Top Things to do in Sydney
The 10 Best Museums in Sydney, New South Wales
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. ATTY Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 217 reviews
Beautiful quirky Art Gallery showcasing the wonderfully detailed animal creations by resident artist ATTY.
Reviewed By Morgs0889
We stumbled across this gallery earlier in the year and fell in love with Graham’s artworks. We found ourselves talking about the artworks weeks after our visit so went back to purchase one. Graham was fantastic to deal with and made the adoption easy, so much so, we accidentally adopted 2! We finally have these beautiful pieces in our home and we have two amazing new family members to come home to. I can’t recommend Atty enough!
2. 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.
3. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,074 reviews
The Art Gallery of New South Wales acknowledges the traditional custodians of the country on which it is located, the Gadigal of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. From its magnificent site in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. Our mission is to serve the widest possible audience as a centre of excellence for the collection, preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of Australian and international art, and a forum of scholarship, art education and the exchange of ideas.
Reviewed By borrum - London, United Kingdom
Open daily and free entry, the gallery houses impressive collections of classic and contemporary Australian, Asian and Aboriginal paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures. European masters also are well represented. Interesting and informative schedule of free guided tours, as well as presentations and discussion groups. The restaurant and comfortable coffee shop are good value too.
4. Sydney Jewish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By WandererAZ
Thoroughly enjoyed this museum. Timed my arrival to be there for the included tour and so glad I did. Ended up staying almost two hours after the tour because there's so much to see and read about. What happened during the years of the Holocaust is an interest area for me and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit this museum and learn the Australian story. Thank you.
5. Sydney Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,775 reviews
Built in 1858 Sydney Observatory is a fascinating heritage site and public observatory. The quintessential visit is a night tour of 90 minute duration which includes telescope viewing and a Space Theatre experience with a planetarium experience in cloudy weather. Night tours ($18/22 adult) must be booked and prepaid. Day tours are designed for tourists and include a Planetarium 'virtual sky' experience, solar viewing (weather permitting) and a Space Theatre in 30-40 minute tours. Entry to the Observatory is free during the day, tours are a small extra charge ($10 adult or you can use the iventure Sydney card) but well worth it to experience astronomy and solar viewing with an astronomer.
Reviewed By IgnatiusJBath
Intimate and enthralling. Mitch, our guide was Mr Personality, we learned so much and enjoyed every minute in his company. To handle 19th century telescopes was like feeling history and he even calibrated the night sky to Tassie time for our subsequent trip to Hobart - and thanks to him we saw the Southern Cross and the Space Shuttle the next week. One of the best free things we've done, but spend a little on the tour; you won't regret it.
6. Australian National Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,025 reviews
We share stories of the sea. Visit us in Darling Harbour to explore tall ships and beautiful boats, dive under the sea on a submarine, discover contemporary exhibitions and enjoy creative family activities.
Reviewed By rohintonmn - Mumbai, India
We visited three ships,the HMAS Vampire,the submarine HMAS Onslow and the sailing ship James Craig.Of the three,I can especially recommend the submarine and the sailing ships as a must-see because we had Mr.Gavin to explain and explore with us in the submarine.Also,I can't forget another lady who advised us with a deadpan expression to watch our steps in the sub and that we have to follow Mr.Gavin and if Mr.Gavin fell, we were not to follow him! I cannot recall the name of another nice guy who took us through the sailing vessel but he explained really well the history of the ship.The sailing ship can be booked for excursions, etc
7. Powerhouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
A converted electric station houses an eclectic collection of art and artifacts that celebrate applied science and design. The Powerhouse Museum is also known for kid-friendly interactive exhibits and popular limited-time shows featuring props and design elements from films such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.
Reviewed By Stickman1
We were most impressed with the 1927 model Bugatti which won the 1928 Australian Grand prix, the beautifully restored 1854 locomotive and carriages, and the original 1785 stationary steam engine which is said to be the oldest steam engine in the world. There are also some interesting displays on 19th century country life and general stores, space exploration and some stage costumes, including the dress worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.j
8. Observatory Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By nick164 - Sydney, Australia
The views from Observatory Hill are lovely, with Harbour Bridge, North Sydney, and Harbour west of the bridge particularly prominant. Around sunset is a great time to visit.
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. Elizabeth Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
This restful homestead hides a dark and stormy past. Built for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their growing family, Elizabeth Farm has witnessed major events in the growth of the colony, from the toppling of governors and convict rebellion to the birth of the Australian wool industry. As the original cottage was transformed into a fine colonial bungalow, the family’s life was equally gripped with turmoil and drama. Today, set within a re-created 1830s garden, Elizabeth Farm is an ‘access all areas’ museum. There are no barriers, locked doors or delicate furnishings. Australia’s oldest homestead is now our most immersive ‘living’ house museum.
Reviewed By Evsydney - Carlingford, Australia
Actually, a lot of the European history of Sydney and Australia is located in the Parramatta area, and if you are visiting it is worth the easy trip out of the CBD, eg on the train or better the ferry. And this historic house is worth the visit. Best to come when the tour is on, and you can sit in the lounge room and listen to tales of old told with passion. The furniture is all replica, so the ubiquitous "do not touch" does not apply here. Even n winter you might be able to sit in front of the fire and hear those tales. Consider with a visit to Old Government House and the Dairy in Parramatta park. And to compliment your visit, there are great restaurants and cafe's in Parramatta, which is a bit of a hidden gem for most visitors who only see central Sydney.
