Top 15 Things to Do in Sydney, Australia
Few cities capture the imagination quite like Sydney, Australia. With its iconic harbor, sparkling beaches, and vibrant arts and dining scenes, Sydney offers endless ways to explore and indulge. Whether you’re here for a few days or a full itinerary, these are the top things to do in Sydney for travelers who appreciate culture, adventure, and luxury in equal measure.
From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, this Sydney travel guide showcases the best of the city’s outdoor lifestyle, architectural beauty, and creative spirit.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Sydney, Australia:
1. Sydney Opera House: Icons and Insider Experiences
Sydney Opera House at sunset
No list of Sydney attractions is complete without the Sydney Opera House, one of the top Sydney landmarks and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Take a tour of the Opera House to learn about its design and history or experience it like a local by attending a live performance beneath its famous white sails. For an indulgent evening, enjoy fine dining at Bennelong or sunset cocktails at Opera Bar, both offering spectacular harbor views. These experiences capture the sophistication and energy that define luxury travel in Australia.
2. Sydney Harbour: Adventures on the Water
There’s no better way to experience Sydney’s charm than from its sparkling harbor, one of the world’s most breathtaking Sydney attractions. Watch the skyline unfold on a luxury yacht charter or join locals aboard a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for classic harbor views. Adventurers can book a seaplane flight or a private dinner cruise, both offering a fresh perspective on the city’s elegance. Those looking for active escapes can kayak through hidden coves or stroll the scenic coastal trails that trace the shoreline. Sydney Harbour is where energy, beauty, and relaxation meet effortlessly.
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge: Engineering Marvel & Iconic Climb
Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb at night
Towering above the harbor, the Sydney Harbour Bridge remains one of the most photographed things to do in Sydney, Australia. The BridgeClimb offers multiple ways to take in the panoramic views, from sunrise ascents that bathe the city in gold to twilight climbs framed by glowing city lights. Prefer to stay grounded? Walk across the pedestrian path for free or explore the Pylon Lookout for sweeping harbor views without the heights. This steel masterpiece represents the spirit of Sydney: bold, adventurous, and beautifully engineered.
4. The Rocks: Heritage, Culture & Culinary Scene
Nestled at the base of the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is where Sydney’s story began, a neighborhood that blends colonial charm with modern creativity. Wander its cobblestone streets lined with artisan boutiques, cozy cafés, and vibrant weekend markets. History buffs can explore The Rocks Discovery Museum, while art lovers can stop by the Argyle Gallery for authentic Indigenous works. As dusk falls, sample craft beer in heritage pubs or savor contemporary fare at one of the many waterfront restaurants. It’s a must for travelers seeking Sydney cultural experiences, where every corner tells a story.
5. Barangaroo: Sydney’s Modern Waterfront Playground
Smoke rooftop bar in Barangaroo. Image: Tourism New South Wales
Barangaroo represents Sydney’s newest evolution, a seamless fusion of sustainability, style, and culture. Once a shipping port, it’s now home to luxury restaurants, rooftop bars, and one of the city’s most picturesque promenades. Dine at Oncore by Clare Smyth for Michelin-level cuisine or enjoy drinks at Smoke Bar with panoramic harbor views. Stroll through Barangaroo Reserve to discover Indigenous art, native gardens, and tranquil walking trails. This is the heart of luxury Sydney experiences, where innovation meets indulgence right on the water’s edge.
6. Royal Botanic Gardens: Nature Meets the City
For travelers wondering where to go in Sydney for a peaceful escape, the Royal Botanic Gardens are an oasis amid the urban bustle. Just steps from the Opera House, these gardens showcase more than 7,500 plant species and unbeatable views of the harbor. Join an Aboriginal heritage tour to learn about native flora and their cultural significance or enjoy a leisurely picnic overlooking the water. Early risers can catch an unforgettable sunrise framed by the Sydney skyline, a photographer’s dream. It’s nature and city life in perfect harmony.
7. Bondi Beach: Surf, Style & Coastal Walks
Surfers hitting the waves at Bondi Beach. Image: Tourism New South Wales
No Sydney travel guide is complete without Bondi Beach. Famous for its golden sands, world-class surf, and laid-back atmosphere, Bondi perfectly captures the city’s outdoor lifestyle. Start your morning with coffee and breakfast at a local café, then dive into surf lessons or take a refreshing dip at Bondi Icebergs Pool. For a scenic adventure, walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, where clifftop paths reveal dramatic ocean views and hidden coves. Bondi embodies Sydney’s love for sunshine, fitness, and the sea, an icon of Australian beach culture.
