sydney city places to visit

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sydney

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Sydney the oldest, biggest, and most beautiful of all Australian cities, lies amid a seductive intermingling of land and sea. Glide along the glittering harbor on a ferry, see the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine, admire the graceful arch of the Harbour Bridge, and you'll see why this is one of the world's top cities.

It's hard to imagine this vibrant state capital of New South Wales was once a convict colony. In 1788, it was at Sydney Cove where Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet, established the first British colony in Australia. Today, you can explore Sydney's fabled history in the narrow, cobbled laneways and historic buildings of the Rocks, and learn about the Gadigal Aboriginal people, the traditional custodians of this land, on guided tours and at the city's excellent museums.

Sydney still fizzes with the adventurous spirit of its settlers. Climb the harbor bridge, surf the green-barrel breaks at Sydney's golden beaches, or fly over the city on a scenic tour. And the adventures don't end in the city. Wildlife-rich wilderness areas surround the city providing appealing day trip possibilities .

Discover all the best places to visit in this famous harbor city with our list of the top things to do in Sydney, Australia.

See also: Where to Stay in Sydney

1. See the Sydney Opera House

2. the sydney harbour bridge, 3. stroll around the rocks, 4. hop aboard a harbor cruise at circular quay, 5. spend a day at darling harbour, 6. smell the roses at the royal botanic garden sydney, 7. shop 'til you drop at the queen victoria building, 8. zoom up the sydney tower eye, 9. bask on sydney's beaches, 10. bike or walk around barangaroo reserve, 11. go wild at taronga zoo, 12. wander along george street, 13. enjoy a picnic in hyde park, 14. admire the masterpieces at the art gallery of new south wales, 15. visit st. mary's cathedral, 16. explore macquarie street & the state library of new south wales, 17. enjoy yum cha in chinatown, 18. find vintage treasures and colorful street art in newtown, 19. check out kings cross, where to stay in sydney for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to sydney, sydney, australia - climate chart, more exciting adventures near sydney.

One of the world's great icons, the Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the star attraction on the glittering harbor. This graceful building, shaped like shells or billowing sails, perches on a finger of land surrounded by water.

You have several options for visiting the Sydney Opera House . Snap a photo while gliding by on a harbor cruise, relax at one of the restaurants, stroll around its exterior, or take an organized tour of this magnificent structure. Inside, you'll find theaters, studios, exhibition rooms, a concert hall, and a cinema.

Book a Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour to learn about the history and get a behind-the-scenes look at this famous building. This is a flexible ticket that allows you to join any one of the tours throughout the day, departing every half hour from 9am to 5pm.

Avid photographers should head to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for one of the best photo opportunities.

The Sydney Opera House just emerged from an almost $300-million "Decade of Renewal." Among the many improvements is a renovated Concert Hall — try and catch a show here when you visit.

Author's Tip: If you happen to be in Sydney in late May or early June during the Sydney Vivid festival , stop by at night to see the white sails lit up with colorful digital art.

Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales

Nicknamed the "Coathanger," the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another Sydney icon. Supported by massive double piers at each end, it was built in 1932 and remains the world's largest steel arch bridge .

You can drive over it, cruise below it, chug over it on a train, or photograph it from afar. But one of the best ways to appreciate this marvel of engineering, and soak up the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, is on a climb to its 135-meter-high summit.

Scaling the bridge is one of Australia's top outdoor adventures, and you can choose from a range of different tours. Sydney BridgeClimb takes groups on an approximately 3.5-hour climb to the top of the outer arch. Tours run throughout the day, beginning with a dawn climb and ending with a night climb. You can also choose from different types of climbs, including an Indigenous storytelling experience and a climb right across the arch to the other side — the bridge connects the harbor's north and south shores.

Guided ascents of the bridge with BridgeClimbSydney include a pre-climb prep talk, safety gear, and a photo on the summit. Along the way, you'll learn all kinds of entertaining stories about the history of the bridge. One of its most famous workers was Paul Hogan, aka Crocodile Dundee, before he became famous.

To learn more about the fascinating history of the bridge's construction, visit the museum in the southeastern pier.

Address: 5 Cumberland Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Want to soak up a bit of Sydney history? Take a stroll around The Rocks . Located on a tongue of land protruding into Sydney Harbour, the Rocks historic area was once home to the Gadigal Aboriginal people. Later, it became the country's first site of European settlement.

The Rocks was named for the rocky coast on the west side of Sydney Cove where the convicts pitched their tents. Today, more than 100 heritage sites and buildings jostle along the narrow streets, including Sydney's oldest surviving house, Cadmans Cottage , built in 1816.

The first stop should be a visit to The Rocks Discovery Museum . Here, you can learn about the area's fascinating transformation from traditional Aboriginal lands to convict slum to tourist hot spot. You can also join a 30-minute free guided tour at 1pm and 1:30pm daily.

Afterward, wander around the narrow, cobbled streets. Pick up some souvenirs at the gift shops, buy handcrafted goodies at the market stalls (Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays), and admire Aboriginal and contemporary art in the galleries. You'll also find plenty of atmospheric little restaurants and cafés here.

Guided tours run the gamut, from Aboriginal heritage walks to photographic excursions, and if you're looking for unusual things to do in Sydney, you can book a nighttime ghost tour.

Address: 66 Harrington Street, Level 6, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is famous for its sparkling waterfront setting, and one of the most popular things to do in Sydney Harbour is a sightseeing cruise. Most harbor cruises depart from Circular Quay in Sydney Cove, which is also home to the city's main ferry terminal.

Short on time? Book the two-hour Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise , which takes you past all the harbor highlights and to some of the most scenic places in Sydney, including the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison. Learn fascinating facts about the key sights along the way, and keep your camera ready — you'll have plenty of photo ops.

Prefer to spot some wildlife during your tour? During the annual winter whale migration, the Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise takes passengers out past Sydney Heads to view these magnificent creatures.

If you don't have time for a harbor cruise, you can still see some of the top sites on a ferry ride around the harbor. Ferries depart from Circular Quay to prime spots, such as Manly , Watsons Bay , and Taronga Park Zoo .

Author's Tip: From Circular Quay, you can easily walk to other top Sydney tourist attractions . Head south along the waterfront promenade to the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and a short walk to the north leads to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Rocks historic area. To the west, the free Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in an Art Deco building, displays cutting-edge, and often controversial, exhibitions.

Darling Harbour has something for everyone. Packed with tourist attractions, this waterfront precinct on the western side of Sydney's CBD is a hub for tourists and locals alike. You'll find everything here, from shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to museums, a zoo, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater.

Families will love Madame Tussaud's; the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo; and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, which contains the world's largest collection of Australian marine creatures. The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Entrance Ticket is a great way to get ahead of the crowds.

Nautical-minded history buffs can board a replica of Captain Cook's ship, the HMB Endeavour , at the Australian National Maritime Museum. And while you're wandering around, keep an eye out for colorful artwork along the Darling Harbour Street Art Trail .

Younger children will love the carousel, playgrounds, and water park. An IMAX and 9D theater, harbor jet boat rides, simulated flights, and racing car adventures round out the exciting attractions.

Seeking a tranquil patch of green? Slip into the Chinese Garden of Friendship , and sip tea among the willows and koi ponds.

As well as offering a one-stop shop of Sydney attractions for families, Darling Harbour also hosts an exciting line-up of events, from art exhibitions and film festivals to music concerts at the Aware Super Theatre .

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Chill out at The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in Farm Cove. A visit to this tranquil oasis is one of the many relaxing things to do in the city for free — especially if you're in need of a nature fix — and it's only a short stroll from the Sydney Opera House.

Established in 1816, the gardens are Australia's oldest botanic garden . They encompass 30 hectares of themed gardens with towering trees, palm groves, orchids, ferns, succulents, tropical gardens, rainforest plants, herbs, and Oriental gardens.

Garden lovers will be in heaven. The Palace Rose Garden blushes with around 1,800 roses. The Glasshouse Latitude 23 and Fernery brims with tropical foliage, begonias, and orchids; and the Cadi Jam Ora - First Encounters Garden tells the story of the Gadigal people, the land's traditional custodians, and explores the relationship between people and plants.

Aboriginal cultural tours and guided walks are offered, as well as events such as bush tucker morning teas and picnics.

Wondering what's nearby? Surrounding the gardens is the Domain , a popular event venue, with open green space and sports areas. And while you're visiting the gardens, you can enjoy views of Government House , the official residence of the governor of New South Wales.

Address: Mrs Macquarie's Road, Sydney, New South Wales

If shopping is high on your agenda, head to the Romanesque-style Queen Victoria Building ("QVB"). Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's worth a visit just to admire this beautifully restored building and its colorful stained-glass windows and mosaic floors.

A high central dome surrounded by 20 smaller domes crowns this elegant building, which was originally built as a market hall between 1893 and 1898. After decades of neglect and even plans for demolition, this grand sandstone building was restored to its original state in the early 1980s.

Today, more than 200 high-end shops line its light-filled galleries. Australian stores include R.M. Williams, Lorna Jane, and Haigh's chocolates, as well as many Aussie designer boutiques, and you'll also find homeware stores, gift stores, and galleries.

Feeling peckish? The Tea Room QVB hosts a popular High Tea under crystal chandeliers.

You can access the QVB from Town Hall Station through underground arcades.

If you want to learn more about the history of this magnificent heritage building, sign up for a 45-minute QVB History Tour .

Address: 455 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Soaring above the city skyline, the 309-meter-high Sydney Tower Eye is the city's tallest building and one of its great landmarks (other than the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, of course). This golden spire-topped turret rises from the busy Centrepoint shopping mall.

Zooming up the Sydney Tower Eye is one of the popular things to do in the Sydney CBD for tourists. Express lifts whisk visitors to the observation deck at the top, or to SKYWALK, an alfresco glass-floor viewing platform, the perfect spot for sightseeing. While you're up here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sydney and its surrounding suburbs, or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the revolving restaurants or the café.

Also on offer is a 4D cinema experience, which provides an overview of the city's major icons.

Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is famous for its beautiful beaches . Tucked around the harbor are many sheltered coves with calm water and sugary sands.

You don't need to venture far from the CBD to find an inviting stretch of sand and sea. Iconic Bondi Beach is less than a 15-minute drive from the city, with great surf, a buzzing café scene, and a cosmopolitan vibe. For fantastic ocean views, take the coastal walk along the cliffs from Bondi to Coogee Beach .

If you're traveling by public transport, Cronulla is the only beach accessible by train from the city, and Manly Beach is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay . Here, you can swim in the surf or the netted ocean pool, take a surf lesson, or stroll along the beachfront promenade and stop in at the excellent shops and restaurants.

Farther north of the city, surfers will find some fantastic breaks at Collaroy , Dee Why , and Narrabeen . Swimming is enjoyable at most Sydney beaches — especially during the summer months — but you should always stay between the red and yellow flags.

Barangaroo Reserve is an excellent example of a successful urban renewal project. Named after the influential female Indigenous leader at the time of European colonization, the area was transformed from an unsightly container terminal and opened to the public in 2015 with a commitment to sustainability and enhancing community wellbeing.

With more than 75,000 native trees and shrubs, as well as walking and cycling tracks, this 22-hectare waterfront precinct is a lovely spot for a stroll or bike along the harbor. You'll also find shops, restaurants, and event and exhibition space here.

One of the most popular things to do at Barangaroo is the Wulugul Walk . This scenic waterfront promenade skirts the six-hectare re-created Sydney Harbour headland at the reserve's northern end and extends for two kilometers between Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour .

Along the way, you can admire an evocative series of public art installations. Keep an eye out for shell wall , a 22-meter-tall vertical panel on the side of a building at the reserve's southern gateway, created by two of Australia's leading Indigenous artists. You can learn about the area's rich Indigenous heritage on an Aboriginal cultural tour .

In 2023, a new recreation space opened in Barangaroo as part of the planned Harbour Park open space on Sydney's foreshore. Bring the kids here to bounce around in the play area and challenge each other to a game of handball. Parents can work out in the outdoor gym or relax in the shady sitting areas.

Barangaroo is only a four-minute walk from Wynyard station, and you can also catch a ferry direct to the new Barangaroo Wharf.

At Taronga Zoo , you can see all your favorite animals, as well as spectacular city views. Nestled on a point along the north side of the harbor, the zoo inhabits prime Sydney real estate in the posh suburb of Mosman, and it's one of the top things to do with kids in Sydney .

Here, you can enjoy close-up encounters with iconic Aussie wildlife and other animals from around the world. Highlights include the African Savannah exhibit, Tiger Trek, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

Daily keeper presentations and animal shows add to all the fun. Feed the giraffes, meet the Asian elephants, get up close to a cuddly koala, or make friends with a meerkat. Another bonus: Entertaining shows are included with your entry ticket, including a Seals for the Wild presentation and a Free Flight Birds show.

The zoo's lively events calendar includes "Roar and Snore" overnight zoo stays and a summer concert series. You can purchase a Sydney Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket in advance, which includes a ride on the Sky Safari gondola.

Want to stay longer? Book a room at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga . This unique eco-retreat on the zoo grounds gives you after-hours viewings of some of the animals, as well as all kinds of other perks.

From the city, buses to the zoo depart from Wynyard. Better still, hop aboard a ferry at Circular Quay .

Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales

Bustling George Street, in the heart of the city, is Australia's oldest street. Once a nameless track trodden by convicts fetching supplies of water, it's now one of the city's major traffic arteries. It's worth exploring to feel the pulse of this vibrant city and browse the shops.

You'll see a mix of architectural styles here. Gleaming high-rise office blocks brush shoulders with historic buildings. A highlight is the elegant Romanesque-style Queen Victoria Building replete with graceful domes, stained-glass windows, and high-end stores.

Nearby, the Sydney Town Hall (1869) is a major city landmark sporting a medley of architectural styles (it's been compared to a richly decorated wedding cake). Another architectural standout is the neo-Gothic St. Andrew's Cathedral , completed and consecrated in 1868.

Need a shopping fix? You'll find plenty of high-end shops in the Queen Victoria Building , and designer boutiques and jewelry stores line the Victorian-style Strand Arcade . If you're looking for more accessible name brands, Pitt Street Mall , one block east of George Street, is one of the city's major shopping precincts.

Named after Hyde Park in London, Sydney's Hyde Park is Australia's oldest park . It's a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city and a lovely spot for a picnic. Sprawling lawns, shady picnic spots, flowers, fountains, and fig trees provide a welcome escape, and the park offers prime people-watching - especially at lunch when city workers come here to kick off their shoes.

Several monuments and memorials punctuate this popular 16-hectare green space. The park's bronze Archibald Fountain (1932) commemorates Australia's alliance with France during WWI, and the Art Deco Anzac War Memorial (1934), in the southern half of the park, honors its victims.

At the north end of Hyde Park, in Queens Square, are three fine Georgian buildings, masterpieces of the convict architect Sir Francis Greenway: Hyde Park Barracks , St. James' Church , and the Supreme Court . Built by convict labor in 1817-19, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks was restored to its original condition in 1975-84 and now houses a museum on the history of Sydney, portraying the lives of the first involuntary "settlers."

On the east side of Hyde Park is the Australian Museum , with the largest natural history collection in the country.

Address: Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Official site: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/hyde-park

Surrounded by beautiful parklands, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the country's most distinguished art museums. The building dates from 1885 and houses spacious, light-filled galleries and Grand Courts, with collections ranging from works by European masters and Asian artists to evocative contemporary art from around the world. The gallery also houses one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in Australia .

Currently, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is undergoing a transformation and expansion -The Sydney Modern Project - which includes the addition of a brand new sustainable building, a public art garden, and a grand forecourt, as well as restoration of the historic building. Once completed in late 2022, the museum will occupy double the exhibition space, flowing between indoor and outdoor spaces, and will continue to be a major destination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

After admiring all the masterpieces, you can relax at the café or restaurant, or browse the gallery gift shop.

Address: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney, New South Wales

Official site: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

Facing Hyde Park, St. Mary's Cathedral (1868-82) is a symbol of the spiritual beginnings of the Catholic Church in Australia. This striking landmark, in neo-Gothic style, is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney.

Topped by twin spires, the building was modeled on Lincoln Cathedral, and its imposing façade reflects the design of Notre-Dame in Paris. Inside the cathedral, intricate stained-glass windows cast beautiful patterns of light. Christmas is an especially evocative time to visit, when the cathedral is adorned with lights and decorations.

Location: St. Mary's Road and College Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Official site: http://www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/

Stretching from Hyde Park in the south to the Sydney Opera House in the north, Macquarie Street was once Sydney's most fashionable street. Governor Macquarie commissioned the construction of many of the colony's grand public buildings along this strand, some designed by convict architect Francis Greenway. Impressive sandstone residences soon followed, with verandas to capture the beautiful views of the surrounding parklands and Sydney Harbour.

In 1816, the completion of Sydney Hospital on Macquarie Street encouraged doctors to set up offices nearby. However, the hospital's capacity exceeded demand, and legislative offices moved into some of its buildings. Today, Parliament House occupies the hospital's northern wing and is open to the public when the New South Wales Parliament is in session.

A top attraction on Macquarie Street is the State Library of New South Wales , the oldest library in Australia. Among its jewels are the journals of Captain Cook and Joseph Banks , as well as Captain Bligh's log from the Bounty. The permanent and temporary exhibitions here are always worth visiting, and you can relax with a snack in the café or pick up a quirky Australian souvenir at the gift shop.

You'll also find The Mint on Macquarie Street in the southern wing of the former hospital. It's now home to a library, central courtyard, and café.

Official site: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/

Inhale the fragrance of sizzling Szechuan spices, shop for Chinese specialty items, or feast on authentic Asian cuisine at Sydney's Chinatown. Framed by lion gates at each end, this small district lies in the pedestrian zone of Dixon Street, between Darling Harbour and Central Station.

Yum cha is a popular pastime here, and the Friday night market is a feast for the senses, with everything from dim sum and Vietnamese pho to teppanyaki. On the first full moon after January 21, the streets of Chinatown come alive during the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Near Chinatown, Paddy's Markets at Haymarket is a Sydney institution from Wednesdays through Sundays, with hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, bargain fashions, and souvenirs.

Address: Dixon Street, Haymarket, New South Wales

Fashionistas, take note: fun and funky Newtown is a hot spot for vintage treasures and thrift store shopping. You'll find this hipster-packed inner-city suburb about a 10-minute drive from the city center.

One-of-a-kind pieces cram the racks in the best boutiques here. Favorites include The Wilde Merchant selling everything from retro tees to workwear and Japanese pieces, while Storeroom Vintage displays rare music tees and other hand-picked gems from the 70s to the 2000s. Stitch Up Sydney specializes in collectible band tees and designer sneakers. Real King Vintage also sells vintage T-shirts, as well as sportswear and preloved goodies from top brands like Tommy Hilfiger Nike, Carharrt, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Is Western wear and Americana more your jam? Head to Route 66 .

After hitting all the hottest vintage shops, fuel up with a snack at one of the area's eclectic restaurants and cafés — you'll find everything here from Turkish cuisine and Thai food to Italian trattorias. Then polish it off with an award-winning gelato from Cow & the Moon — their Mandorla Affogato flavor once won the "best in the world" award.

Newtown is also famous for its vibrant street art . Start with the "I have a dream" mural on King Street, and keep your eyes peeled. You'll find other murals popping from the walls on Lennox Street, Mary Street, and Bedford Street to name a few.

Author's Tip: About a five-minute drive from Newtown, the Markets at Glebe is one of the best places to find deals on designer vintage treasures — from pre-loved designer clothing, shoes, and accessories to hand-crafted jewelry and cutting-edge creations from new local designers. The markets are open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

About two kilometers east of the CBD, Kings Cross is Sydney's multi-faceted red light district and the city's nightlife hub . If you're interested in experiencing an edgier part of the city, this is a great place to visit. You can also catch a play at one of the theaters.

Called "The Cross" by locals, it has an intriguing, Bohemian past. The area was an artistic quarter around 1920, until it evolved into a popular haunt for beatniks during the 1950s and later, hippies. During the Vietnam War, the area started its slow slide to depravity when large numbers of American troops came here on "rest and recreation" leave. You can find out more about the area's spicy history on a guided walking tour.

Despite the area's less-than-savory reputation at night, it wears a different face during the day. Backpackers from the many hostels in the area huddle at hip cafés . Boutique hotels shelter fashionistas, and foodies come here to dine at the trendy restaurants.

To find Kings Cross, look for the large Coca-Cola billboard, at the intersection of William Street and Darlinghurst Road. It's a famous Sydney landmark and is often referred to as the "Gateway to The Cross."

For first-time visitors to Sydney, a fantastic base for sightseeing is The Rocks , the city's historic district. Spectacular harbor views, heritage-listed buildings, museums, shops, galleries, and cute courtyard cafés make this a great place to stay. From here, many of Sydney's top tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Also a short stroll from here is Circular Quay, the departure point for harbor cruises and ferries. Here are some highly rated hotels in the area :

Luxury Hotels :

• Deluxe hotel options include the harborfront Park Hyatt , one of the country's top hotels; The Langham, Sydney ; and the Four Seasons ; all with stunning harbor views.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Near Wynyard Station, the Little National Hotel Sydney offers affordable, compact rooms with comfy beds.
• For families and travelers seeking apartment-style accommodation, Sky Suites Sydney is a top choice, with studios and one- and two-bedroom suites.
• The 90-room boutique Ovolo 1888 Sydney Harbour occupies a heritage-listed old wool store and factory. Bold, contemporary interior design contrasts with the historic building.

Budget Hotels :

• For cost-conscious travelers, The Australian Heritage Hotel and The Mercantile Hotel offer affordable rooms in a superb location.

In contrast to the regular and spacious layout of the younger Australian cities, Sydney is a complicated maze of one-way streets and narrow lanes. Public transport or tours are highly recommended for first-time visitors.

• See the Sights: For the best introduction to the sights of Sydney, book a Sydney and Bondi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , which stops near the major sights in the city center, around the harbor, and Bondi Beach. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, and you can hop on and off the bus as often as you please.
• Save Money : Planning to visit several Sydney tourist attractions? Save money on admission by purchasing a Sydney Attractions Pass . You can choose from a combination of two, three, or four attractions, such as WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Tower Eye, and more.
• Take a Day Trip : Just a short drive outside the city is some spectacular mountain scenery. If you have time for just one day trip, take the Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney . This small group tour provides pickup and drop-off from your hotel, lunch, entrance fee to the Featherdale Wildlife Park, and a guide.

One of the most beautiful cities in Australia, Sydney is surrounded by plenty of enticing day trip destinations. The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains has some of the best hikes in Australia ; the beautiful Hunter Valley is a hot spot for foodies; and Canberra , the nation's capital, is only a three-hour drive away.

More on Australia

50 things to do in Sydney right now

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

27 November 2023

The Harbour City is overwhelmingly dazzling so we’ve whittled down the best things to do in Sydney to enhance every visit.

World-class dining , pristine beaches , unparalleled cultural experiences  — there’s a heck of a lot to cover in Sydney. And while Circular Quay and The Rocks  are filled with top-notch views and bucket-list attractions , there’s entertainment for every tastebud right across the glittering NSW capital. Here, we round up some of our favourite things to do in Sydney to help you build your own itinerary – you can use the menu below to jump ahead.

Fun things to do in Sydney Free things to do in Sydney Unique things to do in Sydney Things to do in Sydney for Adults Things to do in Sydney at night Things to do in Sydney when it’s raining Things to do in Sydney with kids Things to do in Sydney with toddlers Things to do in Sydney for young adults

Fun things to do in Sydney

Thrilling escapades, indulgent menus and unforgettable sights encourage visitors of any age to really let their hair down.

1. Soak up the views off Sydney’s tallest building

BridgeClimb  steals the spotlight but did you know SKYWALK atop the Sydney Tower Eye offers a higher vantage point than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Take a secure stroll along the city’s highest outdoor viewpoint, at a whopping 268 metres above the CBD, to gaze adoringly at the city and as far out as the Blue Mountains.

Get the best views of the city on top of the Sydney Tower Eye. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Catch a performance inside the Sydney Opera House

Taking selfies out front is great but totally immersing yourself in the country’s most iconic landmark is a must.

See a performance at the Sydney Opera House. (Image: Destination NSW)(Image: Destination NSW)

Many of the globe’s most acclaimed performers can be seen spinning magic within the Sydney Opera House ’s unique venues. Its annual performance count has been recorded at more than 1,800, ushering in at least 1.4 million people through its doors per year.

Tosca is coming to the the Sydney Opera House in 2024.

3. Unleash your inner child at Luna Park Sydney

Swing like a pendulum on board the 30-metre-high Sledgehammer, whiz down silky-smooth slides in Coney Island and take it nice and slow on the Ferris Wheel. There’s no shortage of fun to be had inside Luna Park Sydney , which was built in 1935 and retains its art deco influence.

Embrace your inner child and go for a spin on the Ferris wheel. (Image: Destination NSW)

It underwent enormous renovations in 2021, introducing nine rides including a new-look Big Dipper, but even more exciting Luna Park Sydney unveilings  can be experienced at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Milsons Point.

