20 Best Things to Do in Sydney

Uncover Sydney: Unforgettable Views, Sunlit Shores, and Iconic Adventures

There is an abundance of things to do in Sydney: sun-kissed beaches, iconic buildings, unique wildlife, vibrant nightlife, and stunning scenery that will fill up your camera’s storage. This energetic city is ready for you to explore, from surfing at Bondi Beach to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can take a ferry to Manly for breathtaking ocean views and hidden coves, stroll through bustling markets, or immerse yourself in the vintage charm of Sydney's oldest district, The Rocks.

Not to mention the opportunity to eat beneath the sails of the Opera House—where else can you get lunch with that much drama? To conclude, Sydney offers countless excursions and diversity with a dash of relaxed Aussie character. Whether you're an adventurer, nature lover, or selfie enthusiast, follow our detailed guide to check out the best activities in Sydney.

Every city has its iconic landmark, and for Sydney, that is the Sydney Harbour. Renowned for being one of the most scenic harbors in the world, it offers visitors a stunning experience. In just two and a half days, you can explore its beautiful sandy shores and visit famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For the best views, head to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, located at the tip of the peninsula, perfect to end your day with a gorgeous sunset. Visitors can also enjoy ferry rides, delectable restaurants, and a variety of shops if they have more energy left for this epic Sydney exploration.

If you're a fan of remarkable buildings or the arts, particularly music, the Sydney Opera House should be at the top of your list of Sydney attractions. This iconic structure was designed by Danish architect Sir Jorn Utzon, who gave it a sailboat-like appearance. It gained international recognition after being entered into the Design Competition in 1956. The Opera House features six venues, including theaters and music halls, all designed with exceptional acoustics. A photo in front of this architectural masterpiece is a must! Visitors can also stroll along scenic boardwalks or enjoy a refreshing drink at a trendy bar—the choice is theirs.

Sydney Harbour's major port, Circular Quay is a popular bustling center with a bunch of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy ferries, upscale restaurants and cafes, and famous landmarks. With The Rocks district at one end and the Sydney Opera House at the other, it's the perfect place to stroll around and take in the city’s vibrant energy. Its busy harbor front, which is reachable by land and boat, is ideal for an afternoon promenade and captures the essence of Sydney's lively spirit.

Want to view the breathtaking Sydney Harbor without committing to the whole Bridge Climb? Visit the South Pylon Lookout! In addition to providing stunning views of Sydney Harbor, the Opera House, and the bridge itself, this location is also a good place to see bridge climbers in action! The entrance is at the Harbour Bridge, and after climbing 200 stairs, which includes 68 steps to the ticket office and another 132 steps to the summit you will be welcomed with the most memorable experience of your life.

Despite appearing to be just as busy as well-known beaches like Bondi, Manly Beach, ten miles northeast of central Sydney attracts beachgoers with its easy access to the city and easy surfing waves. Although it's better for surfers than swimmers due to the choppy waters, non-surfers can still enjoy the walks on the silky sand, hiking paths, and other facilities such as cafes, restaurants, playgrounds for kids, and barbeque sites for picnics. Free parking is also available for up to two hours in the surrounding public parking lots.

An interesting neighborhood town awaits history lovers in Sydney! The Rocks is a colonial suburb that is perfect for an afternoon exploration as it is tucked away between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With vendors selling street food and handcrafted goods, the outdoor market comes alive on weekends with people coming from all around the city. Visitors should check out buildings from the 19th century, Sydney’s oldest pub, or stop by Glenmore, a historic rooftop bar, for a drink with a view. Dawes Point Reserve, a quiet park with breathtaking views of the Opera House, is only a short walk away, so don’t forget to check it out.

Luna Park is an amusement park in Sydney with rides like roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games, and is located close to the Harbour Bridge in Sydney Harbour. Don’t get scared by its unusual yet funny entrance with the enormous smiling face, which especially at night can be a little unsettling. The face has undergone seven reconstructions, all of which have been eerily disturbing. The park also features a "Coney Island" portion, which adds a wonderful touch of heritage to this attraction, as the park is inspired by Brooklyn's Coney Island.

Best for family excursions, the Taronga Zoo Sydney showcases more than 5,000 animals from 350 species and is also home to Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos. Experiences like seeing a koala cost around AU$12.50, spending time with dingoes is AU$69.95, or taking part in the Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure costs AU$36. The new Nura Diya Australia experience at this zoo transports you across four landscapes, including Koala Country and Kangaroo Count to give its customers a more profound connection with wildlife. Staying at the Wildlife Retreat, which features rooms with animal themes and views of the enclosures, is a great way to end this adventure.

