12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Sydney (A Local’s Guide for First-Time Visitors)
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Don’t just stick to the basic tourist trail. While you absolutely must see the icons (yes, we’re looking at you, Opera House), Sydney is so much more than just a postcard.
In this guide, I’m sharing the mix that made me fall in love with the city: the “can’t miss” landmarks, the hidden coastal walks, and the day trips that are worth every penny. Whether you are a family looking for easy wins or a solo explorer chasing the perfect photo, here is how to turn a standard trip into an unforgettable adventure.
1. See the Icons: Opera House & Harbour Bridge (The Right Way)
You can’t come to Sydney and not see the sails. But here is a rookie mistake: most people just take a selfie on the steps and leave.
You can enjoy incredible views of both for free just by walking around Circular Quay. Grab a drink at Opera Bar (right by the water) or simply walk across the Harbour Bridge pedestrian path for the best “free” view in the city.
Want a deeper experience? If you want to understand why this building is a masterpiece, you have to go inside.
Brown Concrete Stairs Beside the Sydney Opera House
2. Experience the Best of Bondi
Bondi is busy, it’s loud, and it’s unapologetically Australian. You have a few options here depending on your energy level.
The Scenic Route: The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a non-negotiable. It’s a 6km clifftop path that connects some of Sydney’s most stunning beaches. It’s paved, safe, and absolutely spectacular.
I usually have mixed feelings about zoos, but Taronga is special. Not only are they huge on conservation, but they also have the best real estate in Sydney. The giraffe enclosure has a backdrop of the Opera House that you have to see to believe.
Getting There: The 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay is an experience in itself.
The Ticket: Buying tickets at the gate can be expensive and involve lines.
Taronga Zoo giraffe with Opera House in the background
4. Wander Through the Royal Botanic Garden
If the city noise gets too much, this is your escape. Established in 1816, this is Australia’s oldest scientific institution, but it feels more like a lush green oasis than a museum.
It wraps right around the harbour, offering the famous “Mrs Macquarie’s Chair” viewpoint—the spot where you can get the Opera House and Bridge in the same photo.
Best part? Entry is completely free.
5. Visit Darling Harbour
This is Sydney’s “entertainment playground.” If you are traveling with kids, you will likely spend a lot of time here. It’s home to the SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds, plus a massive playground at Darling Quarter that will keep little ones busy for hours.
Darling Harbour completely pedestrian-friendly and packed with waterfront restaurants. It’s touristy, sure, but the atmosphere on a Friday night with the fireworks going off is fantastic.
Sydney hasn’t always been shiny skyscrapers. To see where it all began, head to The Rocks. This is the oldest part of the city, filled with cobblestone laneways, sandstone cottages, and some of the oldest pubs in Australia.
Do This: Wander the weekend markets if you are there on a Saturday or Sunday.
Eat/Drink: Grab a pint at the Fortune of War (Sydney’s oldest pub) or find a hidden cafe in the laneways.
If you have more than three days in Sydney, you must get out of the city. The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site about two hours west. Think massive canyons, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls.
The Easy Way: If you don’t want to rent a car and navigate traffic, a small group tour is the best option. It usually covers Scenic World (the steep railway) and a wildlife park.
The DIY Way: You can take a train from Central Station to Katoomba (about 2 hours) and use the local hop-on-hop-off bus.You can take a train from Central Station to Katoomba (about 2 hours) and use the local hop-on-hop-off bus.
Since Sydney is built around the water, sometimes the best way to get from A to B is a boat.
If you want to hit multiple birds with one stone (Taronga, Watsons Bay, Manly, and Circular Quay), the Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise is a great “hack.” It works just like the big red buses, but on the harbour. It’s much more relaxing than sitting in traffic! And at your own pace!
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you have to walk through the QVB. It was originally built in the 1890s to employ out-of-work craftsmen, and the detail is insane—stained glass, copper domes, and intricate tiled floors.
It feels more like walking through a palace than a shopping mall.
Pro Tip: Go to the top floor to see the “Great Australian Clock” and look down through the central dome.
Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra
Queen Victoria Building
10. Get High: The Sydney Tower Eye
Want to see the layout of the whole city? Head 820 feet (250 meters) up.
The View: On a clear day, you can see 80km away to the Blue Mountains.
The Skywalk: If standing behind glass isn’t enough, you can do the “Skywalk” outdoor tour.
If you are a foodie or wine lover, the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and famous for its Semillon and Shiraz. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney.
Day Trip: A guided tour is smart here so everyone can enjoy the wine tasting without worrying about driving!
There is so much to do in Sydney that you could spend a month here and not see it all. But if you hit even half the things on this list, you are guaranteed to have an incredible trip.
