Top Things to do in Central Business District
10 Sights & Landmarks 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. Hyde Park Barracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the heart of Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary living record of early colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the barracks has also served as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today, you can discover the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks through a self-guided immersive experience that will feel like stepping back in time. Using our groundbreaking interactive audio technology, you’ll follow in the footsteps of real people whose lives were touched by this place – male convicts, immigrants and women in need, as well as the Aboriginal nations that were impacted by colonial Australia.
Reviewed By 338siddharthb - Seattle, United States
I came here last year in November, when it wasn't closed. I didn't pay the 12$ admission regardless, as it was very high but there is a lot to see in the grounds itself without entering the museum. This is the site where the "undesirables" were kept in prison camps in the famed "Australia as a prison convict colony" after Sydney stopped being an open air prison, people complained and put them in these barracks. Look in the original prison, see the crumbled rooms and stop by at least once to see this relic from Sydney's old colonial past.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Sydney Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,250 reviews
One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a first-timer or an aficionado, the Sydney Opera House has something for everyone.
Reviewed By francismP2333IV
We have been travelling around in Australia for 9 weeks with friends from Austria and Switzerland. Today we visited the Sydney Opera House at 11:15am. The guides name was Bella. Lovely energetic young lady! It was the BEST, and only tour in the entire of Australia that my friends understood every word of the places she took us to today. Wonderful and very articulate when she speaks. Clear concise and entertaining. It was exactly one hour tour with fantastic stories, great photo opportunities, brilliant setup of lights for the illusionist and the “bumping out” and maintenance of the Joan Sutherland Theatre! Finally tour concluding with a happy ending in the Utzon Room. The building truly is remarkable inside and out with fantastic people working. Must see for all. We are glad we did this and took our friends here today! Do the tour!
5. Central Business District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
Although Melbourne is rapidly closing the gap, Sydney continues to occupy the position as the largest city in Australia. The CBD is home to so many major business headquarters that help define Sydney's financial heart. George Street is the main thoroughfare. As a result of this prominence, the CBD is a hub of constantly intense traffic and congestion and the crush of population involved in conducting business. For the average tourist not stuck in these miserable commutes (enjoying the freedom to miss peak hours of going and coming), it's a cornucopia of tourist attraction delights. The CBD is filled with skyscrapers intermixed with fine old historic buildings and it extends from about Circular Quay, along Sydney Cove, roughly ending a little past the Sydney Opera House. On the north side, Church Hill Street (so named for the prominence of churches and the compulsory requirement of convicts to attend church on Sunday) defines its boundary. Sydney's CBD is home to the 30-somethings of whom 99% live in apartments and rent 66% of those places. For us, the skyline views were ever-changing, according to the time of the day. Hot air balloons rising early in the pre-dawn hours, spectacular lights reflecting in the harbor at evening time, and the mid-day sun highlighting the gleaming structures along the bank of the crystal blue harbor waters. Sydney tends to be pretty humid and temperatures are higher than Melbourne's. Locals tell constant jokes about the mosquitoes (Aragon is their favorite repellant) and how heavy sunscreen has to be laid on. Maybe some of that talk is just to drive us all back home and leave Sydney alone? Sydney's CBD was easily explored from the Marriott's prime location near the Circular Quay.
6. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,102 reviews
Visit for the beautiful architecture, stay for the shops. Window shop through the atrium's five levels for high fashion brands, enjoy coffee at the cafes, and listen to the Royal Clock strike.
Reviewed By Cobham30 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Amazing building both outside and inside - amazing Christmas tree - a truly beautiful arcade, perfect for browsing, tea and cake! - amazing clocks too!
7. 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’
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. The Opera House to the Botanic Gardens Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,557 reviews
Reviewed By Michael_WorldWanders - Waikoloa, United States
If you're at the Opera House or at the Botanical Gardens, be sure to take this walk from one to the other past the Government House. Great sights along the way!
