12 Best Places to Visit in Sydney, Australia

Undoubtedly the most iconic landmark of Australia, the Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s best architectural marvels. This iconic structure is located in the heart of Sydney. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s free to check out this iconic spot and take a look inside. However, you must take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to understand the minutest details of this masterpiece designed by the great Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Opera House is one of the oldest concert halls that houses over 9 venues and hosts more than 15000 shows a year. You’ll spot plenty of tourists but also those coming by for a concert or show. Bennelong is one of our favorite upscale spots for a pre-theatre bite or special night out with insane views of the harbor.

Of course, the Harbor Bridge, or Coat Hanger as the locals call it because of its arch-based design is something you cannot miss when in Sydney. If you are a fan of heights, you can admire the beauty of Sydney by taking a bridge walk. As you climb up the bridge you will be blown by the astounding views of the most beautiful harbor on earth. This iconic heritage bridge is one of Sydney’s most photographed landmarks. It has a total of eight lanes, numbered from west to east that carries multiple transport systems like rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is probably most famous around the world as the location of one of the world’s first New Year’s Eve fireworks displays each year. Come visit this world-renowned symbol of Australia when you are in Sydney. This is one place to visit in Sydney that you can not miss

With plenty of fun things to do for young and old alike, Darling Harbour is one of the ideal places to visit with your family. You’ll find many of the popular things to do in Sydney’s Darling Harbor. It’s nice to stroll around the city like a pedestrian and watch people doing different things. The main highlights here are the exhilarating jet boat rides, high-end shopping centers, Madame Tussauds Museum, Scenic harbor cruises, popular restaurants and cafés, interactive fountains, and the most popular Sydney wildlife world. The best time to visit this place is on a Friday night, and you’ll be treated to a spectacular fireworks show. Located at the heart of Sydney, this tourist waterside destination is one of the most popular tourist places in Sydney that you must visit. Come here to shop, cruise, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this enchanting place.

Wildlife Sydney Zoo: You begin to get a sense that Darling Harbor might be slightly larger than you thought when you realize there’s a zoo here. Here, you will get the opportunity to meet Koalas, Kangaroos, Crocodiles, Wombats, and Platypuses. There are actually several different zones within the zoo for you to explore – The Kangaroo Walkabout, Devil’s Den, Butterfly Tropics, Gumtree Valley, Wallaby Cliffs, and Nightfall.

Taronga Zoo: Another popular destination in Sydney is Taronga Zoo that’s located on the harbor front. This is a not-for-profit zoo that supports wildlife conservation. Here, you get a chance to see the animals around the world and parallel enjoy the views of Sydney. It’s a chance for wildlife enthusiasts to get close to over 4000 animals. Taronga Zoo also has facilities to camp at night in safari-style tents. It also includes a night and day safari in the wild.

For swimming, surfing, and buzzy restaurants, bars, and shops, head to Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches which are a popular hangout for locals and tourists. Close to Sydney, this iconic spot has golden sands and a saltwater pool that is regularly splashed across Instagram. Stick to the pool as the ocean can be pretty rough, especially after the afternoon cocktail scene happening. If you’re looking to explore, walk the six kilometers from Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk to see whales, five beaches, bays, and plenty of seaside cafes. This beach has also been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest swimsuit photo shoot with 1010 bikini-clad women participating.

This “City of Harbors” offers you some of the most scenic views of Sydney water. There are numerous ways of seeing Sydney from the water. The Sydney Harbor cruise is the most wonderful way to experience it. Take a sail to learn a bit of the city’s history, the local people, and their traditions while sightseeing. You will also get to see the Opera House from some different angles, possibly see some marine life, and just enjoy the blue Sydney water. Take the Sydney Heritage Fleet Cruise during the day or hop aboard a paddle wheeler for a Sydney Showboat Cruise at night.

The beautiful Queen Victoria Building on George Street is a perfect getaway for shopping and architecture lovers. This building was completed in 1898 and renovated in the 1980s. It’s believed that this building was started to provide employment to the craftsmen, stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists, with this worthwhile project. With tall domes and pillars and stained glass windows, this chic place looks more like a museum today. You’ll also find some beautiful originals such as the 19th Century staircase. Queen Victoria Building in Sydney Australia is a significant monument that is now affectionately called QVB.