Luna Park is a go-to spot for the whole family. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Jump on board the Manly to Circular Quay ferry

Whether you’re starting from the iconic Sydney beach suburb or venturing from the heart of the city, the Manly Ferry  offers a budget-friendly way to see Sydney Harbour and the city’s dramatic waterfront structures. Regular services run between the two central tourist hubs, sailing past Kirribilli House, the official residence of the Prime Minister, Bradleys Head, South Head and much more.

Hop on a ferry from Manly to see Sydney Harbour up close.(Image: Destination NSW)

5. Indulge in a bottomless Sydney brunch

And you thought Melbourne did it well. Get your breakfast mimosa fix at one of the best bottomless brunch menus in the city , which span the city’s CBD, eastern suburbs, northern beaches, north shore and Southerland Shire. Offering multi-course banquets paired with uncapped thirst-quenching concoctions, it’s one of the most fun ways to kick start a day of touring this remarkable city.

Sip bottomless daiquiris at Rosie Campbell’s brunch offering. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Free things to do in Sydney

It’s one of the world’s most expensive cities but getting a feel for Sydney’s natural beauty doesn’t have to set you back a fortune.

6. Soak up Sydney’s best beaches

Spoilt for choice, visitors are urged to discover some of the city’s best secret swimming spots  at Sydney’s most outstanding beaches. While icons including Bondi, Manly, Palm Beach and Gordons Bay need no introduction, lesser-known hot spots such as Great Mackerel Beach in the northern beaches and Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offer great vibes away from thick crowds.  

Cool off away from the crowds on Mackerel Beach. (Image: Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW)

7. Tackle a Sydney bush or coastal walk

From beginner trails to multi-day expeditions that take in endless natural wonders, the city’s most spectacular hikes and coastal walks  are vast and full of adventure.

Hike the trails within peaceful Lane Cove National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Pack a picnic and prepare for a full day out as walks including Castlecrag’s Harold Reid Foreshore Track and Lane Cove National Park’s Riverside Walking Track offer views to rival those found along Sydney’s popular Bondi to Manly or Coogee to Bondi walks.

The Bondi Coastal Walk is even more of a draw during Sculptures by the Sea. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Get up close and personal with Sydney’s underwater life

Venture below the water’s surface in Sydney to discover vibrant underwater ecosystems. The best way to stickybeak? With a snorkel mask and flippers. Sydney’s best snorkelling spots  include Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly and Fairlight Beach in the northern beaches while Clovelly Beach makes waves in the east and the south is dotted with standouts like Cronulla’s Oak Park.  

Get up close and personal with the marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Picnic right along Sydney Harbour

Perch yourself in a world-class dining location without the hefty price tag. A relaxed picnic lunch in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden offers front-row seats to Sydney Harbour while its meticulously manicured grounds set a heavenly scene. Open daily from 7am until sunset, Australia’s oldest botanic garden is free to enter and located on Mrs Macquarie’s Road, just a few minutes’ walk from Sydney’s CBD.

Enjoy a relaxed picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens with views of Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Get lost in a Sydney museum

Providing extraordinary insight into the city’s rich history, plus plenty of artefacts from right around the country and globe, the best museums in Sydney  are delightful time warps. From the Museum of Sydney, Australian Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay to cultural gems like Old Government House in Sydney’s west, there’s a portal into every past.

Embark on a creative journey at the Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Unique things to do in Sydney

Journey off the beaten track to explore the city and its under-hyped charms from a true local’s perspective.

11. See a different side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

There’s a great alternative to BridgeClimb Sydney that involves schlepping up a stack of steps inside one of those decorative stone pillars. The views from the  Pylon Lookout  aren’t quite as good as those from the top of the bridge, but they’re no shabby imitation. Once on ground, head to Dawes Point and look at the bridge from underneath. The humungous grey rivets are impressive and bring home how monstrous the Coat Hanger is.

Swap the BridgeClimb for a Pylon Lookout experience. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Jump on board the Riverboat Postman

The posties on the run from Brooklyn, located one hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, travel a plum route, delivering to small communities that can’t be reached by land. To spend a day in their shoes, dropping off the odd letter along the way, members of the public are invited to join the Riverboat Postman  on the Hawkesbury River for their very own ride.

Cruise along the Hawkesbury River onboard the Riverboat Postman. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Spot a TV star at Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the last stop on the northern beaches run, heading past quiet alternatives such as Whale Beach and Bilgola but there’s more to this neck of the woods than sand and surf. Up your chance of seeing Home and Away being filmed by dropping in on a weekday. Got extra time? Take the long walk to the Barrenjoey lighthouse at the far end to marvel at some stunning coastline.

Take in incredible coastal views from Barrenjoey lighthouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

14. Reconnect with nature at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

Wendy Whiteley, the wife of Sydney artist Brett Whiteley who passed away in 1992, has created a wonderland of sculptures, flora and fauna in her favourite corner of Lavender Bay in Sydney’s north shore. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden  attracts visitors from around the world for its distinct zen and astounding views. Go there with plenty of time up your sleeve — its powerful ambience is tough to kiss goodbye.

Find your inner zen at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. Catch a film at Golden Age Cinema and Bar

This isn’t your ordinary theatre experience. Golden Age Cinema and Bar was first built in 1940 when it was owned by Paramount Pictures and screened everything from newsreels to locally produced films. Today’s reimagined venue, which pays tribute to its Art Deco roots, opened in 2013 and transports visitors back to the Golden Age of cinema itself. Expect underground flicks, vintage furnishings and live music.

Catch live music performances at Golden Age Cinema and Bar. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do for adults

Soak up Sydney’s world-renowned restaurants, bars and boutiques with our pick of adults-only things to do.

16. Unwind in a Sydney day spa

Kick up your feet in one of the city’s best day spas , which dot Sydney from suburb to suburb. While divine pampering and results-based treatments abound in long-established venues including Pyrmont’s The Darling Spa and Venustus in Paddington, Nature’s Energy Day Spa & Bathhouse  in Glebe is also worth trialling as it took out several wins at the 2023 World Luxury Spa Awards.

Get your well-deserved R&R at Pyrmont’s The Darling Spa. (Image: The Darling)

17. Feast at an exceptional Sydney restaurant

World-famous chefs, Instagram-perfect fit-outs and some of the country’s finest hospitality — Sydney’s best restaurants are destinations on their own accord. Celebrating diverse flavours, local produce and evolving techniques, hot spots like Saint Peter, Kiln, Bennelong, Quay, Cirrus and Restaurant Hubert are always great options – and you’ll find plenty of gems in Surry Hills too.

Reserve a table at Restaurant Hubert for a romantic night out. (Image: Destination NSW)

18. Treat yourself to one of Sydney’s freshest hotels

While long-established chains provide luxurious lodgings, a crop of newish hotels should be considered while booking your next Sydney visit. Hotel Indigo in Potts Point, Capella in the city’s CBD  and the W Sydney at Darling Harbour  are just a handful of the city’s most exciting offerings.

Stay in the opulent W Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

19. Hunt for unique goodies at a Sydney market

Showcasing everything from farm-fresh produce and condiments to vintage fashion and knick-knacks, the city’s best markets  offer unique treasure hunting meccas. Savour excellent bacon and egg rolls at Orange Grove Organic Food Markets in Leichhardt, stalk fresh seafood at Pyrmont’s Sydney Fish Markets, find unique art at The Rocks Market or discover homewares you never knew you needed at Paddington Markets — there’s standouts right around the city.

Grab something to eat at The Rocks Friday Foodie Market along Playfair Street. (Image: Destination NSW)

20. Indulge in boutique retail therapy

It’s no coincidence that the city’s trendiest can be found in Sydney’s inner west, inner city and eastern suburbs — it’s where all the great shopping is. Explore strings of boutiques selling fashion, furniture, homewares, jewellery and more in hot spots like Oxford Street, stretching from Taylor Square to Bondi Junction, Cross Street in Double Bay, King Street in Newtown and William Street in Paddington.

Find fashionable items at the Sonia Hopkins store on William Street, Paddington. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do at night

Sydney’s most vivid colours come out when the sun sinks, luring visitors to an eclectic collection of bars, world-class entertainment venues and truly kooky activities.

21. Brave Sydney’s spookiest ghost tour

The Rocks offers frightening varieties but our vote for the scariest ghost tour in Sydney goes to The Quarantine Station  in North Head. Book an after-dark expedition and be fascinated, and often disturbed, by a tour around the somewhat grim facilities renowned as one of the country’s most haunted sites. Into the paranormal? There’s a 3.5-hour Paranormal Investigation tour with your name on it.

Stroll along the country’s most haunted sites at the Quarantine Station. (Image: Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW)

22. Uncover a secret Sydney bar

Sure, easy-to-find bars shake up delectable spoils but it’s always extra gratifying to grab a drink somewhere exclusive. Sydney boasts a string of excellent hidden bars , providing intimate date nights and catch-up spots without too many tourists. Standouts include Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst, The Cumberland in Manly and Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown.

Head downstairs to the classic underground drinking den at The Cumberland. (Image: The Cumberland)

23. Gaze up at the stars well beyond Sydney

Sky-rise towers and endless commotion clutter the city by day but come nightfall, the clear evening sky is often littered with stardust. The perfect spot to spy on some of its most spectacular constellations is Sydney Observatory , serving also as one of the city’s best museums, which offers evening tours to help guide wide eyes right across the galaxy. Located in Millers Point, it’s open from Wednesday to Saturday.

24. Dance like nobody’s watching in a Sydney nightclub

Is the bar closing? Keep the good times rolling in a Sydney club where great tunes spanning every era are pumped well into the early hours. The Albion Hotel in Parramatta is famed for its R&B and hip hop, Goros in Surry Hills will get you interpretive dancing to karaoke sing-a-longs, Home in Darling Harbour attracts the world’s biggest DJs and The Abercrombie in Chippendale is always a good time. Trust us.

Let loose and simply dance the night away at Goros. (Image: Destination NSW)

25. Hop around Sydney’s best breweries

If craft beer’s your jam, there are plenty of stellar options to explore across the city. The Rocks is home to a handful including the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel with Sydney’s oldest continuous pub licence, and the inner west is another brewing magnet offering Young Henry’s, Kicks Brewing, the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Wildflower and more. There’s also plenty going on in the northern beaches, like Bucketty’s Brewing Co and Modus Operandi Brewing.

The ambience at The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre transports you back into the 1980s. (Image: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)

26. Fill your belly at a Sydney night market

Sink into a food coma at one of the city’s flavour-packed night markets. Consistent players include the Chinatown Night Markets on Friday and Paddy’s Night Food Markets held once a month. Seasonal markets also pop up throughout the year but these two standouts are Sydney mainstays and attract thick crowds.

Shop your way around Chinatown Night Markets. (Image: Daniel Boud/Destination NSW)

Things to do in Sydney when it is raining

Indoor culinary feasts, cultural immersions and activity galore are all waiting to be explored when it’s too much of a mess out there.

27. Feast like a king at a Sydney yum cha

Piping hot barbecue pork buns, sizzling sensations and flash-fried calamari — yum cha in Sydney offers the perfect opportunity to whip out your elastic waistband. Head straight for Chinatown for authentic cuisine arriving fresh off trolleys at The Eight and East Ocean but there’s great yum cha in most suburbs including Mr Wong’s in Sydney’s CBD, East Phoenix in Zetland and Silks in Barangaroo.

The yum cha offering in Sydney is not to be missed.

28. Cosy up to a Sydney pub fireplace

Pub grub, just-poured beer and the warmth of a fireplace against your cheeks . Is there any better way to spend a rainy day? Sydney’s best pub fireplaces include the Lord Nelson Brewery and the Hero of Waterloo in The Rocks, The Lord Dudley in Woollahra, The Glebe Hotel and The Riverview in Balmain.

Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is one of the oldest pubs in Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

29. Spy native critters at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Koalas, Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Freshwater Crocs and many more of our iconic animals can be spotted inside the expansive WILD LIFE Sydney  at Darling Harbour. The enclosures are planned out excellently, offering vantage points to cater for large crowds and there’s plenty of interactive experiences to help kill the time.

Spend a day with the animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. (Image: Merlin Entertainment Group)

30. Catch a flick at a Sydney cinema

Sure, your shopping centre cinema chains are packed with amenities but there’s something simply irresistible about a boutique cinema. Watch the latest releases at the city’s most character-filled cinemas including Randwick’s Ritz Cinema, Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum, Paddington’s Chauvel and Palace Veronas across Sydney.

Grab your popcorn ready for a movie night at Paddington’s Chauvel.

31. Book a Sydney cooking class

Learn your way around the ocean’s crustaceans and how to prepare them for devouring with a class at Sydney Seafood School  within the Sydney Fish Market. Offering cooking classes themed by unique cuisines in addition to masterclasses with high-profile chefs, the cooking institution provides lifelong cooking, produce selection and flavour pairing skills.

Level up your cooking skills at Sydney Seafood School. (Image: Destination NSW)

32. Belly laugh at The Comedy Store

While the world’s most celebrated comedians grace a wide range of venues in Sydney, The Comedy Store  in Moore Park is a guaranteed good time no matter who you’re seeing. Expect a handful of performers at every show including, if you’re lucky, familiar faces like Akmal, Lawrence Mooney and Aaron Chen who have all hit its stage.

Things to do in Sydney with kids

Grab the little ones and rustle up your own inner child — it’s time to dial up the energy with the city’s most action-packed activities.

33. Make furry friends at Taronga Zoo

Everyone’s living their best life at Taronga Zoo Sydney , located in the north shore. Kids will delight in the variety of animals while grown-ups will be treated to Instagram-worthy views. Opening its doors back in 1916, the iconic venue has evolved significantly over time but its elephants, monkeys, aviaries and seals have always remained the hottest attractions.

Enjoy a giraffe encounter at Taronga Zoo. (Image: Destination NSW)

34. Get dolled up for a Sydney high tea

Itty bitty sandwiches and pastries may fit snug in child-sized hands but who doesn’t love a towering collection of edible treats? Choose from any one of Sydney’s excellent high tea venues including the Gunners Barracks in Mosman, The Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building and Aperture in the new Capella hotel in Sydney’s CBD, which is set beneath mechanical flowers to further mesmerise the littlest of lunch mates.

Elevate your high tea experience at Hyatt Regency Sydney.

35. Expend serious energy at Sydney’s best playgrounds

Magnificent playgrounds filled with brilliant ways to tire tots out can be found right across the city. If you’re in the east, try The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden at Centennial Parklands. If you’re in the west, head to Blaxland Riverside Park at Sydney Olympic Park. Other standouts include The Canopy Playground in Lane Cove, Fairfield Adventure Park and Domain Creek Playground in Parramatta Park.

The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park is a wonderland of play for kids. (Image: Destination NSW)

36. Explore Sydney’s best indoor play centres

Keen to occupy the kids in a confined environment? An indoor play centre is just the ticket. Stellar picks across Sydney include H’ome Kids Café in Rhodes, complete with its own carousel, Vitaland Kids Café in various locations, Planet Mino Kids Club in Chatswood and JUMPd, a trampoline fun house, in Brookvale.

JUMPd is a trampoline wonderland for kids.

37. Visit the world’s largest LEGO store

Who doesn’t love LEGO? Pretend it’s for the kids and visit the largest LEGO store  in the world, located in the heart of Sydney. The 900-square-metre space, located at 400 George Street in the CBD, is fitted out with every brick imaginable in addition to a ton of interactive experiences and installations, giant models and just general jitteriness.

Drop by the world’s largest LEGO store to complete your collection.

38. Tour Sydney’s best bike tracks

Pop on their helmets and get the kids out on their two-wheelers. Sydney is filled with so many stunning bike trails tailored to little ones including Centennial Parklands’ Learner’s Cycleway for those still on training wheels, Ryde Park in the city’s west, Sydney Park in the inner west and Heffron Pedal Park in the east.

Explore Sydney’s CBD on two wheels. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do in Sydney with toddlers

Grab all of the snacks and make the most out of the city’s thriving café culture, public facilities and free activities.

39. Dine in a family-friendly Sydney restaurant

Mini gourmands are raised right thanks to a diverse scattering of excellent toddler-friendly eateries throughout the city . We love Paddington’s Centennial Homestead and South Coogee’s Bistro on the Greens for their ample spaces inviting tiny humans to run free, as well as The Tea Cosy in The Rocks for its quirky smile-sparking charms.

Bistro on the Greens is renowned for its relaxed dining inside a bowls club. (Image: Wasa Media)

40. Drown babycinos at Sydney cafes

Only have time for a cuppa? Superb babycinos with all the bells and whistles will keep little ones occupied as you savour your morning brew. Check out Flower Drum in Newtown for a solid dusting of chocolate and marshmallows, The Lion & Buffalo in South Coogee for their famed ‘Unicorn milk with fairy magic dust’ as well as any Oliver Brown, located right across the city, for more sugary goodness.

There are plenty of family-friendly cafes in Sydney, like the Grounds of Alexandria. (Image: Destination NSW)

41. Get creative at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s ARTplay

Budding Picassos up to the age of five are invited to flex their creative muscles in the Museum of Contemporary Art’s ARTplay program  which runs throughout the year two or three times a month. It’s a pretty popular playgroup welcoming prams and clans of all sizes, so bookings are required to secure your spot.

42. Discover new favourites at The Children’s Library

The State Library of NSW is a great day out for bubs and adults alike but did you know it has its own dedicated kids space? The Children’s Library , located on the lower ground floor of the Macquarie Building, boasts an enormous collection of classics and newbies from the world’s most exciting authors. Plus, there are plenty of toddler-sized nooks to encourage quiet time spent exploring new finds.

Bring your little ones into a cosy reading nook at the Children’s Library.

43. Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Little ones are guaranteed to lose their mind at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium  where incredible displays just keep coming. From the ocean’s most intimidating predators to the cuddliest of creatures (don’t miss the ice-cold penguin enclosure), there’s a water-loving species to utterly awe every child.

Marvel at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do in Sydney for young adults

Keep not quite-grown-ups off their mobile phones, momentarily anyway, with outstanding action-packed activities spread right across Sydney.

44. Take hilarious selfies at Madame Tussauds

It’s probably the closest your youngsters will ever get to their idols so make a day out of snapping Madame Tussauds Sydney ’s life-size wax sculptures. While the likes of Harry Styles, the Hemsworth brothers and Lady Gaga offer the ultimate contemporary selfie opportunities, all-time icons including Albert Einstein, ET and Marilyn Monroe are also plenty entertaining.

Catch the stunning wax figure of Courtney Act in the new PRIDE zone at Madame Tussauds Sydney.

45. Join a Sydney whale-watching tour

If you’re dropping in between May and November, it’s the perfect time to catch sight of the annual whale migration from Antarctica. Check out our ultimate whale-watching guide to Sydney  for everything you and the kids need to know including which tours suit your specific needs and exactly what time of the day you should head out to sea.

See the fascinating mammals of the sea up close on a Sydney whale-watching tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

46. Paddle a kayak around Sydney Harbour

It’s one of the world’s most scenic bodies of water so elevate your time on Sydney Harbour by experiencing it via a kayak. Many companies offer guided tours with expert commentary and family canoes are also available if there’s a bunch of you. Try Sydney Kayak, Sydney by Kayak and Sydney Harbour Kayaks for great options.  

Go kayaking around Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

47. Learn archery at Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre

Reckon you’ve got a good aim? If you’re six years old and over, you can prove it with a bow and arrow at Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre . The 6.5-acre space was used as the official Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games site, so it’s built for elite athletes and amateurs to give the sport their best shot.

Kids can learn how to shoot arrows at the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre.

48. Ride a horse at Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre

You never bought them a pony so offer your tweens and teens the next best thing – horse riding with Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre , less than one hour from Sydney’s CBD. The long-established company provide guided trail rides as well as private lessons and school holiday day camps.

Experience guided horse rides at Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)

49. Get competitive at a Sydney bowling alley

If you’ve got a young adult in your household, you’ll be all over Strike and how awesome an experience it is right across the country. Strike Bowling Entertainment Quarter  is especially excellent thanks to its on-site laser tag arena and private karaoke rooms. If you’re just bowling, eight lanes cater for crowds who roll into the venue by the truckload come school holidays. Avoid it during the period if you prefer quieter conditions or jump on board to soak up the atmosphere.

Join in the fun and up your game at the Strike Bowling Bar.

50. Bust out of Sydney’s most famous panic room

Set your mind racing as you plan your escape from PaniQ Room in The Rocks. A thrilling game to play with youngsters, the fun-filled hot spot is built with six unique rooms each with its own dramatic scenario. No matter which one you choose, you’ve got 60 minutes to figure out how to get out. If you’re a fan of puzzles, this is your perfect match.

For more travel tips and insider guides, head to our Sydney travel guide.

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

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Excellent article! Looking forward to trying out all of these adventures.

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Guide to Sydney

Aboriginal name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang)

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• Getting to Sydney
• When to visit
• Accessibility

A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you'll never forget.

Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. Plus, with diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away.

Sydney/Warrane is home to a number of distinct First Nations groups, spanning from the beaches of Bondi out to the Blue Mountains. Warrane refers to the area now known as Circular Quay and Sydney Cove specifically. 

Aboriginal culture is vibrant across the city, and you can experience it on cultural tours, exhibitions and events throughout the year. 

• Traditional name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang),
• Indigenous Peoples of Central Sydney: Gadigal people
• Traditional lands of Greater Sydney: Eora Nation
• Traditional languages of Central Sydney: Gadigal language
• How to say g’day in Gadigal: Budyeri kamaru

Being one of Australia’s major cities, getting to Sydney is easy with many international and domestic flights arriving daily. 

• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is 9km (5.5mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
• Hire cars, rideshare and taxi services and shuttles are conveniently available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day 
• Sydney Airport is also serviced by an urban train line direct to the city

Sydney offers clean, reliable and affordable public transport services connecting all of the city’s suburbs. Read more about getting around Sydney .

When it comes to weather , Sydney is quite predictable and experiences four distinct seasons. The warmer months are commonly from November to February, with the cooler months being March to August. 

Even if you are visiting in the cooler months, make sure to pack swimwear, as it is common to enjoy warm, sunny days during winter.

• High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: The long list of festivals and events happening all year long

Throughout Sydney, you’ll find accessible attractions , museums and galleries , heritage landmarks and more.

• Arrival: Special assistance for people with disabilities, including those with hidden disabilities , is available upon arrival and departure at Sydney Airport.
• Getting around: Most of Sydney’s public transport networks are accessible for people using a wheelchair or mobility device. You can use the ‘Accessible services only’ option on the Trip Planner tool for real-time public transport information.
• Accessible experience highlights: Australia in Style provides epic accessible Sydney tours for wheelchair users, and the staff at Let’s Go Surfing are committed to helping everyone ride Bondi’s famous waves.
• Helpful resources: The Vacayit app provides immersive audio guides to selected Sydney attractions. Check out Sydney’s access and inclusion map to explore the city on your own.

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22 Best Things to Do in Sydney

By Sophie Davies

No matter how you spend your days, it's hard not to be happy in Sydney, where the people are forever relaxed and the sun is forever shining. Flaunting gold-sand ocean beaches, glittering harbor pools, and an epic coastline backed by lush green parks, Sydney has natural wonders aplenty. It also offers heritage architecture, fascinating art galleries and museums, stylish shops, and destination dining. Since there is so much to do, we have sifted through it to compile a list of non-negotiable activities, from the city's most iconic beaches to the special culinary experience of going for yum cha with friends. Whether you're in town for a few days or a full week, this list will help you fill every hour with the best the city has to offer. These are the best things to do in Sydney.

Click the link to read our complete Sydney destination guide .

Editor's note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hours and accessibility of many places are fluid and subject to change. We advise you to contact businesses directly for updated safety guidelines and hours of operation before visiting.

Bondi Beach Arrow

Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach sports a sweeping, kilometer-long curve of golden sand, between two headlands, lashed by surf waves. What makes this Eastern Beaches wonder even more unusual is that it’s an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz. This is heaven for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. It’s also the starting point for the scenic 6-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk . Even on crowded summer weekends you’ll find a spot on the shore or lawns fringing the beach (there are barbecues at the northern reserve). People love jogging barefoot on the sand or along the street art-lined esplanade. Bondi’s hip boutiques on Gould Street offer stylish shopping.

Sydney Opera House Arrow

With its sweeping sails, the iconic Sydney Opera House is the symbol of the city, set front and center on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point. This jaw-dropping arts center also hosts plays, dance performances, classical concerts, and contemporary music gigs by major names such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Björk, New Order, Paul Weller, and Lorde. It’s home to eight flagship arts companies, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, indigenous Bangarra Dance Theatre , Bell Shakespeare, Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Ballet, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Try to catch a show.

Yum Cha at Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant Arrow

Going for yum cha is a Sydney tradition, with locals and visitors alike savoring delicious Chinese treats. Meaning “drink tea” in Cantonese, the ritual involves dining on lots of little dim sum delicacies, from seafood dumplings to spring rolls to pork buns, teamed with fragrant Chinese tea. Usually served piled high in bamboo steamers by wait staff wielding trolleys, these sensational snacks evolved in Hong Kong , but have translated perfectly a continent away. One of the city's top yum cha destinations is in Sydney Fish Market, where Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Restaurant beckons. Consider Chinatown in Haymarket as well, which hosts classic, old-school restaurants Golden Century and Marigold, both popular yum cha haunts, especially for Sunday lunch. 

