Top Things to do in Central Business District
10 Historic Sites in Central Business District That You Shouldn't Miss
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
Restaurants in Sydney
1. St. Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,050 reviews
Reviewed By lauraajw - Sydney, Australia
This is actually my local parish. I have always loved this cathedral as its located next to hyde park, a very short walk to both St. James & Museum station, and close walk to Sydneys Westfield, the harbour, and the botanical gardens & domain. Inside is lovely & has a really nice gift shop too. The stain glass windows are my favourite part of this cathedral. Its also very popular for weddings and you can get amazing wedding photos here. Holds mass regularly including the full Latin mass, also had midnight christmas mass!
2. Government House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By f2s - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Only open for a few hours at the weekend. Free entry on production of photo ID. Our guide did a good job, no photos inside. The Victorian decor and furnishings are good. Ongoing garden/fountain works restrict the view from the veranda.
3. Grand Post Office (GPO) Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Reignonkarma
We had a tour of the GPO Sydney, Margaret was very informative and we learnt about the history of this amazing building. Some may walk past it every day without knowing what a significant part the building played in the history of this city, including even being a filming location for ‘The Matrix’
4. State Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By L6104TDjudithr - Sydney, Australia
I have been to this theatre many times over the years and I always get a thrill out of arriving at the Art Nouveau foyer and finding my seat in the splendour of the auditorium. As the stage area is limited compared to larger newer theatres, the shows here now tend to be for smaller productions or solo performers. Often shows are only on for a few days so be quick if you see something you want to see.
5. Anzac Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
The Anzac Memorial, in Sydney's Hyde Park, is NSW's principal memorial to all Australians who have served in the Defence Force. The Memorial building in both its original and its extended form is a work of art and remarkable piece of architecture. It is a physical expression of the spirit and legend of the Anzacs and a place of comfort for those who have lost loved ones. Exhibition and interpretation spaces allow the Anzac Memorial to illustrate the evolution of Australian military service while focusing on NSW stories. The detailed storytelling within the new Exhibition Gallery complements the quiet spaces and symbols of the original Memorial building. A free virtual tour of the '1945: From Hot War to Cold War' exhibition can be taken by visitors, accessed via the Anzac Memorial's website. The Anzac Memorial has limited opening hours at present, please visit the website for further details. Admission to the Memorial is free.
Reviewed By Michael-4551 - Caloundra, Australia
Visited on Sunday 10th November. It is situated in Hyde Park and a must see when you visit Sydney to honour those who gave their lives for us during the two World Wars.
6. Westpac Bank
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By LisselA - Brisbane, Australia
This beautiful old bank building is listed on the NSW Heritage Regsiter both for its lovely outside but also features that have been retained on the inside. On the ground floor, in a chamber next to but separate from the retail bank, is a heritage gallery featuring original fittings, furniture and decor which also contains historic artefacts and explanatory posters related to the history of the bank. You can learn surprisingly fun facts about the history of banking in Australia and the Westpac bank in particular – the first transactions, the first women employees, and the old shooting range upstairs! A shooting range? Yep - step inside the heritage tellers cages and see where they stored there firearms before modern security was a thing, and see how the old counters are worn on top from years of passing over money. You can also pop downstairs and see the lovely old rooms where the security deposit safes are (though no photography down there). I don't know if we were lucky or it was just a quiet day, but the whole time we were there no-one else came through. If you're first thought is "banking, how boring" you could not be more wrong.
7. St. James Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
St. James Church is located in a central part of the city of Sydney, amongst legal and commercial buildings. It is a significant part of the city as it is the oldest surviving building in the area, having been built in 1824. It is a lovely church and part of the history of Sydney,and is worth a look if you happen to be passing by.
8. Justice & Police Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 248 reviews
These historic police buildings once hosted infamous criminals like bushranger Captain Moonlight and sly-grog queen Kate Leigh, as Sydney's police and magistrates kept law and order. Walk through the corridor of cells, check out the chilling collection of criminal weapons and hundreds of photos from forensic archives. Open Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Reviewed By newyork64 - Carlisle, United Kingdom
I have been here before 4 years ago. The displays change. This is a must see. The displays are fascinating. The photographs are the best criminal mugshots I have ever seen. The quality of the photograph and detail are remarkable given the time period. This Museum has an impressive and totally unique archive. I love the low key commentary that portrays a fearsome time for cops and crim's alike. The death masks are also interesting. The scary items of weaponry are a sight to behold. A well though out and fabulous display. The re enactment of a court case where you can dress up and participate is very special and gives everyone an insight into the macabre world. I recommend this to every one that visits. The limited opening days are a problem though. You need a mid week day or two. I rank this alongside Fremantle Gaol in W.A and Port Arthur in Tasmania as one of the premier convict destinations.
9. Sydney Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 376 reviews
Sydney Town Hall is a working building and the home of the City of Sydney Council. More than 300 events are held in the building each year, including concerts, exhibitions and special events. Events that are publicly accessible can be found listed on the City's What's on website Tours of the Sydney Town Hall are conducted by the Friends of the Town Hall. To make enquiries regarding the tours and to check availability, please call the Town Hall in advance.
Reviewed By petermY2777LY - Melbourne, Australia
The Sydney Town Hall was built in 1889 and is on the State Heritage Register. It houses the chambers of the Lord Mayor of Sydney, council offices, and venues for meetings and office functions. It lies on top of part a cemetery complex. It is the largest and most ornate late 1880's building in Australia. Town Hall House behind it in Kent Street was opened in 1977.
10. First Government House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
The Museum of Sydney now stands on the site of First Government House. Built on Gadigal land in 1788, the house was home to the British colonial Governors until it was demolished in 1845. It was from this place that all major decisions effecting the growth of the colony and early Australia were made. The Museum of Sydney includes several displays that explore the history of First Government House including archaeology, views of the original foundations, a model and a recreation of the front facade. Open daily. Closed Christmas Day.
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