Sydney is so full of things to do that it’s hard to narrow down the list to twenty. Since moving to New South Wales, I have lived in Sydney for almost five years. I am always amazed by the harbor city’s beautiful weather, sparkling waters, and endless beaches. This is truly one of the most photogenic cities in the world.
What are the top activities and places to visit in Sydney?
Circular Quay is a great place to stroll around
Circular Quay’s postcard-like views are undoubtedly Sydney’s crown jewel. First-time visitors to Sydney have gasped in wonder more than once as the airport train pulled into Circular Quay Station and the harbor came into view.
It can be frustrating to see this area so crowded, but there is a good reason why people come here. Circular Quay is the best place to see Sydney. With the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in the distance, it’s hard to beat.
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
A walk through the New South Wales Heritage-listed Royal Botanic Garden will give you a more stroll, and you’ll get to see the Sydney Harbour. It is the perfect escape from the fast pace of the CBD. The garden is free to visit and offers free guided tours for those who wish to delve deeper into the plants. Be on the lookout for Australia’s unique fauna. Kookaburras are common in the area.
The Queen Victoria Building is a beautiful architectural landmark
The Queen Victoria Building, or QVB, is one of Sydney’s most impressive heritage structures. It was first built in 1890 and restored in 1986. The Queen Victoria Building is situated opposite Sydney’s Town Hall in George Street. It is easily identifiable by the large statue of Victoria that stands at its entrance. The building is also a shopping center that offers high tea at The Tea Room, QVB, to those who want to feel fancy while taking in the view.
Discover the Rocks area
Sydney’s historic district is a must-see on any itinerary. Take a Walking Tour of the Area with an Experienced Guide who will explain it to you. The area is ideal for exploring the narrow laneways and enjoying lunch in a historic pub with a harbor view like the Glenmore Hotel. The Rocks also has a number of excellent cafes and great markets at the weekend.
Ferry rides are available
Circular Quay’s green and yellow historic ferries have been a part of Sydney for centuries and make for a great day out. They are also a very functional system of public transport. You can buy a ferry ticket by tapping your credit card on the terminal while you board and leave. Circular Quay is the starting point for some of Sydney’s busiest ferry trips. These include Manly, Watson’s Bay, and Darling Harbour.
Enjoy a seafood meal at the Sydney Fish Market
Sydney Fish Market is a must-see for anyone who loves fresh seafood. This market, located in Pyrmont, about 25 25-minute walk from the QVB, is ideal for a relaxed seafood lunch. When eating outdoors, beware of the seagulls, who are known to steal right from people’s plates.
Enjoy the stunning harbour views from Observatory Hill
The picnic spot on Observatory Hill is one of Sydney’s most well-kept secrets. This park, home to the Sydney Observatory, built in 1859, is perfect for a lazy picnic afternoon. You can enjoy the view of North Sydney and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the distance as you watch the ferries go back and forth. Around sunset, the twinkling city lights are a beautiful sight.
Watson’s Bay Hotel offers an Australian pub with a twist
Watson’s Bay Hotel, a trendy pub in Sydney’s summer, is popular with both tourists and locals. The fun begins when you take the ferry from Circular Quay over to Watson’s Bay. Spend a little extra on a seafood meal of prawns, oysters, or pub food. Wash it down with an Aperol Spritz, and then take a walk along the charming waterfront. Why not stay overnight at the hotel?
Sydney Opera House Tour
The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic venues for performances. Its white sails are easily recognizable. Learn the stories behind the Opera House on a guided tour. The famous Opera Bar is Sydneysiders’ favorite summer hangout.
Enjoy a day on the beach at Balmoral
Sydney has many beaches to choose from. The unassuming but beautiful Balmoral Beach is my favorite. The flat, sheltered bay makes it ideal for swimmers who don’t want to deal with waves. The beach is a great place to picnic, with plenty of grass and sand. Buses run directly from the city and stop within walking distance.
Experience Newtown, Sydney’s most unique neighborhood
Newtown, located on the edge of the city, is known for being quirky and the perfect place to have a good time. This vibrant suburb has plenty of vintage shops, record stores, and pubs. You can always find great opportunities to watch people here. Grab a beer from the local pubs (young Henry’s Newtowner is available on tap).
Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk
Sydney Harbour Bridge can be experienced in two different ways, depending on how adventurous you are and what your budget is. The first is the expensive but once-in-a-lifetime Bridge Climb, where you will be strapped into a harness and climbing the arch of the bridge. The second option is to take a leisurely walk at your own pace across Sydney Harbour, from The Rocks up to Milsons Point in the northern end. On a nice day, either way, you will get a stunning view of the harbor.
Carriageworks Farmers Market: Enjoy local produce
The Carriageworks Farmers Market is one of my favorite Sydney activities. It happens every Saturday. It is a delight to visit the produce market, which features seasonal produce from all over New South Wales. This vibrant covered market, set against the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops, now known as Carriageworks, is always busy and full of delicious goodness.
Swimming in the ocean pool
Sydney and New South Wales have many iconic ocean swimming pools, the most Instagrammable of which is the Bondi Icebergs Pool. These seaside pools are scattered along the coast. Other lovely swimming spots can be found at Bronte and Coogee.