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Sydney travel guide
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items From the best beach suburbs and must-visit tourist destinations to hidden gems and local favourites, this is a guide to Sydney from someone who calls the city home. I've been based in the north region of Sydney for most of my life, so many recommenda...
Map
Sections
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Things to do
Where to eat/drink
Where to stay
Where to go
Things to do
As a local, I could go on and on about the top places to go and attractions to see. Here's the short version, including a round-up of the best things to do in Sydney.
Walking across the Harbour Bridge is a must when visiting Sydney. Start at Milsons Point, stop for photos of the Opera House and harbour vistas, and end up at The Rocks. The walk is flat and easy, beautiful, and short - but it can be busy, especially...
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Relatively nearby to the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks area, the Opera House is another popular landmark you should see at least once when visiting Sydney. If you're lucky, you might even spot our resident seal Benny sunbaking on the steps. Catching a...
Sydney Opera House
These gardens are huge, with various areas to sit and enjoy a picnic or overlook the harbour while feeling a world away from the bustling city.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
From January through February, this open-air cinema experience is held annually overlooking the water and city skyline. At dusk, a massive cinema screen plays a mix of new blockbusters, indie films, and classic favourites against an unforgettable bac...
Westpac OpenAir Sydney
As a bookworm, this is my favourite spot for a cosy outing in winter. Make a day of it: browse new books on the first floor, head upstairs to wander the shelves of second hand titles and have a seat at the cafe for a hearty meal, and explore the rare...
Berkelouw Paddington Bookshop & Cafe
A great day out for families and fans of amusement parks. This is the city's most popular theme park for thrilling rides and fun attractions. Entry is free if you'd like to simply take a look around.
Luna Park Sydney
High Tea at the Shangri-La Sydney takes place on Level 36, offering a three-tiered menu of seasonal sweets and savouries paired with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. An unforgettable experience and a unique way to see the city!
Shangri-La High Tea
Take the ferry from Circular Quay in the city to the popular beach suburb of Manly. The journey provides excellent photo opportunities with the Sydney landmarks. Opt for the fast ferry for a quicker journey.
Circular Quay to Manly Ferry
Ideal location for a scenic family outing, or if you're a huge animal lover. Situated on Sydney Harbour, this zoo houses over 5000 animals, including native Australian wildlife and exotic species with stunning city skyline views. Be sure not to miss ...
Taronga Zoo Sydney
When visiting during May or June, I suggest wandering the city during the annual 23-night winter arts and technology festival: Vivid Sydney. See patterns projected on buildings, listen to live music, marvel at light-based installations, and admire vi...
Vivid Sydney
Sydney's hidden gem: a commercial hub with a noteworthy pedestrian laneway. Aside from premier dining, it's famous for its birdcage art installation.
Angel Place
Where to eat/drink
Top spots for delicious food and tasty drinks.
Great vibe, delicious and contemporary Japanese cuisine, and authentic décor. Enjoy plates of sushi, sashimi, and seasonal dishes.
Saké Restaurant & Bar The Rocks
If you're visiting the Manly area, dining on the wharf is an excellent experience. This is a premier waterfront restaurant famous for its panoramic Sydney Harbour views. The predominantly Italian menu includes gourmet wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood...
Hugos Manly Restaurant
Can't come to Sydney without having a beer at one of the city's most famous pubs! Located on the edge of The Rocks, this is Sydney's oldest continually licensed hotel, operating since 1841.
The Lord Nelson Brewery
A buzzing nightlife spot in the heart of the city. Just a short stroll from Wynyard station and sitting on the Sydney light rail line, this vinyl bar has a DJ spinning records live and a Japanese-inspired menu of bar snacks. If you're looking for a d...
JAM Record Bar
This underground French bistro is a moody venue for candlelit dinners, retro vibes, and live jazz. I recommend the Mushroom au Poivre if you're vegetarian or a fan of fungi - it's super juicy and delectable.
Restaurant Hubert
Get an eclectic taste of Asia's hawker markets at this open-air, lantern-lit street-food hub in the heat of Sydney. My go-to place for an affordable meal as it has options from Malaysian and Thai to Japanese and Chinese dishes.
