:

• Tottis – A casual Italian restaurant with incredible Pizza.
• Betty’s Burgers – A chain with great burgers and delicious shakes.
• Bare Naked Bowls – Healthy breakfast and lunch options.
• Icebergs – One of the most iconic restaurants in Sydney.
• Lox, Stock & Barrel – For hearty breakfasts.
• The Depot – For seriously good pancakes and excellent coffee

Tip – While lifeguards patrol Bondi, the waves can be strong and are not ideal for very young children. If you have young kids, consider visiting Camp Cove or Shelly Beach instead.

How to get to get there? — The easiest way to get to Bondi is to take the T4 train to Bondi Junction, then change onto the 333 or 380 bus or take a taxi.

Parking – Don’t do it! But, if you need to drive, there is some paid parking near Bondi Pavillion, but it’s about $10 an hour. Most free parking spaces are limited to 1, 2 or 4 hours. Alternatively, you can use this paid parking lot.

4. PERUSE THE WHITE RABBIT GALLERY

Private collector Judith Nielsen has amassed over 3,000 pieces of contemporary Chinese art. Every six months, the White Rabbit Gallery curates a selection that focuses on a particular theme.

The collection explores political, social, and cultural issues. It’s the world’s most significant collection of Chinese contemporary art.

Works represent the expression of life from a Chinese point of view in paintings, installations, and thought-provoking murals. It was one of the highlights of our last trip to Sydney.

Hours & Prices – The gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. It’s free to enter.

Free Guided Tours – To learn more about the artists and the personal risks they faced for their art, time your visit with one of the free tours that begin at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Tours last 45 minutes and you just put your name down when you arrive.

In the area — The White Rabbit Gallery is located near two interesting buildings worth checking out. The Central Park Mall Building, covered in trees from top to bottom, and the Frank Gehry-designed Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building.

5. TAKE THE FERRY TO MANLY

Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is one of the unmissable experiences in Sydney.

This charming suburb sits on a promontory that separates Sydney Harbour from the Pacific Ocean.

The ferry departs from Circular Quay every 20 minutes and takes approximately 30 minutes.

It’s a wonderful way to reach Manly with picturesque views of the city, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House.

We loved spending time in Manly. Although it’s busy, it still manages to hold on to a small-town feel in the backstreets. Here are a few of the things we loved:

• Hit the beach – Manly Main Beach is great for surfers and Shelly Beach is protected and great for snorkelling.
• Swedish Brunch – Fika – a Swedish café tucked into Manly’s laneways, has one of the best brunches in the area.    
• Little Manly Beach – The 3-to-4-hour hiking trail from Shelly Beach to Little Manly Beach passes Hanging Swamp and a couple of hidden beaches.  
• Kayak to Store Beach – Hire a kayak from the Manly Kayak Centre and make your way to Store Beach, a slice of tropical paradise that can only be reached from the water. (see next section)
• Sundowners at Manly Wharf Bar – Overlooking the harbour, the large Manly Wharf Bar is a great place to watch the sun go down.

We also include Manly on our best day trips from Sydney, which has rural areas, charming towns, and beaches that are further away.

6. KAYAK TO STORE BEACH

7. VISIT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

Located on the edge of Hyde Park, the Australian Museum offers a fascinating insight into the country’s natural history.

An excellent layout means you can cover the highlights in an hour or spend half a day exploring every corner.

The museum owns over 18 million objects, but a cut-down selection of 200 of the most interesting are in the Westpac Long Gallery.

Downstairs, you’ll find 100 objects from Aboriginal, Melanesian (Pacific Islands from New Guinea to Fiji), and Egyptian cultures.

Upstairs, there’s an exhibition dedicated to 100 people who have helped shape modern Australia.

We loved the extended collection of Melanesian masks, headdresses, totem poles, and armour in the Ritual of the Pacific Islands room.

Hours & Prices – The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, but it’s open late (9 pm) on Wednesday. It’s free to enter.

8. TAKE A SIGHT-SEEING CRUISE ON THE HARBOUR

If you spend any time in Syndey, you’ll soon realise that life revolves around the harbour.

We spend a lot of time getting around the city on the local ferries that radiate from Circular Quay. The views are wonderful, and we thought they would be enough to satisfy our harbour curiosities.

But it is really worth doing at least one sightseeing cruise in the harbour. You get taken to the most interesting corners of the harbour that the large ferries miss, so the views are better.

You can also have a quality dining experience, sail on a cool boat or just hear some interesting information about the harbour.

It’s a wonderful experience and here are a few we recommend:

• Harbour Sightseeing Cruises – Morning or afternoon sightseeing cruises collect all the main sights in the harbour with live commentary.
• Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise – Set sail on a recreated first fleet tall ship to see the sights on Sydney as the sun goes down.
• Harbour Cruise with Premium Dinner – Enjoy an all-inclusive 3-course dining experience as you take in the sights of the harbour.

9. DO A COASTAL HIKE IN SYDNEY

The Sydney Harbour National Park does a great job of protecting some of the islands and foreshore of Sydney Harbour.

