Things to do in Sydney (2024)

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Things to do in Sydney

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Where to start? Maybe with that famous opera house and famous bridge, both sitting on that equally famous harbour. Or with beaches that are household names. One of the world’s best food and drink scenes. Incredibly rich culture, including the oldest continuous living culture on earth. Wildlife experiences. Stunning national parks. Sydney has it all – and then some.

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Sydney FAQ's

What are the best things to do in Sydney at night?

What are the best things to do in Sydney at night?

Sydney has wonderful nightlife, with plenty of things to do. We recommend:

  • Seeing a live gig or show
  • Dancing the night away at one of Sydney's many clubs and pubs
  • Checking out an underground speakeasy or rooftop co*cktail lounge
  • Exploring one of the many late night restaurants open serving up the best eats

Check out the best of Sydney's nightlife here.

What are the most popular acitivites to do in Sydney with kids?

What are the most popular acitivites to do in Sydney with kids?

Sydney is the perfect place for little ones. Some activities you'll want to add to your itinerary:

  • Seeing Australian wildlife at Taronga Zoo
  • Meeting king penguins, sharks, turtles and dugongs at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
  • aking a surf lesson at a surf school at Manly, Bondi, Maroubra or Cronulla

Explore our full list of things to do with kids in Sydney.

What can I do in Sydney when it's raining?

What can I do in Sydney when it's raining?

Rain or shine there are still plenty of things to explore in Sydney. When rain is forecast try:

  • Exploring one of Sydney's many museums such as The Museum of Contemporary Art or The Australian Museum
  • Enjoying a craft beer at The Grifter Brewer Co. or a premium gin at Archie Rose distillery
  • Strolling through the 19th century grandeur of the Queen Victoria Building where you can shop elegant boutiques & antique stores
  • Experiencing harbourside fine dining at Quay
What can you do in Sydney for free?

What can you do in Sydney for free?

Sydney is booming with incredible beaches, parks, and landscapes that cost nothing! Not to mention a few cultural experiences that have free entry. The best free activities include:

  • Taking on one of Sydney's many coastal walks, like the Bondi to Coogee walk
  • Exploring the Royal Botanic Garden next to Sydney Opera House with a free guided tour
  • Taking advantage of free entry to the Australian National Maritime Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks
  • Spending the day exploring the Royal National Park where there are beaches, walking trails, and even a littoral rainforest

Explore more free things to do in Sydney.

What should you not miss in Sydney?

What should you not miss in Sydney?

If you're visiting Sydney for only a few days these are the top attractions you do not want to miss:

  • Take the Coastal Walk from Iconic Bondi to Coogee
  • Get a drink at the Opera Bar and look out over the harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Ride the ferry to Manly -Explore one of Sydney's amazing markets at The Rocks, Carriageworks, or Glebe
  • Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Get a dose of Australia's exciting wildlife at Taronga Zoo

The list is endless, explore more of Sydney's top attractions.

How many days is enough in Sydney?

How many days is enough in Sydney?

We recommend at least 3 days in Sydney, but even one day in Sydney is a treat! Planning a visit soon? Check out our 3 day itinerary.

How can I spend 3 days in Sydney?

How can I spend 3 days in Sydney?

Three days is a decent amount of time to experience everything Sydney has to offer. Some ideas for your itinerary:

  • Day 1: Take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, have a bite at the Coogee Pavilion, make your way to Newtown for some shopping, craft beers and excellent eats.
  • Day 2: Explore the Sydney CBD! Start your day at the Rocks, make your way to Luna Park then end the day at Circular Quay.
  • Day 3: Escape to iconic Manly and explore the many beaches, restaurants, and breweries.

Check out our full 3 day itinerary.

What is Sydney famous for?

What is Sydney famous for?

Sydney is most famous for:

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Amazing zoos (Taronga & Sydney Zoo) -Iconic Beaches (Bondi, Coogee, Manly to name a few)
  • Luna Park And more!

Explore all of Sydney's top attractions here.

What do locals do in Sydney?

What do locals do in Sydney?

If you're trying to do as the Sydney locals do, may we suggest:

  • Finding unique goods at one of Sydney's amazing markets at The Rocks, Carriageworks, or Glebe
  • Grabbing an espresso martini at an underground speakeasy or rooftop co*cktail lounge
  • Taking a dip in one of Sydney's ocean pools
What are the best outdoor activities in Sydney?

What are the best outdoor activities in Sydney?

Some of Sydney's best activities are outdoors. Make sure to add these to your itinerary:

  • The Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
  • Explore the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  • Go whale watching on a boat tour departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly
  • Catch some rays and go for a dip at Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, or Manly Beach

See our full list of outdoor recommendations here.

