Welcome to Sydney, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that seamlessly blends modern urban living with a rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House to the bustling streets of Chinatown and the colorful markets of Paddington, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Nature lovers, you’re in luck! Sydney is home to some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in the world. Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden or explore the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains. And of course, no trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to Bondi Beach, where you can soak up the sun and surf the waves.
For thrill-seekers, Sydney offers plenty of heart-pumping activities to get your blood pumping. Climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views, or take a jet boat ride on the harbor for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
But there’s more to Sydney than just the tourist hotspots. Take a walking tour of the historic Rocks district or explore the street art and hidden laneways of Surry Hills. And with a thriving food and drink scene that caters to every taste and budget, you’ll never run out of options for delicious eats and refreshing drinks.
So whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for some fun in the sun, Sydney has something for everyone. Get ready to explore, discover, and fall in love with this vibrant and exciting city!
1. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and the harbor. With different climbs available at various times of the day, you can choose the perfect climb to suit your schedule and preferences.
2. Take a ferry to Manly Beach
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for a fun day out. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the harbor, and Manly Beach is a picturesque destination with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
3. Visit the Sydney Opera House
Explore the world-famous Sydney Opera House, a stunning architectural masterpiece with a rich history and cultural significance. You can take a guided tour or attend a performance to experience the beauty and grandeur of this iconic landmark.
4. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden
Take a stroll through the lush Royal Botanic Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. With stunning views of the harbor, a range of gardens and plant collections, and plenty of events and activities, the garden is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
5. Experience Sydney’s Icebergs at Bondi Beach
Venture to the iconic Icebergs at Bondi Beach for a truly unforgettable experience. Admire the remarkable oceanfront setting and the striking contrast of the infinity pool against the backdrop of the crashing waves. Indulge in world-class dining at the Icebergs Club or relax at the poolside bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and unparalleled coastal views.
6. Jump on a location tour of popular Aussie TV show Home & Away
Experience a unique tour to Palm Beach, the famous location of the beloved Home and Away TV series. Connect with the show as expert guides reveal iconic outdoor locations, offering unforgettable photo opportunities. Immerse yourself in the Summer Bay lifestyle, admire Sydney’s stunning Northern Beaches, and wrap up your adventure at the renowned Manly Beach – perfect for fans and non-fans alike. Book your Location Tour of Home and Away here.
Another option could be to jump on this Half-day Private Tour of Sydney’s Northern Beaches which covers Palm Beach (where Home & Away is based) too!
7. Take an all-day surf lesson at Bondi Beach
Get ready to experience Australia’s surfing culture with a full-day surf lesson just a short drive from Sydney’s inner city at Bondi. Learn the basics on land before heading to the water to catch some waves. With a delicious barbecue buffet lunch and plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery, it’s the perfect day out. All equipment is included, so all you need is your swimwear and a camera. Book your Bondi Beach surf lesson here.
8. Take a Kayak Tour of Manly Cove Beaches
Paddle through Manly Cove in a kayak, offering stunning underwater views as you explore four picturesque beaches. With an experienced guide, you’ll pass caves, rock formations, and mini-waterfalls while enjoying a leisurely pace suited for all skill levels. Stop at a secluded beach for a stroll and a swim, and capture the scenery with your camera or phone. Choose between transparent, single, or double kayaks to customize your adventure. You can book your Guided Kayak Tour of Manly Cove Beaches here.
9. Visit Taronga Zoo
Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife at Taronga Zoo, featuring a range of animal encounters and shows. With stunning views of the harbor and a variety of animals to see, this is a great attraction for families and animal lovers. Your can book your Taronga Zoo ticket here, or if you’d perfer to spice things up a little you can opt for this Harbour Cruise and Taronga Zoo combo that departs (and returns) from Circular Quay.
10. Explore The Rocks
Discover the historic district of The Rocks, featuring charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. You can take a walking tour or simply wander through the district to experience the unique charm of this iconic neighborhood.
11. Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains
Escape the city and explore the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Mountains on a guided tour. With breathtaking views, scenic walks, and the famous Three Sisters rock formation, this is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. There’s a couple of good options in terms of day trips – here’s our picks:
12. Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring a range of local and international exhibitions and collections. With a variety of events and programs, there’s always something new to discover at this iconic gallery.
13. Enjoy a picnic at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
Take in stunning views of the harbor while enjoying a picnic at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a historic landmark located in the Royal Botanic Garden. The chair was carved out of a rock ledge for the wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie in the early 1800s, and has since become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. If a picnic isn’t your vibe, you can still check out the views by jumping on this Sydney Half-Day City Tour which covers a range of the must-see sights around Sydney including Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
14. Take a food and wine tour of the Hunter Valley from Sydney
Discover the picturesque Hunter Valley on a wine-tasting adventure from Sydney. Traverse iconic landmarks and indulge in award-winning wines, a delectable restaurant lunch, and tastings of local spirits, cheese, and chocolate. Enjoy breathtaking vineyard views, spot wild kangaroos, and support a carbon-neutral tour committed to combating climate change. Book your Hunter Valley Wine/Spirit/Lunch tour here.
You can also check out our top 10 wineries near Sydney where we cover our must-do’s!
15. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Explore the world of contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, featuring a range of exhibitions and events. With a focus on Australian and international artists, the museum is a great destination for art lovers.
16. Relax at Coogee Beach
Escape the crowds at Bondi Beach and head to Coogee Beach for a relaxing day in the sun. With clear waters, soft sand, and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, Coogee Beach is a great destination for a laid-back beach day. Pro tip – if you’re up for a bit of exercise (and incredible views) before arriving we recommend hitting up the Bondi to Coogee 5.5km walk!
17. Jump on an open-top Big Bus tour of Sydney
Enjoy the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour in Sydney and Bondi Beach with 30 stops on two routes. Experience local culture and iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House with audio commentary and unlimited rides. Customize your itinerary, choosing from various ticket options, including exploring hidden beaches, pristine bushlands, botanic gardens, and islands with the Deluxe Ticket. Discover highlights on the Red Route, and embrace Australia’s beach culture with the Bondi Beach tour, visiting shopping and dining precincts, Centennial Parklands, and more. You can book your Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour here.
18. Walk through the Sydney Botanic Garden
Explore the beautiful Sydney Botanic Garden, featuring a range of gardens and plant collections. With stunning views of the harbor and plenty of events and activities, the garden is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
19. Go on a pub crawl in The Rocks
Experience the historic pubs of The Rocks with a guided pub crawl, featuring a range of local beers and classic Aussie pub food. With a focus on history and culture, this is a great tour for anyone interested in Sydney’s colonial past. Book your Rocks pub crawl here.
20. Take a ferry to Watsons Bay
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, a charming beachside town with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. With stunning views of the harbor and plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, Watsons Bay is a great destination for a day trip. Be sure to stop by The Watson’s Bay Hotel whilst you’re here!
Looking for more things to do in and around Sydney? We recommend checking out GetYourGuide for a huge range of amazing options.
