Top Oz Tours offers a great range of Sydney tours and experiences. You can browse the options here.
Nowhere in Australia rivals Sydney for its spectacular location and array of iconic sights.
It’s the most popular port of call for international visitors, and much loved by homegrown holidaymakers as well. And there are endless ways to spend your days in the fabulous Harbour City.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Sydney on a first visit.
Watch our video of ten top things to do in Sydney:
10 Top Things to Do in SYDNEY, Australia in 2024 | Ultimate Travel Guide & To-Do List
Support our channel and save on travel by joining our new Top Traveller Club! 😄 Member benefits include a branded travel water bottle delivered to your door, and 10% off day and multi-day tour bookings worldwide!
1. Explore Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is the city’s brightest star, and looks good in all weathers and at all times of the day. There are so many ways to enjoy this architectural gem: see a performance (including opera, plays, concerts, and ballet), join a guided tour, or just walk around Bennelong Point and marvel at the majesty of the building itself.
The harbourfront Opera Bar reinvents the beer-garden concept Sydney-style. An evening drink or meal here affords you one of the world’s most captivating vistas — encompassing the glittering lights of the CBD and Harbour Bridge, the comings and goings at Circular Quay, and of course, the Opera House itself in all its illuminated glory.
2. Cross or climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
To appreciate the staggering scale of Sydney Harbour Bridge, you need to climb it or cross it — preferably both. The Pylon Lookout (located at the bridge’s city end and accessible from Bridge Stairs in Cumberland Street) offers a unique perspective on the iconic steel arch as well as providing far-reaching views of the city and harbour. From here, it takes about 15 minutes to walk across the harbour using the pedestrian walkway that extends the length of the Bridge on its eastern side. Early risers will capture the best photos. Those prepared to brave the arch’s heady heights can do so with Bridge Climb.
3. Walk in the footsteps of Governor Macquarie
If you’ve never heard the name Lachlan Macquarie, you soon will on a visit to Sydney. The visionary early-nineteenth-century governor of the colony of New South Wales transformed what was a stagnating penal settlement into a thriving commercial centre. The busy CBD thoroughfare that bears his name is home to some of Australia’s oldest buildings, including The Mint, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Hospital, and St James Church. Walk the length of Macquarie Street to admire the fine architecture (much of it constructed in golden local sandstone), or visit one of several museums in the vicinity dedicated to showcasing the city’s colonial past.
4. Take a guided tour of The Rocks
While Macquarie Street shares a story of political power and civic progress, The Rocks — Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood — has a different tale to tell. From European settlement in 1788 through to the mid 1900s, convicts, sailors, criminal gangs, and citizens mired in poverty made this side of the city a rather unhealthy place to be. The then erstwhile slum quarter is now a much-loved heritage precinct, and its nooks and crannies harbour all manner of historic details. Join The Rocks Walking Tours on a guided 90-minutes stroll and learn more about this remarkable time capsule.
5. See old and new art
Sydney has a rich artistic heritage to explore during your visit. Aboriginal painted rock art is less common here than in other parts of the country, but ancient rock carvings can be viewed across the greater region. The earliest forms of creative expression in the European colony were largely scientific in nature, while in the 19th century local artists chose to give the Australian landscape a very English feel. Today of course, the city’s arts scene is all encompassing, and the pre-eminent Art Gallery of New South Wales (with its stunning new wing devoted to modern works) is a must-visit. Over on the edge of The Rocks, the excellent Museum of Contemporary Art Australia houses more than 4,000 pieces — many by Indigenous artists. General admission to both galleries is free of charge.
If you’d like to get more involved than simply looking at art and socialise with likeminded locals in the process, take up a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other at a Pinot & Picasso studio in Sydney. They offer art classes at several different locations and your creation will serve as a unique holiday souvenir.
6. Shop at the Queen Victoria Building
Sydneysiders love the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) and you will too; its Victorian-era beauty is captivating! Situated in downtown George Street (right next to Town Hall station), the building is an architectural hymn to the refinements of the late 19th century. Looking around at the domes, arches, and stained glass, you’ll feel you’re in a secular cathedral — one dedicated to the pleasures of shopping. Pause to enjoy impromptu performances at the grand piano in the central atrium or treat yourself to a formal English high tea at The Tea Room.
7. Hit Bondi Beach
As the setting of a globally popular reality TV series, Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach — and a mecca for sun-loving locals and visitors alike. Easily accessible by public transport from the city centre, it’s a place of remarkable natural beauty and a hive of hedonistic energy. Thanks to Sydney’s mild climate, it’s possible to swim here for much of the year (stay between the red and yellow flags so lifesavers can see you). Surfing is sacrosanct to Bondi residents and if you’ve always wanted to give it a go, now’s your chance! Book a lesson with Lets Go Surfing and get upright in no time.
A six-kilometre coastal walking path connects Bondi with another of Sydney’s best loved beaches — Coogee. As you meander along the clifftops with the mighty Pacific Ocean to your left, it’s easy to forget there’s a vast city to your right! Stop for a coffee, meal, or swim at any of the three enchanting smaller beaches along the way (Tamarama, Clovelly, and Bronte). Finish the walk at Coogee and explore its shabby-chic Art Deco-era beachfront, before returning to the city by bus. Alternatively, you can turn around and do the walk in reverse!
8. Feast on fish and chips at Watsons Bay
Located just inside the mouth of Sydney Harbour on the narrow South Head peninsula, Watsons Bay is a former fishing village and now one of the city’s most desirable residential locales. However, its roots haven’t been forgotten. Travel by ferry from Circular Quay, purchase fresh fish and chips from famous Doyles on the Wharf, and find a shady spot to enjoy them in neighbouring Robertson Park. For a more sophisticated piscatorial dining experience, you can’t go wrong at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
Burn off any fried indulgences and enjoy sublime water views by walking the one-kilometre-return South Head Heritage Trail. You’ll pass the candy-cane striped Hornby Lighthouse — the perfect spot to watch for migrating whales from May to November. Further down the ocean side of the peninsula, Gap Bluff provides a breathtaking outlook over the Tasman Sea.
