13 Best Things to Do and See in Sydney
Places to Visit
I’ve been to Australia a few times now, and I love heading into Sydney. Catching up with friends is always a great excuse to revisit my favourite spots. Let me share my list of the best things to do and see in Sydney.
1. Sydney Opera House
Right at the top of any list of the best things to do and see in New South Wales is a visit to the Sydney Opera House. It’s an iconic piece of architecture with a fascinating construction history. You can either book a guided tour or buy tickets to a show to experience the interior.
2. Cruising like a local (without the price tag)
Instead of dining at the restaurants next to the Opera House, I recommend a quiet drink at the Opera Bar in the afternoon and watching the iconic green and yellow ferries come and go across Sydney Harbour. Then, hop on one from Circular Quay to Manly, or get off at Rose Bay. Enjoy classic fish and chips overlooking the beach with million dollar views of the Harbour Bridge. Just watch out for seagulls—they always seem to claim the best tables!
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
If you’re up for a bit of adventure and want to do something unforgettable, book the BridgeClimb Experience. You’ll walk along the top of the Harbour Bridge, soaking in spectacular views of the city and harbour. They even give you a video to remember it by.
4. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is perfect on hot summer days. There's a shaded walk that offers a cool escape, and the café is a surprisingly affordable spot to relax. Keep your eyes peeled for oversized iguanas and cheeky ibis—always ready to share your food like their seagull cousins.
5. The Rocks
Wander through The Rocks, a charming historic precinct near Circular Quay. It's the best place to experience quirky shops, weekend markets, old pubs, and cafés where you can watch the world go by. Some original buildings have been beautifully preserved, giving you a glimpse of early Sydney life.
6. Taronga Zoo
For family-friendly fun, take the 12-minute ferry ride to Taronga Zoo. It’s a great way to see some of Australia’s lovable wildlife, especially if you don’t have time to explore for them in the wild.
7. Macquarie’s Chair
Take a short scenic walk to Macquarie’s Chair—a sandstone bench where Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife once sat in the early 1800s, watching their young city grow. The spot still offers a lovely outlook over Sydney Harbour.
8. State Library of New South Wales
In my humble opinion, the State Library of NSW is a hidden gem. Built in 1826, it’s Australia’s oldest library and located right across from the Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the exhibitions—both permanent and rotating—and be sure to end your visit with a drink at the gorgeous Library Bar on the rooftop. It’s a peaceful little spot not many tourists know about.
9. Bondi Beach
Ask any Sydneysider what they think is the best thing to do on a weekend and Bondi Beach will come up fast. It’s iconic: bronzed bodies, tiny swimwear, and a general vibe of cool. Pop into the Budgy Smuggler store for cheeky souvenirs—they’re all the rage now.
10. Coogee Beach
Personally, I prefer Coogee Beach—it’s more relaxed, less crowded, and equally beautiful. Like Bondi, it has a rock pool, a typical Aussie beach feature where you can swim without worrying about hungry ocean predators.
11. Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
One of my absolute favourite things to do in the Sydney area is the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk—a stunning 6km track winding around cliffs, beaches, and inlets. You can walk in either direction, and there are buses to get you back if the return journey isn’t on your agenda. Treat yourself at The Clove Indian Café in Coogee, which offers a delicious combo of three curries, rice, and bread for just AUD $15—a perfect post-hike reward!
12. Kamay Botany Bay National Park & Captain Cook’s Landing
I love learning about the history of the places I visit. Botany Bay, just south of Sydney, is where Captain James Cook landed in 1770. You’ll find the Obelisk and plaque in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, marking the moment of the first landing. There’s also a cultural walk through lush woodland looking out over the bay..
13. Cape Solander: Whale Watching
While you're in Botany Bay, head up the hill to Cape Solander between May and November for a chance to see humpback whales migrating along the coast. Bring binoculars—you might even spot dolphins riding the waves.
In Conclusion - 13 Best things to do and see in Sydney
How much you can do really depends on your time and whether you have access to transport, but the list above covers a mix of Sydney’s essentials and hidden gems. Once you've ticked these off, there are countless more adventures to plan—so consider this just the beginning of your Sydney love affair.
