Best Things To Do in Sydney

Sydney has many interesting destinations to offer to those who decide to visit it. I tell you the plans that you can not miss in this Australian city.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Best Things To Do in Sydney

Vista panoramica de Sydney |©Theo G N

One of the largest cities in Australia, Sydney does not leave its visitors indifferent, as it has a wide range of tourist attractions to enjoy. You will be able to visit a series of historical, cultural, natural and leisure places. Also, you will live unique experiences exploring the city from the sea and the heights.

Some of the best things to do in Sydney include the scenic bus tour with free stops, a walk through the streets of The Rocks neighborhood, a visit to the interior of the Opera House and see the city from the viewpoint of the Sydney Tower. In addition, you can take a cruise on the bay and enjoy the urban and natural contrast, and even spend a different day at the local beaches, among other things.

1. Take a look at the city from the second floor of the Sydney sightseeing bus

Sydney Tours bus|©baytram366
Sydney Tours bus|©baytram366

With the tour bus you will take a look at the different districts of the city and identify the streets, monuments, buildings and some natural spaces as you pass by. In addition, you can hop on and off at the more than 24 assigned stops and visit the places of your interest following your own itinerary.

Through this sightseeing bus tour in Sydney you will get a different view of the streets, monuments, buildings and natural areas. You will be able to pass by the imposing Harbour Bridge where the transfers to the Sydney Cruise Harbour run, walk along the coast and enjoy the scenic beauty of Bondi Beach.

You will also discover some popular neighborhoods such as Paddington, Rocks or Chinatown. You can stop at the Sydney Aquarium to learn about its more than 700 species, get close to the Opera House and be amazed by its architectural design, among other destinations incorporated into this sightseeing bus tour of Sydney with free stops.

Information of interest

  • Price: the entrance fee for the sightseeing bus tour is approximately 38€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour can last 24 or 48 hours, depending on the ticket purchased.

Book a tourist bus tour

2. Visit the Sydney Opera House and get to know one of the architectural landmarks of the city

Sydney Opera House|©Susan S
Sydney Opera House|©Susan S

Going to Sydney and not visiting the Sydney Opera House is like not having passed through the city. It is one of the most visited architectural landmarks by tourists and locals. You will be amazed with the architectural style given by Jorn Utzon to this building, which recreates the shape of the sails of ships.

Although you can get amazing views of this building from many points of the city, it is ideal that you take some time to visit inside. You can walk through the main rooms and corners of the Opera House, and join an immersive experience with sounds and images, which will allow you to learn about the history of this art center.

Also, during this guided tour of the Sydney Opera House you can access the bar area and view the bay from the top of the building, which during the winter season in Sydney, offers a nostalgic scene. You will be able to take some amazing pictures.

Information of interest

Book a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House

3. Discover Australia's native wildlife at Sydney's Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo. Sydney, Australia.|©RViana
Taronga Zoo. Sydney, Australia.|©RViana

During your stay in the city you can discover the native fauna of Australia by visiting the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. In this natural enclosure you will enjoy a quiet atmosphere surrounded by about 5,000 animals, you can feed some of them and take amazing pictures.

Along the tour you will see kangaroos, platypuses, koalas, lions, zebras, meerkats, monkeys, giraffes, and more species. All of them in special areas that recreate their natural habitat. You will also enjoy some shows with seals and birds, performed by the zookeepers.

With the tickets for the Taronga Zoo in Sydney you can also take the cable car to the park to get a privileged view of the animals and the city. Without a doubt, this is an unmissable visit that you should incorporate into your itinerary along with other activities such as day trips to the Blue Mountains from Sydney.

Information of interest

  • Price: the price of the tickets starts at 32€ per person.
  • Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Book tickets for Taronga Zoo

4. Walk the streets of The Rocks and get to know the oldest neighborhood in Sydney

The Rocks, Sydney|©Jo Masters
The Rocks, Sydney|©Jo Masters

In the shadow of the Harbour Bridge you will find Sydney's oldest neighborhood, The Rocks. You can walk at your own pace through its cobblestone streets, discovering along the way some museums, pubs, markets, monuments and buildings of historical interest.