8. Manly Beach: Laid-Back Escape by Ferry
Manly Beach offers a more relaxed coastal experience, easily reached by a 30-minute ferry ride across the harbor. The journey itself is one of the top things to do in Sydney, with views of the skyline, the Opera House, and the bridge unfolding before you. Once there, explore the beach promenade, snorkel at Shelly Beach, or rent a bike to cruise the waterfront. With boutique shopping, seaside cafés, and a warm local vibe, Manly embodies the best of Sydney’s easygoing charm.
9. Taronga Zoo: Wildlife with a World-Class View
For families and nature enthusiasts, Taronga Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Sydney. Perched on a hillside overlooking the harbor, the zoo offers close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and exotic wildlife from around the globe. Experience the “Roar and Snore” overnight stay for a luxury glamping adventure beneath the stars or join an animal encounter for a hands-on moment with native species. The zoo’s conservation initiatives make it as inspiring as it is entertaining, an essential stop for responsible travelers.
10. Darling Harbour: Entertainment & Waterfront Luxury
View from the pool at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Image: Tourism New South Wales
A vibrant hub both day and night, Darling Harbour delivers some of the finest waterfront dining and nightlife in the city. Families can explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or the interactive museums nearby, while couples can enjoy dinner cruises or live music at stylish bars. Stay at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for five-star comfort and skyline views, the epitome of luxury travel in Australia. With fireworks lighting up the harbor on weekends, it’s easy to see why this lively district is a favorite for visitors and locals alike.
11. Australian Museum: Science, Culture & Connection
The Australian Museum is one of the oldest and most significant Sydney attractions, blending science, culture, and education. Its extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and cultural artifacts bring the natural and human worlds to life. Recent renovations have modernized exhibits with interactive technology, making learning immersive for all ages. The museum’s commitment to Indigenous storytelling adds a powerful layer of connection to Australia’s heritage, making this one of Sydney’s most meaningful indoor experiences.
12. St. Mary’s Cathedral: Architecture & Reflection
Graceful and timeless, St. Mary’s Cathedral stands across from Hyde Park as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Step inside to admire the soaring arches and stained-glass windows or pause in the surrounding gardens for quiet reflection. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration here, especially at sunrise when the golden light illuminates its façade. As one of the most spiritual and historical buildings in the city, it’s a must for those who appreciate faith, art, and Sydney sightseeing combined.
13. Spice Alley: Sydney’s Global Flavor Street
Dining in Spice Alley. Image: Tourism New South Wales
Hidden in Chippendale, Spice Alley offers a vibrant culinary adventure through Asia’s most beloved street foods. Wander under lantern-lit paths as the aromas of Thai curries, Malaysian noodles, and Singaporean satay fill the air. Grab a bottle of wine from nearby Handpicked Cellar Door, find a spot beneath the glowing red lanterns, and indulge in Sydney’s multicultural energy. For those who love global gastronomy, Spice Alley perfectly embodies the flavor and diversity that define Sydney cultural experiences.
14. Paddington Market: Style & Artisan Finds
Paddington Markets in Sydney. Image: Tourism New South Wales
Since 1973, Paddington Market has been a Saturday tradition celebrating local creativity. Stroll through over 150 stalls showcasing handmade jewelry, fashion, home décor, and gourmet treats. Beyond the market, explore nearby Oxford Street’s designer boutiques and cozy cafés for an extended afternoon of shopping and style. This area captures the chic, creative energy that sets Sydney apart, offering a glimpse into its thriving artisan community.
15. Inner West: Creative Sydney Beyond the CBD
Sydney’s Inner West reveals the city’s artistic and indie soul, where creativity meets community in every neighborhood. Suburbs like Newtown, Glebe, Marrickville, Ashfield, and Strathfield each bring their own character, from Victorian streetscapes and leafy parks to colorful murals and buzzing local venues. Spend your day exploring Newtown’s King Street, the heart of the Inner West, just two miles from the city center. Browse vintage shops, sample craft beer at microbreweries, or enjoy live music in intimate bars.
For a taste of local life, visit the Carriageworks Farmers Market (Saturdays 8 am–1 pm) or the Glebe Markets (Saturdays 10 am–4 pm). Whether you’re walking heritage trails by day or soaking in indie rock by night, this is where locals gather to celebrate art, food, and culture, one of the most dynamic and authentic corners of the city, and a must for travelers seeking where to go in Sydney beyond the main tourist path.
Our Australia travel specialists have visited Sydney several times and are happy to chat about the best things to see and do! Call us at (888) 229-0082 to start planning your trip to Sydney or browse our Australia travel packages.