21 Unmissable Experiences in Sydney

Sydney captivates your interest well before you even arrive.

Whether it’s bodyboarding at Bondi Beach, cruising under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a ferry, or enjoying a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House, these are just a few of the must-do experiences in Sydney during your adventure Down Under.

After checking those off your list, it’s time to discover even more that this vibrant city has to offer. Here are the top things to do in Sydney, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.

1. Savor exquisite meals served with renowned Sydney hospitality

Sydney's culinary landscape is more innovative and thrilling than ever. You'll discover restaurants offering dishes from around the world, often infused with a distinctive Australian flair, in every corner of the city.

Sure, it may be somewhat trendy and a bit too focused on celebrity chefs, but dropping names is part of the Sydney experience. Fortunately, the food scene successfully merges style with substance.

Fine dining establishments like Quay and Oncore by Clare Smyth shine as world-class options, excelling in views, service, and their exquisite menus.

Other must-visit Sydney spots, equally impressive in quality and hospitality, include NOMAD, Mr Wong, Cafe Paci, Long Chim, and seafood innovators Saint Peter. However, a takeaway Sri Lankan meal or a casual noodles night with BYO wine could easily become your standout dining experience in Sydney.

2. Stroll, bike, or ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Locals have a deep affection for their enormous coathanger, which was opened in 1932. The most immersive way to appreciate this stunning structure is on foot; stairs and elevators ascend the bridge from both banks, leading to a pedestrian walkway on the eastern side (the western side serves as a bike lane). Take the train to Milson's Point Station and walk back towards the city for breathtaking views. Climb the southeastern pylon for the Pylon Lookout or take on the popular BridgeClimb experience for an unforgettable ascent.

Planning tip: You can now reserve a tour with a First Nations storyteller who will share insights about the city and its landscape while you admire Sydney’s stunning harbor from above.

3. Take a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House

Crafted by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this striking structure stands as one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. Its design evokes the sails of a yacht, creating a dramatic silhouette that houses five performance venues for dance, concerts, opera, and theater.

You can explore the exterior at your leisure, but the ultimate way to appreciate the interior is by attending a performance. A guided tour is also highly recommended (available in multiple languages). Various tours are offered, including backstage access, food-themed tours, and ones that highlight the architectural genius behind the building.

4. Bodyboard, learn to surf, or watch the Icebergs at Bondi

Bondi is among the world’s most renowned beaches, boasting consistently excellent waves and warm waters. It’s an ideal spot for surf lessons – Let's Go Surfing, a well-established surf school located in North Bondi, offers lessons suitable for nearly everyone. Classes are available for young surfers (affectionately called grommets) aged 7 to 15, as well as adults, with women-only sessions also on offer.

Alternatively, you can arrange a private lesson for a small group – prices tend to be lower outside of the peak summer season. Whatever you choose, remember to respect fellow surfers and swimmers; Australians are generally forgiving, but etiquette is crucial in the water, so be mindful of local customs.

Planning tip: During the cooler months, you can skip the swimming and instead enjoy meals with stunning views while watching winter swimmers take the plunge.

5. Discover hidden beaches and breathtaking vistas from Watsons Bay

Situated east of the city center and north of Bondi, Watsons Bay was once a quaint fishing village. While heritage cottages still line its narrow streets, they now come with a hefty price tag. A charming day trip by ferry from Circular Quay, Watsons Bay allows you to explore South Head and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Doyles on the Beach or sip sunset beers at the Watson’s Bay Beach Club beer garden.

On the oceanfront, The Gap offers stunning clifftop views. On the harbor side, near the Watsons Bay ferry, you’ll find the tranquil Camp Cove beach, perfect for a refreshing swim.

Detour: If you’ve left your swimsuit behind, Lady Bay Beach is a clothing-optional nudist beach on the west side of the bluff, just before reaching Hornby lighthouse.

6. Take the ferry to the historic Cockatoo Island

Rich in photogenic industrial remnants, convict architecture, and art installations, the UNESCO-listed Cockatoo Island (Wareamah) opened to visitors in 2007. It features regular ferry services, a campground, rental accommodations, and two cafes. Information boards and audioguides detail the island's history as a harsh convict prison, shipyard, and naval base.

A haunting tunnel runs through the heart of the island, allowing you to discover the remnants of the old prison. During WWII, many of the original sandstone structures lost their roofs, transforming into bomb shelters. Solitary confinement cells, long forgotten since the 1890s, were rediscovered beneath the rubble.

