10 Best Things To Do In Sydney (Australia)

Sydney is Australia’s answer to New York: a cosmopolitan a hive of activity, which never sleeps, but also boasts gorgeous beaches, fantastic weather and mild winters. Sydney has over 4 million residents, making it Australia’s largest city, and is also the most touristed destination in the country, attracting over 32 million visitors per year.

The city is very multicultural, so the food on offer is delicious, and it’s also a fantastic shopping destination. The various suburbs have very different atmospheres, so you’ll find something for everyone in this tourist paradise.

Lets explore the best things to do in Sydney:

1. See a show at the Opera House

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the Opera House

The Opera House may be the first thing to come to mind when you think about Sydney, or indeed Australia.

The world-heritage listed building is stunning in person, and it is illuminated beautifully at night.

There’s always plenty of events and shows going on in the Opera House and the surrounding area, and you can also tour the opera house or enjoy a tasty meal inside the premises.

Recommended tour: The Sydney Opera House Tour

2. Stroll Darling Harbour

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Darling Harbour

The Darling Harbour is a popular recreational complex adjacent to Sydney’s city centre, with breathtaking river views and plenty to keep you well-fed and entertained.

There’s a massive variety of attractions in the Harbour, but some favorites include the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship and its lovely teahouse, the Carousel, the National Maritime Museum, and the beautiful Dockside Pavilion.

There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene in the harbour, the excellent Harbourside Shopping Centre (including laser tag), an aquarium, a Madam Tussauds and much more.

It’s best to dedicate at least a day to the Harbour to see as much as possible of this Sydney icon.

3. Get a local perspective with a free walking tour

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Free Walking Tour

The “I’m Free” walking tours are a great way to get to know Sydney.

Guided by passionate volunteering locals who want to share their love of the city with you, they’re a wonderful way to get a deeper understanding of the sights that you’re seeing and the history and meaning behind them.

There’s 3 tours per day, and what you’ll learn on the tour makes for a great starting point from which to explore the city.

4. Visit the iconic Paddy’s Markets

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Paddy’s Markets

These markets have been a Sydney institution for over 150 years.

Paddy’s is the biggest market in Sydney, with over 1,000 stalls between the Haymarket and Flemington locations.

You’ll find very reasonably priced souvenirs, bric-a-brac and general fun items, as well as a great atmosphere and tasty food.

5. Bondi Beach

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Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and a popular hangout for Sydney’s beautiful people, as well as local and international celebrities.

It’s always busy here, but usually not too busy, and the atmosphere is exciting.

The surrounding suburb has some great retail and dining options.

Bondi Beach is on the Australian Heritage List, and is also noteworthy for holding the Guinness World Record for the largest swimsuit photo shoot, with 1010 bikini-clad women taking part.

6. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

This iconic bridge is another of the most well-known symbols of Sydney, and is one of the world’s few climbable bridges.

You’ll be prepared with health and safety essentials, and any weather-appropriate gear that you’ll need for the climb, and venture out on your climbing adventure with a group of other climbers and an experienced Climb Leader.

The view during the climb is exceptional, and it’s a truly different way of experiencing the bridge! You’ll find more information here.

7. Have dinner at Circular Quay

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Circular Quay

Circular Quay is known for its excellent gourmet dining options, and the views of the crystal-blue Sydney Harbour waters are truly stunning.

Some particularly delicious options include ARIA, the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, Yayoi Garden and Tapavino; there’s also budget options such as Banh You Vietnamese Street Food, burgers at City Extra or the weekly meal deals at the Ship Inn.

8. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

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Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens were established in 1816, making them the oldest botanic gardens in Australia, as well as the oldest scientific institution.

They recently celebrated their 200th birthday with a series of popular commemorative events throughout the year.

Various guided and self-guided tours are available, and the Choo Choo express offers a quick, scenic way to get around the gardens.

You’ll learn many interesting facts about Australian botanical history, as well as being able to enjoy plenty of gorgeous plant-life! The Royal Botanic Gardens are only a few minutes’ walk from the Sydney CBD and the Opera House, and are one of Sydney’s most touristed attractions with over 5 million visitors per year.