Surry Hills Arrow

With its tree-fringed Victorian terrace houses, sociable bars and cafés, and stylish independent stores, Surry Hills is a magnet for creative types and one of the inner city’s most charming neighborhoods. Visitors will get a sense of how Sydneysiders live here, whether that’s sipping matcha lattes at cafés such as the iconic Bills , sinking a craft beer at a pub, or just walking the dog. For a culture fix, head to the Brett Whiteley Studio , once home to the rebellious late Australian artist. It’s easy to stroll around Surry Hills, which is part of its appeal.

Emily Saladino

Mark Ellwood

Wylie’s Baths Arrow

Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths is a large, heritage-listed ocean tidal pool with sweeping sea views. It's a five-minute stroll south of Coogee along the coastal walkway , and has a welcoming café on its upper tier with changing rooms alongside. Wylie’s, in addition to nearby Bondi Icebergs and Murray Rose pools, can be chilly, as they’re ocean or harbor dips. All get crowded on warm weekends.

Art Gallery NSW Arrow

Sydney’s premier art destination, the Art Gallery of New South Wales—aka Art Gallery NSW—was established in 1871 and holds court in the leafy Domain near Hyde Park . Its huge classical building is home to a vast collection of fine Australian and international art, including colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European old masters, as well as contemporary creations. It's free to visit the permanent collection of this public gallery, but specific shows are ticketed. The expansive collection covers all media, drawing over a million visitors a year to this major Australian gallery.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Arrow

The iconic 6-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk takes in five beaches and two bays, and is one of Sydney’s most scenic seaside walks. With its string of sensational beaches , stunning ocean views, and fairly easy, enjoyable trail, it’s a Sydney must-do. To shorten the journey, stroll from Bondi to Bronte and back. Fitter folk can continue south three kilometers to surf beach Maroubra, or stroll to Coogee and back again in a day. Stop off and relax at parks, rock pools, and cafés along the way.

The Rocks Arrow

Sydney’s oldest colonial neighborhood, the Rocks, is a warren of atmospheric sandstone warehouses, quiet courtyards, and cobbled alleys on the western side of Circular Quay. The birthplace of modern Sydney, this was where the First Fleet of British colonists and convicts stepped ashore in 1788. Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge looming over this historic district, and Sydney Opera House opposite. The oldest remaining building is 1816-founded Cadmans Cottage, beside the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA ), a handy starting point for a walk around the area’s 19th-century buildings, heritage pubs, cafés, shops, and galleries.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Arrow

Dubbed "The Coathanger," Sydney Harbour Bridge is an incredible feat of design. The world’s largest steel through arch bridge, opened in 1932 after years of planning, it’s a vital artery, linking Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District) beside Circular Quay with the North Shore. It’s free to walk or cycle across it—with separate paths on the east and west sides, respectively—affording bird’s-eye views of the Opera House , Luna Park, and the harbor below.

White Rabbit Gallery Arrow

One of Sydney’s insider secrets, the White Rabbit Gallery showcases contemporary Chinese art. White Rabbit is a must-see for anyone excited by modern art, especially the dynamic, influential Sino scene. The White Rabbit’s compact, white-walled, four-story space is the perfect size for an enjoyable visit. A serene teahouse on the ground floor, hung with pretty birdcages, serves Chinese and Taiwanese teas, dumplings, and scones. The adjacent gift shop sells stylish souvenirs drawing on the gallery’s shows. Signature buys include black and patterned staff aprons, and figurines of a girl with a white rabbit.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Arrow

Australia’s oldest botanical garden, founded in 1816, is a leafy, 74-acre oasis adorned with ornamental plants, rolling lawns, and ancient trees, with a mix of native and international species. Admire the flora and fauna or just enjoy this verdant spot for a picnic, stroll, or serene time-out. You’ll find fabulous flowers, plant-packed conservatories, and historic sculptures dotting the grounds. For local attractions, check out the Australian Rainforest Garden, Australian Native Rockery, or the Bicentenary Garden, and the rare, recently rediscovered Wollemi Pine.

Manly Beach Arrow

One of Sydney’s most famous surf spots, Manly Beach is a huge sweep of golden sand backed by pretty pine trees. It’s actually three beaches in one—South Steyne, North Steyne, and surf-friendly Queenscliff, stretching almost two kilometers—and is the first of the city’s Northern Beaches which run from here up to Palm Beach. Take the iconic half-hour Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf for its fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Opera House and city skyline (especially if you bag a seat outside), and on arrival, hit either the family-friendly harbor beaches on both sides of the wharf, or head down The Corso, a short pedestrian street across the peninsula, to oceanfront Manly Beach.

Bangarra Dance Theatre Arrow

Australia’s leading First Nations performing arts company, Bangarra, is beloved for its powerful dance performances, combining indigenous moves, songs, and stories drawn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. All the dancers are classically trained, but have indigenous roots, leading to a striking fusion of movement styles that will delight lovers of contemporary dance. Bangarra is the real deal, offering a uniquely Australian take on dance you won’t see elsewhere. Expect mesmerizing choreography, compelling theater, and distinctive design and soundscapes.

Taronga Zoo Sydney Arrow

Taronga Zoo occupies some of the city’s best real estate, ideal for snapping giraffes backdropped by the Sydney Opera House and sparkling harbor. Getting there is half the fun: take the scenic 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, then soar by Sky Safari cable car (free with zoo tickets) up to the main entrance. Once inside you’ll have a wild time, meeting over 4,000 animals from Australia and around the world. You’ll find amazing animals from gorillas to zebras at Taronga Zoo, but don’t miss the Australian indigenous species.

Cockatoo Island Arrow

A UNESCO World Heritage site, rugged Cockatoo Island combines colonial convict history with industrial shipbuilding heritage. Pick up an island map from the visitor center and explore. For a small fee, 90-minute, self-guided audio tours offer insight into Cockatoo’s layered past; you also can book ticketed guided tours online, including private convict precinct tours and lower Island, shipyard and night-time haunted history tours for groups. Spending time here is memorable and moving, so plan for at least half a day.

Sydney Living Museums Arrow

Sydney Living Museums is an inspiring collection of 12 of the city's best museums , historic houses, and gardens across the city and surrounding countryside. Changing exhibitions span everything from design and architecture to archeology, convict life, and street photography. Sydney Living Museums’ popular events celebrate living history, drawing inspiration from the permanent collections. Check the website for free guided tours for museum ticket holders. The Sydney Museums Pass will give you savings on entry.

Golden Age Cinema and Bar Arrow

Travel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached. Set in the heritage-listed, Art Deco Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills , it was once the film company’s screening room, but has been lovingly restored. Launched in 2013, Golden Age screens classic, cult, and contemporary new-release movies, with a penchant for independent films, creative feature pairings, and documentaries.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Arrow

Sydney’s major modern art venue, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) occupies a prime harborside spot in the Rocks , overlooking the ferries at Circular Quay. The MCA Collection is devoted to contemporary Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander artists, from sculpture to painting, photography, video art, and installations. One floor hosts changing displays from this impressive archive of over 4,000 pieces, while two other levels present temporary exhibitions by international and local talents. With killer views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House , the fourth-floor, semi-alfresco MCA Café serves a tempting breakfast and lunch menu, with drinks and wine.

Carriageworks Farmers Market Arrow

One of Sydney’s best produce markets, the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market, takes place every Saturday morning. It's held in a cavernous, covered, open-air hanger in the historic former rail yards in Eveleigh, opposite Carriageworks arts center. Shop for seasonal, local produce at this respected farmers market, which hosts stalls by farmers and artisan producers from across New South Wales state. Organic and biodynamic food also stars. Stalls change, but look out for tasty vegan sausages from Suzy Spoon’s Vegetarian Butcher. You’ll find top quality meats, truffles, and wine, too.

Camp Cove Arrow

Camp Cove is the Sydney beach of your dreams. A skinny arc of golden sand backed by private beach houses and lapped by gentle turquoise water, it’s only 262 yards long, but makes up for its small size in charm. Swim out a little way to glimpse the Sydney skyline in the distance; there’s something surreal about bobbing in the sea while admiring the city's lofty skyscrapers.

The Intersection Paddington Arrow

Named after its location at the corner of Paddington’s Oxford Street and Glenmore Road, the Intersection is a hot shopping district. Clustered on and around two of Sydney’s chicest retail strips, it’s home to the best Australian fashion designers in town, alongside airy cafés and galleries. Find it halfway along main drag Oxford Street, opposite historic Victoria Barracks. What’s memorable at the Intersection is the critical mass of stylish showrooms in close proximity, yet you’re not trapped in a lifeless mall. Check out all your favorite Australian labels.

Australian Museum Arrow

Australia’s first public museum, founded in 1827, celebrates the astonishing flora, fauna, and cultures of Australia and the Pacific. The mammoth building exhibits a smorgasbord of natural history and ethnography in a prime corner near Hyde Park . The permanent collection houses more than 21 million cultural and scientific objects. Kids will love the Wild Planet exhibit, which includes stuffed kangaroos and koalas, or check out the dinosaurs or unusual wildlife of Surviving Australia . If time is flying, just tackle 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum , a landmark display in the Westpac Long Gallery, or learn more about Aboriginal heritage in the First Nations galleries.

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What to Do in Sydney

The 22 best highights in sydney.

Latest update: August 8, 2023

In a nutshell: our Sydney highlights

• Sydney Opera House : Sydney’s iconic landmark and typical postcard motif of the city.
• Harbour Bridge : you have a great view of Sydney from the largest steel arch bridge in the world.
• The Rocks : In this hip district you will find trendy bars and restaurants as well as cool museums.
• Manly Beach : Our favorite beach in Sydney, more laid-back than the famous Bondi Beach.
• Birdcage Alley : Cool street with empty birdcages – a great photo motif!

These were our top 5 sights in Sydney. Do you want to find out more? Then just read on and check out all our highlights in Sydney.

Buy tickets for Sydney sights online in advance

Sydney is a very popular destination for a city trip. Therefore, it is almost inevitable that there will be queues in front of the ticket counters at the top attractions. To avoid waiting in line, you can buy tickets for the most popular highlights in advance.

For these Sydney must-sees, it’s worth buying tickets online before you go:

The most important attractions of Sydney on a map

Finding your way around Sydney can be a bit confusing at first, so we’ve created a handy sightseeing map for you, featuring all the most important sights and attractions.

Click here to download the map for easy access

Sydney Opera House

Every list of the most beautiful sights in Sydney has to start with the Sydney Opera House.

And with good reason: The Sydney Opera House is the most frequently photographed building in all of Australia, the landmark of Sydney , and probably one of the most famous buildings in the world. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The opera offers several one-hour guided tours in small groups during the day. The regularly scheduled tours are held in English.

We really enjoyed ourselves on the tour – it costs A$43 and takes visitors through all the different auditoriums while introducing them to the exciting history of the Opera’s construction.

The easiest way to book a tour is online:

Book a guided tour of the Opera

Our tip: With a bit of luck you’ll be able to buy discounted last-minute tickets to one of the performances after the tour, subject to availability. There’s no guarantee, but your odds are pretty good.

Harbor cruise with a view of the Opera House

We think the Opera House looks the most impressive when viewed from a distance. For the best views , we’d recommend the Harbour Bridge or taking a harbor cruise .

There are several harbor cruises that pass the Opera House. Here’s a selection:

Sydney Harbour: Tall shop lunch cruise Sydney Harbour: 3-hour lunch cruise with live music In the evening: 3-hour harbor cruise with 3-course dinner

Our tip: If you were planning a trip to Manly anyway (see attraction #19), you’ll pass the Opera House on the ferry ride over. So if it’s just the view you’re after, there’s no need to book a harbor cruise.

depends on the selected tour or performance

view on Google Maps

official website

Harbour Bridge

Harbour Bridge is one of the most prominent sights in Sydney , and you should definitely check it out.

Completed in 1932, the magnificent structure spans the full breadth of Sydney Harbour with a length of just over 500 meters and a width of 49 meters. It’s already an impressive sight during the day, but it’s even more stunning when it lights up at night.

While it’s a popular tourist attraction, it’s also a regular traffic and pedestrian bridge, so you can cross it for free and enjoy the breathtaking view of the harbor and Sydney Opera House on the way.

Even higher up on the Pylon Lookout

If the view from the footpath isn’t enough for you, then you can also climb to the top of the southeastern bridge tower. Once you’ve climbed the 200 or so steps, you’ll be treated to one of the most beautiful views of Sydney !

Admission costs A$19, payable only by credit card. Cash payments aren’t accepted.

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower is the tallest building in the city. Its striking architecture stands out from miles away.

The view from the top is phenomenal. On clear days, you can see as far as the Blue Mountains from the Tower Eye observation deck at a height of 251 meters.

The entrance to the Sydney Tower Eye can be a bit hard to find. It’s located inside Westfield Shopping Centre. Take the entrance at the corner of Market Street and Pitt Street where you’ll find an elevator that goes straight to the entrance to the Tower Eye on the 5th floor.

Our tip: Book your tickets in advance. An online ticket costs A$24.80, which is much cheaper than the A$31 charged at the door.

Book a ticket for Sydney Tower Eye

By the way: There’s a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower, offering stunning a 360° view of the city. Admission to the tower is free if you have a restaurant reservation.

Make a reservation at the Sydney Tower Eye restaurant  

Also on the 5th floor is an excellent food court where you can enjoy a tasty and affordable meal before or after your visit.

Mrs. Macquarie's Point

Mrs. Macquarie’s Point is located at the northeastern tip of a peninsula just outside the Royal Botanic Garden.

It’s named for the name of the wife of the former Governor of New South Wales in the early 19th century, who was so enamored with the view that a stone bench – Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – was carved for her here, where she would sit for hours gazing out onto the harbor.

We can totally understand why! This lookout point is the perfect place to get a picture of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in a single shot.

Dudley Page Reserve / Dover Heights

If you’re looking for a time out from the concrete jungle with a spectacular view , then head out to Dudley Page Reserve in the eastern coastal suburb of Dover Heights. Locals gather here in the evening for picnics, a game of cricket, or their daily workout.

There are no cafes or restaurants here, not even water fountains, so don’t forget to bring an ample supply of water, especially in the summer.

It’s basically a huge flat green area with no trees, and hence no shade. That means it’s almost entirely deserted during the day. But that’s okay, the view is best in the evening anyway. Plan your trip around sunset to line up some spectacular shots of the Sydney skyline.

To get there, take the T4 to Bondi Junction station. Then catch the 380 bus towards South Head Cemetery. Get off at Military Rd opp Weonga Rd, and you’ll be standing right in front of Dudley Page Reserve.

Our tip : Combine your visit to Dudley Page Reserve with a trip to Bondi Beach. It’s just a few stops from Bondi on the 380 bus, so you can spend the day at the beach and then head to Dover Heights an hour before sunset.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden expands just behind the Opera House and is the ideal spot for a picnic or a quick break from sightseeing.

Give yourself enough time to explore the gardens – there’s a lot to discover!

Our personal highlight were the cockatoos all over the park, just going about their day, completely unperturbed by all visitors. You’ll have the best odds of seeing the cockatoos if you plan your visit for the morning or early evening.

At the entrance to the park is the historic, Neo-Gothic Government House , which has been the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales for over 150 years. You can visit Government House for free as part of a guided tour, available every 30 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 am to 3 pm.

Important: Bring your passport, you’re going to need it at the entrance.

Hyde Park is a green oasis right in the center of town – the perfect spot to take a break from all the sightseeing, or perhaps even a picnic. Its dense canopy of trees offers some much-needed shade from the summer sun.

The locals obviously agree. Around lunchtime, the park fills up with Sydneysiders (as Sydney residents are known) enjoying their lunch break.

At the north entrance of Hyde Park is St. James’ Church , the oldest church in Sydney. Be sure to take a look inside, it’s really worthwhile.

Just across from the church is the Hyde Park Barracks . The former convict quarters have been refashioned into a living history museum. It’ll give you a pretty good sense of how the deported convicts were treated during Sydney’s early settlement period.

Further down in the southern part of Hyde Park you’ll find the ANZAC Memorial . You can visit the war museum commemorating the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps for free.

The harbor district The Rocks is the birthplace of Sydney. Once the dingy domain of soldiers and sailors riddled with taverns and brothels 200 years ago, its modern-day incarnation is much more sanitized with markets, galleries, museums, and pubs characterizing the quarter nowadays.

Take a stroll down Playfair Street, whose historic workers’ terraces now house boutiques and cafes, or join a guided tour of the neighborhood for a hearty dose of background information and anecdotes.

Book a guided tour of The Rocks

The Rocks Market sets up on George Street every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. There are over 200 stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs, clothes, and lots of trinkets.

Another interesting place to visit here is Susannah Place Museum . You can see what life in this neighborhood was like for workers in the 1840s, including a colonial goods store.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is ground zero for tourism in Sydney . The whole area was extensively redeveloped in the run-up to the 2000 Olympic Games.

If we’re being honest, we weren’t all too keen on Darling Harbour. It’s just way too touristy for our liking. But it’s certainly a nice place for a sightseeing stroll .

Darling Harbour may also be a good place for you to stay in Sydney – it’s very central, all the major sights are nearby, and there are plenty of hotels.

Besides hotels and restaurants, it has all the same classic attractions as every other global city these days: a SEA LIFE Aquarium with 650 different species of aquatic animals, a WILD LIFE Zoo, and a Madame Tussauds.

So if you’re ever cursed with a rainy day in Sydney, Darling Harbour is a decent enough bad-weather alternative with these attractions.

You can pre-purchase tickets for all three Darling Harbour highlights online:

Book tickets for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Book tickets for WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Book tickets for Madame Tussauds Sydney

If you want to visit all three attractions, or even just two of them, a combination ticket is real bargain.

You can choose from Sydney Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, WILD LIFE Zoo, or Madame Tussauds at a greatly discounted rate of A$65 for two attractions or A$75 for three.

Book a combination ticket for 2, 3, or 4 attractions

Bonus tip for kids: The Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour is a real highlight for children. Admission to the permanent exhibit is free.

Paddington and Surry Hills

Paddington and Surry Hills are two of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney. The two neighborhoods border each other directly and are among the hippest areas in Sydney today. You’ll find several galleries, bookstores, boutiques, and cafés there.

Just don’t expect to find any major tourist attractions in Paddington or Surry Hills. The neighborhoods are a sight in their own right with their semi-detached Victorian houses and pretty little stores.

Visiting Paddington is even more worthwhile on Saturdays. From 10 am to 4 pm, you can wander through Paddington Market and shop for clothes and souvenirs.

Sydney was a bit too polished for us in many places. Even the hipster havens of Paddington and Surry Hills seemed way too neat and tidy.

Where was the cool part of town where things are a bit more offbeat and rough around the edges? After searching high and low, we finally struck gold: Newtown was exactly what we were looking for!

Newtown is located off to the southwest of the CBD and Surry Hills. Take a walk down King Street for an eclectic selections of quirky stores, second hand and vintage boutiques, and lots of restaurants and bars.

And if you’re into street art , then Newtown an absolute must-see, there’s so much more here than in any other part of Sydney.

Chinatown & Paddy's Markets

If you head south from Darling Harbour, pretty soon you’ll find yourself in the heart of Chinatown. As you enter Dixon Street, you’ll be greeted by the typical gate that marks the entrance to every Chinatown in Western cities.

Even the street signs here are bilingual. There are countless stores selling traditional Chinese trinkets, and above all plenty of opportunities for excellent Chinese food .

Friday evenings are the best time to visit. The Chinatown Friday Night Market sets up shop on Dixon Street from 4 pm to 11 pm, so you can stroll through its stalls and indulge in the delicacies on offer.

At the southern end of Dixon Street is Paddy’s Markets , a huge indoor complex of stores and flea markets, where you can find pretty much anything under the sun: clothes, fruit and vegetables, soap, spices, sunglasses, towels, cooking pots, shoes, handbags, jewelry, souvenirs, knick-knacks, you name it.

Bondi Beach

If you’ve seen enough of the city and want to spend a day at the beach for a change of pace, Australia’s most famous surfer beach awaits.

The eastern suburb of Bondi is bustling with water sports enthusiasts, families, and lots of beautiful people on the beach. That’s right, Bondi is all about seeing and being seen.

The restaurant at the southern end of the beach has the most beautiful view . Bondi Icebergs is actually a clubhouse for the local swimming club, but it’s open to visitors. Treat yourself to an ocean-view lunch above the seawater pool.

Bondi is the perfect place to get your feet wet if you’ve never been on a board before and want to give it a shot. You can take a 2-hour crash course here.

Book a surfing course at Bondi Beach

The only way to get to Bondi Beach is by bus. First, take the T4 train to the Bondi Junction terminus. Then take the 333 or 380 bus and get off at Bondi Beach.

The 333 bus originates at Circular Quay in the center of Sydney, so if you want, you can go the whole way by bus. It just takes a little longer.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

If you go to Bondi, make sure to do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. We personally liked it better than Bondi Beach itself.

The six-kilometer coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee runs right along the seafront, with one spectacular view chasing the next .

If you don’t want to hike the full distance, you can just walk to Bronte Beach . That’s only about 2 kilometers. Keep an eye on the sea if you’re here anytime between May and November: You might be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale migrating along this part of the coast.

Of course you can also go the other way around and start at Coogee Beach. If you head out north from there in the early morning, you should make it to Bondi Beach by noon. Spend the afternoon at the beach and leave for the lookout point in Dover Heights about an hour before sunset as the crowning moment of an amazing day.

To get to Coogee, take the T4 train to Bondi Junction and then take the 353 bus to Coogee. Get off at “Arden St opp Coogee Bay Rd”.

Manly Beach

The most beautiful beach in northern Sydney is Manly Beach. Like Bondi Beach, it’s also popular with surfers, but Manly Beach has a much more laid-back atmosphere and village-like feel. Overall, we preferred Manly to Bondi.

Between the ferry terminal and Manly Beach you’ll find plenty of places for shopping, dining, and coffee. Just like the main beach, everything in the suburb of Manly is a bit more chill and less crowded than in downtown Sydney or Bondi.

If the sea is too rough for swimming, head for one of the two seawater pools instead. Queenscliff Rockpool is located at the northern end of Manly Beach.

The picturesque Fairy Bower Sea Pool is only about a five-minute walk from Manly Beach. Just head down the Marine Parade at the southern tip of the beach. The pool is easy to spot once you get there.

Manly also has plenty of smaller beaches if you’re looking for something a bit more subdued.

Our tip: There’s a really pretty bay just a few minutes southeast of Manly Beach: Shelly Beach. The beach is great for families, but the walk itself is already worthwhile.

A short walk from the ferry terminal is Little Manly Beach, another great spot for kids . The beach sheltered by a cove with virtually no currents. There’s a fenced off area in the water for added safety and a playground for when your little ones have had enough off the sea.

To get there, take the direct ferry service from Circular Quay to Manly. It’s super-convenient and offers spectacular views of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as an added bonus.

Queen Victoria Building

Located just a few meters from Sydney Tower is the Queen Victoria Building. Inside is a mall, but not just any mall: This historic building from 1898 is a real Victorian shopping gem .

The building was almost demolished around 1950, but fortunately there was a huge public outcry in Sydney once the demolition was announced, and the plan was quickly abandoned.

In 1986, the building was restored and now shines in new splendor as one of Sydney’s architectural highlights . Don’t forget to bring your camera because the building has an astonishing array of beautiful photo opportunities in store for you.

Of course, you can also go a huge shopping spree in the most city’s most exclusive shopping center. More than 180 stores and boutiques await.

Birdcage Alley / Angel Place

Birdcage Alley is a very cool photo spot . The small backstreet in the heart of the Central Business District is officially known as Angel Place.

Suspended above the street is an assemblage of empty birdcages , kind of like a surreal mobile. The installation was created by the artist Michael Thomas Hill , who dubbed his work “Forgotten Songs”.

The empty birdcages are supposed to symbolize the bird species that were native to the region before the city of Sydney was built.

You’ll hear different species of birds chirping from hidden loudspeakers . The bird songs change depending on the time of day and the biological rhythms of the individual avian species.

So be sure to take a detour into the tiny alley for a short reprieve from the constant thrum of the urban jungle. If you close your eyes and listen intently, you can almost imagine yourself being transported back in time to a different type of biotope.

Spice Alley

For delicious food , consider a detour to Kensington Street.

Just a few years ago, Kensington Street was in a sorry state. Every other building looked like it was about to collapse if the wind turned the wrong way.

Fortunately, things have turned around dramatically. Many of the quaint little houses have been restored, with plenty of brand-new buildings sprinkled in between.

Since 2015, Kensington Street has made a name for itself as a paradise for foodies , attracting flocks of hungry locals and tourists alike.

We really fell in love with Spice Alley, a vibrant open-air food court featuring a panoply of eateries serving delicious pan-Asian street food , including dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, all at relatively affordable prices.

Sydney Fish Market

The fishing industry is a huge deal in Sydney, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to the world’s third largest seafood market . Located in Blackwattle Bay, just a few minutes walk from Darling Harbour, Sydney Fish Market serves up the spoils of the sea in all shapes and sizes.