Set beside the southern terminus of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, The Rocks stands out with its stone heritage architecture and narrow cobblestone lanes. This place was once a slum which was frequently visited by sailors. Today, The Rocks is buzzing with stalls selling indigenous crafts, jewellery shops, boutique stores, and a variety of pubs and bars. The area is also home to some of Sydney’s fine dining restaurants with magnificent harbor views. With so many things in and around The Rock, one will be spoilt for choice. This emerging vibrant cultural precinct is best explored on foot. A mix of the past and present, The Rocks is just five minutes away from Circular Quay. Your trip to Sydney Australia will not be complete until you see The Rocks.

The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the most visited attractions in Sydney Australia. The green lung of the city sits in the middle of Sydney which is spread over 74 acres. Australia’s oldest botanical garden is home to stunning horticultural displays featuring thousands of exotic plants and flowers. A small tip, join a free guided tour to learn more about the plants in the garden. The garden here is divided into different sections showcasing some of the rarest species of flora. Come visit this place for a leisurely walk or to explore the many plants on an exhibition or to simply relax. Royal Botanic Garden is open every day of the year, and access is free. Take a tour to learn about Aboriginal culture and to enjoy the expansive lawns and greenhouses.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is among the largest galleries in Sydney Australia and the most prominent one. One of the most beautiful museums in the world, the Art Gallery of NSW houses modern and contemporary works. Each piece of art is displayed in expansive and light-filled spaces for all art enthusiasts to view. There are separate wings dedicated to Asia art, Western art, Australian art, etc. Additionally, several temporary exhibitions and regular exhibitions are set up in this gallery. The art gallery hosts lectures, screenings, artist talks, and workshops throughout the year. A must-visit place for artists, photographers, and others who appreciate different forms of art. Admission to the gallery is free and is open on all days except Christmas and Good Friday.

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney Australia is one of the best examples of Gothic revival architecture. This symbolic building was built somewhere between 1866 and 1928. St. Mary’s Cathedral, the standout symbol of Sydney lies between Hyde Park and The Domain. The majestic arches of the main structure have taken inspiration from both Lincoln Cathedral in the UK and Notre Dame in Paris. The grand glass windows lying alongside elegant arches, transepts, and flying buttresses will surely take you back in time. The light coming in through its stained glass windows paints the chapel in a mesmerizing array of pretty colors. St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney Australia is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday.

This small island has been used as a house for convicts in the 1800s, as a film set, as a prison, as a shipping harbor, as a fishing spot, and much more. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site is held by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Cockatoo Island is located at the junction of the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers, in the beautiful Sydney Harbor. Take a ferry tour to spend the day exploring the rich history and unique features of this island. Apart from learning about its interesting past, you can also have a breathtaking view of the harbor or attend some concerts and cultural events. This lesser-known Sydney tourist attraction is a must-visit place when you’re in Sydney Australia.

When in Sydney Australia, do not miss the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship. This botanical garden was made during the reign of the Ming Dynasty and has since been maintained to symbolize the bond between the two countries. Set at the southern end of Darling Harbor, this garden is filled with traditional bamboo thickets, exotic Chinese flowers, waterfalls dropping into hidden nooks, tea houses, and glazed terracotta Dragon Wall. Tour the whole garden to enjoy the gorgeous garden that’s a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Taking the express lifts up the Sydney Tower Eye is one of the popular things to do in Sydney. Standing 309 meters high, Sydney Tower Eye is the city’s tallest building and one of its great landmarks. Once you are up here you will find an observation deck with an alfresco glass-floor viewing platform that’s a perfect spot for sightseeing. The magnificent views of the city and its landmarks can be seen from here. It’s also home to a shopping center, a few restaurants, and other entertainment facilities. The Sydney Tower holds the honor of being the highest event space not just in the country, but the entire Southern Hemisphere. Come here during the day to watch the blue ocean meet the harbor, or at night to marvel at the city lights. Sydney’s prominent skyline is a must-visit for all tourists visiting this place.

