Sydney

Travel Guide
Sydney

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

The capital of New South Wales, and home to more than four million people, Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth. This relatively young city is endowed with a brash, infectious optimism and sun-tanned residents who are as comfortable on surfboards as they are at the ballet. From the golden sands and sparkling water of Bondi Beach to the instantly recognizable curves of the Sydney Opera House, this city is a photographer’s dream.Start your Harbour City adventure with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower. Then, explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Just a short stroll away is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York's Grand Central Station, Circular Quay. From this bustling transport hub, jump aboard a famous Sydney ferry to just about anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Nearby Darling Harbour has the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Follow the restaurant- and park-lined waterfront to The Rocks where you’ll almost feel the ghosts of the city’s convict and seafaring past. Thrill-seekers can ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. If heights don’t phase you, stretch your legs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb for a truly breath-taking experience. Say “G’day” to kangaroos, koalas and platypus at Taronga Zoo. Be sure to catch the free-flight bird show set against the spectacular backdrop of the harbor. A short walk from downtown, you’ll find village-like suburbs such as Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighborhoods are studded with quirky cafés, boutiques and galleries. Darlinghurst and Potts Point are top spots for foodies. Major shopping destinations include Bondi Junction and a sprawling Westfield mall in the heart of downtown. Sydney is a paradise for nature-lovers the bush and the beaches are never far away. See the harbor’s rugged coastline on the 30-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches. Getting around Sydney is simple, with an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and pleasantly cool winters, making the Harbour City an ideal Australian destination year-round.

Where to stay in Sydney

Sydney Town Hall which includes cbd, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

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.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

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

Darling Harbour
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Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and a beach

Manly

A noteworthy feature of Manly is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Manly Beach and Manly Wharf.

Manly
Parramatta showing a city and general coastal views

Parramatta

Travellers come to Parramatta for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre and Riverside Theatres while you're in town.

Parramatta
Bondi Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

Bondi Beach

Travellers to Bondi Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs.

Bondi Beach
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$743 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
HK$743
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,276 reviews)
"Bathroom has newly been renovated and is awesome! Hallways and other areas of the property are slightly messy, but the property are undergoing a facelift so that is understandable. Great place to stay for an affordable price."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$918 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
HK$918
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,655 reviews)
"Quick check in and front desk staff very polite"

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is HK$1,437 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
HK$1,437
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,711 reviews)
"This was an amazing place to stay right in the heart of the city. Close walking distance to everything and the staff are amazing. We especially loved the help we received from the concierge. Totally recommend this place"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Shangri-La Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,276 reviews)
"Bathroom has newly been renovated and is awesome! Hallways and other areas of the property are slightly messy, but the property are undergoing a facelift so that is understandable. Great place to stay for an affordable price."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Citadines Walker North Sydney
Citadines Walker North Sydney
4 out of 5
88 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sydney Harbour Bridge and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (78 reviews)
"Nice modern hotel. Had a decent view of the cityscape/bay, I suppose a bit down to luck. Staff were very polite and accomodating of a late checkout."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Citadines Walker North Sydney
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
5 out of 5
234 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (975 reviews)
"Staff were amazing!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sydney

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
168
" "5 - Excellent 70.58823529411765%
4 - Good
63
" "4 - Good 26.470588235294116%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 2.5210084033613445%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.42016806722689076%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Mar 2020

An amazing city , it certainly has plenty of iconic sights to see, and lots to do, with amazing shops too.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Mar 2020

Fantastic

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2020

very central for visiting other areas, trains to Blue mountains and Southern Highlands

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Feb 2020

Sydney is a city like so many others however the Harbour Bridge, the opera house and Circular Quay make it unique

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Feb 2020

Really enjoyed our time in Sydney. The hotel was perfect location for The Opera House, Sydney Bridge, Restaurants, bard, shopping and all transport.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2020

Loved our visit. Definitely worth hopping on the ferries to get to other city areas, cheap and frequent. Good museums, Plenty of reasonably priced places to eat.