Primarily a haven for wholesalers, many of the market stalls also cater to the general public . If seafood is your thing, you’re in for a real treat ! You can feast on a cornucopia of fresh fish, sashimi, seafood, and even oysters.

Australian Museum

Founded in 1827, the Australian Museum was the very first museum to open in Australia. It’s located on the fringes of Hyde Park and houses one of the world’s most significant natural history collections .

If you’re interested in natural history, zoology, paleontology, or anthropology, the Australian Museum has you covered. The main focus is on Australia’s unique wildlife , with a few sections devoted to Aboriginal history and Polynesian culture.

St. Mary's Cathedral

At the fringe of Hyde Park stands St. Mary’s Cathedral, built of sandstone. Built in 1868, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful Neo-Gothic buildings in the world .

Its full name is Cathedral Church and Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians. That’s quite a mouthful, but if you just say St. Mary’s, everyone will know what you mean.

The best time to visit the cathedral is just before sunset , when the light of the setting sun hits the stained glass windows, creating a beautiful effect.

If you have the time, stick around until nightfall. The outdoor lighting in the evening is really pretty. And if you happen to be in Sydney around Christmas, the light projection displays on the church’s facade are absolutely spectacular!

Taronga Zoo

We usually aren’t big fans of zoos, but Taronga Zoo definitely deserves a spot on our list of Sydney’s top attractions .

The zoo in northern Sydney offers its animals and visitors an incredible view . The giraffes probably have the best view of Sydney’s skyline .

Almost 4,000 animals from different climate zones all around the world live at Taronga Zoo. On nine different trails you’ll come face-to-face with giraffes, reptiles, tigers, wombats, monkeys, koalas, and many birds.

Speaking of, the Sky Safari cable car also offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of the zoo. It’s already included in the admission price.

The zoo is huge, so you should plan at least half a day for your visit. If you have kids, you can easily spend the whole day at the zoo.

The best way to get to the zoo is to just take the F2 ferry from Circular Quay, conveniently payable by credit card or Opal Card. One of the main entrances to the zoo is located right by the ferry dock.

Tickets cost A$51 and are also available online:

Book a ticket to Taronga Zoo

General travel tips: The best way to see Sydney’s sights

Before we get to our 22 favorite attractions in Sydney, here are a few general travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Sydney.

#1: Choosing the right area to stay

Sydney is a vast and sprawling city, so choosing the right neighborhood to stay is essential.

If your number one priority in Sydney is sightseeing, we recommend booking a hotel in the Central Business District (CBD). That way, you’ll be within walking distance of Sydney’s major attractions with the best public transport connections to the rest of the city.

Check out our post on where to stay in Sydney for in-depth information on choosing the best neighborhood for your stay , with specific hotel tips for every budget:

Where to stay in Sydney: The best areas

#2 Getting around: Public transport in Sydney

The most convenient way to get around in Sydney is by public transport. There’s an extensive network of trains , a metro line, light rail, buses, and even ferries that stop near all the major sights .

Prices are relatively cheap compared to most major European and American cities. Your fare is determined by a combination of different factors: the type of transport (bus, light rail, train, etc.), the number of kilometers traveled, and the time of day (it’s more expensive during rush hour).

If that sounds really complicated, don’t worry, there’s no advance math requirement – the ticketing system does all the work for you. That’s actually the best part: You’ll never have to buy a ticket for public transport in Sydney. If you have a credit card that supports contactless payment, you can just use it tap on and tap off before entering/exiting a station or vehicle.

The fare is simply charged to your credit card at the end of each journey. That’s all! No paper tickets, no broken vending machines, no heated arguments with ticket inspectors because you bought the wrong ticket. Everything’s taken care of automatically in Sydney.

What’s more, there’s a daily fare cap of A$16.30 per day (or A$8.15 on weekends). That means no matter how much you travel, you’ll never pay more than that amount per day.

For that to work, each passenger will need their own credit card. If anyone in your group doesn’t have a contactless credit card, you can buy an Opal Card at one of the stations, including the airport, or from a licensed vendor (e.g. a 7-Eleven) in Sydney.

The Opal Card is a top-up travel card for public transport in Sydney. It basically works the same way as a credit card, you just tap on and off every time you travel. Just make sure there’s enough money on your card to cover your fare.

#3: Save time and money with a Sydney city pass

A Sydney city pass can save you a lot of money if you’re planning on doing a ton of sightseeing. What’s more, it also includes fast-track admission to many of the attractions, which can save you a lot of time you’d have wasted waiting in line otherwise.

We chose the Sydney Explorer Pass from Go City for our visit. It lets you to pick a certain number of attractions you want to visit at a considerable discount compared to paying for each one individually.

There are two other options available: The Sydney Flexi Attractions Pass , which is similar to the Go Sydney Pass, but with a slightly different line-up of available attractions, and the Unlimited Attractions Pass , which is the perfect choice for real sightseeing hounds, allowing 3 or 7-day access to all included attractions for a flat fee.

What else can you recommend to see and do in Sydney?

That wraps up our list of the 22 best sights in Sydney! Have you been to Sydney and do you have any tips to share? Then we’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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50 Of The Best Things To Do In Sydney In 2024

By Jessica Best

4th Jan 2024

Here it is folks, your dedicated guide to the best things to do in Sydney.

From its sprawling harbour and coastal national parks to famous brewery crawls and nostalgic drive-thru cinemas, there’s always something on in Sydney. Made for the out-of-towners, the actively dating, or even the longtime Sydneysider ready to get their adventure on, we’ve got you covered.

Read on for 50 of the best things to do in Sydney.

The Best Things To Do In North Sydney

• Head to Luna Park: Originally built in 1935, Luna Park is stacked with local history. It has opened and closed a few times across the years, once due to a tragic and mysterious fire, and another time due to noise complaints from neighbouring residents. There are a couple of urban legends associated with the park too, and it’s one of the only heritage-listed amusement parks in the world. Buy tickets here.
• Visit Taronga Zoo: This zoo is at the forefront of conservation efforts, fighting for the growth of populations for species threatened in the wild. The crew here operate two wildlife hospitals that treat and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, as well as providing best-practice health care for the animals. Buy tickets here.
• Go for high tea at the Gunners Barracks: sink your teeth into freshly baked scones with clotted cream, preserves, finely cut sandwiches and savoury pastries at this cliffside venue.
• Take a stroll through Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden: In this picture-perfect nook, you’ll find Bangalow palms, figs, and Lillies with glimpses of the harbour between ferns. This one is definitely one of Sydney’s most picturesque nature walks.

The Best Things To Do In Sydney's Northern Beaches 

• Spend a day exploring Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park : Easily one of NSW’s most beautiful national parks,  this place features stunners like the Great North walk, The Basin Campground, Akuna Bay (perfect for a picnic), and the West Head lookout.
• Visit some of Sydney's prettiest—and arguably best—beaches : Far away from the crowds of Bondi, Sydney's Northern Beaches are, simply put, some of the best in the country. From picturesque cliffs and dunes to secret celebrity hangouts and some world-class surfing breaks, hit up Bilgola Beach, Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Narrabeen, and Freshwater.  
• Go bar hopping in Manly and brewery hopping in Brookvale : Cool bars and trendy breweries used to be few and far between in the Northern Beaches—but a new scene is emerging. Head to Sydney's "little Brooklyn", AKA Brookvale, and work your way around breweries like Bucketty's , Dad & Dave's , and Nomad . Then, head over to Tropikana on Manly Beach for a dance, and The Cumberland for a nightcap.  LABEL , also in Brookvale, has one of the best sound systems in the city. 

The Best Things To Do In Sydney’s Inner West

• Don your sparkles for a drag show: The Imperial Erskineville is Sydney’s home of drag and rightfully so. It’s been an iconic LGBQTI+ venue since 1983 and you’ve probably spotted its facade in the opening scene of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. Catch a show on the ground floor, hit the rooftop for some cocktails and then head into the basement for some late-night dancing.
• Take the ultimate brewery crawl through Marrickville and surrounds: Made up of large areas of abandoned warehouses and tired industrial estates, it has long been a site for artists, visionaries, and strange goings-on. This all makes Marrickville the perfect place to start a revolution in beer. If you don’t know already— this suburb is the beating heart of the brewery scene for Sydney and probably NSW itself.
• Check out White Rabbit Gallery: White Rabbit is home to one of the world's (and Australia’s) most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. Founded by Kerr and Judith Nielson, the gallery focuses on works created post-2000. The Tea House cafe is located street level within the gallery; aromatic teas, fresh juices, beer, wine and dumplings are all served too. Entry to the gallery is always free. 
• Lap up local produce: The iconic Carriageworks Farmers Markets always sports a vendor and producer line-up created entirely by chef Mike McEnearney (who you might know from Kitchen By Mike). Hosted every Saturday, if you’re quick, you’ll be able to get your hands on the likes of Pepe Saya’s chantilly mascarpone and smoked butter and vegan coconut crumpets from Crumpets by Merna.
• Walk down King Street: As one of Sydney’s most eclectic streets, you’ll have more than enough to explore here. You’ll find cinemas, laneway burger joints, vintage clothing and furniture stores, bars, dog-friendly pubs, live music—the road is really your oyster.
• Take in the arts and live music at Enmore Theatre, The Red Rattler, and The Vanguard: You won’t be short of any venues to get around in terms of live performances so pick your poison and get ready to soak up local artists in their element. 
• Stretch those legs and check out Sydney’s street murals: Newtown’s I Have A Dream mural, Enmore’s housing bubble mural by Sydney artist Fintan Magee, and Redfern’s 40,000 Years mural on Lawson Street (by Carol Ruff, Colin Nugent, Tracey Moffatt, Joe Geia, Avril Quill, Kristina Nehm, and Charlie Aarons) are all must-sees.
• Go to Burwood Chinatown: Burwood Chinatown is a dining and retail precinct within Sydney’s Inner West sporting over 30 hawker-style eateries. You’ll also want to make sure you check out Million Life, Sydney’s first pink claw machine arcade.

The Best Things To Do In Western Sydney

• Watch a movie at Sydney’s retro drive-thru cinema: Blacktown’s Skyline Drive-In is a flashback to the '50s. Sporting a Happy Days -style diner with all the snacks and mammoth outdoor screen to witness all the smash blockbusters, this spot is also one of the best places for a date night in Sydney.
• Arm yourself with an aquatic jetpack: Located at the Sydney International Regatta, Jetpack Adventures is the one place in Sydney you can take a leap into the future and ping back and forth on hydro jets above the water.
• Make the most of a sunny day at Raging Waters: It’s Sydney’s biggest water park housing 30 different slides and pools. Enough said.
• Explore Western Sydney Parklands: Covering 5,280 hectares and stretching over 27km, Western Sydney Parklands is home to more than 60km of tracks and trails.
• Crunch into larger-than-life sandwiches at Parramatta Square: Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches is a retro-style sando bar packing made-to-order subs served simple (with mustard and swiss cheese) or sloppy (with Russian dressing, coleslaw, and swiss cheese).

The Best Things To Do In South Sydney

• Pack your sleeping bag: and take this overnight hike through the Royal National Park. This multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford can be tackled in sections if you're time-poor, or prefer to do an overnight camp. While you’re at it, check out the park’s best swimming spots here .
• Ease your way through the E.G. Waterhouse National Camelia Gardens: this botanic-style garden is a lush feast for your eyes with ponds, ducks, picnic areas and a teahouse.
• Land a birdie at Putt Planet: Miranda’s indoor, 18-hole mini-golf course is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a fun time. Courses range in themes from bustling marketplaces, homes and even the sewers of Old Mombasa.
• Fill up on delicious food at Peakhurst Foodies And Farmers Market: If working your way through more than 40 different vendors sounds like your jam, this market is a must. Thursdays and Fridays focus on epic food stalls while the weekend takes look like fresh produce and organic deliciousness.
• Go rock climbing: Climb Fit is one of Sydney’s most iconic rock climbing institutions and while it also stocks an outpost at St Leonards, its Kirrawee location spans a whopping 2500 square metres with state-of-the-art climbing and bouldering facilities.

The Best Things To Do In Sydney’s East

• Hit Belvoir St Theatre: This venue is one of Australia’s most distinguished and beloved theatre companies. Since 1984, when a group of 600 like-minded theatre-lovers came together to buy a theatre to save it from becoming an apartment block, Belvoir has been at the forefront of Australian storytelling for the stage.
• Have a go at Sydney’s 80km walking track: This huge walk weaves through 80km worth of major historical points of both First Nations people and the First Fleet, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, joining a bunch of existing trails into one mammoth coastal hike. It was made possible through a collab between six local councils, the NSW government and a community group. 
• Book a scenic seaplane flight : Some bucket list adventures in Sydney are made to be boujee so draw your attention to a full-package flight with a feast around some of Sydney’s most beautiful locations.  This scenic flight  will take you over Sydney’s Northern Beaches for 30-minutes before you stop off for a seafood feast at Empire Lounge packed with oysters, sashimi, Morton Bay bugs, cooked tiger prawns and champagne.
• Book an underwater scooter tour: Take a 90-minute scooter tour under the waters of one of Sydney’s most beautiful beach coves packed with all the seal life.
• Down boozy bubble cups at an adults-only arcade bar: B. Lucky & Sons is an arcade bar slotted inside an old pawn shop at Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter and is with vintage games, neon lights, sweet prizes, cocktails and pizza. Needless to say, you’ll want to spend an entire day here.
• Grab a glass and try your hand at "Champainting": This  paint and sip studio  from the Cork & Canvas crew is where you can expect all kinds of boujee greatness, like rose-gold accents, shiny walls, and neon signs (the perfect backdrop to capture your work of art, obviously).

The Best Things To Do In Sydney’s CBD

• Hit up some of Sydney's best bars : The Sydney CBD is home to a neat list of award-winning watering holes— Maybe Sammy is a regular feature on the World's 50 Best list, and Cantina OK was recently added too. We also love Old Mate's Place , Little Felix , Bar 83 , Dean and Nancy , and Apollonia . 
• Race around Sydney Harbour: A big bucket list adventure to have out here is feeding your adrenaline gremlin with Sydney Harbour’s famed jet boat ride which races past Luna Park, the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge at lightning speed (up to 75 km/h). 
• Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge: It’s the pinnacle of every adventure you could have in Sydney ever and though maybe it's a bit cliche, you gotta do it one day. There’s a bunch of different climbs to suit you as well, from a “sampler” walk if you just want a little taste, all the way through to the “ultimate” walk which lets you conquer the entire bridge from south to north.
• View Sydney from the highest point: The Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk is basically a rite of passage in Sydney. This mega tower, which reaches 268m above the ground has the most sought after vantage point in the city, unmatched anywhere else. You’ll basically get a 60-minute SKYWALK tour with access to the tower’s bucket list observation deck—a clear stretch of glass that lets you see the streets below so it feels like you’re floating above the city.
• Dip your toes in Sydney’s best harbour beaches: Summer in Sydney means one thing—harbour beaches! If you’re keen to sidestep the hour-long search for a parking spot, the (sweaty) shoulder-to-shoulder sun baking and the little humans who run around kicking sand onto strangers— this list  is for you.
• Go for yum cha in the Chinese Garden of Friendship: The Gardens by Lotus is a oozes teahouse-style dining and it’s one of the most stunning places to enjoy traditional yum cha. We’re talking shallot pancakes, crystal prawn dumplings, and pork xiao long bao.
• Head to a show at the Sydney Opera House: not only is this architectural gem one of the most iconic landmarks in Sydney, but it’s also the pinnacle of Sydney’s arts and theatre scene. Catch a play, a musical, the opera, the ballet, a comedy show, or sit in on a live panel.
• Spend some time at Yiribana Gallery: Located inside the Art Gallery of NSW, Yiribana houses one of the world’s largest permanent collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. 

The Best Things To Do All Around Sydney

• Take on Sydney's best walks: Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly foreshore walk, an inner-city stroll, Sydney’s most iconic coastal track or even an 18.5-metre high loop to get your sky-high steps in, this list has you covered.
• Grab a paddle and go kayaking: Sydney is blessed with wide-open harbours and secluded waterways aplenty, which means there's no shortage of sweet spots to grab an oar and go for a paddle.
• Try your hand at Sydney’s best escape rooms: There’s just something so bloody exciting (read: terrifying) about being locked in a room, forced to solve your way out. Whether you're looking to amp up date night, something fun to do on a rainy day or even the next group activity with all of your best code-cracking mates, Sydney's best escape rooms can do no wrong.
• Pedal through Sydney’s most beautiful bike tracks: Maybe you’re keen to cruise around with a picnic in your backpack or want to pump those quads for a spurt of cardio, we found all the best bike rides to conquer, no matter what level you’re at.
• Pack the picnic blanket: Sydney may take the cake for one of the most beautiful city skylines on the planet and the best beaches, (no bias there, whatsoever) but nestled in and around the big smoke and beyond our coastline is an epic line-up of next-level parks worthy of your weekends.
• Go paddleboarding: As the saying goes—if you didn’t SUP, did you even do Sydney right? This water sport is a quintessential summer must-do in Sydney so scope your way through this list and get paddling
• Knock back a cold one at Sydney's best pubs:  Everyone knows that the best pubs in the world are in Australia—and though Melbourne will try to fight us on this— the best of the best are really in Sydney.
• Hit a rooftop bar: We’re not a city short of an epic view, a sky-high feed or an open-air drink. And these bars are stepping the elevated game up a massive notch with espresso martinis on tap, indoor cloud trees, apple cider slushies, sunsets for days and palm springs vibes.
• Make a splash in Sydney’s iconic ocean pools: Sydney is no stranger to a saltwater playground, in fact, we’ve casually racked up over 30 ocean pools, some heritage-listed and untouched since the 1960s. Throughout this list, you’ll find a batch of natural rock pools, old-school baths and beautifully built landmarks, which will no doubt liven up your brave morning dips or sunset walks.
• Finish your day at one of Sydney’s top spots to watch a sunset : Living in this beach-laden and leafy harbour city sure is tough but someone has to do it (and let’s be honest, we’d all volunteer as tribute for that every day). Your guide to the most stunning spots to watch a sunset in Sydney is right here .

Now, check out what's happening this week in Sydney here . 

Image credit: Destination NSW, Destination NSW, Burwood Chinatown, Destination NSW, Ayush Jain, Destination NSW, Destination NSW, Destination NSW

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100 Things to Do in Sydney, a Bucket List City

FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Sydney will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Sydney.

READ Complete Australia Travel Guide

100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Sydney Australia

Not to miss landmarks in sydney.

• Tour and/or attend a performance at the Opera House
• Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, or at least walk it
• Explore the historic convict site of The Rocks, including the charming cobbled laneways and stunning views of the harbor.
• Visit the Sydney Tower Eye for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline

Must Do Attractions and Activities in Sydney

• Take a picture with a koala at Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary
• Listen to the musicians playing the didgeridoo in Circular Quay
• Consider glamping at the haunted Cockatoo Island
• Take a ghost tour of the Rocks District
• Check out Sydney Tower Skywalk
• Take a Sydney Harbor cruise
• Visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship and people-watch in Darling Harbor
• Check out the buildings at Martin’s Place
• Check out how much Sydney University resembles Harry Potters Hogwarts
• Watch a game of cricket or a rugby match
• Check out the Victorian architecture of the Sydney Town Hall
• Ride the Ferris Wheel at Luna Park
• Hang out with Tasmanian devils, wombats, platypi, and koalas at the Taronga Zoo
• Swim with the sharks at Manly Sea Life Sanctuary
• See Captain Cook’s Landing Place
• Wander around Chinatown

Best Museums in Sydney

• Learn about colonial life at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum
• Browse Australian and international art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Learn about Australia’s indigenous culture at the iconic Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)
• Take the guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Royal Botanic Garden
• Learn about the colonial settlement of Sydney at the Museum of Sydney
• Visit the Rocks Discovery Museum
• Learn about ancient civilizations at the Australian Museum
• Stop by the Justice and Police Museum for your true crime fix
• Attend a telescope viewing session at the Sydney Observatory
• See the archaeological artifacts on display at the Nicholson Museum
• Explore the street art along King Street, Newton and May Lane, Saint Peters, and the Sydney University tunnel
• Wander through the Chinese contemporary art at White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale
• Check out the Sculpture by the Sea art walk, in October and November

Outdoor Activities in Sydney

• Walk the coast from Bondi to Coogee or Manly to Spit Bridge
• Go for a hike at Dharawal National Park
• Kayak in the harbor
• Hike up to the Palm Beach Lighthouse
• Take a walk along the Barangaroo waterfront
• Take a yoga class in the Royal Botanical Gardens
• Have a picnic in Hyde Park
• Explore the sunken Paddington Reservoir Gardens
• Go cliff-jumping at Wattamolla Beach
• Take a day trip to Australia’s Blue Mountains
• Hike to hidden beaches in the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park
• Take a coastal walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and discover Aboriginal rock art at West Head.
• Go horseback riding in Centennial Park

Beautiful Beaches Near Sydney

• Learn to surf (or watch the surfers) at Bondi Beach
• Go for a swim at Bondi Icebergs Pool or the Bronte Baths
• Take the ferry across the harbor to Manly Beach
• Go for a swim in Manly’s ocean pool or snorkel at Shelly Beach
• See the Manly Wormhole at Queenscliff Beach
• Relax on Coogee Beach
• Snorkel for seahorses in Chowder Bay
• Check out the rock pool at Mona Vale Beach or Bilgola Beach
• Jump off the pier at Red Leaf Beach
• Go whale watching, from July to November
• Relax in a Figure 8 pool at the Royal National Park.
• Take a ferry to Nielsen Park Beach in the Sydney Harbour National Park

Where to Eat in Sydney

• In the mood for Asian food, go to Spice Alley
• Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Opera Bar
• Try vegemite, at least one bite
• Enjoy a fresh seafood meal at the Sydney Fish Market
• Eat fish and chips on the Manly Promenade
• Treat yourself to high tea at the Queen Victoria Building
• Head to Chinatown for the Friday Night Market

Sydney Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs

• Have a pint in Sydney’s oldest pub, the Fortune of War
• Hit a King’s Cross nightclub, try Sugarmill or Candy Apartment
• Take a pub crawl through Marrickville
• Stop at Barangaroo for a cocktail with a waterfront view
• Have a rooftop cocktail with a view at Bar 83, Blu Bar on 36, Café Sydney, or the Glenmore
• Go Clubbing at Home, 77, Abercrombie, Arq, Oxford Arts, Soda Fountain, The Cliff Dive
• Go wine and cheese tasting in the Hunter Valley wine region

Shopping in Sydney

• Do some boutique shopping on Darlington’s Oxford Street or the Strand Arcade
• Look for souvenirs in the Rocks Weekend Market
• Check out the pedestrian-only Pitt Street Mall
• Shop The Streets of Barangaroo
• Browse the trendy Paddington Saturday Market for something unique
• Shop the high-end boutiques in the Queen Victoria Building and check out the clocks

Instagrammable Places in Sydney: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies

• Photograph the Opera House and Bridge from Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Observation Hill, and Maccallum Pool in Cremorne Point
• Take a selfie under the Angel Place birdcages
• Head up to Woolloomooloo for the city view
• Photograph the tunnel of Jacaranda trees in Kirribilli
• Climb the Pylon Lookout for the best city views
• Photograph the Hornby Lighthouse
• Grab a coffee and take selfies at The Grounds Candyland installation or the wall of colorful books at Green Square Library

Festivals and Special Events in Sydney

See the Vivid Sydney light show, May-June

Note: Be Sure to check the Australia Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.

Plan Your Trip to Sydney Australia

Why visit sydney australia.

Sydney had approximately 4.6 million international visitors last year. People are drawn by the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the famous Bondi Beach and of course koala bears. Sydney is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.

How Many Days in Sydney Is Enough

3 days in Sydney is enough to experience the city and take a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take another day trip.

Is Sydney Safe for Solo Travelers

According to Travel Safe Abroad , the overall risk of travel in Australia is low and Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world. Check their website for more information.

Best Time to Visit Sydney

Australia’s seasons are opposite the United States. The winter months are June, July, and August. The spring months are September, October, and November. The summer months are December, January, and February. January is the rainiest month.  Autumn months are March, April, and May. The high season in Australia is between December and February (summer); the low season is between June and August (winter). The shoulder season is October, November, April, and May.

How to Get to Sydney

Several airlines fly nonstop to the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Sydney is 15 hours. Prepare for your flight!

How to Get Around Sydney

Sydney Airport is 13 minutes from the city by train. The Airport Link trains run approximately every 10 minutes. Shuttle service, bus, taxi, and Uber are also available.

Where to Stay in Sydney

I stayed in Darling Harbor. We were within walking distance of all the top things to do. Circular Quay would also be a convenient area to stay.

What Should I Budget for Sydney

According to Budget My Trip , the daily cost of travel is $297 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.

What Should I Pack for Sydney

Sydney is a casual city. Most tourists wear jeans, shorts, and cotton T-shirts. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and beachwear if you are training during the summer season.

Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney is full of romantic restaurants, great rooftop bars, and places to watch the sunset. Watching a performance at the Opera House or taking a sunset harbour cruise are great ways to celebrate a special occasion.  