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Things to do in Sydney (2024)

FAQs

Is 3 days enough to visit Sydney? ›

With three days in Sydney, you have plenty of time to soak up the city's atmosphere, see its most famous sights, loll on the beach, and head out of town into the surrounding countryside. Here are a few ways to experience the very best of Sydney in 72 memorable hours.

What is Sydney best known for? ›

Sydney is most famous for: Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney Opera House. Amazing zoos (Taronga & Sydney Zoo) -Iconic Beaches (Bondi, Coogee, Manly to name a few)

What we can do at Sydney? ›

Sydney City Activities
  • SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Sydney City. ...
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales. Sydney City. ...
  • co*ckatoo Island. Sydney City. ...
  • The Rocks Markets. Sydney City. ...
  • Australian Museum. Sydney City. ...
  • Chinese Garden of Friendship. Sydney City. ...
  • Australian National Maritime Museum. Sydney City. ...
  • Sydney Opera House. Sydney City.

Is Sydney an expensive city to visit? ›

According to the study, the average weekly spend for a solo traveller in Sydney is $1,727 (that's compared with an average $727 weekly spend in Krakow, Poland, and $2,386 in the Norwegian town of Tromso, which was the most expensive solo destination).

Is 7 days too long in Sydney? ›

One week holiday in Sydney is long enough to see all of Sydney's icons. If you can extend your seven days in Sydney to stay longer, then definitely, you will get to know the suburbs in the Sydney Metropolitan Area a whole lot better.

Why do people prefer Sydney? ›

Sydney is arguably Australia's most vibrant and cosmopolitan city packed with history, nature, beaches, culture, art, fashion, food, and design. While there's an long list of reasons why thousands of students choose to study in Sydney- we bring you the top 9!

How expensive is Sydney? ›

The cost of living in Sydney for a single person = ~ AUD 4,149 monthly and ~ AUD 49,788 annually. Sydney living expenses for a family of 4 = ~ AUD 10,167 monthly and ~ AUD 1,22,004 annually. The average cost of living in Sydney for students = ~ AUD 2,000 monthly and ~ AUD 24,000 annually.

What is Sydney ranked in tourists? ›

According to data released by Airbnb, Sydney is the second best travel destination in the world for 2023, with Melbourne following closely behind in third place and Auckland in fourth. Perth also made its debut on the list, coming in ninth. Malaga in southern Spain took the coveted top spot.

How should I dress in Sydney? ›

Clean, comfortable travel outfits are as acceptable as evening wear. For ladies, a light shawl or something to wear over your shoulders in cooler evening temperatures will keep you comfortable. For men, a long-sleeved shirt or light coat should do.

Is Sydney a walkable city? ›

While it has its problems, Sydney is more walkable and less car-centric than LA.

Where are Sydney's two most famous attractions located? ›

Sydney Harbour. Port Jackson is the natural harbour of Sydney. It is known for its natural environment, and as the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The area around the harbour foreshore contains pockets of bushland which was once common around Sydney, containing a range of native animals.

Which five attractions are located in Sydney? ›

Top attractions in Sydney
  • Sydney Opera House. ...
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge. ...
  • Bondi Beach. ...
  • Royal Botanic Garden. ...
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales. ...
  • Museum of Contemporary Art. ...
  • The Rocks. ...
  • Sydney Tower Eye.

Is Sydney tourist friendly? ›

Overall, Sydney is a safe city, and tourists can enjoy the city's streets day and night. Wondering where to choose safe accommodation? Read Where to Stay in Sydney: The Ultimate Guide to help you make the right decision.

Can you walk across Sydney Harbour bridge? ›

One way is simply to walk across it using the pedestrian walkway on its eastern side. This may sound mundane compared to scaling the heights of the arch, but is relatively easy and provides spectacular views of the city and harbour. The only cost is if you walk one way and use public transport in the other direction.

How many days are enough for Sydney? ›

There are so many great things to see and do in Sydney, it is a big city and there's something for everyone. However, I would say that 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in Sydney as a first-timer. This will allow you to see the “highlights” without feeling like you are zooming around in a rush.

How many days is enough in Sydney Australia? ›

No matter how long one stays in Sydney, there will always be new and fantastic adventures to make. However, a reasonable number of days one needs to spend in the city to get the best out of it is a minimum of 5 days. On day 1, most tourists begin their trip by visiting the Circular Quay, a part of Sydney's Harbour.

Is 3 days enough in Australia? ›

In general, we'd suggest you plan for three or four days in each destination. Depending on your interests, you can choose your own adventure. Our cities, states and territories all offer unique experiences catering to every interest.

Is 2 days enough to visit Sydney? ›

2 days in Sydney is the perfect amount of time to see all the top attractions without hurry. From the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and much more, you're bound to check off some bucket-list destinations.

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