On this tour of The Rocks in Sydney you will see historical sites such as the following:

Book a tour of The Rocks

5. Climb the Sydney Tower and get a 360º view of the city.

Sydney Tower Eye|©David
Sydney Tower Eye|©David

Among the must-see destinations in the city is the Sydney Tower. This is a 19-storey skyscraper that reaches a height of approximately 275 meters and about 306 meters with the antenna. From its public access platform you will get a 360º view of the city with a range of up to 85 kilometers.

Once in the heights, you will see iconic places such as the Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, among others. Also, if you look carefully, you will see the Pacific Ocean, Botany Bay and the Blue Mountains in the distance, especially during the summer months in Sydney, when the sky is at its clearest.

In the skyscraper you will find stores and a movie theater where you will live a 4D experience with the history of the city. You can also enjoy the unlimited Skyfeast of the Sydney Tower, while the restaurant slowly rotates and the panorama changes in front of your eyes in an almost imperceptible way.

Information of interest

  • Price: the entrance fee to the Sydney Tower starts at 35€ per person.
  • Hours: The tower is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Book the unlimited Skyfeast

6. Take a trip to the beaches of Sydney and practice some water sports

Shelly Beach Manly|©John Turnbull
Shelly Beach Manly|©John Turnbull

Another thing you can do during your trip is to visit the best beaches in Sydney. You will enter a natural paradise where you can relax on the sand, swim, snorkel, surf and much more.

A few minutes from the city center, you will find many beaches to have fun and practice water sports. Such is the case of Bondi Beach, with its golden sand, blue waters and perfect waves for surfing. In addition, you will have a series of activities in Bondi Beach in Sydney such as a skate park.

On the other hand, there is Shelly Beach, protected by a coral reef; Clovelly Beach, with a varied marine fauna (octopus, fish, starfish, seahorses, etc). In both, you will have the opportunity to snorkel and swim freely.

7. Sail around Sydney Harbour and contemplate the city's skyline

Sailboat on Sydney Harbour|©BadDude
Sailboat on Sydney Harbour|©BadDude

Taking a cruise around Sydney Harbour on a sailboat is another thing you can do during your stay. You will contemplate a different view of the city's skyline, which stands out for its interesting contrast between the urban and the natural.

You will sail along 20 kilometers, which is the approximate length of Sydney Harbour, contemplating the Sydney Tower and other skyscrapers of the financial district. You'll also see the Opera House, the historic Rocks district, Taronga Zoo, the imposing Harbour Bridge and other tourist destinations.

And if you take the large sailboat cruise around Sydney Harbour at sunset, you'll see the last rays of the sun bathe the surface of the sea and the facades of the buildings, creating an amazing series of warm hues. And, before you know it, the lights of the city will have been turned on, revealing the vibrant sight of Sydney at night.

Information of interest

  • Price: the cost of this type of boat tours in Sydney starts at about 43€ per person, approximately.
  • Duration: the experience usually lasts about 90 minutes.

Book a large sailboat cruise

8. Take to the skies over Sydney aboard a helicopter and see the city from a bird's eye view

helicopter person|©Pranav Bhatt
helicopter person|©Pranav Bhatt

Take a helicopter and soar over Sydney's skies for a unique panoramic view. You will see from a bird's eye view the huge skyscrapers, some natural areas and the main architectural landmarks that characterize the city. You will have the feeling that Sydney is a small model under your feet.

Throughout this helicopter tour of Sydney you will identify many of the must-see destinations of the Australian city. For example, the imposing Harbour Bridge and Sydney's most iconic expressionist building, the Opera House. You will also see Bondi Beach, the Sydney Tower, among many other places.

Undoubtedly, this experience through the heights could be considered one of the best tours in Sydney, so it should not be missing in your travel itinerary along with other unmissable activities. Such is the case of the city tours, day trips to Canberra from Sydney, etc.

Information of interest

  • Price: the experience can cost up to $144 per person.
  • Duration: about 20 minutes.

