For many visitors, their first encounter with Sydney’s CBD comes when they cross the city's iconic bridge from the north. There are plenty of ways to discover the area: Join a hop-on, hop-off bus tour; shop till you drop in malls or arcades; scale the Harbour Bridge or catch a show at the Opera House; or cruise or even kayak around the harbor. You can also explore the cobbled lanes and heritage buildings of the Rocks, where European colonists first landed in 1788; take a food or nightlife tour of the bustling bar and restaurant scene; and discover sights such as the Royal Botanic Garden and the SEA LIFE® Aquarium.
Sydney CBD is an essential stop for any visitor to the city.
Wear practical shoes if exploring on foot—streets can be steep and cobbled.
Sydney is an accessible city for travelers who use wheelchairs, and most attractions are well-adapted.
Sydney CBD is easy to access, with trains arriving directly from the airport to Circular Quay and an efficient public transportation network. The City Circle railway line, much of it underground, is great for getting around the wider CBD area.
Business district by day, nightlife destination after dark, Sydney’s CBD is lively from morning to night. Summertime, from December to February, is the tourist peak season. If you can, aim to visit over the shoulder seasons: October, November, March, and early April.
Besides the Rocks, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD is home to many top city attractions. Explore Australian culture at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the Museum of Sydney; take in city views from the Sydney Tower Eye; or watch the famous fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