Things to Do in Sydney with Young Children

Taking the ferry to Taronga Zoo, visiting Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary, and spending a few hours at Luna Park are a few of the best things to do with young children in Sydney. Remember, Sydney is an expensive city and a long flight from the US.

Things to do in Sydney with Young Adults

Young adults will enjoy doing the Harbour Bridge Climb and spending time at Bondi or Manly Beach.

Visiting More Australian Cities?

Check out our Australia Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!

Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in Sydney, a Bucket List City

Plan Your Trip to Australia

Sydney australia travel guide.

Pick up an Australia Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Australia Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Sydney Australia Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

I always just want to fly through Sydney and not stay but I didn’t know there are a lot of things to do there! Now I feel like my Sydney mates are super useless – they just always take me out drinking!!! (and that’s also awesome, not complaining here).

Thanks for sharing this, Sherianne. Will challenge myself to do it all.

I love visiting Sydney and you have hit all the major sites here. I still for the life of me will not try vegemite. I would love views of the harbor everyday.

It’s not yummy!

Why does taking a yoga class in the Royal Botanical Gardens sound so cool? 😅 Haha, I’d love that. And ofcourse, I’d have to do some shopping and go for a hike at Dharawal National Park – ANYDAY!

Right! And I don’t even normally do yoga

You are bringing back great memories of Sydney and clearly I need to go back again! I didn’t know you could Kayak in the harbour wow! So loved the walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee – so worth it. Manly beach – oh I could live there. Thanks for the wanderlust

It would be very easy for me to live anywhere in the area!

I haven’t been to Australia – and since there are 50 great things to do in Sydney alone – how much time will I have to spend to explore the outskirts….and outback?!? Great, very inviting post!

A LOT! I only had 2 weeks, it was a whirlwind and I didn’t make it to the outback.

Sydney has been on my bucket list for a long time now. I’d love to make it there someday and see all these great attractions. Attending a performance at the Opera in Sydney would be a dream-come-true, but I didn’t know you can just have an afternoon tea at the Opera House. I’d also love to visit the Taronga Zoo also and spend some time with the Tasmanian devils.

They sure are wild little devils… lol

Museums are a must for me in a new city. Sydney seems to have good ones. Also I am keen to visit the night markets there.

Watching surfers at Bondi Beach???? How about surfing at Bondi Beach! Now that’s a way to get a feeling for the people and who knows where the day might end.

Jelly fish freak me out. I would be very happy watching from the shore!

It seems we just rushed through Sydney. So great to get a list to plan better next time. Afternoon Tea is always a favourite treat. So trying it at the Opera House would be special. We would love to get out on the harbour – with a sailboat or a kayak. Maybe we will take our snorkels and look for seahorses in Chowder Bay. But we are sorry we missed climbing the Pylon Lookout for a panoramic view. But not sorry we missed vegamite.

Lol, wish I would have missed vegamite

Comments are closed.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Sydney

36 BEST Places to Visit in Sydney (Must-See Highlights in 2024)

Ahh, beautiful Sydney: the one true capital city of Australia. That’s right, Melbourne – shots fired. Canberra? More like  Bland- berra!

Sydney is a gorgeous place to visit. It’s expensive, bustling, and the public transport can step on a lego, but it’s also clean and vibrant and sucks you in (every damn time). Sydney’s famous landmarks present beautiful colonial-era architecture merging with the urban neo-jungle of Australia’s economic centre. The city is ringed by bushland, interlaced by waterways, and somehow, even in a city of 6 million+, you always seem to find the same communities throughout.

HOWEVER, even though Sydney’s attractions are so deliciously pretty that I audibly sigh looking at the Harbour Bridge every time I return, it IS still a stinky bum. It’s a sprawling metropolis (with public transport of the stanky posterior variety) and unless you know where you’re going, you’ll likely end up falling into the tourist traps and missing out on what Sydney’s BEST places. ( Protip!  There are  much better beaches in Sydney than Bondi.)

Luckily, you have a legit insider guide! I’ve been fostering my love-hate relationship with this city for the better part of a decade now and I’m here to tell you that there are some EPIC places to visit in Sydney.

Think; flying through the air at Luna Park, exploring the lesser known Cockatoo Island, delving into Australian culture, wandering around the Royal Botanic Gardens and shopping till you drop at the Queen Victoria Building… Ok, enough spoilers!

Arts, fancy dining, low-key adventures, HIGH-key adventures, and vastly overlooked  poppin’ local music scene – lemme tell you where to go in Sydney.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Sydney, New South Wales:

These are the best places to visit in sydney, new south wales, faq on the best places to visit in sydney, new south wales.

Sydney CBD (Central Business District)

Centrally located and the easiest area to explore Sydney from. The Sydney CBD is an excellent choice for anyone looking to see the big sights and explore the city on foot.

• See the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic 20th-century buildings in the world.
• Wander through the impressive (and free!) Royal Botanic Garden and its outstanding collection of plants from Australia and around the world.
• Enjoy one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, home to an impressive collection of Australian art.

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Wait just a second there! Before you dive into all the excitement, check out the best places to stay in Syndey and get your accommodation sorted near your favourite attractions. That way, you’ll be able to save on transportation costs and spend that money having a blast seeing all the amazing Sydney tourist attractions!

#1 – Bondi Beach – A must-visit beach in Sydney!

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• One of the most popular beaches in Australia for good reason.
• The perfect place to get some sun, surf or people watch.
• It has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that people rave about.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re used to small beaches with pebbles then you’ll be stunned by Bondi Beach. Australia is an island after all, which means that the beaches stretch forever. Bondi Beach is one of the most popular places in Sydney because it has reliable waves, miles of white sand, and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. So if you love beaches or just want to soak in the beach culture, Bondi Beach is the destination for you. There are heaps of affordable hostels nearby so you’ll meet other backpackers too.

What to do there : Bondi Beach can get crowded, so get there early and stake out your spot, ideally not on Sydney’s busy weekends . And remember that the waters around Australia are rougher and more unpredictable than you’ll find at other beach locations. Listen to the lifeguards, obey the warning signs, and stay close to the shore if you aren’t a strong swimmer. Otherwise, just enjoy the sun and sand and grab a VB when it gets hot – it’s an Australian tradition!

If you want the ultimate Aussie experience then you can also take a surfing lesson on Bondi Beach too! With a low instructor-to-student ratio, you’ll be a pro in no time. You don’t even have to know how to swim in this beginner-friendly class!

Insider tip: Contrary to popular belief, Australia does have a winter and though it’s nothing like the European winter, it will probably be too cold to swim without a wetsuit. On the other hand, Bondi is a lot quieter at this time of year!

#2 – The Sydney Cricket Ground – If you’re into that sort of thing.

• Not just for cricket lovers, this is the place for lovers of all types of sports!
• Australians love their sports, so put on a hat and some sunscreen and join in.

Why it’s so awesome : The Sydney Cricket Grounds are one of the most famous sporting arenas in the country and were first built in the mid-1800s. And even if it isn’t cricket season, the venue also hosts a range of other sports like Rugby and AFL. So if you’re curious about Australian football, which is different from anywhere else in the world, then you can learn more about it at this location.

What to do there: Just be a part of the action! Australians take their sport very seriously and yet there’s an air of comradery during the games that always makes them friendly and convivial. So find out what’s on while you’re in the city and be a part of the action.

No games on? Take a stadium tour instead and see what the SCG is like behind the scenes.

#3 – Bondi Iceberg Pool – A nice place to go in Sydney for a more gentle swim.

• A famous pool where you can get an  iconic photograph of the city .
• The perfect place to sunbathe.

Why it’s so awesome : The Bondi Iceberg pool is the most photographed ocean pool in Australia. It’s a 50-meter saltwater pool that’s a popular spot for sunbathers and swimmers set right next to the crashing ocean. So if you want to enjoy the beach but you’re a little wary of the unpredictable waters, this is a good compromise.

What to do there : These baths have been one of Bondi’s most popular landmarks for 100 years and are home to one of Bondi’s most popular swimming clubs. But you don’t have to be a member to use the facilities: you can pay a small fee for entry and have access to the pool, gym, and sauna. They also run yoga classes by the ocean in the summer months, so take advantage of the sun and the warmth to get a little fitter while you’re on holiday!

#4 – Sydney Harbour Bridge – Potentially the most famous place to visit in Sydney.

• One of the most iconic sites in the city.
• A great place to take photographs.
• You’ll not only get to see the bridge up close but the entire bay as well.
• Easy to reach from Sydney CBD

Why it’s so awesome : Sydney Harbour Bridge is a famous coathanger that’s shown on almost every postcard and image of Australia and every backpacking Sydney travel guide . It has a stunning view across the bay, particularly at dawn and dust, and you can take in the whole experience while climbing to the top of this iconic landmark. If you’re sightseeing Sydney’s most famous places, well, Bob’s your uncle!

What to do there : You can actually climb this bridge and it’s well worth doing because you’ll get to see the whole of Sydney Harbour as it was meant to be seen. There are different climbs of varying difficulty, but the express climb is the most popular. It’s shorter and takes you up the inside arc, which feels a little more stable.

Make sure you pack your sunscreen and hat for the climb, the sun can be punishing, and once you’re up there, take plenty of pictures. If you really want to see something spectacular, try to get on a climb at dusk or dawn. Watching the sunrise or setting over the water is an experience that no one should miss.

If you really feel like stepping your trip up a notch, you can charter a yacht to take you and your friends around Sydney Harbour in style. Split between six to eight people and it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

Insider Tip: Head up to the Pylon Lookout (one of the legs) for epic views of the harbour at a really reasonable price.

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#5 – Sydney Opera House – The other stupidly famous landmark in Sydney to see.

• The most recognisable building in Sydney.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• If you’re looking to take that iconic picture of Sydney, you’ll get it at the Opera House.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever seen pictures of Australia then chances are that you’ve seen pictures of the iconic Sydney Opera House. The unique shape of the building, like sails against the water, is instantly recognisable. The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are numerous places around it where you can have your photo taken with the building in the background.

What to do there : If you want to learn more about this iconic building, then take one of the walking tours . Or better yet, book tickets for a show! It’s the bloody Opera House, mate! Obviously, you’re also gonna want to take a selfie with what is probably the most recognisable of all the tourist attractions in Sydney!

#6 – Dharawal National Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Sydney.

• Stunning natural scenery.
• Entrance to the park was once restricted but you can now take guided tours.
• An indigenous guide will lead you through the landscape and share local knowledge.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia’s natural landscape is like nowhere else on earth and thankfully there’s some not too far from the Sydney CBD! It’s home to plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else and is a strikingly stark, harsh, and unforgiving wilderness. A good way to experience this is by touring the Dharawal National Park, which only recently opened to visitors. It will allow you to see and experience a side of Australia that you just won’t get in a city of cement and glass.

What to do there : Guided tours are held every second Saturday of the month, so make sure you’re there at the right time. The tours are led by an Aboriginal Ranger who will share stories of the Dreamtime and local knowledge about the animals and plants around you. Also, if you get the chance, make sure that you stop for a picnic at Minerva Pool, which is a sacred women’s place for the area’s tribe. Just remember that only women and children may enter the pool, men aren’t allowed.

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#7 – White Rabbit – A must-see gallery in Sydney.

• A state of the art four-floor gallery exhibiting contemporary Chinese art.
• Changing exhibitions through the year.
• Free entry.

Why it’s so awesome : The White Rabbit might seem like just another gallery, but the name should give you a clue. This gallery is known for its bold and confronting exhibitions , so expect to be surprised. Also, make sure that you find out about the current exhibitions before you take children there because a lot of the exhibitions have very adult themes. It’s also right in the heart of the Sydney CBD so it’s easy to reach.

What to do there : If you want to see another side of Australia then you need to experience all the influences that made it what it is today. Australia may be closely tied to England, but it’s technically within Asia and is strongly influenced by the culture, art, and food of this region. So explore this side of Australia through the White Rabbit artwork. Afterwards, have a plate of dumplings at their in-house tea room to complete the experience.

#8 – The Imperial Hotel

• A safe space for the LGBTQ community.
• Loud music with singers like Cher, Whitney and Madonna at the forefront.

Why it’s so awesome: The Imperial Hotel has been a safe place for the LGBTQ community since the 80s and it’s a place that celebrates this culture in every way possible. You can expect loud music, costumes and an intentionally daggy disco along with regular parties hosted by some of Sydney’s best including Heaps Gap, Girlthing and Honcho Disko. This is one of the top places to visit in Sydney to just get loose for a night!

What to do there : This is a place to celebrate all the differences that keep people apart and bring them together in a loud and colourful style. Every night of the week you’ll enjoy a good meal while you watch Sydney’s best drag kings and queens strut their stuff. So prepare for a rib-achingly good time and just enjoy the spectacle!

#9 – Carriageworks – Quite the quirky place to go in Sydney!

• Even if the art within wasn’t amazing, you’d want to visit this site for the space alone.
• Some of Sydney’s best art, dance and plays are held here.
• The bathrooms are awesome. No, seriously.

Why it’s so awesome: Carriageworks is held within the Eveleigh Rail Yards, which were built in the 1880s, so the space is huge, cavernous, and incredible. And as if that wasn’t enough, they hold all types of theatre, dance, and art in this space, from experimental theatre to cultural festivals and art installations. Basically, this is a quirky and always exciting place to spend some time!

What to do there : Basically, just show up. Find out what events are on while you’re in the city and go and see them regardless of whether you’ve heard of them before. This theatre loves to shock and surprise, so be prepared to see something amazing. And while you’re there, visit the bathroom even if you don’t need to go, because they’re worth the trip on their own.

#10 – Wendy’s Secret Garden – One of the more unique places to visit in Sydney!

• A remarkable homage to a life.
• A place to escape the busy city and enjoy nature.
• Make sure you get a picture of Sydney Harbour surrounded by native plants!

Why it’s so awesome : Before 1992, this area was overgrown and filled with rubbish. It’s part private and part public land at the food of the artist Brett Whiteley. When he died in 1992, his wife transformed in, channelling her grief into making something beautiful. It’s now an enchanted garden where locals can enjoy nature away from the crowds.

What to do there : This is a quiet area and not appropriate for sports or lots of noise. Instead, it’s a place to sit and eat a picnic in a private oasis so get your snacks together and do just that. Enjoy the view of Sydney Harbour from a unique angle. And take a picture of it that includes the trees and shrubs that are part of this peaceful place away from Sydney’s craziness.

#11 – Inner West – One of the most underrated areas in Sydney.

• The centre of street art in Sydney.
• You’ll see works by famous local artists such as Lister, Skulk, and Numbskull.
• You’ll have lots of chances to take some amazing photos.

Why it’s so awesome : Street art is alive and well in the Inner West of Sydney, particularly in Newtown and Enmore suburbs! There are a lot of famous street artists in Sydney and their work can be found everywhere. Whether it’s the dancing ballerinas on the Hub building or the displays aimed at raising awareness about the dying coral reefs, these images are well worth exploring and you’ll find lots of examples of this art form.

What to do there : Wander around this cool place and soak in the vibe and the art. It’s a very friendly and vibrant area in Sydney with buskers , art, and things to see around every corner. If you’re backpacking in Sydney, you’ll definitely want to visit Newtown because it’s a hub for inner-city hippies, students, and the endearing alt weirdos.

#12 – Royal National Park – An unmissable must-visit place in Sydney and Australia.

• 26 kilometres of stunning national park.
• There are coastline walks, beaches and incredible rock formations here.
• Take the chance to get out of the city and see a glimpse of Australia’s natural landscape.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia’s natural landscape is unique, hard, and forbidding and it’s often a surprise to people who are used to softer lands. But it’s also one of the most interesting things to see when you’re visiting the country. The Royal National Park gives you the chance to experience this alien landscape close up and in enough variety that you’ll start to get a sense of just how different this crazy island really is.

What to do there: This park is the perfect place to swim at secluded beaches, picnic near natural rock pools, bike ride the twisting trails or just hike through the area and take photos. Basically, whatever you like to do outdoors you can probably do it in this park. And between May and November, remember to keep your eyes on the sea during your visit. This is the whale watching season and the Royal National Park is one of the best places in Sydney to see these majestic creatures as they pass by close to the shore.

Not sure how to get there, no worries! Take an organised tour from the city!

#13 – Museum of Contemporary Art – Another touch of cultural sightseeing in Sydney, New South Wales.

• The best place for cutting edge art in the city.
• Often hosts contemporary art  exhibitions by big names like Yoko Ono and Grayson Perry.

Why it’s so awesome : The harbourside Museum Of Contemporary Art is important on a local and an international scale and as such usually plays host to the best exhibitions in the city. It also has an amazing rooftop café so after you’re done looking at the art you can relax and get a superb view of the bay.

What to do there : Before you go, check out what exhibitions they have on during your stay and spend some time exploring the artwork. You’ll see incredible pieces of contemporary art done by huge international artists, photographers and sculptures. Afterwards, go upstairs for a coffee and a snack overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and Circular Quay.

#14 – Cockatoo Island – A super cool and often overlooked Sydney point of interest.

• A historical gem just outside the city.
• Cockatoo Island is largest island in Sydney’s Bay.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a small island with a lot of history. It’s been a film set, a shipping harbour, a house for convicts in the 1800s, and it was originally an Aboriginal fishing spot. Now it’s held by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and there are a number of different tours run on the island. It’s also probably one of the lesser-known Sydney tourist attractions.

What to do there : Cockatoo Island has a varied history and the tours that are run there are designed to let you see glimpses of that history. If you want to stay longer or just spend the night in a quiet area away from the city, there are campsites, glamping packages and Airbnbs where you can stay and soak in the island at night.

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#15 – Hermitage Foreshore Walk – A nice and chill walk.

• A short walk where you’ll get the absolute best views of the harbour.
• Get fit while you take photographs!

Why it’s so awesome : The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is only 1.8 kilometres and along the way, you’ll get views of Shark Island, the Opera, and the Harbour Bridge. You’ll also get the chance to see Strickland house, a heritage-listed mansion built in the 1850s.

What to do there: Put on your walking shoes, take your camera, and complete the walk. Just a little tip: it’s probably better to do it early in the morning or late in the evening so you can avoid the hot midday sun. Make sure you take your swimmers along with you too because there are a number of lovely beaches along this path, so if it gets too hot then you want to be able to duck into the water to cool off.

#16 – Enmore Theater – An absolute hub of activity in Sydney – and the Inner West’s – nightlife scene.

• An art Deco landmark.
• Home to some of the best and most innovative shows in the city.
• You can see everything from rock bands to comedians at the Enmore Theatre.

Why it’s so awesome : The Enmore Theater is a landmark building that can hold 1,600 people and it welcomes all different types of music. You’re just as likely to see some of the biggest names in the business in this theatre as you are to see a classical composition, and the combination of genres is what makes this place amazing!

What to do there : Check out what’s on while you’re in the city and reserve your seat. There are also a lot of fabulous restaurants in the area, so after the show make sure you wander around and try something that smells amazing.

#17 – Centennial Parklands – One of Sydney’s many awesome parks.

• Great walking and cycling trails.
• There are also riding schools in the area so you can hire a horse and see the park on horseback!

Why it’s so awesome: Horseback riding has always been a part of Centennial Park, which is why it has a 3.6km horse trail that loops around the park. There are more than 200 stables on site that are open 365 days a year, so you won’t have any trouble at all finding a horse that suits your riding ability!

What to do there : If you aren’t a professional rider, then you can take a one-hour circuit of the park with an instructor. They’ll help you find the right path and make sure that you’re safe and secure on horseback. While you’re in the park, you should also take advantage of the other facilities. Go cycling or walk the path if you’re feeling energetic. And if you’re not then just take a picnic and enjoy the views.

#18 – The Royal Botanic Gardens – One of the most beautiful places in Sydney to visit.

• A lovely natural space where you can enjoy the Australian bushland.
• Australia’s oldest botanic garden
• The perfect place to get away from the rush of the city.

Why it’s so awesome : The Royal Botanic Gardens are a great way to learn more about the Australian bushland. So much of Australia is still wild and unpopulated and this place will show you a glimpse of what those long stretches of land look like. At the Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll also get the chance to learn more about the indigenous culture and how they survived in such a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

What to do there : Taking a tour through the gardens is definitely worth the time and effort, particularly because you’ll get to try traditional bush tucker and learn about the indigenous history of the land. You’ll taste Davidson plums, see stingless bees, and learn about the deep connection between plants and animals. For example, did you know that the whale migration season lines up exactly with the blooming of wattles, an instantly recognizable and very famous Australian flower?

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#19 – Strand Arcade – A great place for shopping in Sydney, New South Wales!

• One of the best places to pick up some Australian brands.
• A beautiful thoroughfare.

Why it’s so awesome : This thoroughfare opened in 1892 and was the absolute latest in shopping centre architecture. Obviously, the world has moved on since then, but this is still a lovely place to explore Australian brands and goods and maybe take something unique!

What to do there : Shop! This is the perfect place to explore Australian brands like Jac+Jack, jewellery from Dinosaur Designs, and natural beauty products at Aesop. There’s also a shop called Strand Hatters where you can buy an Akubra or Panama to keep the hot sun from baking you!

#20 – The Sydney Tower Eye – Best place to visit in Sydney for a scenic view.

• The Sydney Tower is the tallest building in the city.
• You’ll get the best views of the city on the observation decks of the Sydney Tower.
• Get some bargains in the busy shopping mall at the base of the Sydney Tower.

Why it’s so awesome : There’s nothing better than getting a great view of an ocean side city and the Sydney Tower Eye will give you the best view possible. It’s 309 meters high, it’s is the tallest building in the city and an iconic feature of the Sydney skyline. But you don’t have to just sit on the observation deck and look. There is also revolving restaurants at the top of the Sydney Tower and a café where you can enjoy a bite and take in the stunning views.

What to do there: Take the express elevator to the observation deck at the top of the Sydney Tower or to the Skywalk, a glass floor viewing platform. Just make sure that you have a strong stomach if you take the latter option! The views are stunning, and you can have a meal at the restaurant or café or watch a 4D movie about the city’s most popular sites.

Lines can get pretty long as it’s one of the most popular Sydney attractions, so pre-book a ticket here and skip the hassle!

#21 – The Rocks – One of Sydney’s coolest historical sites!

• Once home to the Gadigal aboriginal people, this was the country’s first European settlement.
• There are more than 100 heritage sites and buildings in this location.
• The area includes Sydney’s oldest surviving house, Cadman’s Cottage.

Why it’s so awesome: The Rocks was named after the rocky coast on the west side of Sydney Cove, where convicts once pitched their tents. This was the site of the first European settlement and is now a heritage site, where old buildings jostle for a place in the crowded streets. There’s also a museum where you can learn more about this famous Sydney site as well as souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and markets. Basically, you could spend a whole day in this area just taking in the sites and the experiences.

What to do there : While you’re at the Rocks, make sure you visit the Rocks Discovery Museum to learn more about its transformation from traditional lands to convict slums to the tourist centre of the city. You can also take a guided tour of the area. Try the Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn more about Australia’s first people. This area is one of the most historic of all the tourist attractions in Sydney.

Take a walking tour of the Rocks to learn more about the area.

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#22 – Darling Harbour – There’s always something happening in Darling Harbour.

• The city’s tourist hub.
• Packed with every type of restaurant and entertainment option you could ever want.

Why it’s so awesome : Darling Harbour itself is beautiful. Set against the deep blue ocean it’s the ideal place to spend a day just wandering around and enjoying the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Sydney. To make it even better, this is the tourist hub of the city which is why it’s packed with museums, cafes, restaurants, exhibitions, and entertainment venues. No matter what you’re interested in doing, you’re bound to find something that will interest you in this area.

What to do there : Make sure you eat. Australia has some of the best seafood in the world and because Sydney is so close to the water, the seafood is amazing. Once you’re done with the food, just follow your interests. The Powerhouse Museum is particularly popular but you may also be interested in the Australian National Maritime Museum too. You can also take a harbour jet boat ride, a racing car adventure, or spend some time in a flight simulator if you’re looking for something that gets your adrenalin pumping! It’s one of the most diverse tourist attractions in Sydney for sure.

#23 – The Queen Victoria Building – A great place to see in Sydney if you love architecture.

• A building with stunning architecture created in the Romanesque style.
• Inside is an underground arcade with great shopping.

Why it’s so awesome : If you enjoy older styles of architecture then you’ll love the Queen Victoria Building. It was originally built in 1893 and is topped by a central dome surrounded by 20 smaller ones. For a long time, it was left to ruin, but in the 1980s the building was returned to its original splendour so you can enjoy it today. It’s got to be one of the most beautiful Sydney attractions.

What to do there : This is primarily a shopping area, with more than 200 high-end shops in light-filled galleries inside of the building. Even if you don’t like to shop, the stained glass windows and mosaic floors are absolutely stunning and well worth making the trip to see. And if you want to get the full experience, make sure you check out the Tea Room QVB, which hosts a high tea under the crystal chandeliers that dot the inside of the Queen Victoria Building.

Also, the statue outside of Victoria’s dog talks sometimes. It’s really weird.

#24 – Chinatown – A must-visit for foodies!

• If you like Asian food of all descriptions, you’ll find an amazing variety in this area!
• There are also shops that sell goods that are popular in Asia as well as souvenirs.
• During the Chinese festivals the whole area turns into a giant celebration!