Book a helicopter tour

9. Enjoy Sydney's nightlife and have a lively night out

Marble Bar|©John White
Marble Bar|©John White

Enjoying the city's nightlife is a good option after a long day strolling from one attraction to another. You can relax, listen to music and have a drink in the bars, pubs and clubs of the city. You will spend a different and lively night.

In the city you will have a wide range of places to experience the nightlife, some of them being the following:

  • The Marble Bar, present in Sydney since 1893 and named by UNESCO as a National Heritage Site. Here you can have a drink, listen to live music and relive the city's past.
  • The Camelot club, with the best exponents of blues and jazz every night. In addition, comedy and cabaret shows. All this, accompanied by a bar area and a restaurant.
  • The Lansdownel Pub; with a large concert hall where emerging artists of different musical genres (rock, punk, pop, electronic, etc) are presented. You will also enjoy a bar and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views.

Certainly, this is an activity that will bring you closer to the musical and wine culture of the region. In fact, if you are interested in the latter, you could take one of the day trips to the Hunter Valley from Sydney, as this area is the largest producer of wines.

10. Climb the Harbour Bridge and test your vertigo

Sydney Harbour Bridge|©Bob Bain
Sydney Harbour Bridge|©Bob Bain

If you like adventures that combine climbing, vertigo and breathtaking views, then you will have to climb the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You'll reach a height of approximately 134 meters and see the city from an angle unlike any other scenic experience.

You'll traverse a slope, a walkway and some stairs. Then you'll stop to take in the view and enjoy the breeze on your face. You will be able to quickly identify the Opera House, the skyscrapers of the financial district, the Sydney Tower, and so on. And, in the background, you will see the Blue Mountains, which you can visit by joining one of the best day trips from Sydney.

This activity must be done in the company of a guide, because you will need specific safety equipment and prior advice, to avoid inconveniences when climbing. Also, if you are in Sydney with children and want to share this experience with them, they must have a minimum height of 1.2 meters.

Useful information

  • Price: the average cost of this experience is approximately 110€ per person, but if you purchased the Sydney City Pass, then it could be free.
  • Duration: the activity can last up to four hours.

Book a tour to the Blue Mountains

11. Learn about the city's sporting history at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND|©daniel Amodio
SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND|©daniel Amodio

You may be interested in team sports such as soccer, cricket and rugby. If so, you will want to visit the Sydney Cricket Ground during your stay. This stadium, opened in 1848, is an important part of Australia's sporting glory.

You can explore the dressing rooms, walk through the tunnel like a player and onto the field of play. In addition, you will have access to the Cricket Museum, where you will not only see a series of exhibits with the uniforms of the cricket clubs, balls, trophies and bats, photographs.

This is an experience that must be carried out in the company of an expert, because it is not allowed free access inside the sports venue. In addition, during this guided tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground stadium and museum, you will be able to show how good you are at playing cricket in the interactive exhibits.

Useful information

  • Price: access to the stadium and museum costs approximately 21 ¤ per person.
  • Duration: about 90 minutes.

Book a guided tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground Stadium

12. Take a walk through the Wild Life Zoo in Sydney and discover some curiosities of the animal world

Koalas - Wild Life Sydney Zoo|©David Berkowitz
Koalas - Wild Life Sydney Zoo|©David Berkowitz

Discovering some of the curiosities hidden in the animal world is another of the things to do in Sydney. You can visit the Wild Life Zoo and take a walk through the different areas of this wildlife park. You will find around 6,000 animals, including some really interesting species.

You will have the opportunity to interact with the friendly koalas, either by petting them or feeding them with some eucalyptus leaves. In addition, you will see up close the behavior of some Tasmanian devils, platypuses, kangaroos, bilbies, badgers, among other animals, both native and from other parts of the world.

When you purchase tickets for the Wild Life Zoo in Sydney you will have access to a series of talks by the park keepers, which will allow you to learn about the care of animals and wildlife. In addition, throughout the park there are a number of interactive displays with additional information about the species.

Information of interest

  • Price: the cost of the visit to the Wild Life Zoo in Sydney is about 24€ per person.
  • Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Book tickets for Wild Life Zoo