Itineraries for Your Trip to Sydney
3 Days in Sydney for Foodies
Sydney is arguably the flavor capital of Australia (don’t tell Melbourne I said that). From the humble chicken schnitzel (“schnitty”) at the corner pub, to modern Australian dining, it’s just as at home with casual food as it is with avant-garde creations.
Exploring Sydney’s food landscape can be as complicated as navigating our road system. So, start with the CBD (Central Business District) as a home base, before weaving your taste buds through the city’s culinary pockets, like Spice Alley for Hawker-style Asian cuisine, Surry Hills for contemporary dining, and Manly for beachfront seafood.
The Sydney sun packs a punch in the warmer months, so don’t forget your sunscreen.
If you only have time for one thing, catch the ferry to Watsons Bay for fresh fish and chips.
Start the day strong by ordering an oat latte (a Sydney staple) at an independent café in Sydney’s CBD, such as Gumption by Coffee Alchemy or The Grounds in the City. With coffee in hand, meander around the Sydney Opera House before settling in at the Royal Botanic Gardens for a gourmet picnic with stunning Harbor views.
After lunch, stroll along Circular Quay and enjoy a well-earned treat from Sydney’s ice cream institution, Gelato Messina. From there, continue along toward The Rocks for a taste of early colonial Sydney life with a beer in one (or more) of the city’s oldest pubs, including The Fortune of War and The Lord Nelson. Alternatively, explore Sydney’s fine dining scene at some of the city’s best restaurants, including Quay Restaurant, Bennelong, and Aria.
If you’re an early riser, make your way over to the Sydney Fish Market where you’ll rub shoulders with some of Sydney’s best chefs as they handpick the freshest seafood for their restaurants. Alternatively, paddle your way down the harbor in search of a hearty brunch—a Sydneysider’s favorite meal.
From there, board a ferry at Circular Quay and make your way to Watsons Bay, Bondi Beach, or Manly Beach where you can feast on fish and chips on the sand, or sip on cocktails at a beachside bar as the sky puts on a colorful show at sunset.
Today, explore Sydney’s more multicultural offerings. Legend has it that this city is home to some of the best Asian food outside the continent. Chinatown, Thai Town, and Spice Alley are all great options, but if you’re keen to venture farther afield, explore suburbs such as Cabramatta for a Viet fix, Kingsford for Indonesian, or Strathfield for Korean. Alternatively, wine lovers should make a day trip to the Hunter Valley region today, to follow the trail of boutique wineries and artisanal produce, including chocolates, cheeses, and coffee.
Finish the day on a high by dining at one of Sydney’s rotating restaurants such as Infinity at Sydney Tower or O bar and Dining in Australia Square, where you can take in the Sydney skyline from all angles, while enjoying a taste of modern Australia.
