Things to do in Sydney

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Sydney
Cronulla Beach featuring waves
Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city
Sydney
Sydney showing a bay or harbor, a city and night scenes
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Sydney must see attractions

1. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
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Circular Quay showing street scenes, a sunset and a square or plaza

2. Sydney Opera House

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.
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Sydney Opera House featuring a city, a bay or harbor and boating

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.
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Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

4. Manly Beach

Manly Beach was named after the strikingly healthy and handsome indigenous people who first lived in the area. Back in 1903, it was one of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming and surfing. These days, Manly is an upmarket Sydney suburb by the water, offering fine beaches, heritage architecture, shopping, dining, and bush walks. The ferry journey alone, from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, is a must-do Sydney experience.
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Manly Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach

5. Bondi Beach

The seaside suburb of Bondi is often overshadowed by its near-mythical beach. There’s more to Bondi, however, than just its incredible stretch of sand. With fabulous dining, cool shopping, art deco architecture and residents devoted to the body beautiful, Bondi is a state of mind as well as a destination.
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Bondi Beach in summer in Sydney, Australia.

6. Taronga Zoo

Nestled into 185-acres (75-hectares) of hilly harbor-side bushland in the upscale suburb of Mosman, you’ll find one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. Taronga Zoo is the perfect place to encounter Australia's wildlife. And, with more than 2,500 animals representing 340-plus species, Taronga has the entire world covered.
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Taronga Zoo showing bird life, a city and skyline

What to do in Sydney

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sydney

Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbor, modern architecture and a monument

Sydney Opera House

4.5/5(1,512 reviews)

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 Opera House
Circular Quay featuring general coastal views, modern architecture and a city

Circular Quay

4.5/5(1,399 reviews)

Flanked by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transportation hub is one of the prettiest terminals in the world.

Circular Quay
Sydney Harbour Bridge showing night scenes, a bridge and a sunset

Sydney Harbour Bridge

4.5/5(1,379 reviews)

Stroll from end-to-end or climb to the top; either way, Sydney’s “Coat Hanger” serves up memories to last a lifetime.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Manly Beach showing swimming, a coastal town and boating

Manly Beach

4.5/5(584 reviews)

Take one of Sydney's most popular ferry rides to discover calm coves and surf beaches, restaurants, bars, shopping and spectacular views.

Manly Beach
Star Casino showing a sunset and signage

Star Casino

4/5(84 reviews)

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.

Star Casino
Bruce Springsteen

Qudos Bank Arena

4/5(67 reviews)

Catch an event at Qudos Bank Arena during your trip to Sydney. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Qudos Bank Arena
Bondi Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach

Bondi Beach

4.5/5(882 reviews)

Locals and travelers from all over the world come to worship the sun, sand and clear blue waters of Australia’s most famous beach.

Bondi Beach
Hyde Park showing a garden

Hyde Park

4.5/5(640 reviews)

Hyde Park is just one of the places to see in Sydney, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Hyde Park
Accor Stadium

Accor Stadium

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Catch an event at Accor Stadium during your trip to Sydney. Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Accor Stadium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Sydney

Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(1,320 area reviews)

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.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(269 area reviews)

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.

Darling Harbour
Bondi Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

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 Icebergs.

Bondi Beach
Manly Beach which includes tropical scenes, a sandy beach and a coastal town

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.

Manly
Parramatta featuring general coastal views and a city

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.

Parramatta
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

The Rocks

Historic area near Sydney's city center, The Rocks boasts close proximity to Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge views. Explore weekend Rocks Market, galleries, and historic pubs like Fortune of War, while enjoying walkable streets and easy rail access.

The Rocks

Popular day trips from Sydney

Wollongong which includes a sandy beach, boating and a city

Wollongong

Photo by Lauren Abela

Camden Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Sydney worth visiting?
With a blend of coastal beaches and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney. When you're here, visit Sydney Opera House, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sydney?
Start your day with a visit to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach. Then, tour different parts of Sydney for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sydney?
Three days in Sydney is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers spend two days on average. Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Campbelltown.
Is Sydney a walkable city?
Some top sights in Sydney, including Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from the city center of Sydney is Sydney Central Business District and East Sydney is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Sydney with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Sydney with kids.

What to do in Sydney for adults?
Archie Rose Distilling Co. And Sydney Town Hall are just a few of the things to do in Sydney. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sydney?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sydney. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Bondi Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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