The capital of New South Wales, and home to more than four million people, Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth. This relatively young city is endowed with a brash, infectious optimism and sun-tanned residents who are as comfortable on surfboards as they are at the ballet.
From the golden sands and sparkling water of Bondi Beach to the instantly recognizable curves of the Sydney Opera House, this city is a photographer’s dream.
Start your Harbour City adventure with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower. Then, explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Just a short stroll away is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York's Grand Central Station, Circular Quay. From this bustling transport hub, jump aboard a famous Sydney ferry to just about anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Nearby Darling Harbour has the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Follow the restaurant- and park-lined waterfront to The Rocks where you’ll almost feel the ghosts of the city’s convict and seafaring past. Thrill-seekers can ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. If heights don’t phase you, stretch your legs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb for a truly breath-taking experience.
Say “G’day” to kangaroos, koalas and platypus at Taronga Zoo. Be sure to catch the free-flight bird show set against the spectacular backdrop of the harbor.
A short walk from downtown, you’ll find village-like suburbs such as Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighborhoods are studded with quirky cafés, boutiques and galleries. Darlinghurst and Potts Point are top spots for foodies. Major shopping destinations include Bondi Junction and a sprawling Westfield mall in the heart of downtown.
Sydney is a paradise for nature-lovers the bush and the beaches are never far away. See the harbor’s rugged coastline on the 30-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches.
Getting around Sydney is simple, with an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and pleasantly cool winters, making the Harbour City an ideal Australian destination year-round.
Sydney
Travel Guide
Visit Sydney
Sydney Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Sydney
Sydney Central Business District
Historical and commercial heart of Sydney, the CBD boasts towering skyscrapers, lively café culture, and nightlife in areas like Darling Harbour. Explore parks such as Hyde Park and cultural institutions, while enjoying easy access to public transport.
Darling Harbour
Adjacent to Sydney's city centre, Darling Harbour boasts a pedestrian precinct with attractions like the Australian National Maritime Museum and Chinese Garden of Friendship. Enjoy dining at Cockle Bay Wharf, explore Tumbalong Park, and access various transport options, including the Inner West Light Rail and ferry services.
Bondi Beach
A noteworthy feature of Bondi Beach is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Bondi Beach and Bondi Markets.
Manly
Beach-side suburb with easy ferry access, Manly offers a mix of ocean and harbor beaches, scenic cycle tracks, and a lively commercial area along The Corso. Explore historic sites like North Head Quarantine Station and enjoy outdoor dining.
Parramatta
Major CBD and suburb, Parramatta boasts lush Parramatta Park, bustling Westfield shopping center, and diverse dining options on Church Street. Easily accessible via trains, buses, and ferries.
Sydney Olympic Park
Featuring a large sports and entertainment area, commercial developments, and extensive parklands, this Greater Western Sydney suburb offers attractions like Bicentennial Park and Newington Armory. Easily accessible via Olympic Park railway line and ferry services.
Shangri-La Sydney
This is a very nice hotel with great staff and extremely comfortable beds. The view spectacular.
Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Close to the international airport. Easy to get to. Rooms are nice and quiet. Hotel has bar downstairs
Reviewed on Dec 11, 2025
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Very clean room with beautiful views
Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Well located within walking distance of lots of food, shopping, public transport and tourism highlights.
Reviewed on Dec 11, 2025
Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
Clean room. Very comfortable.
Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025
The York by Swiss-Belhotel International
Location was great, was within walking distance of most things we wanted to see in Sydney. Great sized apartment which was perfect for our family of 4. Would have given 5 stars but was slightly let down by not knowing that the pool was going to be out of action during our stay. Under ...
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025
Popular places to visit
Circular Quay
Flanked by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transportation hub is one of the prettiest terminals in the world.
Sydney Opera House
One of the world’s most famous buildings is surprisingly accessible; take in a show or just take a stroll to admire this astonishing building.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Stroll from end-to-end or climb to the top; either way, Sydney’s “Coat Hanger” serves up memories to last a lifetime.
Star Casino
Why not roll the dice by visiting Star Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Sydney? Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or experience its acclaimed art scene.
Manly Beach
Take one of Sydney's most popular ferry rides to discover calm coves and surf beaches, restaurants, bars, shopping and spectacular views.
Bondi Beach
Locals and travelers from all over the world come to worship the sun, sand and clear blue waters of Australia’s most famous beach.