Why it’s so awesome : If you enjoy Chinese food, you can find all of it and more in Sydney’s Chinatown. Located in the Sydney suburb of Haymarket, this is a vibrant and bustling area that showcases just how influential Asia has been to Australian culture! The best part is, it’s cheap! (In the underground food court.)

What to do there : Try the food. There are a number of amazing eateries in the area. But if you get confused at all the variety, there are food tours you can take which will help you find options that you will love. If you’re in the area at night, make sure you stick around for the night market where you’ll be sure to snap up a bargain!

#25 – Blue Mountains – An awesome day trip from Sydney and a must-see.

• Amazing scenery not too far from the centre of the city.
• If you want to see some of the most dramatic views in the country, then you’ll find them in the Blue Mountains.

Why it’s so awesome : Just outside of Sydney and to the west are the Blue Mountains, an area of rugged, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, quaint towns, and eucalyptus forests. This is where people come to have an outdoor adventure, and maybe even see a spider or snake or two! So if you want to learn what Australia looks like outside of the urban jungle you can see in any city, you need to get to the Blue Mountains.

What to do there : Outdoor activities in this area are extremely popular so you can do everything from hiking to camping and walking trails. The Blue Mountains is also a world-famous climbing destination. If you have the time, make sure you visit Katoomba, a very popular town which is close to the famous Three Sisters site. It’s a completely different vibe to Sydney well-worth the visit.

Take an organised Blue Mountains Tour from the city to be sure you see all the highlights.

#26 – Hyde Park – Another of Sydney’s gorgeous parks.

• The park where the locals go to relax.
• A prime people-watching spot.
• The park contains a number of historical monuments that commemorate Australia’s history.

Why it’s so awesome : Most of the parks in the city are for the tourists, but this is one for the locals. Set right in the middle of the CBD, Hyde park includes lots of lawns, fountains, picnic spots, and flowers; it’s where people working in the offices around the park come to relax, have lunch, and get away from their cubicles. There’s more to this park than lawns, however. It also contains monuments that are interesting and sometimes sobering reminders of the darkest parts of Australian history .

What to do there: When you first get to Hyde Park, make sure you wander around for a while. There are quite a few historical monuments in this park that will teach you more about the city and its past. For example, the Archibald Fountain, built-in 1932, commemorates Australia’s alliance with France in WWI. In the south of the park, there’s the Anzac War Memorial from 1934. It’s one of the best Sydney attractions if you need to take a little time out from the busy streets!

#27 – King’s Cross – Sydney’s deliciously seedy nightlife lives on

• Sydney’s red-light district.
• It can be a little seedy at night, but during the day it’s a popular area for backpackers, shopping, and cafes.
• This area has an intriguing, bohemian past.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re interested in seeing Sydney at night then King’s Cross is where to do it (although, this is one of Sydney’s more dangerous areas so be sure to take necessary precautions and stay safe while exploring ). This area was an artistic quarter until the 50s when it changed into an area for beatniks and hippies. After that, it started to have problems with crime and other issues because of the influx of sailors on leave who came into the harbour looking for a good time.

What to do there: During the day, this is a trendy area with cafes and boutiques everywhere. People come here to shop, to try the best restaurants in the city, and the area also contains a large number of hostels. At night, the darker side of this area comes out, and it becomes filled with adult clubs. If you do want to explore this area, make sure you stay in a group and don’t drink too much for your own safety.

#28 – Camp Cove – Away from Sydney’s tourist spots.

• Enjoy the beach without the crowds.
• One of the lesser known tourist attractions in Sydney
• A gorgeous sandy beach where families and topless sunbathers like to spend their time.

Why it’s so awesome: Bondi is exciting, but the crowds and the competitive vibe of the beach can get to be a bit much sometimes. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter – somewhere the locals go – try Camp Cove. It’s a small swimming area just north of Watson’s Bay, and it’s the perfect place for you to have some lazy beach time.

What to do there : This is the type of beach where you just need to sit back and relax. It’s too small for most water sports, and there are too many children around to make it safe anyway, so forget about getting your adrenalin pumping. Instead, pack a good book, a towel, and some sunscreen and soak up the sun and the relaxed vibe. If you’re looking for off the beaten track Sydney attractions, this is heaps good mate!

#29 – Art Gallery of New South Wales – A perfect place to visit in Sydney if you are on a budget!

• If you’re interested in Aboriginal art, you’ll find a permanent exhibit of it in this gallery.
• It’s the perfect place to take kids because it has a range of activities designed for them.
• And it’s free!

Why it’s so awesome: Sydney can be an expensive place to visit which is why you’ll probably need outings that will take up a bit of time without taking up all of your money. The Art Gallery of NSW is the perfect place for that. The architecture of the building is neoclassical Greek and stunning and the gallery plays host to a lot of international exhibitions. It also has permanent displays of Australian art, including Aboriginal art. It’s great for those looking for some more cultured Sydney attractions!

What to do there: There’s always something going on at this museum from tours to lectures, concerts, screenings and movies, so check the schedule before you go to see what’s on. The guided tours are free and they’re in various languages, so if you struggle with English then inquire at the desk about tours in your native language.

#30 – Luna Park – Awesome place to visit in Sydney with kids!

• Kids will love Luna Park!
• Forget about your waistline and indulge in traditional theme park food.

Why it’s so awesome : Luna Park is perfect if you’re in the mood for some old-fashioned fun. Entrance into this park is free, but you will have to pay a fee to go on the rides. From the moment you enter through the chip-toothed clown face at the front gates, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 1930s. And indeed, a lot of the features in Luna Park date back to this time, making it feel delightfully retro in the best way possible.

What to do there : Enjoy the rides of course. Make sure you explore the older parts of the park such as the Coney Island funhouse, carousel, and rollercoaster. If you’re planning to go on lots of rides, go online beforehand to buy a multi-ride pass, as they’re usually the cheapest way to enjoy Luna Park’s best attractions.

#31 – Shelly Beach – A really chill place to relax in Sydney

• A protected marine park with the best snorkelling close to the shore.
• The beach itself is beautiful, with clean white sand and dark blue water.
• If you want to get a photograph of an amazing beach scene, you’ll probably get it at Shelly beach.

Why it’s so awesome : Located in the suburb of Manly, this beach is part of a protected marine reserve and has a maximum depth of around 12 meters. That makes it the perfect place for snorkelling and scuba diving because the huge variety of marine life can be viewed at a relatively shallow depth. Forget Bondi, this is one of the best tourist attractions in Sydney if you’re looking to hit the beach!

What to do there : Make sure you go snorkelling or scuba diving while you’re at this beach. Australian waters have some of the most beautiful and unusual marine creatures in the world, so you shouldn’t miss the chance to see them up close. If you get tired of the water, take a walk around the bush track. It curls around the headland and offers spectacular views of Northern head and other beaches. There are plenty of amenities at this site including bathrooms, shower, and kiosks where you can enjoy some snacks.

Combine a visit to Shelly Beach with the nearby Manly Beach on a Snorkeling Tour .

#32 – Paddington Markets – Some semi-BoHo market shopping in Sydney!

• The best place for bargain hunters!
• A relaxed, casual area that includes lots of restaurants and eateries.

Why it’s so awesome : The Paddington Markets first opened in the 1970s and were a dedicated hippie haunt, but they’ve become considerably more mainstream since then. They’re also the best place to pick up new or vintage clothing, jewellery, and crafts, so bring your wallet and come looking for a bargain.

What to do there : These markets are incredibly popular amongst tourists and locals alike so expect a crowd when you get there. But that’s all part of the fun too because the whole point of markets is to thread through the crowds, looking for that bargain item that was made just for you!

#33 – The Powerhouse Museum – For some really cool things to see in Sydney

• Great for kids and anyone interested in science.
• Contains a range of exhibits from Star Wars displays to Asian art collections.

Why it’s so awesome : The Powerhouse Museum is otherwise known as the Museum of Applied Arts and Science and this is why it includes such a wide range of exhibits. Whether you’re interested in art history, contemporary movies, or quirky historical displays, you’ll find it all at this location.

What to do there : Before you go, make sure you check out the website to see what displays they have on during your visit. And take the kids with you, because children under 16 are free and the museum has a lot of exhibits and displays that are designed to keep your family occupied for hours. Check out the space and EcoLogic exhibits if you really want to have your mind blown by how quickly science is moving forward in the modern world.

#34 – The Sydney Fish Market – A great place to visit in Sydney for… fish.

• If you love seafood, this is where you should spend some time.
• The freshest food at the best prices in the city.

Why it’s so awesome : Sydney is a beach city which is why it has so much amazing seafood. And if you love to eat seafood, then the best place to go is at the Sydney Fish Market. At this location, you’ll find everything from the freshest lobster you’ve ever tasted to fish straight off the boat.

What to do there: You’ll be spoiled for choice at this location when it comes to seafood and it isn’t all raw either. You can buy trays of cooked prawns and oysters to take to the beach and park for a picnic or take a behind-the-scenes tour. And the location supports and promotes sustainable fishing, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the planet while you’re eating your fish.

#35 – The Fortune of War – A classically Australian place to eat in Sydney.

• The oldest pub in Sydney.
• The perfect place for some bevvies with da boiz.

Why it’s so awesome : This pub was established in 1828 by Samuel Terry, a convict who was sent to Australia for stealing 400 pairs of stockings. The bar has managed to hold onto its history and has retained all its cosy charm while still managing to build a great reputation for food and service amongst tourists and locals alike.

What to do there : Have a ‘schooner’ (i.e. regular beer in Australia) and enjoy the ambience. The bar also services typical but good bar food like burgers and steak and there’s a kid’s menu if you’re there with the family. Basically, it’s a nice, local place to have a good meal and a drink in a friendly atmosphere.

#36 – The Opera Bar – Cool place to see in Sydney with friends!

• You’ll find some of the best views of the city at this bar.
• Enjoy fresh seafood and champagne in the open air.

Why it’s so awesome: This bar is sometimes described as the best beer garden in the world and there’s a good reason for that. It serves beer, champagne, and delicious food and often has live entertainment as well. But the best part is the views. The bar is right next to the Sydney Opera House, so you’ll get to enjoy that iconic building while you sip your drinks.

What to do there : Take a few friends with you and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a drink and a meal. There’s a private bar indoors for groups but the main attraction is the Harbour Bar, which is outside and surrounded by spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the bay. It’s the perfect place to relax with some friends, enjoy the warm sun, and have a few drinks on a lazy afternoon!

Get insured for your trip to Sydney!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Sydney

Where do tourists go in Sydney?

These are the overall best and most popular places to visit in Sydney: – Bondi Beach – Sydney Opera House – Sydney Harbour Bridge

Which places in Sydney are great to visit for families?

Families will absolutely love these places to visit in Sydney: – Bondi Beach – Camp Cove – Luna Park

Which are the coolest places to visit in Sydney?

Check out these really cool places to visit in Sydney: – Bondi Iceberg Pool – Dharawal National Park – Carriageworks

Which places in Sydney are great to visit when it’s raining?

For some indoor fun, check out these epic places in Sydney: – White Rabbit – The Imperial Hotel – Enmore Theater

Sydney is a busy, modern, and friendly city and people spend time there about the food, beach, and the sun. In fact, beaches in Australia are amongst the best in the world, so if you enjoy the water and the sun then Sydney is a must-visit.

But there’s more to this city than blue water, piercing sun, and white sand. Sydney is surrounded by gorgeous and rugged natural attractions in all directions (don’t miss the Blues and the Royal). There are tonnes of underrated areas in Sydney that tourists don’t give enough time to (Newtown). And we didn’t even cover the rough yet quintessentially Australian Western Sydney areas (yay – bogans)! Coming up with a Sydney itinerary is going to make your stay a lot better too.

With our list, you’ll have the best chances of finding the top places to visit in Sydney so that you have the trip of a lifetime when you’re backpacking Australia .

So, where to next? How about checking out where to stay in the Blue Mountains , it’s a great place to escape the city.

Alexandria Zboyovski

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45 Best Sydney Tourist Attractions With Hidden Gems 2024 Guide

Visiting Sydney for the first time and looking to know what are the best Sydney tourist attractions? As expat locals, we’ve been tourists too, so we’re sharing what you really shouldn’t miss when you’re visiting this city.

Sydney is unique city in New South Wales, and home to the famous Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, vibrant suburbs, national parks and wildlife all in one beautiful city. You can go from relaxing beach sunrises to meeting kangaroos, and ending the day having cocktails in the tallest building. How cool is that?!

Not only that, you can get a 2, 3 or 5 day unlimited pass to tourist attractions in Sydney! So save money and start ticking off these Sydney attractions bucket list today.

Table of Contents

1. Meet kangaroos and wombats in Sydney

One of the most popular Sydney tourist places easily has to involve getting up close to kangaroos! Pre-book this wildlife experience here which takes you up close and personal with wild wombats and kangaroos at a Budderoo National Park and Moreton National Park, just two hours away.

The best way to experience any wildlife is in its natural habitat so hop on board for the closest viewpoint.

Included in the ticket is a classic Aussie BBQ (another bucket list tick), soft drinks and transport from the Central Station in Sydney as well as visiting two waterfalls in a sub-tropical rainforest.

2. Half day city tour of Sydney

If you want to see the highlights of Sydney, then let an expert guide show you the way on this half day city tour . See the oldest street in Australia in an area called The Rocks, get the best viewpoints of Sydney Harbour Bridge, experience our famous coasts including Bondi Beach and discover some vibrant and historic suburbs and the CBD (Central Business District).

One of the best ways to experience a city is with a local and that’s what this tour is all about, taking you through cool streets and pointing out landmarks you may miss on your own. Best of all, learning the history and significance of these places to visit will make it much more memorable.

3. Let a local show you the secret beaches in Sydney

Another local guide, another awesome highlight. Sydney is full of stunning secret beaches you can access by boat so jump on board this secret beaches tour.

Starting at Circular Quay on Sydney Harbour, you can get perfect boat pictures in front of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading past many landmarks along the Harbour. Anchor down at a secret National park beach for a swim and you may even spot a colony of fairy penguins! Perfect day living like a luxurious local around the Sydney Harbor Sea Bridge.

4. Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Arguably one of the most famous Sydney attractions is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge !

Saying you have completed the Sydney Harbour Bridge 1,322 step climb is a top-level Sydney bucket list achievement. The climb is also not as scary as you may think either, you are harnessed and follow a safe walkway up one side and down the other. It is so worth the thrill for the viewpoint at the top.

If you can, book on for the Twilight climb as you are lucky enough to have three views, daylight, sunset over the blue mountains and night time with the bright Sydney City skyline as a backdrop. Remember to book in advance as time slots do fill up!

5. Take a tour around the Sydney Opera House

One of the best places to visit in Sydney is obviously doing an iconic Sydney Opera House tour. You’ll get a chance to learn all about the history of the building as well as see the 300 corridors within the building.

It’s such a unique building, you will want to have an expert guide amaze you with facts and stories. Best of all, it only takes an hour so you can spend the rest of your day wondering around the many vantage points to take a million photos. Honestly taking photos of the Sydney Opera House NEVER gets old.

6. Visit the set locations of Home & Away at Palm Beach

If you’re like me and you’ve grown up watching Home & Away, then you have to go and visit Palm Beach, aka Summer Bay. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them filming in the area.

Make sure you go to The Boat House for lunch and walk up to the top of the famous Lighthouse. Oh and of course, go and see the Home & Away Kiosk where you can actually buy Alf Stewart memorabilia. I know. You can book this Home & Away tour to Palm Beach which makes a fun day trip.

If you’re not bothered about Home & Away, read our Best Things To Do In Palm Beach guide before you go up there. I recommend hiring a car, but you can get the bus as well.

6. See the Sydney sights on a bike tour

Zip through the city streets on this exciting bike tour .

Sometimes walking takes too long and buses don’t give us the best photo opportunities! So get on your bike and see the best views of Sydney. From Darling Harbour to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney has so many places you can cycle through peacefully.

The tour is lead by a local guide too so you can get the insider tips and see the city through the eyes of a local.

7. Go snorkelling in Manly

Sydney is literally surrounded by water so you must take a dive under and there is no place better than this Manly Beach snorkelling tour .

You don’t need previous experience to snorkel and all equipment is included so just bring your swimmers and get ready to explore under the sea at one of the most iconic beaches in New South Wales.

Manly Beach and Shelley Beach are full of pristine waters, colourful marine life and rocky reefs, you may even spot a famous blue groper! The tour is personalised by a local guide with knowledge of the marine and are an eco-tourism company to protect the wildlife so generations to come can enjoy the same view.

8. You must do a day trip to Blue Mountains!

You will be amazed by how massive and magnificent the Blue Mountains are! Book this full day Blue Mountains tour to truly take in the beauty of this national park, visit a wild life Sydney zoo and

Be picked up from Sydney Central Business District on a comfortable coach and stop by Featherdale Wildlife Park, Leura Village, Echo Point to see the famous three sisters rock formation and even get access to Scenic World. With cable cars, a skyway gondala and steep train rides, Scenic world adds a unique view to the Blue Mountains.

Finish the day with a river cruise into the Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay, making it one of the best day trips from Sydney.

9. Sky dive over a Sydney beach!

Are you brave enough to sky dive over a Sydney beach? We think so!

With this adventure, you can free fall for 60 seconds from 15,000 feet before cruising under the canopy for 5 minutes enjoying the Sydney coastline view. At just an hours drive from Sydney CBD to Wollongong in New South wales, a Sky dive in Sydney should be on your bucket list and is one of the best places in NSW to go sky diving.

Don’t leave this one till last minute, it does book up and you don’t want to be disappointed, so pre-book your skydive here .

10. Sydney Opera House performance

No trip to Sydney would be complete without going to Sydney Opera House to see a performance.

If you’re looking to go to see a performance you can get  cheap tickets to Sydney Opera House for an absolutely unforgettable night. Seeing Opera in the Opera House? Yes please!

If you really want to make a night out it, check out our favourite Fine Dining Restaurants In Sydney guide to help you choose some of the fabulous places to eat near the Opera House.

11. Visit The National Maritime Museum

No city trip is complete without a museum visit, right? The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of the best Sydney attractions!

With one of the most unique and diverse water fleets in the world, the Australian National Maritime Museum is great for adults and kids to spend a day. Pre-book your entrance tickets here , jump on board a historic war ship, learn about Aboriginal maritime customs and even view the worlds fastest boat! All located in Darling harbour, you can have a full day of nautical fun.

12. Go to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Wondering where everyone gets stunning shots of the Opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge? Head to Mrs Macquaries Chair! It is loved by locals and is one tourist attractions that everyone loves because of its location.

Here, you’ll be able to get the perfect photo of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge any time of day. But make sure you go at sunset, this is the time of the day when Sydney Harbour really puts on a show.

13. Bondi Beach walking tour

Bondi beach is famous around the world for its top surfing, chilled vibe and of course the Bondi Rescue TV show!

Join a Bondi Beach walking tour and get shown the best highlights, viewpoints, Aboriginal rock carvings and marine life by a local. Bondi Beach has a colourful history you can learn all about on this tour! If you’re looking to do some self-guided walks, check out our Best Walks in Bondi to see some of the mot well known places and hidden gems of the Eastern Suburbs

14. Walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is something every tourist in Sydney needs to visit for themselves. Nestled in between middle of Sydney CBD and Sydney Harbour, you’ll be able to walk around and visit the many gardens and of course the new Calyx building. Here they have lots of events on including an astronomy class which looks awesome.

As Australia’s oldest botanic garden, the Royal Botanical Gardens is truly picturesque and full to the brim of native flowers and plants to learn about. If you’re looking for somewhere to chill out between all of the walking around, then the Royal Botanical Garden is the place to visit.

15. Have lunch or dinner at Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the Sydney skyline which is also known as the Westfield Tower. You can pre-book tickets to go up to the viewing platform near the top of Sydney Tower.

If you decide to explore it in the day time, go up on a clear day and you might be able to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Blue Mountains from there. I know, it’s actually true because we’ve been able to see the Sydney tower from Anvil Lookout in Blue Mountains!

You can also pre-book the  Revolving Buffet Restaurant  in Sydney Tower as you’ll have lunch or dinner at the top of Sydney’s tallest building. As it’s a revolving restaurant, this means you’ll constantly see a different view during your dining experience. I did this experience when I first came to Sydney and I promise you won’t find a more unique dining experience in Sydney.

16. Go on a special Sydney tall ships cruise

I went on a Sydney tall ships cruise on my 30th Birthday and absolutely loved it! We drank too much wine and ate all of the canapes being served up and loved sailing back into Circular Quay while the city lit up at night time.

Hand on heart, I’ll always remember it being one of the best things I’ve done in Sydney because it felt so special. I recommend you book Sydney Tall Ships Cruise here to make sure you can get on one of their cruises.

17. Visit Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Meet Australia’s only Rhino at Taronga Zoo, one of the most iconic Sydney attractions. Get up close and personal to the squirrel monkeys or go behind the scenes in the Elephant enclosure.

Sydney Zoo is an awesome attraction for big and little kids alike, with over 40 species to marvel at and talks to learn from. Pre-book your entrance fee which also includes a return ferry ride from Circular Qua.

18. Indulge in the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney

Food is one of the best things about travelling. Experiencing a culture through their cuisine is not only delicious but a travel bucket list for sure!

Sydney is full of luxurious fine dining restaurants and we have put together our list of favourites which you can read here, 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Sydney . From digestation tasting menus to sipping cocktails opposite Sydney Harbour Bridge, there is a fine dining restaurant to add a little sparkle to your Sydney trip.

As Australia is close to Asia, you can experience some incredible Asian cuisine here so it’s worth including in your itinerary.

19. Join the popular Sydney crime tour

Discover the creepy and unbelievable true crime stories of Sydney on this interesting tour .

Strolling through Sydney’s beautiful streets in daylight, you wouldn’t believe it had a dark side to tell. An expert local guide reveals all of the weird and wonderful crime history of Sydney which you won’t find in a history book. Perfect for true crime lovers, this tour will leave you guessing on the gaps in the crime stories!

20. Discover the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship

Situated right in the heart of Darling Harbour, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a beautiful hidden gem of Sydney.

Modelled after the ancient gardens of China, this stunning Chinese garden in the heart of the city is a tranquil place to spend your day. Discover exotic plants, a lake and stay for Chinese tea at The Gardens by Lotus.

After you’ve finished, take a walk all the way around Darling Harbour and around to Barangaroo.

21. Sydney Thrill Ride

Another one for the adventurous, Sydney Harbor jet boat rides zoom along the harbour for a truly thrilling ride.

Sydney Thrill Ride hurls at up to 75 km an hour while you take in the iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and other coastal landmarks. Jump on board for one of the most exhilarating attractions in Sydney.

22. The Rocks Walking Tour

Discover the oldest part of Sydney on the Rocks Walking Tour . When the first fleet arrived at Sydney Harbour, The Rocks and Australia’s first ever official street, George Street is some of the oldest parts of Australia. It is the best places to visit to explore some of the oldest pubs, learn the history and marvel at historic archways and convict stories.

23. Big top Hop-on-hop-off bus

No city trip is complete without a hop-on-hop-off bus tour , right?

With two routes of places to visit around Sydney, a commentary sound system and a Sydney Harbour cruise included in the deluxe ticket, you can’t go wrong with a hop-on-hop-off bus. See the Opera House of Sydney, and Sydney Aquarium on the red route or join to blue route past Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.

24. Watch the New Years Eve Fireworks

Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks is a tourist attraction you really don’t want to miss. It is known as the world’s best fireworks, I have to say that statement is true. It’s a sight like no other.

The best way to see the fireworks is on a boat in the Harbour, so make sure you check out our Best Places To Watch The Sydney New Years Eve Fireworks.

Otherwise Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is very popular spot which is also free to view the fireworks. Bare in mind this spot gets very crowded – I experienced it during my first New Years in Sydney.

I also recommend going to the other side of the bridge and viewing the fireworks from Kirribilli. It’s not as busy and you’ll be able to get super close to the Bridge, even under it!

25. Visit Vivid Festival

While many people visit Sydney in the Summer months, visiting in Winter has its highlights too. For a couple of weeks between May and June each year sees one of Sydney’s biggest calendar events – Vivid Festival. Circular Quay and loads of other areas around Sydney join together and are lit up in one of the biggest light festivals in the world. It’s amazing and a must visit. If you’re visiting in Winter, check out our Best Things To Do In Sydney In Winter guide!

26. Check out Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney is definitely worth a visit if you have time in Sydney. Located at Circular Quay, it’s one of the awesome free things to do in Sydney.

Make sure you check out the cafe on the rooftop of the art gallery, it’s got a fantastic view of the Opera House as well. Check out our full guide for the Best Art Galleries In Sydney which includes hidden gems.

27. Go on a ghost tour around The Rocks

Looking for fun things to do in Sydney that also involve learning a bit about the city? Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night you can take a 90 minute  Ghost Tour  around The Rocks. Discover the creepy Sydney of a Sydney attraction and Sydney’s CBD.

After the tour has finished, check out some of our favourite Rooftop BarsIn Sydney .

