Top Things to do in Sydney
Things to do in Sydney, New South Wales: The Best Sights & 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. Drummoyne Oval
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. Vaucluse House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Vaucluse House is one of Sydney’s few 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. A visit to Vaucluse House makes for a perfect outing, be it strolling or picnicking in the grounds (accessible free of charge), dining in the tearooms or experiencing the spectacular refurbishment inside the house. Self guided tours are available. Regular opening days are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Reviewed By Blacksquidie - Brisbane, Australia
I grew up in Sydney but had never been to Vaucluse House ..it was fantastic stepping back into the 1800s and learning the history of the Wentworth family and the times of early Sydney they lived in...the gardens are superb, the guided tour by staff was excellent and very informative, the collection comprises a lot of original Wentworth family furniture , paintings and treasures...well worth a visit
4. Darling Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,319 reviews
Scenic entertainment complex that features shops, restaurants, museums and other tourist attractions.
Reviewed By Angela1066_11 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Darling Harbour is very family friendly with lots to see and do restaurants galore fireworks every Saturday night a paddling pool area for children and ferries to most places love this place x
5. The Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,902 reviews
Reviewed By PapaDonCdn
Great craft breweries, great craft stores and the street market where artists could sell their art was wonderful
6. Chinese Garden of Friendship
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,042 reviews
Escape from the hustle and bustle to a serene, secluded garden—Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. The walled Chinese Garden respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden in its waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways...once you’ve discovered this secret garden, you’ll never want to leave! Opening hours 10am – 5pm - Last entry to the Garden 15 minutes prior to closing. The Garden is closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By Lvalo
Wow, my first visit but won't be my last It is only the muffled sounds of the surrounding city that break you away from the peace and scerenity , it is hard to imagine that such a pristine environment can exist in the heart of Sydney The gardens are immaculately maintained with water features a prominent centre "the Coy Carp are huge" and lazing about the surrounding rocks you will see countless water monitor lizards This is a must see and well done - my hat goes off to whoever is maintaining the gardens
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,919 reviews
Spanning the city center to the North Shore, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a wide steel arch bridge known for its beauty as well as function, providing a crossing for cars, trains, bikes and pedestrians. While the more daring can do the BridgeClimb to the top of the structure, opened to traffic in 1932, anyone can enjoy a walk for free.
Reviewed By iljames - Atlanta, United States
It really is an easy walk across on the footpath, takes maybe 20 minutes each direction. During the winter months, make sure you dress in layers as the winds can feel cold. Crossing over to Milsons Point, there are steps as well as an elevator to take you down to an area of cafes and restaurants, including a very decent coffee shop called the Kirribilli. Walk back towards the harbor and there are nice views towards the Opera House and Circular Quay. You can walk around the nearby Luna Park Amusement Park and take a ferry back to Circular Quay - going underneath the Harbour Bridge in the process. On the Circular Quay end of the bridge, you can go to the Pylon Lookout for spectacular views looking down on the harbour and the Opera House as well as great views of the city skyline. There is a charge, I believe it is 25 Australian Dollars for adults. I am over 65, and was able to get a concession rate by showing my US drivers licence. Note that the Lookout closes at 5pm, and there is no elevator / lift or escalator. You have to walk up 200 stairs, and it can be exhausting, but is so worth it..
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!
