From the soaring white sails of the Sydney Opera House to the golden sands of Bondi, Sydney is simply a stunner. This spectacular Australian city blends natural beauty with all the thrills you'd expect of a modern metropolis, yet somehow exceeds even the highest expectations. Though you might be dazzled by its beauty, you'll find plenty of things to do in Sydney, from sailing around the glittering harbor to exploring the historic Rocks neighborhood and heading into the nearby Blue Mountains.
The best time to visit Sydney is summer (December–February), when the air and ocean temperatures are warm and perfect for playing. But that also brings tons of tourists from all over Australia and beyond. Other times of year are still great for visiting Sydney, since it never really gets too cold, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and views of the Opera House are impressive rain or shine.
There are many ways to traverse Sydney. The city has a well-connected train, light rail, and bus system that can get you to most places cheaply and efficiently. There are also well-marked bike paths for cyclists. One of the most iconic ways to get around Sydney is to hop on the yellow ferries with the breeze in your hair and harbor views all around.
When in Sydney, make sure to get to the beach. Each has its own feel, so do a little beach-hopping to find your favorite. Tourists flock to expansive Bondi for its many restaurants and lifeguard-protected waters. Famous surf spot Manly is the go-to in the northern beaches. But try out more relaxed sandy spots, like Camp Cove in the harbor, Congwong in La Perouse, and Avalon and Palm Beach in the north.
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After a last-minute decision to “go to Australia for a bit,” Shalinee is still in Sydney six years later. When she’s not by the ocean, you’ll find her at a gig, drinking coffee, or stuffing her face.
check out the views from Darling Harbour to Barangaroo, then jump on a ferry to Circular Quay and hit two Sydney landmarks in one as the Opera House appears under the Harbour Bridge.
includes eating avo toast and coffee by the water at sunrise, paddleboarding in Rose Bay, and relaxing on one of our many beaches. Finish with dinner in Chinatown and sunset drinks in the Rocks.
the Coogee to Bondi stretch of the coastal walk. Watch whales between May and November before getting affordable drinks and nibbles overlooking the iconic Bondi beach at Bondi Icebergs Club.
head outside the CBD and get a taste of Sydney’s migrant culture—sample Sri Lankan food in Toongabbie, Vietnamese in Cabramatta, and Indian in Harris Park, to name but a few.
cross to the north side of the Harbour Bridge around sunset to look back at the CBD from Kirribilli, Lavender Bay, or Cremorne Point.
is thinking Sydney is all style and no cultural substance. Our nightlife needs TLC, but we have great food, bars, grassroots arts, and plenty of beaches and nearby national parks.
Sydney is best known for its distinctive sailboat-like Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, and Bondi Beach. It’s also well-known for its hot summers (December–February), when locals and visitors alike flock to the many beaches along Sydney’s coast.
...MoreWhile in Sydney, don’t miss the sights around Circular Quay and the Rocks. With a blend of old and new architecture, many art galleries and museums, and lovely views, it’s a great place to spend a day. With more time, take the ferry across the harbor to Manly.
...MoreFive famous attractions located in Sydney are the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, Queen Victoria Building, and Art Gallery of New South Wales.
...MoreSydney has vibrant nightlife, and there’s lots to do in the evening. Take a sunset dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, sip cocktails at Darling Harbour, or join a pub crawl through the Rocks or Kings Cross. In winter, check out Vivid Sydney festival, when light installations brighten up the city.
...MoreIn summer, the best Sydney leisure activity is spending time at a beach, either relaxing on the sand or doing laps in a natural outdoor pool. In cooler weather, walk the Royal Botanic Garden or hike the national parks in and around Sydney. Cruises and scenic ferry rides run year-round.
...MoreSydney locals avoid the big-name tourist attractions and spend time outdoors and dining in hip, local neighborhoods like Newtown or Cabramatta. Locals get around the harbor by ferry—a scenic way to travel—and spend summer days at beaches, such as Narrabeen, that fewer tourists know about.
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