28. Do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the most popular Sydney activities because it’s so beautiful! If you walk the whole way, it will take around 2 hours. Highlights include the cemetery, Bronte, Gordon’s Bay and of course Coogee Beach!

If you’d prefer to do a shorter walk, you can do the Bondi to Bronte walk in about 1 hour. Stop at Bronte for lunch at the Bronte Cafe and go for a swim in the famous Bronte Rock Pool!

29. Swim at Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Icebergs  is one of THE most famous Australia tourist attractions. The iconic ocean pool brings in many photographers and it’s easy to see why! Make sure you get there for sunrise, it’s incredible! It’s also not expensive to swim here at the pool, with a cafe downstairs and fine dining restaurant upstairs.

30. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach

A hugely iconic thing to do in Sydney is to learn to surf at Bondi Beach. There are plenty of companies to choose from but we recommend doing this two hour fun lesson  where you’ll learn the basics and have a hand at catching your first wave!

31. Manly to Spit walk

Fancy doing a coastal walk in Manly? Why not tackle the Manly to Spit walk which is a 10km walk. It takes you right around the coast and through Ku-ring-gai National Park so you’ll get to see what it’s like walking through the bush in the middle of Sydney.

There’s some lovely beaches to visit along the way like Clontarf Beach but this walk takes a good two hours and you need to be at a reasonable level of fitness. When you get to The Spit, you can either get a bus back into Sydney CBD or back to Manly.

Check out our guide for the Best Walks in Manly to help you prepare for your visit to this iconic part of Sydney.

32. Go on the rides at Luna Park

Luna Park in Sydney is a great family day out and it’s in an awesome location, right on Sydney Harbour! Definitely make sure you go on ferris wheel and if you can stomach any other ride too. Then take a walk around the Harbour path and up to  Wendy’s Secret Garden  (one of our favourite spots in Sydney!).

34. Go to an outdoor cinema

There are so many outdoor cinemas in Sydney during Summertime, make sure you book in advance for a screening. Most of the outdoor cinemas in Sydney start at the end of November and finish around March time.

Our favourite is the West Pac Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquarie’s Point known as the most beautiful cinema in the world! To get the full lowdown of the best outdoor cinemas, check out our guide for the Best Cinemas in Sydney .

35. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a really beautiful and touristy part of Sydney, all tourists should visit. With plenty of restuarants to choose from (eat on the Barangaroo side), an amazing kids playground and lots of Sydney Harbour cruises departing from here, spend the day walking around here and enjoy the views.

36. Whale Watching tour

If you’re visiting Sydney between June to November, you’ll more than likely come across the whale migration which is a massive Sydney activity you need to see in person for yourself

Every year, 30,000 humpback whales migrate along the East Coast and will pass by Sydney. Make sure you book a whale watching tour to get close to them, you can read our Whale Watching In Sydney review before you book. It’s an amazing sight to be seen.

37. Visit Sea life Sydney Aquarium

A visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the  SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium . Here you’ll find more than 700 species with more than 13,000 fish from Australia’s water habitats!You can also go swimming with sharks in the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium if you’re brave enough!

38. The Rocks Market

The Rocks Market is a brilliant visitor attraction in the middle of Sydney where you can buy some beautiful gifts like Australian hand made pieces as well as photography prints for your home. The Rocks Market takes place on Saturdays between Friday – Sunday.

39. Buy Tacky Tourist Gifts From Paddy’s Market

Paddy’s Market is a huge market in China Town which is home to plenty of touristy stalls. This is a good market if you want to buy some cheap gifts, but bear in mind, the gifts are proper cheap – like they’ve fallen off a back of a lorry!

39. Visit the set locations of Home & Away at Palm Beach

39. Check out the best pubs in Sydney

Looking for the best pubs in Sydney? Finding decent pubs in Sydney really needs a local to show you the way. There’s no better way to have a drink than at a rooftop bar so check out our Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney guide to help you choose where to go. If you fancy a slice of England, check out our Best English Pubs in Sydney or our Best Irish Pubs in Sydney guides as well.

40. Check out the trendy suburb of Newtown in Sydney

Want to see more of Sydney? Check out the local suburb of Newtown in Sydney which is the trendy area of the city. Expect really cool small bars, breweries, pubs, vintage shops and some of the best restaurants in Sydney to explore. To find out more, check out our Best Things To Do In Newtown guide.

41. Walk around Hyde Park

Get the train to Town Hall Station and wonder around Queen Victoria Building before making your way over to Hyde Park. You’ll pass by Art Gallery of New South Wales which is definitely worth stopping by and checking it out. As you continue walking through Hyde Park, you can either walk through the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney or continue along to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Bring your swimmers and go for a swim at Andrew Boy Charlton Swimming Pool.

42. Spend the day at the oldest national park in the world

Enjoy a day trip from Sydney at the oldest national park in the world called The Royal National Park. You can book this day trip where a local will take you to some of the best sights you need to see in person. Expect to see the insta famous Wedding Cake Rock and one of my favourite beaches in Sydney which is called Marley Beach.

If you’ve not heard much about this place before, check out our Best Walks In Royal National Park guide to help you plan your trip.

43. Go kayaking in Sydney

I highly recommend getting on the water on Sydney Harbour by jumping on a Sydney kayaking tour. As one of the best Sydney attractions, enjoy spending sunrise or the morning kayaking around the best sights in Sydney. You Can read more about it in our Best Places To Go Kayaking In Sydney guide.

44. Watch an iconic Sydney sunrise

You absolutely must get up and see a Sydney sunrise for yourself when you’re visiting Australia. See Bondi Beach packed full of locals working out, see Sydney Harbour come alive and enjoy a very special moment in this beautiful city. Check out our Best Places To Watch A Sydney Sunset guide to decide which places you want to see it from.

45. Check out the Hollywood movies filmed in Sydney

Did you know Sydney is home to the set location for many famous Hollywood movies? Check out our Hollywood Movies Filmed In Sydney guide and go and see the iconic locations where the Matrix and Superman were filmed. You’ll be walking around the city seeing so many places to visit that remind you of familiar places including the locations for The Great Gatsby with Leonardo Di Caprio, Mission Impossible 2 and so many more!

Where to stay in Sydney

Need some help you figure out where to stay in Sydney? You can read our guides for the Best Sydney Hotels and Best Hostels In Sydney.

But, to make it easier, here’s our top recommendations.

1. Best Luxurious hotel in Sydney – Park Hyatt Hotel

2. Best mid range hotel in Sydney – Old Clare Hotel

3. Best cheap hotel in Sydney – Rydges Sydney Central

4. Best budget friendly family hostel – Sydney Harbour YHA

5. Best party hostel in Sydney – Wake Up! Sydney Central

More Sydney inspiration to read

Looking for more Sydney content to help you plan your trip? Check out some of our guides below.

How To Spend 3 Days In Sydney

Best Hotels in Sydney

Best Hostels in Sydney

Tips for Hiring A Campervan In Australia

30 Best Day Trips From Sydney

10 Best Secluded Beaches In Sydney

18 Hollywood Movies Filmed In Sydney

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Sydney city guide: Best things to do and where to stay in Australia’s magnificent harbour city

S prawling around one of the planet’s biggest and most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is perhaps the ultimate city destination in Australia . With its swoonworthy physical attributes, laidback charm and trio of icons – namely the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sweeping Bondi Beach – the New South Wales capital almost effortlessly wows.

Though the city stretches westwards way beyond Parramatta (Sydney’s geographic heart) to the base of the Blue Mountains, nearly all of its visitor appeal lies in the city centre, central suburbs and beaches . Founded in 1788, Australia’s first British settlement has evolved into a true world city that’s liveliest when Mardi Gras fills the streets with sequins, parades and parties.

If you’re heading down under, our Sydney guide provides a heads-up on what to do, where to eat and drink, and the best spots to stay in the Harbour City.

Access all arias

You can’t miss Sydney Opera House . Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, this concrete-and-ceramic-tile masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its performance spaces. Ideally, immerse yourself in an opera, concert, recital or play; otherwise take a tour (from £22pp) to discover those rooftop sails and the building’s history.

Read more on Australia travel :

• Mornington Peninsula: How travellers are seeking out Australia’s hot springs
• The best deals for a luxury Australia holiday in 2024
• Why you should book a holiday to Ningaloo, Australia’s ‘other reef’

Bridge the gap

Sydney’s second major landmark, the Harbour Bridge, unites the CBD (central business district) with the North Shore suburbs. For those with a head for heights (and the best part of £150 to spare), Bridge Climb is the classic experience. Alternatively, take the train to North Sydney and walk back over the bridge for free, with the opera house and city skyline before you.

Sydneysider culture goes big on the beach. Bondi is the icon, for its fine sand, surfer scene, and Icebergs saltwater pool, or hop on the ferry to Manly and its similarly sandy, pine-tree-lined promenade. Not a fan of waves? Stay within the harbour: the North Shore’s Fairlight Beach or more hidden-away Castle Rock Beach are fantastic.

Go walkabout

All around the harbour, fragments of foreshore and bushland constitute Sydney Harbour National Park . Weaving much of it together is the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk , via woodland, beaches, parks and urban promenades. En route, enjoy Aboriginal rock carvings, wildlife encounters (kookaburras, bush turkeys, water dragons) and cooling dips. Ferry and bus connections break it into manageable chunks.

Art and culture

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is lauded for its sculptures, exhibitions and collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. Qtopia , meanwhile, is a must for LGBT+ travellers and allies. As befits a city known for its massive Mardi Gras celebrations, this museum tells the story of community trailblazers whose actions helped decriminalise homosexuality in New South Wales in 1984.

Where to stay

Base yourself central to everything at Paramount House Hotel. Located where the CBD crashes into Surry Hills, this former movie company headquarters has been transformed into a 29-room boutique hotel, with rooms (nearly all of which have outdoor spaces) that are cosy, colourful, and come with the feeling of staying at a cool friend’s apartment. Room-only doubles from £175.

Find a similar price point just round the corner at Ace Hotel Sydney, where the concrete-meets-carpet aesthetic and a slightly retro vibe make the guest rooms at once supremely comfortable and delightfully homely. Top-floor restaurant Kiln is a community favourite, while the street-level diner and coffee shop keep things buzzing throughout the day. There’s also a bijou but excellent gym.

For a fun, yesteryear resort vibe, Oxford House in nearby Paddington wins for its laidback style, cheerful service, and poolside restaurant that doubles as a popular brunch spot for locals. The 55 light-filled rooms benefit from colourful artworks, warm tones and quality amenities, and doubles start from £145.

For more in the way of budget stays, Space Q Capsule Hotel delivers conveniently located, quirky, cool and cost-effective digs within a five-minute walk of Central station.

Where to eat

Asian flavours abound in Sydney. Ever-popular Chin Chin in Surry Hills is the go-to for beef rendang, crispy duck pancakes and prawn summer rolls, all bursting with freshness (mains from £12-20). Similarly upbeat is Uncle Mings : a quirky dumpling den serving small bites and cocktails on a CBD laneway. For something simpler, Japanese temaki are a commonplace, cheap (around £2 each) and healthy on-the-go snack; Hero Sushi is a good place to find them. Also refreshingly affordable is Spice Alley : a Chippendale backstreet whose hawker-style outlets span Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Cantonese and Japanese favourites, from satay skewers to special fried rice.

This being a coastal city, there’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants. The Boathouse on Manly’s Shelly Beach wins for its indoor/outdoor ambience, great design, and High Tide Happy Hour (alternatively, try the Balmoral Beach branch). At Bondi Pavilion, meanwhile, a much-needed renovation to mark its centenary has given this seafront landmark a buzzing brunch spot in Glory Days , with poke bowls, avo-on-toast breakfasts, and great coffee as the standouts.

Casually upmarket Café Sydney is perfect for special occasions. Situated atop Circular Quay’s historic Customs House, this classic spot enjoys foreground-filling Harbour Bridge views and a menu celebrating Aussie produce from barramundi to Sydney rock oysters, supported by thoughtful cocktail and wine lists.

Where to drink

Get a hint of its history at The Treasury , where coffee and cocktails are sipped in what was the courtyard of an 1851 building. Now enclosed to form a light-filled atrium, it’s a chic space with monochrome floor tiles, velvet booths, and an Art-Deco-style bar that complements the grand brick-and-sandstone architecture.

Elsewhere in the CBD, enjoy elevated views from Dean and Nancy on 22 , where inventively quirky cocktails (brought to life with candy floss or smoke-filled bubbles) come with a side of highrise scenery. Try the gin-based Alien on Holiday or colourful Watermelon Sugar High, all priced at around £14.

Rather more hidden away are the bijou bars on the YCK Laneways , a lively precinct around York, Clarence and Kent Streets. Highlights include Sammy Junior , which segues from daytime coffees to evening cocktails, or speakeasy-style Stitch Bar , which you’ll find behind a faux frontage.

Where to shop

Of the CBD’s major shopping malls, QVB stands out for its beautifully restored Victorian architecture (all tiled floors, balustrades and glass domes) packed with mostly international brands. Over in Chippendale, Central Park is a much more modern affair good for youth-oriented fashion and footwear from the likes of Glue Store and Hype DC, plus Pigeonhole and its range of gifts and clothing with a sustainable slant.

Also worth checking out are the boutiques in Paddington along Oxford Street, or continue down it all the way to Bondi Beach, which has evolved from its “daggier” backpacker days into something much more credible. Gould Street and Hall Street are the go-to spots here; check out Tuchuzy for its Aussie and international fashions.

Architectural icon

Sydney Tower (formerly Centrepoint) is the city’s tallest structure, whose golden turret (with observation deck ) sits atop a slender shaft.

What currency do they use?

Australian dollar.

What language do they speak?

Should i tip.

It isn’t expected, but 10 per cent is appreciated.

What’s the time difference?

Average flight time.

Around 22 hours from London , depending on layover duration. Emirates offers convenient connections from London , Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham, via Dubai .

Public transport

AirportLink trains whisk travellers into the city in 15 minutes to connect with buses, trams and ferries. Top up an Opal (like London’s Oyster card) for seamless travel, or simply touch on and off with your credit card.

For that classic shot of the opera house with a Harbour Bridge backdrop, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Botanic Gardens . Otherwise, take the ferry to Cremorne Point to see towering skyscrapers crowning the opera house.

Insider tip?

If jetlag has you up pre-dawn, go watch the sun rising over the opera house from Hickson Road Reserve.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Sydney You Shouldn’t Miss

If you have finally decided to visit Australia, but you don’t have enough time to explore it thoroughly, you should at least visit the two biggest and most popular cities in Australia, Sydney, and Melbourne.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Melbourne for at least two days before jumping to Sydney for the best Australian holiday. You can find some great Melbourne hotel packages in the CBD area and explore the nearby amenities.  

With Sydney awaiting for you about an hour flight-time away from Melbourne, you are about to begin a wonderful journey. Sydney is a vibrant, buzzing, and urban city that is awe-inspiring. What is most notable about Sydney is all the diversities that fuse in such a unique city. 

Australia is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Though being wast, and each part being equally attractive for tourists, one should make a good travel plan to experience Austalia properly even in a short period.

However, Sydney is a destination that should come first on the list, if one is not able to make a long enough stay in Australia.

Therefore, here are some of the most notable places you shouldn’t miss when visiting and exploring Sydney! 

Table of Contents

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The famous Harbour Bridge is one of the first places to visit. This steel through arch bridge connects the central business district of Sydney with the North Shore and is passed by pedestrians, bikes, cars, and rail every day.

It’s known for its marvelous overlook to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour, mostly found on images online and postcards. But, you don’t only have to admire its beauty you can climb it.

There are guided tours available that can take you way up to experience the legendary view. Lots of tourists are taking advantage of the boat hire in Sydney Harbor so they can go on a special sightseeing adventure giving them a different perspective. These experiences are cited as one of the most attractive ones in the city!

Darling Harbour

Another site to visit is Darling Harbour. There’s so many things to do in Darling Harbour that you should add to your itinerary. Here you can find amazing museums, great entertainment, fascinating wildlife, and a lot of cafés, restaurants, fashion stores, and nightclubs. Indeed, there’s something for everyone.

There are some excellent small wedding venues if, of course, you are one of the many visiting Australia to have the perfect romantic getaway and an unusual, intimate wedding to remember! Fun and unforgettable moments are guaranteed!

Sydney Opera House

If you don’t visit the Sydney Opera House it’s like you’ve never visited Australia at all. You can take one of the guided tours that take you throughout the entire building or see a show.

And, don’t forget to document your visit there by taking photos of the building and, of course, selfies for your profile!

Circular Quay

The “gateway to Sydney” as it is commonly referred to, Circular Quay is the heart of Sydney city. Hosting the international port, the main bus and train station, this buzzing place is connecting Sydney’s most popular districts and it’s always busy with tourists admiring the views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is a common location for viewing Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks.

This former working port, today is a public piazza and tourism precinct, heritage area, and transport node consisted of many walkways, pedestrian malls, restaurants and parks. Almost every tourist will intentionally or unintentionally pass through Circular Quay and feel the true Sydney spirits.

However, as with most popular destinations in the world, at this very busy part of the city beware and protect yourself from the pickpockets that tend to victimize distracted tourists on their walkarounds.

Royal Botanic Gardens

When you feel like getting away from the city, you can go to the Royal Botanic Gardens. And, you know what? You don’t even have to leave the city to enjoy the enchanting nature and peace in these gardens because it’s located nearby the busy central business district.

Here, you can learn more about the Australian plant life, take a train tour around the gardens, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and have the most romantic picnic with your loved one. 

Taronga Zoo

Another city escape destination you should visit is the well-known Taronga Zoo. It’s the largest zoo in Australia and close to Sydney Harbour. This zoo is home to over 4000 animals of 350 different species.

Apart from seeing and enjoying the company of thousands of animals, you can also buy a souvenir in the zoo shop and have a cup of coffee in the caféteria inside the zoo.

While exploring the city, don’t forget to go to The Rocks. It’s a neighborhood and historic area located on the southern shore of the Sydney Harbour. Considered the birthplace of modern Sydney, this iconic place is full of historic buildings, home to one of the oldest pubs in Australia, markets, galleries, museums, and cobbled laneways.

The best way to explore The Rocks is on foot but you can also take a guided walking tour.

Queen Victoria Building

The famous Queen Victoria Building, a.k.a. QVB is a market that features over 180 fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, homeware shops, restaurants, and cafés.

With its incredible architecture and stained glass windows, as well as a rich history, it’s one of the must-visit places in Sydney. If by any chance, you visit Sydney during Christmas, you will find a gigantic Christmas tree in the central dome of the building that looks amazing!

Bondi Beach

And, of course, you wouldn’t be on a vacation if you don’t spend your days carelessly lying on one of the most spectacular beaches in Sydney. There are a lot of great beaches close to the city where you can enjoy your days, however, Bondi Beach is the one you cannot miss.

Known for its white sands, the Icebergs ocean pool , cafes, and pubs, it’s a place you have to see and experience the real Australian vibe. 

Cockatoo Island

The last place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Sydney is Cockatoo Island. Located in the center of Sydney Harbour, this island is only a short ferry ride from the central business district.

There you can find a camping site, picnic spots, heritage accommodation, and a few cafes. And, let’s not forget, it offers a panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the view and the feels!

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20 Things to do in Sydney this Weekend

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Explore Sydney!

Attention all Sydneysiders (and visitors with good taste)! Tired of the same old weekend routine of Netflix binges and grocery shopping? Shake things up with our list of 20 totally epic, off-the-wall, and sometimes ridiculous things to do in Sydney this weekend! Whether you're in the mood for a good laugh or a new adventure, we've got you covered. So forget about your responsibilities for a moment, grab your wildest friends, and let's get ready for a weekend that will be remembered for years to come (or at least until next weekend).

1. Watch the dreamy sunset with live music sessions

The renowned Sunset Sessions on Cockatoo Island are back for another set of music by the harbour. With a breathtaking view of the sunset and a diverse lineup of talented musicians, these sunset music sessions are the perfect way to unwind and connect with nature. So gather your friends, bring a bottle of wine, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, relaxation, picture-perfect memories and your perfect weekend in Sydney.

2. Watch the sunrise in a hot air balloon

Soar to new heights with a hot air balloon ride in the historic town of Camden - where all the cool things to do in Sydney this weekend are happening! Imagine floating 2000 feet above the lush green scenery of the Macarthur region, taking in the stunning sunrise from a whole new perspective. And don't just sit back and relax, get ready to be a part of the action as you help with setup and takedown before and after the flight. With a skilled pilot and crew, you're in for a treat. And let's not forget about the cherry on top - a delicious gourmet meal served mid-air. 

3. Go on a whale-watching cruise!

Get ready for a whale of a time, folks! Want to see whales up close and personal, not just on TV? Then your weekend in Sydney just got a whole lot more exciting. Join the exclusive club of whale watchers who have gotten to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With a whopping 95% chance of spotting orcas, minkes, and humpback whales, you're in for a wild ride. Hold on tight as you speed through the waters, watching in awe as these giants gracefully dive and swim by your boat. 

4. Take surf lessons at the Bondi Beach

Get ready to hang ten, mates! Looking to improve your surfing skills, then this should top your list of things to do on a weekend in Sydney! Grab your board and hit one of Australia's top beaches for a 2-hour surfing extravaganza! With a competent and personable instructor by your side, you'll be riding the waves like a pro in no time. Whether you're a total beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, your instructor will be there to guide you every step of the way. So bring along your adventurous crew and join forces to analyze the waves and make the most of this exciting surfing experience.

5. Let loose & skydive in Wollongong

Ready for the thrill of a lifetime? Then gear up for the ultimate weekend in Sydney experience - skydiving! Take the leap and soar to new heights with a skydive in Wollongong. Imagine the rush of excitement as you plummet from a heart-pumping 15,000 feet in a 60-second freefall. Don't worry, you'll have a seasoned support crew and a trusty tandem jump instructor by your side, handling all the safety equipment and making sure you have a safe and unforgettable experience. And as you take in the breathtaking views of Sydney's southern beaches and coastline, you'll be left with memories to last a lifetime.

6. Unleash your quad biking skills

Hold on tight, folks! It's time for a wild ride through the desert and along the coastline with a quad biking adventure in Port Stephens. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled tour of historic landmarks, local culture, and cuisine. Your heart will race as you rev up your quad bike and explore the breathtaking scenery from bush to beach. It's a unique experience that combines thrills and culture, making it one of the most exhilarating things to do in Sydney. So buckle up, put on your helmet, and let's hit the open road!

7. Go stargazing with an Astrophysicist

Blast off into the cosmos this weekend in Sydney with a star-studded adventure in the Blue Mountains! If you've ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered about the mysteries of the universe, then this is the event for you. Join an astrophysicist on an enchanting guided tour, where you'll learn all about the stars, the moon, and everything in between. With your guide answering all of your burning questions, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the night sky and a head full of cosmic knowledge.

8. Don’t miss out on Van Gogh Alive

Step into a world of vibrant colour and mesmerizing art with the highly anticipated return of the Van Gogh Alive exhibition, one of the hottest things to do in Sydney this weekend! If you missed out on the first season, no need to worry. This immersive and multisensory experience is back and better than ever. Get ready to be transported to the famous infinity chamber filled with sunflowers, Van Gogh's cozy bedroom, and the bustling Café Terrace. So grab your brush and paint your way to the Entertainment Quarter for an unforgettable artistic journey!

9. Experience Disney magic at The Grounds

Let the magic of Disney sweep you off your feet this weekend in Sydney as The Grounds transforms into a nostalgic wonderland in honor of Disney's 100th anniversary. With charming archways, twinkling installations, and neon-lit laneways, every corner of this magical kingdom is a nod to your favorite Disney characters and references. From now until April, relive your childhood memories and make new ones as you step into this enchanted world. 

10. Have a movie sesh under the stars

This weekend in Sydney, get ready to fall in love with a flick! And if you're feeling the love and in search of things to do in Sydney, head over to the North Sydney Opal and catch saome of the best hilarious romantic comedies. An outdoor movie theatre with a breathtaking view which is always serving up a smorgasbord of films, including new blockbusters, timeless gems, and crowd-pleasers. It's the perfect way to set the mood for a romantic evening under the stars. 

11. Visit the famous Glebe Markets 

Say goodbye to one of Sydney's most beloved markets this weekend with a bang! Glebe Markets, a renowned market in Sydney has announced that it would close at the end of February but it's going out with a delicious foodie blast, live tunes, and a dazzling array of vendors both old and new. Make your way to the Glebe Public School from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday for a farewell market fiesta you won't soon forget! Don't miss this fantastic chance to add a touch of fun to your weekend with things to do in Sydney.

12. Revisit the 90s Cruel Intentions musical

Get ready to rock the 90s with "Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical" - the seductive, entertaining jukebox sensation that'll take you back in time to the era of the unforgettable movie! This weekend, head over to Parramatta's Riverside Theatres for an encore season of the musical, where you'll enjoy some of the best hits from the 90s, all set to a sultry and enticing storyline. Get ready to sing along and relive the magic of Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar in this unmissable show, that's perfect for your things to do in Sydney this weekend!

