Top Things to do in Central Business District
Things to do in Sydney, New South Wales: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. Former Lands Department Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Former Chief Secretary Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. The Judge House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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!
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. Forgotten Songs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Albywon - Sydney, Australia
Hidden down the quiet Angel Place lane just off George Street. Nice to enjoy before, after or during the interval at City Recital Hall.
9. The Calyx
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Livetotravel747 - Coombabah, Australia
Such a great massive colorful vertical wall of many different plants. Pictures don't do justice to this place.
10. 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.
