Sydney has been our home for 11 years and we still spend most our weekends exploring different parts, new restaurants, going on day or weekend trips. It is truly a magical place, with plenty for everyone from world class restaurants, iconic beaches, renowned landmarks, architectural significance, an abundance of festivals and events and so much more. Below is our overview for anyone thinking of visiting Sydney and link to our map where we have pinned a lot of our favourite spots. We hope this inspires your travels and helps with your planning.
For a shared google map with all our favourite places pinned. CLICK HERE
Getting to Sydney
By Air:
Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith Airport) is the primary international gateway.
Direct flights connect Sydney to major cities worldwide.
By Train:
Sydney is well-connected by rail, with Central Station being a major transport hub.
Getting around Sydney
Public Transportation:
Sydney has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, metros, buses, and ferries.
Purchase an Opal card for seamless travel on trains, buses, and ferries.You can also use your credit or debit cards to tap on and off. Make sure you tap on and off or you will be charged extra.
Walking and Cycling:
Many attractions are within walking distance in the central area.
Use bike-sharing services for cycling around the city.
Car Rental:
Car rentals are available but may not be necessary for city exploration. If you choose to drive, make sure you park facing the same direction as the traffic or cop a fine. Parking around major beaches on hot weekends is NOT fun, practice patience and you will eventually find a spot OR grab a bus.
Areas to consider for your Sydney accommodation
Central Business District (CBD):
Ideal for easy access to major attractions and public transport.
Offers a range of hotels from luxury to budget.
The CBD is busy during the work week and very quiet during the weekends.
Darling Harbour:
Waterfront location with many hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Not our vibe but if you have a family and looking for somewhere central, it is a good option.
Surry Hills:
Trendy neighbourhood with boutique hotels, terrace houses and a vibrant atmosphere. There are no shortage of restaurants and bars at your doorstep.
Potts Point:
An affluent and trendy neighbourhood situated in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.
Known for its historic architecture, beautiful tree-lined streets, and vibrant atmosphere. You could spend a full day just wandering around looking at the upscale properties and exploring the delicious upscale restaurants, boutique shops and cafes.
Bondi Beach:
The full Sydney experience, perfect for beach lovers. A hub of young and vibrant energy. We would highly recommend staying in Bondi, for at least a portion of your trip but if driving, make sure your accom has parking and settle in to the weekend hecticness where the entire suburb can feel like a small festival with people everywhere, it really is a magical experience.
There are also always plenty of short term lets available in the area so ask around, check out Facebook pages and air b&b. It is the hub of transience so if Hotels are a bit pricey, there are good alternatives.
Click here for all your Sydney hotel options.
9 Must-See Sydney Attractions
1. Sydney Opera House
Iconic architectural masterpiece; take a guided tour or attend a performance or simply walk walk around and take it in. Grab a drink at the opera bar on a sunny evening and look up at the iconic building. Be prepared to pay a premium but definitely worth it for the view.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Walk or cycle across the bridge for panoramic views of the city. A wonderful free activity, especially beautiful in the evening for sunset. Walk from Kiribillli back towards the city, time it for a beautiful sunset at XXX
3. Bondi Beach
Our home for the majority of our time in Sydney. Famous for its golden sands and surfing culture, it is a must when visiting Sydney. Spend the day at the beach, check out the famous ice-bergs pool, entry costs between $5-$10 for the day and when you are sun sleepy, stroll off the beach to one of the wonderful restaurants and bars dotted around the suburb. Our post beach drink is usually Bikini bar on hall street, a very relaxed beach bar style where cocktails are in no way impressive but the atmosphere and people watching is perfect. Check out our round up of Sydneys best beaches here
5. Royal Botanic Garden
Relax or stroll around in the vast and beautiful garden with spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House.
6. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Explore a diverse collection of Australian, European, and Asian art.
7. The Rocks
Historic area with cobbled streets, markets, and historic pubs. Beware if the overly priced and subpar restaurants dotted around the rocks. Stick with casual drinks, strolling, looking at the markets when they are on and taking in the views. If you are there on a Sunday evening, drop into The Doss house for some incredible traditional Irish music.
