Things to do in Sydney

Activities, attractions and tours

A bridge over water with city buildings in the background.
A surfer riding a wave in the ocean.
A historic clock tower with a modern skyscraper in the background.
A green and yellow ferry named Friendship on a body of water with a city skyline in the background.
A brightly lit bridge over a body of water with a city skyline in the background.

Things to do

Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Big Bus Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

HK$359
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Bus Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
Sydney Attractions Pass including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Sydney Attractions Pass including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

HK$289
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Sydney Attractions Pass including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Hunter Valley Full Day Tour

Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch, Choc & Cheese

HK$1,114
per adult
Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch, Choc & Cheese
Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Tour, Scenic World, Lunch, Koala, Cruise

Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Tour, Scenic World, Lunch, Koala, Cruise

HK$1,372
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Tour, Scenic World, Lunch, Koala, Cruise
BridgeClimb Summit at Sydney Harbour Bridge

BridgeClimb Summit at Sydney Harbour Bridge

HK$2,110
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
BridgeClimb Summit at Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Tower Eye Tickets

Sydney Tower Eye Tickets

HK$180
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Sydney Tower Eye Tickets
Port Stephens Dolphin Watching by Gray Line

Port Stephens Day Tour - Gray Line Sydney

HK$1,008
per adult
Port Stephens Day Tour - Gray Line Sydney
Sydney Harbour Cultural Cruise with Island Stop

Sydney Harbour Cultural Cruise with Island Stop

HK$464
per adult
Sydney Harbour Cultural Cruise with Island Stop
Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Including Scenic World

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Including Scenic World

HK$1,181
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Including Scenic World
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Top places to visit

1. Sydney Opera House

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.
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The Sydney Opera House with its distinctive sail-like design, surrounded by water and a cityscape in the background.

2. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
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The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.
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The Sydney Harbour Bridge with the Sydney Opera House in the background.

4. Manly Beach

Manly Beach was named after the strikingly healthy and handsome indigenous people who first lived in the area. Back in 1903, it was one of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming and surfing. These days, Manly is an upmarket Sydney suburb by the water, offering fine beaches, heritage architecture, shopping, dining, and bush walks. The ferry journey alone, from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, is a must-do Sydney experience.
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A beach with people sunbathing and walking along a path lined with trees and benches.

5. Taronga Zoo

Nestled into 185-acres (75-hectares) of hilly harbor-side bushland in the upscale suburb of Mosman, you’ll find one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. Taronga Zoo is the perfect place to encounter Australia's wildlife. And, with more than 2,500 animals representing 340-plus species, Taronga has the entire world covered.
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A person feeding birds on a tree with a city skyline in the background.

What to do in Sydney

Stay near popular Sydney attractions

The Sydney Opera House with its distinctive sail-like design, surrounded by water and a cityscape in the background.

Sydney Opera House

9.4/10 (18,284 reviews)
The iconic Sydney Opera House captivates with its sail-shaped roof design and UNESCO World Heritage status. Enhance your visit with an evening performance and harbourside dining with spectacular skyline views.
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Where to stay in Sydney

Find the best Sydney areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sydney
Learn more about Sydney
A historic clock tower with a modern skyscraper in the background.

Sydney Central Business District

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

A nighttime cityscape with illuminated buildings reflecting on the water.

Darling Harbour

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

A red door with gold trim, a window with a curtain, and two hanging flower pots.

Surry Hills

Travellers come to Surry Hills for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Crown Street and Belvoir Street Theatre while you're in town.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge at night, illuminated with lights, with the Sydney Opera House in the background.

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

A cityscape with a prominent tower, various buildings, and surrounding greenery.
Photo by Tess McDuie
Open Photo by Tess McDuie

Potts Point

The abundant dining options and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by William Street or Port Jackson Bay while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Kings Cross Station to get around town.

A waterfront cityscape at dusk with buildings, a dock, and boats.

Wollongong

Frequently asked questions

Is Sydney worth visiting?
With a blend of coastal beaches and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney. When you're here, visit Sydney Opera House, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sydney?
Start your day with a visit to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach. Then, tour different parts of Sydney for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sydney?
Three days in Sydney is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Campbelltown.
Is Sydney a walkable city?
Some top sights in Sydney, including Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Sydney is Sydney Central Business District and East Sydney is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Sydney with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Sydney with kids.

What to do in Sydney for adults?
Archie Rose Distilling Co. And Sydney Town Hall are just a few of the things to do in Sydney. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sydney?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sydney. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Bondi Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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