If you’re visiting Sydney Australia with children, a visit to Luna Park, just across the Harbor Bridge is a must-visit place. This heritage-listed amusement park opened its doors to the public in 1935. Luna Park has fun-filled activities for the entire family. Some thrilling rides and special attractions with some lip-smacking food are the main highlights here. The park opens from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm from Friday to Sunday. On Monday it closes at 4:00 pm and on Thursday at 6:00 pm. The park remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. After you’ve enjoyed all the rides at Luna Park, consider walking around Lavender Bay to Wendy’s Secret Garden for more city and Harbor views.

Also read: First off-the-grid Adventure Park opens in Australia

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of the most visited and one of the best places to visit in Sydney Australia. It took almost two years to bring this dream to reality. The Sea Life Aquarium is home to more than 13,000 fish of 700 species from around the world. Walk through the crystal clear glass tunnels to witness the wide variety of exotic tropical fish, sharks, penguins, stingrays, and many other fishes. This large establishment is divided into 14 zones and you’ll need a full day to see the aquarium which owes more than 50% of its traffic to international visitors.

Indulge: Places To Eat And Drink In Sydney Australia

The Apollo – Shared plates of Modern Greek food is the name of the game here. Set in the Potts Point section of Sydney, large groups are encouraged to dine together. The crowd is a total mix, with some patrons donning sports jackets while many young locals are in t-shirts and jeans. Come with family and friends and order the full Greek for the table. And don’t forget the ouzo.

Bennelong – This restaurant at Sydney Opera House has four options for dining and drinking: the restaurant, the bar, the cured and cultured section, and the chef’s table in the kitchen. This chic place is famous for couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions. Be sure to be dressed best for this elegant place. Reservation is a must at the restaurant but, at the bar, you just enjoy the breathtaking view of Sydney without the reservation.

Acme – This rustic, edgy spot is unconventional and on-trend. The food is Italian meets Asian with pasta as the star. A must-try is the linguine with black garlic and burnt chilli or the BBQ broccoli with macadamia miso. Those looking to sample creatively crafted food come to Acme, only to match the menu with the unconventional wine list.

The Boathouse – As the name suggests, this place is set right on the water. It’s an hour’s drive from Sydney, but worth it if you’re looking for something really special. You can sit out on the deck at a wooden picnic table enjoying muffins, granola, egg and bacon rolls, smashed avocado on toast, or a fish burger beside the sunny and bright beaches.

Stay In Sydney Australia

Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbor – Following the trend of heritage buildings undergoing renovations to become boutique hotels made for the Instagram generation, this property appeals to those looking for modern, art-focused design and inimitable lifestyle spaces. Picture exposed brick and splashes of vibrant paint, suites with cocktail bars in tow, and walk-in rain showers. Enjoy daily happy hours in the lounge.

Sydney CBD – The Sydney CBD is definitely the most popular and best area to stay in Sydney Australia. All the major main tourist attractions are close to this place and easy to navigate by foot or metro. If you are a shopaholic then this is the place to be. Each corner is filled with stores, and plenty of cultures, history, fashion, and gastronomy.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Bending its way around the harbor, this property is located in a prime spot across the water from the Sydney Opera House. Rather than intimidating its surroundings, the Park Hyatt is a low-rise luxury hotel with high-end and tasteful design, made for the jet-set crowd. If you can peel yourself away from your chic apartment-style room with a private balcony, make sure to visit the incredible rooftop pool and terrace, fit with aromatherapy steam rooms.

A Few Tips Before You Leave For Sydney Australia

–          To avoid looking like a tourist in Sydney, pack and travel accordingly.

–          In many spots such as Bondi, flip-flops and a laid-back vibe are standard.

–          Because of its geographical location Sydney Australia receives one of the highest levels of UV radiation, so you need to carry adequate protection.

–          Be cautious while at the beach and always remember to be near the red and yellow flags.

–          For travel, skip the taxis—buses and trains are an easy way to get around.

–          Be vigilant when riding public transportation.

–          Keep some extra time while commuting via public transport.

–          Some areas in Sydney have no smoking zones, so keep an eye out for no smoking zones.

–          Sydney is a major global and metropolitan city and acting like a local is truly the best way to experience it.

–          Book safe accommodations where you can feel more secure and at ease.

In Sydney Australia, one can spend days or even weeks exploring without getting bored. As this city has it all, Sydney features in the top 50 most visited cities in the world. Come discover all the best places to visit in Sydney from this perfect holiday destination list.