Things to do in Sydney

Book A Tour

Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & Events

Sydney’s harbour skyline is world-famous, crowned by the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This sparkling city offers a bit of everything – golden beaches, lush parks, diverse cuisine, and a rich cultural scene – all wrapped in a friendly Aussie vibe. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking to climb the Harbour Bridge or a foodie eager to sample fresh seafood, Sydney has you covered. Let’s dive into the best attractions, local experiences, and must-see events that Australia’s Harbour City has to offer.

Iconic Sydney Attractions

Sydney is home to several must-see landmarks that no visitor should miss:

  • Sydney Opera House: This architectural marvel (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its sail-like shells is Sydney’s most iconic sight. You can admire it from the outside or take a guided tour inside to learn its history. Better yet, catch a live performance in one of its venues to experience the magic firsthand. Don’t forget to snap a photo from the nearby Opera Bar or Royal Botanic Garden for that classic harbour view.


  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Nicknamed “The Coathanger,” this steel bridge spans the harbour and offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city. Adventurous travelers can climb the Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill – at the summit you’ll enjoy 360° views of Sydney and the Opera House below. If a climb isn’t your thing, you can still walk or cycle across the bridge on a pedestrian pathway and visit the Pylon Lookout museum.


  • The Rocks: Step back in time in Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, established in 1788 with Australia’s first European settlementgoway.com. The Rocks is a historic quarter of charming cobblestone streets, convict-era sandstone buildings, and Australia’s oldest pubs. Stroll the weekend markets for local crafts, grab a pint in a 19th-century pub, and soak up views of the harbour from this storied district.


  • Darling Harbour & Barangaroo: This lively waterfront precinct is packed with attractions and entertainment. Darling Harbour is home to family favorites like the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney Zoo, plus waterside dining and frequent fireworks displays. Next door, the newer Barangaroo development offers upscale restaurants, trendy bars, and a scenic foreshore boardwalk. It’s a great area to dine with harbour views and catch street performances or festivals.


  • Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk: No trip to Sydney is complete without visiting Bondi Beach, the city’s most famous stretch of sand. Join the locals catching waves or just relax on the golden sand. From Bondi, take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a stunning 6 km clifftop trail that links several beaches and bays. You’ll pass by sea cliffs, rock pools, and parks – keep an eye out for surfers and even the occasional dolphin in the waves. The views along this walk are postcard-perfect, especially at sunrise or sunset.


  • Manly Beach & Harbour Ferry: To combine sightseeing with transit, hop on the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay. This affordable ferry ride is essentially a free harbour cruise, offering phenomenal views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you sail out. In 30 minutes you’ll arrive at Manly, a beloved beach suburb. Manly Beach itself is a gorgeous ocean beach where you can swim, surf, or enjoy fish’n’chips on the promenade. The phrase “seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care” truly fits – it’s a perfect day trip to experience Sydney’s laid-back beach lifestyle.



  • Royal Botanic Garden & Mrs Macquarie’s Chair: Adjacent to the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a tranquil oasis in the city. Wander through lush gardens showcasing native and exotic plants, and enjoy panoramic views of the harbour. A short walk within the gardens leads to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone lookout point on the water’s edge. It’s one of the best viewpoints for photographing the Opera House framed by the Harbour Bridge, especially at sunset. Pack a picnic or just relax on the lawns with the backdrop of Sydney’s skyline.

Cultural Experiences in Sydney

Beyond the beaches and skyline, Sydney boasts a vibrant cultural scene reflecting its history and diversity:



  • Art Galleries & Museums: Dive into Australia’s arts and history at Sydney’s excellent museums. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, including its new Sydney Modern wing, houses extensive collections of Australian, European, and Asian art (with free general admission)timeout.com. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) at Circular Quay showcases cutting-edge modern art in a beautiful harbourside building. For history buffs, the Australian Museum (natural history and culture) and the Powerhouse Museum (science and design) offer fascinating exhibits – from Indigenous Australian artifacts to innovations in technology. These institutions provide insight into Australian culture, past and present.


  • Local Culture & Markets: Sydney’s neighborhoods each have their own flavor. Stroll through Chinatown in Haymarket for Asian eateries and the bustling Friday night food markets. Explore Newtown and Surry Hills for street art, live music venues, vintage shops, and the city’s trend-setting café scene. Don’t miss the weekly markets – try Paddington Markets on Saturdays for local fashion and crafts, or The Rocks Markets on weekends for souvenirs and tasty street food. You can also learn about Aboriginal heritage by joining an Indigenous walking tour (for example, an Aboriginal guide-led tour in The Rocks or around Barangaroo) to hear stories and perspectives that pre-date colonial Sydney. Sydney’s cultural mosaic truly comes alive through these local experiences.


How do we work

This is the text area for a paragraph describing this service. You may want to give examples of the service and who may be able to benefit from it.