Blog
12 Best Things to do in Sydney
Let me take you on a journey and show you top places to visit and things to do in Sydney in a day to help you plan that perfect holiday.
Sydney has beautiful weather all around the year because of its location on the Pacific Ocean. Having around 300 sunny days per year, this city is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Sydney is full of wonders, and you need more than a day if you want to cover most of the beautiful places this city has to offer.
The main attractions are the Sydney Opera House, The Harbor Bridge, and Bondi Beach. However, if you have just a day and would like to cover most of the things in Sydney, you can follow the below guide about how you can discover Sydney in a day.
1.China Town
You can begin your Sydney tour at china town. In addition to many small shops, you should plan more than an hour for the china market and Market city or Paddy’s market. You will be amused by the unbelievable things the market has to offer. Don’t forget to haggle and grab a bargain.
2. Darling Harbour
The darling harbour is nearby to Sydney CBD, here you can take a break and have an amazing view of the harbour. Shop around and eat in the harbourside restaurants.
At the darling harbour, there are plenty of things to do. You can pick and choose the activities according to your interest.
Places of interest include
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- King Street Wharf
- Barangaroo
- Star Casino
- Sydney Lyric Theatre
- Madame Tussauds
- Wildlife Sydney
- Sydney Fish Market
3. Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Garden is a short walk from china town. You need approximately an hour to visit this Garden. This garden offers picturesque sights and will give you the feel of ancient Chinese architecture and its relationship with nature.
The best way to explore the Chinese garden is to dress up in Chinese traditional dress and stroll around the Chinese garden and take beautiful photos on the way. (You can hire the traditional Chinese dress in the garden at around $20.)
To find out more, check out my blog here
4. George Street
East of the darling harbour at just a few minutes walking distances is Sydney’s most famous street “George street”. Starting from the Central Railway Station it goes all the way to Circular Quay Station.
The main a highlights along this 3km road are:
- Queen Victoria Building (home to the most beautiful shopping mall in the world)
- Pitt Street Mall (famous for its high-end luxury shops)
- Martin Place
- State Theatre
- Sydney Tower Eye
- High Court of Australia
5. Queen Victoria Building (home to the most beautiful shopping mall in the world)
6. Pitt Street Mall
7. Hyde park
Spanning across 16 hectares in the middle of Sydney CBD towards the East of the George Street, Hyde Park is the oldest public parkland in Australia.
Nearby places of interests include:
- Archibald fountain
- St Mary’s Cathedral
- Parliament of New South Wales
- Hyde Park Barracks
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
8. The Rocks
Just before the harbour bridge end of George Street is the Rocks market. Small local shopkeeper showcases their craftsmanship.
9. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Iconic Sydney harbour bridge, affectionately called by Sydneysiders as the coat hanger. It is definitely one of the top places to visit and things to do in Sydney. This impressive construction is the largest steel arc bridge in the world. Rising 134 meters above the harbour the bridge arc spans 503 meters connecting Sydney’s North Shore to the central business district. The bridge construction began in 1923, and the bridge was opened to the general public in 1932.
Activity: You can climb to the top for panoramic views or walk and cycle across the bridge. The cost for the climb the bridge tours start from $160 AUD/$114 USD, it is free to walk or bike across it for stunning views of the Sydney Opera House & harbour.
Other places of interests:
- Luna Park
- Milsons Point
- The Rocks
- Customs House
- Circular Quay
10. Sydney Opera House
This iconic venue welcomes millions of visitors from all around the world every year and is another iconic location part of top places to visit and things to do in Sydney. This world heritage listed building Australia & it is one of the most famous landmarks and one of the best multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney.
Activity: Go to opera shows, or you have the option to take a guided tour of the building or to take beautiful pictures of the opera house and harbour.
Nearby places of interest:
- Mrs. Macquarie point
- Botanical Garden
11. Gap Bluff (Watson bay)
Gap bluff is 11 km from the city centre you have a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean
12. Bondi Beach
Blond bodies, blond sands, backpackers and surfers through it all together and you get one of the most famous beaches. Located just minutes away from Sydney central business district, Bondi beach is a mile-long sweep of golden sand lying with red tile roof homes, apartments, and green spaces. It is a great spot for a seaside stroll or picnic. The crowd of tourists and locals gather here to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Another great way to soak up the sea views is to take a stroll along the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Which begins the southern end of the bridge and follows the scenic coastline sand cliffs.
A perfect place for:
- Surfing
- Swim
- Sunbathing