9. Enjoy a touch of Australiana with a Home and Away tour

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Home and Away tour

One of Australia’s most best-loved exports, Home and Away is a TV soap opera that has been running since 1988, making it the second-longest drama series in Australian TV history; you can catch it on Channel 7 at 7pm from Monday to Thursday, for 45 weeks of the year.

The show is sold to 80 countries worldwide, and is particularly loved in the United Kingdom.

Home and Away is set in the fictional Summer Bay, and filmed largely in Palm Beach; fans of the show will recognize many of the sights of Summer Bay, and you may even be there while filming is being done! Palm Beach boasts stunning scenery – clear-blue waters and pristine white beaches – so it’s also a lovely spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Recommended tour: Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay

10. Get an adrenaline rush at Luna Park

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Luna Park

Luna Park is worth visiting for the so-kitsch-it’s-cool entrance alone; it makes a hilarious photo backdrop.

If you’re into amusement park rides, you’ll have a great time here: the Wild Mouse is perfect for that terrifying-yet-awesome rollercoaster thrill.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, then Luna Park is perfect too – you can actually enjoy first-class dining inside a ferris wheel carriage on Sundays.

There’s also a Coney Island area, inspired by the actual Coney Island in the US: it’s an old-school funhouse with sideshow games, a mirror maze, and traditional retro fun.

Skip-the-Line ticket available: Luna Park Sydney: Unlimited Rides Pass

11. Visit the picturesque seaside town of Manly

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Manly

Manly is a relaxed beachside suburb, a short (and gorgeous!) ferry ride away from Sydney’s city centre.

It’s extremely popular with locals and tourists alike – a whopping 8 million visitors per year! – and it’s ideal for beach and water activities such as beach volleyball, running, kayaking, scuba and surfing.

Manly also boasts excellent al fresco dining options, a lovely museum, a sea life sanctuary, and even a shark-diving experience! Various guided walking tours by knowledgeable locals are also available.

Available tour: Snorkel Tour at Manly, North Sydney

12. Take a cruise or ferry around the lovely Circular Quay and Darling Harbour

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Ferry

Cruising past the opera house and enjoying the stunning views of the water is a wonderful way to relax after a long day of pounding the pavement.

There’s various sightseeing cruises available, many of which are catered, but if you’re on a budget, you can enjoy the same views at a much cheaper price via public transport: a trip from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour is under $4.

13. Go museum-hopping

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The Hyde Park Barracks Museum

As you’d expect from Australia’s largest city, Sydney is home to some world-class museums that offer a fascinating insight into the city’s past, present and future, as well as interesting collections from all over the world.

The Australian Museum has a great natural history collection – get up close with all of Australia’s scariest nasties, but without the whole risk-of-death thing.

The Powerhouse Museum has a focus on science, design, innovation and technology, and the fun exhibits range from steam-engines, to life in the 80s, to an awesome dancing robot that will fight for its right to party.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum are a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that provide an oft-depressing step back into history, having previously been first a convict barracks and then an asylum for women.

It’s a reminder of a cruel way of life that would be considered terrible by today’s standards; but it’s also wonderfully refreshing and full of hope when you consider how far we’ve come.

14.  Check out Sydney’s famous nightlife

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Oxford Street

Sydney is known as one of the southern hemisphere’s best destinations for nightlife, and for good reason.

In particular, Oxford Street (the centre of Sydney’s gay area) has many popular venues that cater for gay, straight and mixed crowds; some popular venues elsewhere include Chinese Laundry and Home. (There’s also plenty of bars and clubs in Kings Cross, but the area can be very seedy at night, so it may be best avoided.)

15.  Go sports-mad at the SCG

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SCG

Sydney loves its sports, and you’ll notice how passionate the locals are about their favorite teams.

The SCG is the place to catch a game with your new Sydney-sider friends: there’s something going on most weekends, and the venue plays host to a wide variety of sports including cricket, rugby and AFL. Even if you’re not into sports, it’s fun to breathe in the palpable excitement at a game, and you may even want to buy some souvenirs for your sporty friends back home.