9. Ride a Manly Ferry
More than twice the size of other craft in the city’s public transport fleet, the mighty Manly Ferries rule Sydney Harbour. They travel the seven-nautical-mile route from Circular Quay to the northern beachside suburb of Manly, traversing almost the entire length of the greater harbour. Just think — some people do this spectacular trip as their daily commute!
City workers may choose to ride the Manly Fast Ferry to save time, but you should do it the old-school way — on a traditional Freshwater Class vessel. Feel the engines thrumming beneath you and the wind on your face throughout this memorable 30-minute trip.
10. Soak up the view from Sydney Tower
Visible from all over the city, Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in the CBD and offers an epic 360-degree view (all the way to the Blue Mountains on a good day) from its observation deck. Those who are game can take it outside on the popular Skywalk tour and stand on a glass platform 270 metre above the busy city streets!
Need a place to stay?
Vibe Hotel North Sydney
There are plenty of good reasons to consider staying in North Sydney during your visit to the Harbour City, not least of all the thrill of travelling to and from the CBD over the Harbour Bridge. North Sydney is just two stops by train from the City Circle station Wynyard, and offers access to a plethora of local bars, restaurants, and shopping options. It’s virtually a city within a city, and is located just a short walk from the harbourside enclaves of Kirribilli and Milsons Point (home to Luna Park and the Art Deco-era North Sydney Olympic Pool).
Vibe Hotel North Sydney is the perfect accommodation option for business and leisure travellers looking for a stylish accommodation offering in this part of Sydney. The hotel has 187 rooms and suites, with an emphasis on connectivity. Each room features a workspace and USB charging points, and Wi-Fi is complimentary.
When it’s time to unwind, the hotel has a fabulous rooftop pool and recreation deck. Conveniently located beneath the hotel, the Eat Street dining precinct hosts an array of casual food outlets.
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Chippendale
Like its sister property above, Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Chippendale is located outside the CBD proper. However, it gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the inner city’s most characterful neighbourhoods — and has character of its own in spades! The recently remodelled, low rise, 42-suite hotel makes use of a distinctive colour palette of sage green, musk pink, soft grey, and clean white, punctuated with bolder coloured carpets, curtains, and retro-style furnishings. The end result is a visual fruit salad that’s a delight to behold. Add beautiful terrazzo kitchens and bathrooms to the mix, along with an inviting Palm Springs-inspired communal courtyard — complete with a plunge pool and giant pink inflatable swan.
Once a gritty working-class suburb and home to factories and a sprawling brewery complex, Chippendale has morphed into a cultural and dining mecca. There are several independent galleries (White Rabbit is one of the best known) and two popular foodie precincts (Kensington Street and Spice Alley) within walking distance of Adina Chippendale. A fusion of heritage and modern architecture now defines this part of Sydney, and just walking the maze of small streets around the hotel will see you uncovering cool cafes, eclectic eateries, unique boutiques, and other hidden urban gems.
This post was published thanks to Pinot & Picasso.
Browse our range of Sydney tours and experiences here. We offer a Best Price Guarantee.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Sydney? Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Roslyn Jolly is a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in Escape (News Limited), Mindful Puzzles, Vacations and Travel, and Mindfood. In her former career as an English Literature academic, she studied and taught the work of great travel writers, such as Henry James, Herman Melville and Robert Louis Stevenson, and became fascinated by the history of travel and tourism. Two years at school in Wales and three years at university in England allowed Roslyn to travel extensively in Europe and North America, which she continues to do.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
Travel essentials
You can book many aspects of your holiday on the Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas website, including flights, hotels, car hire, travel insurance, and more. When you purchase a product or service using the following links from our partners, we receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay, and it enables us to continue to provide readers with amazing travel inspiration.
Flights
Compare airlines, flights, and fares in one place with Booking.com. They don’t charge any credit card fees and you can always see exactly what you’re paying for in the price breakdown. Search for flights with Booking.com
Hotels
If you’re looking for a great deal on your next hotel or homestay, look no further than Booking.com. Their mission is to make travel affordable and accessible to more people, and to deliver seamless accommodation experiences that complement your holiday. Search for hotels and homestays with Booking.com
Car hire
Discover Cars is an award-winning (World Travel Awards) car rental comparison website, which helps customers find, compare, and hire cars at the most competitive prices globally. Search for hire cars with Discover Cars
Campervans & motorhomes
Make Jucy your first choice for campervan and motorhome hire. Since 2001, this progressive company has had a vision to be world-famous for enabling experience seekers to discover happiness on the road. Search for campervans and motorhomes with Jucy
Day tours & experiences
Search and book day tours, guided experiences, and attraction tickets and passes worldwide with Top Oz Tours and Viator. There are no booking or credit card fees when you book through us, and you’ll have access to the widest choice of activities and most competitive prices. Browse day tours and experiences
Multi-day tours & trips
Top Oz Tours has joined forced with Tour Radar to bring you a fabulous range of multi-day tours and trips from the world’s leading operators. Travel with like minded people and get the best possible price on the holiday of your dreams. Browse multi-day tours and trips
Travel insurance
World Nomads aims to be a part of every traveller’s journey by providing a reassuring range of travel insurance services. Benefits include coverage for emergency medical and evacuation or repatriation, lost baggage, trip cancellation, and more than 150 adventure activities. Get an insurance costing