Nestled along Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden offers breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge combined with an abundance of beautiful plants. In addition to exploring the Calyx, visitors can check out the exhibition space with floral displays, a small restaurant called Leaf Department, and a shop. The garden's cafes provide a perfect ambiance to have your meals in green and lush surroundings. It's also a well-liked location for special gatherings like weddings. It is free to enter and is open every day from 7 am to 8 pm with shortened hours during the off-season.

A bit smaller but just as charming as Bondi, Coogee Beach is ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers. The beach is a family favorite because of its calmer seas and less crowded environment and is praised by visitors as being even more fun than Bondi. The neighborhood restaurants and cafes offer great places to refuel and immerse in local cuisine. It is also a memorable section of Sydney's shoreline because of its breathtaking scenery and excellent food culture.

One of Australia's largest art museums, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, features a wide variety of exhibits and displays, with an emphasis on Aboriginal culture through colorful sculptures and paintings. While entry is free, there may be a cost for special displays. The gallery is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 10 p.m.

Nature lovers will fall in love with the Blue Mountains which is located around 70 miles west of Sydney. You must be thinking about what to do in Sydney’s Blue Mountain. Well, this destination offers a unique blend of experiences, from charming mountain town vibes and vibrant street art walks to glowworm caves and scenic apple orchards. Visitors can enjoy wine tours, wildlife safaris, and explore over 87 miles of walking tracks, all surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and towering trees. Located just a 90-minute drive or a two-hour train ride from Sydney, this area is easily accessible.

With a height of 309 meters, the Sydney Tower is the city's highest building and the second-tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Its viewing deck provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city, and the Skywalk experience allows adventurous souls to venture outside above the observation deck, which offers breathtaking views, photo ops, and glass floors that provide a thrilling reminder of your altitude.

The fleet of ships anchored outside the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour is the true centerpiece among the museum's intriguing displays, which range from fish X-rays to the history of Indigenous sailors. Famous ships like the HMAS Onslow submarine and the HMAS Vampire destroyer are also open for visitors to tour. The interactive activities for kids are particularly appreciated by families, making it a fun experience for all ages.

A Beach with Its Own Show! What could be more iconic than that? Bondi Beach in Sydney is renowned for its powerful waves and is considered among the most renowned surfing beaches in the world. Visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the wide range of activities available, including surfing, souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, well-appointed restaurants, and strolls. Beachgoers often find Bondi to be quite crowded, so it's best to arrive early to secure a good spot on the sand.

First served as a convict barracks, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum is now on a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was also used as an asylum, a dormitory for Irish orphan girls, and a depot for female immigrants. The structure deteriorated after its closure in 1886 until restoration work started in 1975. It now serves as a museum highlighting Sydney's history as a convict settlement. An iPad and headphones are given to visitors so they can take an interactive audio tour that provides location-based information while they explore.

Sydney's Chinatown is the largest and most famous in Australia and is located in the southern part of the Central Business District. This area is known for its authentic Asian cuisine, offering a variety of quality restaurants. Visitors can also explore the peaceful Chinese Garden of Friendship designed by Chinese landscape architects, the garden consists of exotic plants, waterfalls, hidden pathways, and pavilions. Chinatown is easily accessible with multiple light-rail stations, making it a convenient and lively destination to experience a blend of food, culture, and entertainment.

Opened in 1898, the Queen Victoria Building has grown to become a significant shopping destination. It provides a variety of jewelry, lingerie, and skincare businesses and showcases well-known Australian brands like Anna Thomas and Country Roads, as well as fan favorites like Calvin Klein. The building also features restaurants, a chocolate shop, cafes, a wine bar, a tea room, and fast food restaurants like McDonald's for those who want to eat outside after long hours of shopping.

As humpback whales move along the coast, Sydney becomes a popular destination for whale viewing activity from May to November. Although you can see them in Sydney Harbor as well, you have a better chance of seeing them if you take a specialized whale-watching cruise or walk the Coogee to Bondi path. For nature lovers, it's the best experience they won't soon forget!

The Cockatoo Island is the largest in Sydney Harbour and has a long history. It was originally used as a convict station, a shipbuilding site, an Indigenous peoples' gathering place, and a children's educational facility. Currently, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site providing guided tours that explore its WWII shipbuilding history, ghost stories, and prisons on which fees apply. Visitors can choose between a free Talking Object Tour on mobile devices or a self-guided audio tour which costs $6. In addition to offering orienteering courses, lawn activities, and a basketball court beside the port, the island is a fun place for families and history buffs.