8. Check out the best sunset spots
Sydney has so many amazing sunset spots to visit. Grab some snacks, a picnic blanket and some wine and set yourself up for a beautiful sunset. A perfect (and cost effective) way to spend the evenings.
9. Walks
Sydney has some of the best walks we have done. We highly recommend getting out to do the Bondi to Coogee walk or at least part of it for sunrise, it really is spectacular. Some favourites are:
Bondi to Coogee
Coogee to Maroubra
Spit to Manly
Royal National Park
Click here to check out a range of Sydney activities and tours
Cultural Experiences
Aboriginal Art Galleries:
Explore indigenous Australian art at galleries like the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Indigenous Cultural Experiences:
Attend events or tours that showcase Aboriginal culture and history.
Sydney restaurants
You are spoilt for choice with Sydneys food scene. The quality of food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between is incredible. Some of our go-to favourites are mentioned below but see our full guide to Sydneys best restaurants by budget here
Alfies, CBD
Sydney's newest steakhouse in the central business district. Top quality steak for an affordable price, wonderful sides, funky vibe with Djs playing and one of Sydney's best martinis. They offer shorter than normal seatings (1 hour &15 mins) so a great option to pop in and refuel while exploring the city.
Raw Bar, Bondi
Raw Bar is one of our favourites, renowned for its emphasis on fresh, raw seafood showcasing the finest quality sushi, sashimi, salads and a range of hot dishes. It is a relaxed and contemporary set up, just off the beach. Perfect after a day swimming and sunning at Bondi Beach.
Ezra, Potts point
Ezra is a modern restaurant that celebrates Ashkenazi, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours and unique approach to menu curation. The reviews speak for themselves but the food is so flavoursome, the courtyard out the front is lovely and the service is great.
These locations are pinned for you on our Australian map
Nightlife
Bars and Pubs in The Rocks:
Experience the historic pubs in The Rocks for a casual drink.
Vibe: smart casual for most locations.
Darling Harbour:
Enjoy waterfront bars and nightclubs. If you enjoy fireworks it is a great area to go and checkout the weekend fireworks.
Vibe: Slightly less casual, these areas are quite touristy.
Surry Hills & Oxford Street
Enjoy a range of bars from hidden away wine bars to carribean style rum bars. Surry hills has a great nightlife and a choice for everyone.
Vibe: Everything goes in Surry Hills. The area attracts a large variety of people making it a fun spot to bar hop.
Bondi
Beach side nightlife at it's finest. Bondi has a great choice of beach bars, hotel bars, cocktail bars, wine bars and more.
Vibe: Beach vibe in most places. Although you are bound to also see an array of dolled up gangs celebrating/ influencing around the place.
Check out 10 of Sydney's best bars
Day Trips
Explore the stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Read our top recommendations for the Blue Mountains here,
Hunter Valley
Wine-tasting tour in one of Australia's premier wine regions. Arrange a day tour from Sydney's CDB and have a carefree day exploring the regions wineries. We challenge you to not snooze on the drive back after a day tasting wines.
Weekend trips
Southern Highlands
Our favourite weekend getaway, The Southern Highlands is a picturesque region known for its lush landscapes, charming villages, and cool-climate wineries. Renowned for its rolling green hills and historic towns like Bowral and Berrima, the Southern Highlands offer a tranquil escape just a short drive from Sydney.
Jervis bay
2.5-3 hour drive from Sydney. Jervis Bay is famous for its incredibly clear waters, white sandy beaches, diverse marine life, including dolphins and whales, and the iconic Hyams Beach, known for having some of the whitest sands in the world.
Practical Tips
Sydney Weather: Sydney has a temperate climate, with warm summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August). Humidity can be high from Jan - March. Always wear sunscreen as the UV is high all year around.
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).
Language: English is the official language.
Time Zone: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10).
Safety: Sydney is one of the safest places we have been. Some central areas can get a bit rowdy at night like oxford street so exercise standard precautions.
Local Etiquette: Australians are generally informal and friendly. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated.
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