Planning tip: You can book various tours at the visitor center, ranging from heritage explorations to ghost hunts and convict prison tours.

7. Participate in a female-led street art tour

Newtown offers various tours that delve into its vibrant street art and murals, or you can create your own journey using Google Maps and an app. However, Local Sauce has crafted a self-guided tour that highlights female artists often overlooked, beginning at Redfern station.

In addition to showcasing the artists behind the creations, they suggest cafes where you can recharge along the way. Their street art and food tours also lead you to some of Newtown's best eateries.

8. Make your way to a drag show

Sydney proudly claims its title as Australia’s LGBTIQ+ capital, so be sure to catch a drag show while you’re in town. Thanks to the popularity of Drag Race and its champion RuPaul, drag performances have captivated a wider audience, with famous queens now drawing crowds that stretch around the block.

In Sydney, you can enjoy dinner accompanied by a show or join in on a bingo, trivia, or competition night with a drag twist. Most of the city's LGBTIQ+ venues are located in the Inner West and Eastern suburbs, from the lively Universal nightclub on Oxford Street to the eclectic Bearded Tit in Redfern.

9. Discover Aboriginal rock art

You might be surprised to find ancient art in such a contemporary city, but Sydney sits atop a vast gallery of Aboriginal art. For a long time, this heritage received little attention, and many pieces were lost or obscured.

Now, as dot paintings from remote deserts gain recognition, the people of Sydney are beginning to appreciate the hidden gems in their surroundings. Seek out rock art from the original custodians of this land along the harbor's headlands, the coastline, and in nearby national parks like Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

10. Take in the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Featuring a striking neoclassical Greek facade and a modern extension, this cherished institution holds a vital and engaging place in Sydney's cultural landscape. Major international exhibitions frequently grace its halls, along with various special events.

While the gallery boasts a significant collection of 19th-century European and Australian art, must-sees include the contemporary Indigenous gallery located in the basement and the collection of 20th-century Australian art, showcasing works from prominent local artists.

11. Explore the White Rabbit art gallery

Regarded by many as Sydney's premier contemporary art gallery, White Rabbit is hidden behind the Central Park development in Chippendale. This space is the vision of billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson, who has curated one of the world's largest collections of innovative contemporary Chinese art created since 2000.

With such an extensive collection, only a small selection can be exhibited at any given time. Here, you'll encounter art that is bold, humorous, provocative, and quirky. The gallery also features a cafe offering specialty teas and dumplings.

12. Discover Sydney’s Victorian-era arcades

Shopping in Sydney primarily centers around George Street and Pitt Street, extending into charming arcades and side streets. Among the many dazzling spots for retail therapy, several ornate Victorian-era arcades await your exploration.

The stunning Queen Victoria Building (often referred to as QVB) occupies an entire city block and features nearly 200 stores, showcasing a mix of well-known international brands across its five levels. This building is a High Victorian neo-Gothic marvel, undoubtedly Sydney's most beautiful shopping destination.

Be sure to admire the wrought-iron balconies, Byzantine copper domes, stained-glass storefronts, mosaic floors, replica crown jewels, the grand ballroom, a delightful baby grand piano (available for public play), and the whimsically animated Royal Clock, which reenacts the Battle of Hastings and features an hourly beheading of Charles I. Nearby, the Strand Arcade showcases a variety of Aussie designers and hosts an old-school JB Hi-Fi in the basement, where you can find electronics, DVDs, and vinyl records.

13. Experience one of Sydney's amazing festivals

Sydney's vibrant nightlife begins with an awe-inspiring New Year's Eve fireworks display over the harbor and continues to thrive for months. Once the Sydney Festival wraps up its numerous openings and events, the stage is set for the grandest celebration of all – the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras from late February to early March.

Winter brings a flurry of fashion, literature, and film festivals to Sydney, featuring opening nights, cocktail parties, and literary gatherings, along with the dazzling Vivid Sydney from late May to mid-June, illuminating the city with stunning projections and lights. As spring arrives, it’s football finals season – whether you're into rugby or Aussie Rules, catching a night game is a must for the lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds.

14. Kayak to a hidden beach

A secret gem located not far from Manly, the enchanting Store Beach is accessible only by water. Rent a boat or kayak from Manly Kayak Centre, and enjoy a leisurely paddle (taking about half an hour to 45 minutes) to reach this 200m (656ft) cove beach surrounded by trees. The breathtaking views of the bushy North Harbour make it feel as though you've escaped the city entirely.