Things to do
Taronga Zoo Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Sydney Harbour Explorer Cruise
Sydney Opera House Tour & Dine Experience
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets
Jazz Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Twilight Treasures Sunset Sydney Harbour Cruise
Reviews of Sydney
5/5 - Excellent
I have been to Sydney before and really enjoyed it. But, unfortunately, I didn't actually make it this time due to the pandemic.
5/5 - Excellent
Great place and I’ll definitely go back one day.
5/5 - Excellent
Great, vibrant city.
5/5 - Excellent
Sydney is a beautiful friendly town. The downtown area is easily accessible on foot.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful city, felt very safe walking around.
5/5 - Excellent
We were only there for a day, waiting to fly home from our cruise. But I definitely recommend Darling Harbour. And I'd love to go back and explore more of Sydney.
Other places like Sydney
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Hotel with a Concierge Hotels in Potts Point
- Hotels with Free Parking in Woolloomooloo
- Rv Parks in Sydney Central Station
- 5 Star Hotels in Sydney
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Darling Harbour
- Aparthotels in Sydney Circular Quay Station
- Hotels with a Pool in Sydney
- Hotels near Sydney Theatre Company
- Potts Point Hotels
- Hotels near St. James Station
- Shopping Hotels in Kings Cross
- Hotels near Harbourside
- Guest Houses in Kings Cross Station
- Hotels with WiFi in Sydney
- Historic Hotels in The Rocks
- Hotels with a Pool in Wynyard
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Darlinghurst
- Hotels near Railway Square
- Hotels near St Mary's Cathedral
- Winery Hotels in Sydney
- Business Hotels in Barangaroo
- Business Hotels in Darling Harbour
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool in Sydney Central Business District
- Hostels in Kings Cross Station
- Scuba Diving Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- Hotels with smoking rooms in Darlinghurst
- Hotel with a Concierge Hotels in Darling Harbour
- Pousadas in Sydney
- Capsule Hotels in Sydney
- Darling Harbour Hotels
- Business Hotels in Dawes Point
- Ski Hotels in Sydney
- Castles in Sydney
- Luxury Hotels in Dawes Point
- Hotels with a Pool in Surry Hills
- Hotels with Free Parking in Sydney
- Boutique Hotels in Surry Hills
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Haymarket
- 4 Star Hotels in Sydney
- Boutique Hotels in Darling Harbour
- Rv Parks in Sydney
- Luxury Hotels in Kirribilli
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Sydney Central Business District
- Hotels near Theatre Royal
- Boutique Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- Hotels near Pyrmont Bridge
- Hotels near Sydney Circular Quay Station
- Sydney Central Business District Hotels
- Darlinghurst Hotels
- Cheap Hotels in Potts Point
- Sydney Hotels
- Aparthotels in Sydney
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- Adventure Hotels in The Rocks
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Chinatown
- Hotels near World Square Shopping Centre
- Family Hotels in Kirribilli
- Guest Houses in Sydney
- Family Hotels in Pyrmont
- Adults Only Resorts & in Sydney
- Inns in Sydney Central Station
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in The Rocks
- Hotels with a Pool in Millers Point
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sydney
- Hotels near Wild Life Sydney Zoo
- B&B in Sydney
- Farmstay in Sydney
- B&B in Sydney Circular Quay Station
- Romantic Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- Barangaroo Hotels
- Hotels near Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Scuba Diving Hotels in Sydney
- Hotels with Free Parking in Sydney Central Business District
- Cruise Ships in Sydney
- Casino Hotels in Sydney
- Holiday Park Resorts in Sydney
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Chinatown
- Hotels near Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Sydney
- Business Hotels in Chinatown
- Family Hotels in Rushcutters Bay
- Hotels near University of Technology Sydney
- Resorts in Sydney
- Hotels with Hot Tubs in Sydney
- Cheap Hotels in The Rocks
- Vacation Homes in Sydney
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Kings Cross
- Gay friendly Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Sydney
- Hotels near Wynyard Station
- Cheap Hotels in Darling Harbour
- Hotels near SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Business Hotels in Sydney Central Business District
- Aparthotels in Wynyard Station
- Circular Quay
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Manly Beach
- Bondi Beach
- Taronga Zoo
- Qudos Bank Arena
- Accor Stadium
- International Convention Centre Sydney
- Sydney Town Hall
- White Bay Cruise Terminal
- Overseas Passenger Terminal
- Luna Park Sydney
- Capitol Theatre
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- World Square Shopping Centre
- King Street Wharf
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Westmead Hospital
- Oxford Street
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
