Sydney is Australia’s largest city, and I would guess it’s the most popular as well. Since it’s the biggest and most popular place there is a lot of thing to do in Sydney. Many might wonder why it’s not the capital, but that’s just how it is. In Sydney, you’ll find many of Australia’s most visited places. It’s challenging to find a place in the world like Sydney; it truly has everything. The weather is usually excellent. If you plan to stay for an extended period, you can live the life you want, whether it’s city life, small-town life, mountain life, or beach life. If you’re visiting Australia for a short period, I would recommend choosing Sydney, as you can see and do many different things in one place without having to drive long distances.
Many of you might think of Bondi Beach or the Opera House when you think of Sydney, am I right? Sydney has so much more to offer! I spent the first two weeks on vacation in Sydney and then lived there for about three months.. Since Sydney is such a large city, I thought I’d recommend the top 13 places and things to do in Sydney. Some are well-known, others not so much.
Top 13 thing to do in Sydney
Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Of course, you mustn’t miss visiting the Opera House or Harbour Bridge; they are Australia’s most iconic landmarks. The Opera House is beautiful and unique! These landmarks are right next to each other and surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and bars. The entire area around them is very scenic. You simply cannot miss this on your visit to Sydney!
The Rocks
The Rocks is an area near the Opera House that offers charming streets filled with good food. There are both fine and more ordinary restaurants. The charm of the area lies in the streets and houses, which are so different from anything I’ve seen before. I love just strolling around the area and maybe having something nice to drink at one of the many bars.
China Town (Puffs)
Every major city usually has a Chinatown, and Sydney is no exception. Sydney’s Chinatown has some shops and restaurants, but it’s not particularly special compared to other Chinatowns. The reason I mention Chinatown as one of Sydney’s top 13 is undoubtedly their fantastic puffs. There’s a little shop that sells what they call puffs. It’s like a tiny waffle filled with vanilla cream. They don’t cost much and are incredibly delicious. Please try them and have a few for me too. This is to good not to tell in top 13 things to do in Sydney!
Visit the Blue Mountains
Just an hour outside Sydney’s city center lies the Blue Mountains. I was very pleasantly surprised when I went there. It was genuinely beautiful, and it’s hard to imagine that such a place can be right outside a big city. My favorite spots are the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and Lincoln Rock. Of course, there are many more places to visit since the Blue Mountains area is so vast. If you have a day trip there, you’ll have time to visit all three of these places, and you won’t go home dissatisfied.
Bondi Beach
Certainly, you should visit Bondi Beach when you’re in Sydney. Even if it’s not the best place in my opinion, it’s still a very cool place to experience. There are also many good food places there. The beach is okay, but excellent for surfing. The vibe at Bondi Beach is delightful.
O Bar And Dining
Instead of paying a lot of money to go up in a tower with a view of the city, you can go up to O Bar And Dining. It’s a very nice restaurant that rotates 360 degrees every hour, giving you a view of the entire city. All you need to do is pay for drinks or food, a certain amount per person, but believe me, it’s genuinely worth every dollar! Read more about different rules and check prices here.
Sydney CBD
According to me, Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), i.e., the city center, is very pleasant. It’s sleek and filled with many stores. You are guaranteed a good shopping day there.
Stay at Wake Up Hostel
Wake Up is the best hostel I’ve stayed at. They offer more than just a bed. You can do guided tours, and they help you with all the fun things you want to do. Their service is excellent! If you’re wondering which accommodation to choose, I strongly recommend Wake Up.
Go to Manly with Scenic Ferry
Manly is such a nice place in Sydney, in my opinion, a thousand times better than Bondi. I lived in Manly for a few months and think the place is wonderful! There’s everything there, beautiful beaches, good shopping, and great food. You take a small ferry from Sydney to Manly, and even the boat trip is an experience in itself. Spend at least a day in Manly; it’s so cozy. You can read more about things to do in the Northern Beaches here: Top 8 Beaches to Visit in the Northern Beaches.
Palm Beach
As I mentioned, Sydney is very large and extends far beyond the city itself. A few miles north of the center is Palm Beach. WOW, what a place! Such a beautiful beach and viewpoint. Magical! An easy wan in my top 13 Sydney.
Sydney Botanic Garden
The botanical garden is very beautiful and is also one of the world’s oldest! Just stroll around and enjoy all the scents and colors.
Hike Bondi to Coogee Walk
This fantastic hike is simply unmissable! It’s absolutely wonderful. You’ll pass several beautiful beaches, many cafes, and stunning cliffs. If you’re a nature lover traveling in Sydney, this activity suits you very well!
Day Trip to Hunter Valley – Good way to end top 13 thing to do in Sydney
This is an excursion for those who love wine and food! Book a day trip to Hunter Valley to visit various vineyards, where you’ll also get to taste their wine along with various delicacies like cheese and charcuterie. A luxurious feeling and it tastes delightful!
I hope you were inspired enough by this to visit the fantastic city of Sydney. These top 13 Sydney experiences have truly been my favorite things during my time spent there. Good luck with your adventures in the city that has endless places to offer!
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