Since this area serves as a breeding ground for little blue penguins, access is restricted after dusk, when the birds come ashore to roost for the night. Visitors are also encouraged to leave the beach as they found it (or better). Don't forget to bring snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

15. Trek the coastline around Manly and North Head

This stunning coastal hike consists of two main parts: a 10km (6.2 miles) stretch from Manly to Spit Bridge, and a 9.5km (5.9 miles) loop around North Head. The western segment meanders along the picturesque harbor coastline, passing through upscale neighborhoods and a breathtaking section of unspoiled Sydney Harbour National Park, eventually leading to Clontarf and the Spit Bridge.

The eastern loop, known as the North Head Circuit Track, takes approximately 2½ to 3½ hours to complete. This path leads you through the bush to the stunning Fairfax Lookout at North Head. After enjoying the view, follow the Fairfax Loop and return via Australia's Memorial Walk and WWII gun placements to the Bluefish Track, which dramatically descends to Shelly Beach. From there, you can head back to Manly Beach via the beautiful Fairy Bower Beach. Make sure to either download a map or grab one at the information center near the wharf.

16. Discover Aboriginal history and knowledge at the Royal Botanic Garden

Located southeast of the Opera House, this garden, founded in 1816, showcases a diverse range of plant life from across the globe. Within the grounds, you'll find hothouses filled with palms and ferns, along with The Calyx, an impressive exhibition space that boasts a curving glasshouse gallery, a living wall, and rotating plant-themed exhibits. Be sure to grab a park map at any main entrance to the gardens.

This garden was once the site of the colony's first meager European vegetable garden, but its history predates that. Long before European settlers, it served as an initiation ground for the Gadigal people; consider booking a tour with a First Nations guide to learn about Indigenous bush foods.

17. Plan a day trip to Palm Beach and Pittwater

The stunning Palm Beach is a beautiful crescent known for being the backdrop of the popular TV show Home and Away. At the northern tip of the headland stands the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, established in 1881, within an extension of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The suburb features two distinct sides: the spectacular ocean beach and a serene area along Pittwater, ideal for young children with its gentler waters.

From Palm Beach, ferries offer access to other charming destinations around Pittwater, including different sections of the park. To reach the lighthouse, you can choose between a shorter staircase or a winding path; both lead to a steep hike that rewards you with breathtaking views over Pittwater and down the peninsula. It's also an excellent spot for whale watching during winter.

18. Enjoy a run or a horseback ride in Centennial Park

Established in 1888 in elegant Victorian style, Sydney's largest park sprawls over 189 hectares (467 acres) featuring wide formal avenues, ponds, statues, and a maze-like structure. The park comes alive in warmer months, bustling with joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and horse riders.

An equestrian center offers trail rides suitable for both kids and adults, with no prior riding experience necessary, but advance bookings are required. For children who might prefer something different, the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden promises plenty of fun and adventure.

19. Explore the colonial heritage of The Rocks

The district known as The Rocks marks the beginning of Australia's convict history, originally a rough canvas shanty town along the rocky coastline. Its lively spirit persists in the atmospheric alleys adorned with historic structures, many of which continue to function as pubs.

While the area may be filled with kitschy, overpriced koala toy shops and throngs of tourists, it also boasts a fantastic museum and art gallery. A favorite among locals, The Glenmore pub offers stunning rooftop views of central Sydney, making it a perfect spot for a meal or drink. If it all becomes overwhelming, venture through the Argyle Cut to the rejuvenated port area of Walsh Bay.

20. Take a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Clifftop walk

The breathtaking 6km (3.7 miles) Bondi to Coogee walk meanders south from Bondi Beach along the cliffs, passing the coves at Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly, offering sweeping views, patrolled beaches, ocean pools, waterfront parks, and informative plaques sharing Aboriginal history and narratives.

The path starts at the end of Notts Ave and leads you to the northern end of Coogee Beach, where you can choose from three ocean pools for a swim if the beach waves are too rough. Don’t forget to pack a picnic, plenty of water, and your swimsuit!

21. Experience the upscale lifestyle at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

Just a 2.5km (1.6-mile) stroll from Sydney’s central business district, the prestigious Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay is renowned for hosting the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. For a taste of local life, visit the members-only sun deck café, where you can indulge in generous servings of fish and chips paired with a glass of Riesling, all while admiring the stunning multi-million dollar yachts. Visitors can sign in for a day pass.