This thin slither of green lining the harbourfront has survived the city’s expansion and provides a series of natural parks dotted amongst the houses and buildings. 

One of the best things to do in Sydney is hike along the most scenic sections of the harbourfront and coast.

ROSE BAY TO WATSONS BAY

The harborfront hike from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay is a wonderful mix of green oasis, golden sands, and grand houses.

It takes about 2 hours winding in and out of the various bays on the way.

There are wonderful hidden beaches surrounding Nielsen Park, a great swimming spot at Parsley Bay Beach, and the houses overlooking the water in Vaucluse are magnificent.

We finished at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, which has a great bar overlooking the water.

How to get there and back? – Ferries from Circular Quay run to both Rose Bay and Watsons Bay every 30 minutes.

BONDI TO COOGEE

The hike from Bondi Beach along the coastal cliffs to Coogee Beach is rightly one of the most popular hikes in Sydney.

The walk is 6 kilometres long and takes around 90 minutes, but you could easily spend the entire day lazing on the beaches along the way or stopping off for refreshments.

We’d actually recommend starting in Coogee and finishing in Bondi, mainly because there’s more to do in Bondi, and it’s a little more centrally located for getting back home.

How to get there and back? – From Bondi Junction, take bus 313 to Coogee. From Bondi, take bus 380 back to Bondi Junction or bus 333 into Circular Quay.

10. THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS & THE DOMAIN

The Royal Botanic Gardens and a tranquil retreat with lush rainforest trails, succulent gardens, and vibrant flowers.

The fernery and palm house are beautiful, and you can grab a coffee at one of the shady cafes.

Here are a few of the main highlights in the gardens.

MRS MACQUARIE’S CHAIR

Take a stroll outside the gardens in the Domain and soak in the stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

The chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench by convicts in 1810.

ANDREW (BOY) CHARLTON POOL

For a refreshing swim, head to the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, one of the best harbourside pools in the city. Arrive at dawn to capture photos in lovely light and see the dedicated swimmers getting their morning workout in.

SYDNEY HARBOUR STAGE

One of the unmissable experiences in Sydney was seeing an open-air performance at the harbour.

Fleet Steps, near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Domain, offers an unsurpassed backdrop to theatrical events held throughout the year.

World’s Most Beautiful Cinema – Throughout January and February, capture that magical summer moment and watch a movie on the giant screen rising from the water with incredible surround sound.

Fleet Steps (Opera Australia) – Opera Australia holds performances on Fleet Steps, where you can watch a critically acclaimed opera under the stars.

11. VISIT THE ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES

The Art Gallery of New South Wales, located on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, is the main gallery in Sydney that we think you shouldn’t miss.

Originally housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building, the gallery doubled its footprint in 2022. The new bright and modern space features works from indigenous and international artists.

The showstopper at the gallery is the decommissioned oil tank built during World War II. It has been converted into a 2200 square meter space for rotating installations.

The old building houses 20th-century galleries showcasing Australian and international artists, as well as a range of temporary exhibitions.

Hours & Prices – The gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with a late opening (10 pm) on Wednesdays. It’s free to enter.

12. SWIM IN AN OCEAN POOL

There are many excellent places to swim around Sydney Harbour.

Swimming pools perched above the waves, natural harbour pools, and ocean lap pools pounded by the surf. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Icebergs – On the southern edge of Bondi, Icebergs is the iconic Ocean Pool of Sydney, part of the very swish Icebergs Restaurant.
• Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool – Just outside the city, the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is where local Sydneysiders come for their early morning exercise. It has a great location overlooking the Woolloomooloo Wharf, and there’s a café on-site for a scenic coffee.
• Murray Rose Pool – A harbour pool protected by a shark net with grassy banks for sunbaking, the Murray Rose Pool is a popular after-work spot.
• Bronte Baths – This ocean pool dates back to 1887. There are cute cafes lining the edge, which are great for people-watching.

13. HAVE LUNCH AT WATSONS BAY

There are few better spots for lunch on the harbour than Watsons Bay. This thin stretch of sand, backed by beautiful houses, has three excellent eating options.

For great seafood in a stunning setting, head to Doyles on the Beach. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance. The best approach is to call them and ask for a table in the front or outside on the upstairs balcony.

Next door is the buzzy Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, which serves pub food on the large front terrace.

Grab your fish and chips from the takeaway stand on the wharf for an even more casual option.

How to get there? – The ferry from Circular Quay runs every 30 minutes, takes 30 minutes, and drops you right outside the restaurants.

14. EXPLORE THE ROCKS & CBD

Sydney’s City Centre comprises the Central Business District (CBD) and the Rocks. Both are ideal destinations on a rainy day, with plenty of indoor activities to enjoy.

STRAND ARCADE

Completed in 1891, the Strand Arcade is a magnificent building. It houses high-end artisanal shops, including Haigh’s Chocolates, which is my favourite chocolate anywhere in the world.

QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING

The Queen Victoria Building, a 19th-century heritage-listed building with five floors of shops, provides a grand setting for the usual range of stores. Don’t miss the Art of Dr Seuss on the top floor.

THE CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

Located in Circular Quay, the Contemporary Art Museum has a permanent collection comprising nearly 5,000 pieces. Entry is free.

WHARF THEATRE

The Sydney Theatre Company, housed in the Wharf Theatre perched on Dawes Point, has an excellent reputation. The waterside bar is also a great spot to enjoy sunset drinks. Check the performance schedule at the Sydney Theatre Company.

15. VISIT THE CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a heritage-listed tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

Step inside and be transported to a world filled with waterfalls, exotic plants, and traditional Chinese architecture.

Designed to create a sense of balance and harmony, winding paths lead through the gardens adorned with carved pavilions, statues and ponds. Delicate flowers and carefully positioned rocks have been designed to reflect the principles of Fen Shui.

The highlight is the Teahouse, where you can enjoy a traditional tea overlooking the garden.

Hours & Prices – The gardens are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.

16. TAKE THE FERRY TO TARONGA ZOO

Taronga Zoo provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife.

Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, representing over 350 species.

The Great Southern Oceans exhibit showcases a variety of marine lif,e including seals, penguins, and sea lions.

Some of our highlights were the cute red pandas, the koala grove, and the critically endangered Sumatran tigers.

The views across to Sydney Harbour are some of the best in the city.

One of the best ways to capture them is on the Sky Safari cable car – a scenic aerial ride over the zoo with breathtaking views along the way.

Hours & Prices – The zoo is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily. Adult tickets start at $47.70 if you book online.

17. TAKE A SEAPLANE TO LUNCH ON THE HAWKESBURY RIVER

There aren’t many cities where you can hop on a seaplane, take a twenty-minute flight over iconic landmarks, and then land on a river for a magnificent dining experience in a remote wilderness. But there aren’t many cities like Sydney.

Sydney Seaplanes depart from Rose Bay and fly to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They have one of 10 landing locations on Hawkesbury River, each with a superb restaurant.

It’s an unforgettable experience that allows you to take in iconic views of Sydney before enjoying one of the finest restaurants in the country.

We ate at Cottage Point Inn, and the food, service, and location were all sensational.

It’s not cheap, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you won’t be disappointed.

18. COCKTAILS A ROOFTOP BAR

A great way to see Sydney Harbour and the iconic buildings that surround is from one of the many rooftop bars in the city.

• Blu Bar on 36 – To be completely honest, Blu Bar is seriously lacking in atmosphere with a stale corporate vibe. Unfortunately, it has one of the best views of Sydney.
• Aster – The stylish and exclusive Aster Bar at the top of the Intercontinental Hotel has excellent views over Sydney (both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are visible). There’s a $75 minimum spend per person on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Skyfeast – Skyfeast is a rotating restaurant serving international dishes at the top of Sydney Tower. The focus is less on the food and more on the excellent 360-degree views of Sydney.
• Glemore Hotel – The Glenmore Hotel has a relaxed pub feel but the views are not as good, and you can only see the harbour from a few seats. But there’s a great vibrant atmosphere that doesn’t hurt the wallet so much.

19. NEIGHBOURHOOD DINING IN POTTS POINT & ELIZABETH BAY

The inner-city suburbs of Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay are leafy, upscale neighbourhoods with a mix of historical and modern architecture vying for prime space on the harbourfront.

In addition to being the native habitats of Sydney’s wealthy elite, Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay has some of the best dining in Sydney. It was our go-to neighbourhood for outdoor pavement dining in quiet streets with up-market eateries in boutique hotels.

Here are a few suggestions.

• Lady Chau – Lady Chau is casual Vietnamese dining on a charming leafy street in the heart of Potts Point, just near Kings Cross Station. Their vermicelli salad was one of the best I’ve ever had.
• Ezra – The cool blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours come together with style in this Israeli restaurant set in a charming terrace house.
• Fei Jai – The Cantonese classics like Xiao Long Bao and crispy duck wontons are excellent at Fei Jai but the salt and pepper tofu was next level.  
• Piña – It’s Sydney-style brunch at Piña with innovative twists on classic dishes and excellent coffee. The eggplant and tomato with pine nuts was delicious.
• Bar Sopra – This small wine bar has a great position in the heart of Potts Point with an extensive cocktail list and a menu of mouth-watering bites.

20. TAKE A DAY TRIP TO A NATIONAL PARK

A ring of National Parks surrounds Sydney.

In just over an hour, you can wander amongst deep forests in the Royal National Park, hike to hidden beaches in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, or look for waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.

There is great wine tasting in the Hunter Valley to the north and road trips along the Grand Pacific Highway to the south.

All our favourite excursions are on our day trips from Sydney guide.

WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY?

Sydney offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

We recommend staying centrally near the Central Business District (CBD) or in one of the nearby suburbs.

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