Spice Alley
I highly recommend trying all of The Grounds venues across Sydney, as each has a distinct vibe and design with a unique menu, but this one is a standout. Combining a cafe, restaurant, organic garden, and animal farm, this large-scale lifestyle and ho...
The Grounds of Alexandria
I've yet to have the pleasure of dining here, but it's a must-try experience for an unforgettable evening.
Bennelong
With waterfront views and modern Chinese and pan-Asian dishes, this restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. The venue serves handmade dumplings, fresh seafood, and signature dishes like kung pao chicken.
Lotus Barangaroo
With origins in Melbourne, Lune recently expanded into Sydney, offering a curated selection of pastries with innovative flavours. They serve signature items like plain croissants, lemon curd cruffins, and kouign-amanns.
Lune Croissanterie
When taking a day trip to Watsons Bay, this is the must-visit restaurant. This iconic, Hamptons-inspired waterfront pub and boutique hotel has panoramic views of the city skyline and a menu featuring seafood dishes, classic pub grub, pizzas, and burg...
Watsons Bay Hotel
This is a popular beachside cafe and kiosk offering water views and relaxed dining, including plates of fresh seafood and modern Australian fare.
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
Where to stay
Recommendations for the best places to stay Sydney.
A five-star luxury hotel in the historic Rocks district with spacious rooms and panoramic views of the city.
Shangri-La Sydney
This modern, mid-range hotel sits located within the CBD, serving as one of the best bases for exploring the city. It's conveniently located near major shopping and transport hubs. (Affiliate link)
Rydges Australia Square
With stylish rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, and sweeping harbour vistas, this contemporary hotel is one of the best in Sydney.
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Situated at The Star entertainment complex, with upscale suites and direct access to fine dining, bars, and the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
The Star Grand Hotel
A coastal property set on absolute beachfront at Manly, with uninterrupted ocean views and comfortable rooms.
Manly Pacific Hotel
Experience an unforgettable safari-style stay at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Guests sleep in luxury tents overlooking Sydney Harbour and are treated to close-up animal encounters and exclusive tours.
Roar and Snore Taronga Zoo
A budget-friendly coastal holiday spot on Sydney's Northern Beaches for a more relaxed and local setting. Set between Narrabeen Lake and North Narrabeen Beach, the park offers access to water sports and recreational activities. It features modern cab...
BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
Where to go
According to a local, these are the best places to visit and explore in Sydney.
Affectionately known as ‘Palmy’, this is Sydney's northernmost seaside suburb. This quiet beach area has a surf beach on one side and a sheltered harbour beach on the other. Here you can also hike to the lighthouse lookout for spectacular views. It's...
Palm Beach
Looking for a more local less touristy alternative to Bondi? This is the place to go. A bustling area on the Northern Beaches, just a quick ferry ride from the city. It features a golden ocean beach and The Corso pedestrian mall. There's also a short...
Manly
The Rocks is Sydney’s historic colonial heart, located right next to Circular Quay and beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The area is home to various boutique shops, popular pubs, and buzzing cafes.
The Rocks
A contemporary precinct in central Sydney, featuring public parks, office towers, and vibrant dining spots. It's the ultimate destination for waterfront dining, with so many options you're spoiled for choice. The best part is being able to walk along...
Barangaroo
The more family-friendly neighbour to the ever popular Bondi. While first-time visitors flock to the Eastern Suburbs hub of Bondi for shopping and the beach, I would recommend giving Bronte a chance. Bronte is also a much-loved coastal spot that offe...
Bronte
Located at Town Hall in the city centre, the QVB is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy.
Queen Victoria Building
This trendy inner-city suburb is full of pretty Victorian terrace houses, art galleries, quirky shops, vintage clothing, cool cafes, and lively pubs.
Surry Hills
A historic seaside suburb famous for fresh seafood, dramatic ocean cliffs, stunning harbour views, and a relaxed day-trip vibe.
Watsons Bay