13. Step inside an immersive art experience

Get ready for a sensory overload this weekend in Sydney! The enLIGHTenment experience is a spectacular fusion of technology, art, and storytelling that will light up your senses and leave you spellbound. Snap some stunning photos in front of visually captivating backdrops, be mesmerized by the amazing visual and audio effects, and dive into a world of fascinating installations that will tantalize your imagination. Don't miss out on this electrifying adventure that's sure to be one of the most talked about things to do in Sydney!

14. Enjoy dinner at a Broadway-themed diner

Get ready for a throwback experience like no other in Sydney this weekend! The masterminds behind Karen's Diner are bringing you the ultimate dining adventure at Broadway Diner. Get your taste buds ready for some mouth-watering burgers and shakes, but that's not all! Get ready for singing waiters and a whole lot of fun and games. Snap, snap, snap away with tons of Instagrammable moments that'll have all your friends envious. Don't miss out on the diner experience of a lifetime! If you are on a hunt of more amazing restaurants to chill, we have the perfect list of best restaurants in Sydney  and also best bars in Sydney.

15. Be captivated by a Frida Kahlo

This weekend in Sydney, step into the vibrant world of the legendary Frida Kahlo at The Cutaway in Barangaroo! The biographical exhibition, "Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon," comes to life with holographic displays, 360-degree projections, lively Mexican music and dance performances, and so much more. And don't forget to add a touch of Frida's flair to your own look by crafting a playful flower crown to take home as a sweet memento of your experience! We have also complied a list of best museums in Sydney that you need to check out and plan your next weekend right away!

16. Go crazy at the Luna park

You just can’t forget to add Luna Park to your things to do in Sydney this weekend list and make some unforgettable memories with your friends! Get ready for a day filled with giggles, thrills and non-stop fun this weekend at the iconic Luna Park! Gather your squad and be ready for an adventure like no other. From heart-pumping rides to scrumptious treats, this vintage theme park has everything you need to make your day unforgettable. Snap selfies with the famous face at the entrance, grab a bite to eat at one of the charming food stalls, and experience the rush of excitement on the Big Dipper. 

Get ready to boogie down with the glitterati of Sydney! If your’re looking for shiniest parties to attend this weekend in Sydney, join the fabulous crew at Honcho Disko for a celebration of self-expression, creativity, and pure fun. With a reputation as the city's dazzling party gods, Honcho Disko is the place to be for anyone who loves big, bold, and beautiful parties. Their monthly themed bashes, held in the spacious basement of the Imperial, are a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community to come together and dance the night away. 

18. Party at the Pleasure Playhouse

Get ready for a wild weekend at the Pleasure Playhouse! This abandoned theatre is coming alive with a massive party featuring live band performances, sizzling cabaret shows, a delicious pop-up Yum Cha, and events celebrating LGBTQIA+ and body positivity. While making it into our ultimate list of fun things to do in Sydney this weekend, you wouldn’t want to miss out on six weeks of art and music festival fun, all under one roof in Sydney!

19. Take the Opera House guided tour

Looking for a unique and cultured experience this weekend? Grab your squad and head to the iconic Sydney Opera House for a guided tour like no other! Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous buildings while learning all about its history, design, and amazing acoustics. As you take in the stunning views of the harbor and the city, you'll be entertained by stories from your knowledgeable tour guide. Be sure you make this the must-see item on your things to do in Sydney this weekend list!

20. Take the daunting Sydney Ghost tour

Step back in time to a creepy and dark era this weekend in Sydney! Join a guided tour to explore the streets where prisoners and ex-convicts roamed free, executions were a daily occurrence, and the notorious Rocks Push Gang ruled supreme. Get ready to be spooked by the creepy tales of the past and the mass graves that dotted the slums. Let the guide take you on a journey through Sydney's streets, filled with dread and terror. Don't miss this thrilling historical adventure!

And there you have it folks, 20 unforgettable and slightly bizarre ways to spend your weekend in Sydney. Whether you try one, two, or all 20 of these activities, we guarantee you'll have a blast. So go ahead, unleash your inner child, and let your hair down for a weekend filled with lots of adventure. And just incase, you wish explore Sydney to the brink but aren’t sure where to start, check out our 20 best things to do in Sydney list and get a headstart! Happy adventuring! Also, check out this blog to explore few other amazing bars in Sydney .

Did you book your student accommodation in Sydney yet? Check out amber for great deals, amenities, and location for your comfortable stay in Sydney!

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The world's safest cities for travel have been announced for 2024 and Sydney has ranked fourth

An annual global study has ranked Sydney as one of the safest cities in the world – and it's the only Aussie city to make the list

Aside from the devastating events that have taken place recently, most people would agree that life in Sydney is pretty safe – relative to other places across the world. And now, that theory has been validated, with the annual  annual  State of Travel Insurance  Safest Destinations report   listing Sydney as the fourth safest city in the world for travellers. Not the first time Sydney has ranked highly in safety studies in recent times .

Top of the list of the world’s safest cities was Hawaiian capital Honolulu, which appeared behind Sydney on a recent round-up of the most relaxed cities in the world .   

The methodology used to determine the list involved analysing a combo of traveller survey responses along with third-party data sources to evaluate weather emergencies, health measures, terrorism and the safety of underrepresented groups. Based on the data, our Harbour City came out as the fourth safest city in the world. On the list of the world’s safest countries, the lucky country came in at number ten.  Despite Australia ranking within the world’s safest countries, Sydney was the only Australian city to appear in the list of the world’s 15 safest cities, appearing behind Honolulu, Montreal and Reykjavik. 

Last year, Australia ranked as the fourth safest country in the world in the same report, and we suspect the climate crisis might have something to do with our fall in the rankings, with authors listing our weak ozone layer as a danger for travellers visiting us Down Under.

According to the report, Australia has a notably low number of homicides (a still heartbreaking 377 in 2022, compared with a devastating 692 during the same year in Chicago).

The report lists wildlife as the main danger to look out for in Australia, quoting the State Department who say ““Australian fauna can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.”

And while Australia as a whole might have fallen in the rankings, it looks like visiting Sydney is regarded as safer – with the Emerald City jumping from the tenth safest city in 2023 to number four in 2024. After what Sydney has gone through in the past weeks, here’s hoping it’s true.

You can read the full list of the world’s safest cities here , and find more info on the safest countries to travel to in 2024 over here .

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  

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Morning Rundown: Trump's son Barron steps into politics, a sharp rise in colon cancer rates for young people, and another pageant queen gives up her crown

Met Gala 2024 highlights: Red carpet looks from Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B., Sydney Sweeney and more

Major moments from fashion's biggest night of the year:.

• The theme of this year's Met Gala was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Lizzo, Cardi B. and others, donned looks inspired by the "Garden of Time" dress code
• In addition to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, this year's co-chairs included: Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth. Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson and TikTok CEO Shou Chew served as honorary chairs.
• The red carpet arrivals began at around 5:30 p.m. ET, and Vogue's live stream of the affair wrapped up around 8:30 p.m. ET.

Zendaya returns with second look

Daysia Tolentino

Zendaya, who co-chaired this year's gala, surprised people with a second look.

She returned to the carpet after the livestreams had wrapped wearing a 1996 Givenchy black gown and a 2007 bouquet-inspired headpiece from Alexander McQueen, according to Harper’s BAZAAR .

What happens after the red carpet?

Isabela Espadas Barros Leal

While the red carpet certainly feels like the Met's main event, the stars are now enjoying the actual festivities, which include dinner and a performance by a yet-to-be-revealed artist.

There's a strict no-phones policy inside, but photos of celebs enjoying the exclusive evening usually emerge by the end of the evening.

No Rihanna sighting on the carpet

Kaetlyn Liddy

Rihanna, who is a Met Gala mainstay, was not spotted on the red carpet throughout the duration of Vogue's livestream.

The singer arrived very late to last year's event. Although she recently teas ed her Met Ga l a l ook in an interview with Extra, some outlets reported that she ended up skipping the event this year.

A spokesperson for the artist did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Camila Cabello is dripped out with a purse made of ice

The singer, who announced her upcoming album today, said her purse was a block of ice that melted into a clutch by the time she reached the Met's stairs.

She said the accessory evoked the idea of "impermanence" and was partially inspired by her new album: "Things are melting, it's hot," she told "Entertainment Tonight."

Sydney Sweeney goes brunette for the Met

"Anyone but You" star and famous blonde Sydney Sweeney took what may be the biggest risk of all tonight: She went brunette.

Sweeney added a splash of color to a sea of neutrals on the red carpet, donning a baby-blue gown and black gloves up to her elbows.

Amanda Seyfried debuts a fresh color

Angela Yang

Amanda Seyfried used the Met Gala red carpet to debut a major hair change. The actor's new silver-blue hair was styled in a bun with a vinelike gemstone headpiece and old Hollywood curls framing her face.

Her silver Prada gown is adorned with glittering pink flowers, and she added another pop of color to her look with bright purple lipstick.

Cardi B clears the Met Gala carpet with her voluminous train

The rapper's black gown from Giambattista Valli consumed the entire bottom part of the carpet as she arrived on the steps.

Broadway takes the Met Gala

The lights of the Great White Way are typically dark on Mondays. Stars of some of Broadway's biggest hits made their way to the Met on their night off.

Jonathan Groff, Eddie Redmayne, Elle Fanning, Jeremy Strong and Sarah Paulson all walked the red carpet tonight.

The red carpet livestreams have come to an end

The red carpet livestreams have shuttered as celebs head inside to enjoy the rest of their night.

Demi Lovato is working on new music

Lovatics, assemble! Demi Lovato revealed that she is working on new music.

"I'm in the studio right now working on new music," Lovato said on the E! carpet. "Hopefully it will be out in the near future."

Elle Fanning is still the perfect Sleeping Beauty

If anyone could embody this year's theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," it's Sleeping Beauty herself. The actor played the role of Aurora in the 2014 film "Maleficent."

Tonight, she's wearing a custom Balmain dress with icelike birds atop the shoulders.

Lewis Hamilton's Burberry fit pays tribute to Britain's first Black gardener

Lewis Hamilton, one of the top stars in Formula 1 racing , told Vogue that his outfit is inspired by John Ystumllyn, the first Black gardener in Britain.

He also said a quote from a poem by Alex Wharton is embroidered into his coat lining. Hamilton is known for uplifting and highlighting Black artists and designers at the Met Gala.

Sabrina Carpenter is working late — on the red carpet

That's that Sabrina, espresso.

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, whose recent hit "Espresso" has become the unofficial song of the summer, arrived on the red carpet in a gown that features a black strapless bodice and a blue full skirt.

Her rumored boyfriend, Barry Keoghan, was also on the carpet.

"Espresso" became Carpenter's first No. 1 on the global Spotify charts last week, edging out Taylor Swift's "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)." The former Disney star opened for Swift's Eras Tour on its most recent legs in South American and Asia and was part of this year's Coachella lineup.

Lily Gladstone is sparkling at her first Met Gala

“Killers of the Flower Moon” and "Under the Bridge" star Lily Gladstone, who finished a historic awards run this year, is attending her first Met Gala tonight.

The actor is wearing a bedazzled Gabriela Hearst gown with a matching sheer cape that resemble the night sky. She told The New York Times that her Indigenous roots inspired the gown.

"We say we come from the stars,” she said.

Kylie Jenner goes for classic cream-colored gown

Kylie Jenner opted for an ethereal cream gown at this year's Met Gala after wearing bold colors last year.

Her look was a custom design by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia of Oscar de la Renta, inspired by garden statues, according to Vogue . Garden statues were mentioned in "The Garden of Time," the J.G. Ballard short story that inspired the official dress code. 

Jenner's sisters Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian, as well as their "momager," Kris Jenner, also walked the carpet earlier tonight.

Dua Lipa wears Marc Jacobs set

Dua Lipa paired a black corset with a black netted skirt that featured nature-inspired details.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph praises Zac Posen

Saba Hamedy

Da’Vine Joy Randolph said that she's "very particular" but that when she was working with Zac Posen for her Met Gala dress, she didn't have much feedback.

"You're not afraid of the silhouette, the form, the body," the Oscar winner said while standing beside Posen and being interviewed by Vogue.

"I love women; I love celebrating them," Posen said, describing the dress as a Gap Gown inspired by denim.

Kendall Jenner says she's the 'first human' to wear Givenchy dress

Supermodel Kendall Jenner told Vogue that her Met Gala look this year "feels meant to be."

Jenner said she's the "first human" ever to wear the archival 1999 Givenchy gown by Alexander McQueen, which had previously only been shown on a mannequin.

“I couldn’t do any tailoring, I couldn’t do anything, and it just fit perfectly," she said.

Demi Moore steals the spotlight

Demi Moore is catching the internet’s attention in a flashy black velvet dress by Harris Reed, who is also at the event. The dress is complete with "pink peonies procured from dead stock wallpaper," according to Vogue .

Kim Kardashian stuns in silver

Met Gala veteran Kim Kardashian arrived on the red carpet in a silver corseted gown designed by John Galliano of Maison Margiela.

“It’s all metal, metal waist,” Kardashian told La La Anthony on the red carpet.

Between Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Yeoh, silver appears to be a top color pick for attendees this evening.

Serena Williams goes for gold at Met Gala

Serena Williams wore a  golden Balenciaga  gown and black gloves to the Met Gala.

Williams was styled by Kesha McLeod.

Lana Del Rey looks straight out of a fairy tale

The singer is wearing a brown veil over a crown of branches. She's dressed in Alexander McQueen and is holding a red rose, leaning into the floral themes.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo walk carpet together

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who co-star in the coming "Wicked" film, reunited on the Met Gala carpet.

Grande wore a Loewe gown made of "actual of mother of pearl," she told Vogue on the carpet livestream. Erivo, who wore a Thom Browne beaded gown, told "Entertainment Tonight" the look was inspired by "running through a garden."

Both stars told Vogue on the carpet that they are excited for fans to see the film, based on the popular musical and book.

Gigi Hadid reveals her favorite song from Taylor Swift's new album

Model Gigi Hadid, a member of Taylor Swift's celeb squad, was asked an important question on the red carpet: What's your favorite song on "The Tortured Poets Department"?

Hadid revealed that the fourth track, "Down Bad," is her favorite from Swift's 11th studio album.

She later told Vogue that she is wearing Thom Browne, saying 70 people worked on the look, which has 2,800,000 beads.

“It was that slow to walk up with because I’m literally wearing a sculpture,” Hadid said.

'Challengers' director loves the response to that 'churro scene'

Director Luca Guadagnino and "Challengers" stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor have all made their arrivals.

Guadagnino told Variety that he's been loving fans' reactions to the film, especially the TikTok re-creations of an intimate scene in which O'Connor and Faist share churros.

Charli XCX wears Marni gown made of recycled T-shirts

Charli XCX told Vogue that the T-shirts she's wearing tonight are from the "’50s, ’60s and ’70s."

It's a nod to the exhibition "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which emphasizes sustainability.

Nicholas Galitzine gushes about co-star Anne Hathaway

Actor Nicholas Galitzine has made his Met Gala debut days after the premiere of his latest romantic comedy, “The Idea of You.” Galitzine is wearing a custom Fendi tuxedo with silk embellishments.

He told Vogue that Anne Hathaway, who plays his love interest in the film, is “a bit of a nerd — in the best way.”

“She’s so incredibly well-read and very kind and very open, but I mean, you meet her for a second and those things are to be expected,” he said. “She’s really wonderful.”

Eddie Redmayne ditches the suit

Eddie Redmayne, fresh off a Tony nomination for his turn as the Emcee in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret," matched with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe, on the carpet tonight.

The Oscar-winning actor and his wife both wore black-and-white flowy attire designed by Steve O Smith.

Fans say images of Katy Perry circulating on X look AI generated

Some people online circulated two images of Katy Perry on what appear to be the Met Gala steps, saying that it looked like the photos were AI generated.

The images of the “Teenage Dream” singer show her in attire that appears to match the theme of this year's event.

NBC News has no indication whether they were AI-generated. However, one of the photos of the pop star that circulated appeared on social media on April 18 .

Both images racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

A spokesperson for Perry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. It was unclear if she was on the Gala's guest list.

Greta Lee's dress may keep her from eating

Greta Lee is afraid she might have to forgo dinner tonight. The “Past Lives” star, who has been collaborating with Loewe all year, is wearing a structured white dress draped in flowers that covers nearly half her face.

"How am I gonna eat? What am I gonna do? I don't know," Lee told Variety on the red carpet.

Pro-Palestinian protesters attempt to interrupt Met Gala

Jonathan Dienst

A NYPD spokesperson told NBC News that several arrests are in the process of being made at a pro-Palestinian protest near, but not at, the Met Gala.

Hamas said in a statement earlier today that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but Israel said that the deal was “far from” its requirements and that it would push ahead with a Rafah operation and send a delegation to talks.

Rita Ora's gown is made of centuries-old beads

Singer Rita Ora's colorful dress made quite the impression on the red carpet. She and husband Taika Waititi are both wearing Marni.

Ora told Vogue that the gown's unique material ages "back to the first and second century B.C." The strings of beads cover a sheer bodysuit that shows off her tattoos.

Kris Jenner steps out in white Oscar de la Renta outfit

Kris Jenner and her partner, Corey Gamble, hit the red carpet matching in head-to-toe white.

"It's so fun and exciting to be at this event," Jenner, who is wearing Oscar de la Renta, told Vogue during the livestream. "I love seeing everything they've done ... the beautiful murals and flowers. I love the theme. It's just a wonderful night."

She said people will "get to see the kids in a little while," referring to the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family.

A round up of Met Gala carpet looks (so far)

Chelsea Stahl Chelsea Stahl is the art director for NBC News Digital

Take a peek at some of the looks featuring this years’ dress code: “The Garden of Time.” It’s giving botanicals!

Lea Michele shows off baby bump in light blue Rodarte

Lea Michele's voluminous blue dress is dotted with light flowers across the neckline.

She is wearing Rodarte. She and her husband, Zandy Reich, announced in March that they are expecting their second child.

Balmain creative director reveals why he used sand for Met Gala looks

Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing is wearing a mold of his face made with sand.

He told Vogue that the use of sand made the Balmain looks "once in a lifetime," paying homage to the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibition.

The exhibition, like the sand-made garments, features clothing that is too fragile to be worn again.

Chris Hemsworth can't move on from a pair of flip-flops

Anna Wintour may have made Chris Hemsworth a Met Gala co-chair, but that doesn't mean she approves of all his fashion choices.

“She made a reference last night at dinner to me wearing flip-flops on one of my first red carpets back in Australia. And the interesting thing was that was me making an effort," Hemsworth told E! on the red carpet.

The "Furiosa" actor is wearing Tom Ford tonight, so he's come a long way.

'Challengers' stars Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist serve on carpet

Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, who star alongside Zendaya in "Challengers," are both dressed in Loewe.

Their looks have subtle garden-inspired touches: O'Connor is wearing floral shoes, while Faist has a radish-shaped brooch.

Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe and honorary chair of tonight's event, also created the costumes for "Challengers."

Mindy Kaling's dress has a name: 'melting flower of time'

Mindy Kaling arrived to the Met Gala dressed in Gaurav Gupta.

The showrunner and actor said the beige dress, which has many swirls, is called the "melting flower of time."

Tyla is wearing a gown made of real sand

Tyla is dressed in Balmain for tonight's gala.

The South African singer's gown is inspired by the "sands of time," she told Vogue, a nod to the "Garden of Time" theme.

Tyla revealed in a red carpet interview with ET that her dress is made with real sand. She is also holding an hourglass bag.

Ayo Edebiri makes Met Gala debut in Loewe

Ayo Edebiri, wearing a dress that features floral appliques, has become somewhat of a fashion icon over the past year.

It's "The Bear" star's first Met Gala. Many of her fans were eager to see what she'd wear on the carpet.

J.Lo is thriving at her 14th Met Gala

Co-chair Jennifer Lopez, now attending her 14th Met Gala, said she still appreciates the event for the people she gets to meet.

“So many artists come together from different genres, from music, from film, from fashion. You have businessmen here, private equity,” Lopez told Vogue on the red carpet. “There’s all kinds of people here tonight. And so it’s not often that you get that mix of all different kinds of society.”

Lopez added that her custom Schiaparelli gown has 2.5 million bugle beads and took 800 hours to create.

Lots of celebrities are on time

Many of this year's A-list attendees actually showed up on time to show off their looks on the Met Gala steps.

Co-chairs Zendaya, J.Lo, Chris Hemsworth and Bad Bunny arrived before the livestream kicked off.

But other stars, including Matt Damon, Lea Michele, Mindy Kaling, Greta Gerwig and Rebecca Ferguson, arrived on the carpet sooner than expected.

Jessica Serfaty Michel rocks florals

Jessica Serfaty Michel took this year’s theme as literally as possible.

The “Days of Our Lives” star is turning heads on the carpet with her bright red gown embellished with colorful flowers.

Anna Wintour says Met Gala prep takes a 'garden of time'

In a red carpet interview with co-host La La Anthony, Wintour invoked the dress code for the night, saying it takes a "garden of time" to prep for the annual Met Gala.

“I’m just so grateful for the army of people who put this together," Wintour said. "We start planning it over a year in advance. We’re already onto 25 and 26. God is in the details.”

Ben Simmons is right on time

Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons arrived on the red carpet sporting a clock bag in a subtle interpretation of the theme.

Zendaya debuts Met Gala 2024 look

Zendaya was dressed by Maison Margiela, who also dressed fellow co-chair Bad Bunny. Her gown nods to the themes of the natural world on display during tonight's event.

Zendaya has not attended the Gala in recent years. Her last appearance was at the 2019 event, "Camp: Notes on Fashion."

J.Lo is a vision in silver

Jennifer Lopez stepped out on the red carpet in a sheer silver gown that quickly had the words "best dressed" flying on social media . The superstar is wearing a custom Schiaparelli gown, according to Vogue.

Lopez is one of tonight's four co-chairs alongside Chris Hemsworth, Bad Bunny and Zendaya.

Met Gala is starting soon

Less than 10 minutes until the official red carpet livestream kicks off. Keep following along for updates from the NBC News team.

Anna Wintour embraces floral theme

Vogue's editor-in-chief and overall queen of the Met Gala is wearing a floor-length embroidered floral cape over a white dress, all by Loewe.

Jonathan Anderson, Loewe's creative director, is an honorary chair for this year's event.

Vogue tweeted that the cape was inspired by a piece in the "Sleeping Beauties" exhibition originally designed by Charles Frederick Worth.

Co-chair Bad Bunny arrives in gothic getup

Bad Bunny, one of tonight's co-hosts, was dressed by Maison Margiela for this year's Met Gala.

Some believe the dark florals are an homage to the protagonist in the short story "The Garden of Time," which inspired this year's dress code.

The artist also held a floral bouquet in hand, made of the same material as his jacket. According to Vogue , "The flora inside the bouquet tells a story all its own: there are Flor de Maga, the national flower of Puerto Rico; roses, a symbol of beauty and purity; and the flax plant, which Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on in the famed fairy tale."

Baby bump watch

Last year,  Serena Williams and Karlie Kloss announced their pregnancies at the Met Gala.

Will another celeb surprise us with a baby bump on the carpet? We're keeping an eye out.

Will celebrities make political statements with their Met Gala looks?

For years, celebrities have taken the opportunity to share political messages through their Met Gala looks.

Some attendees have put direct statements on their garments. For instance, during the 2019 gala, Lena Waithe wore a jacket with embroidered text paying homage to the pioneers of camp: Black queer people.

In 2021, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wore a white gown with the words “Tax the Rich” on the back, a bold — and controversial — statement at an event known for its wealthy clientele.

Others have taken more subtle approaches. In 2022, actor Riz Ahmed dressed in homage to immigrant workers whose labor built the Gilded Age.

Throughout awards season this year, various artists, actors and other entertainment professionals have been wearing " Artists 4 Ceasefire " pins with their red carpet looks. As a result, some people anticipate some attendees will use their looks to draw attention to the conflict in Gaza .

Blake Lively watch

Elise Wrabetz

Blake Lively fans are eager to see if the star will make her way to this year's Met Gala.

The actor is known for her iconic looks each time she attends the event.

TikToker Reece Feldman sets the tone with floral Thom Browne set

Social media users are praising Reece Feldman's pleated floral skirt-suit, which is accessorized with a dog-shaped bag.

Feldman is a creator known for interviewing celebrities on the red carpet.

LaLa Anthony, Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie stun on carpet

Vogue.com's red carpet hosts — LaLa Anthony, Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie — have all made it to the carpet in their themed attire.

Graham told Entertainment Tonight that her handmade Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress took "over 500 hours" to make.

Christie wore a a custom creation designed by Maison Margiela’s John Galliano, according to Vogue .

Their live stream kicks off at 6 p.m. ET.

Emma Chamberlain returns as red carpet interviewer

Emma Chamberlain is back and ready to spark more conversation as the internet’s favorite Met Gala interviewer, serving as Vogue’s red carpet correspondent for the fourth year in a row.

From her immediate rapport with stars like Billie Eilish and Gigi Hadid , to her ongoing flirtatious bit with Jack Harlow , the social media personality has built a reputation for creating viral red carpet moments with celebrities at the annual event.

Chamberlain's look for tonight took over 640 hours to make, according to Vogue .

TikTok users will be able to livestream the Met Gala, vote on favorite looks

TikTok, one of the Met Gala sponsors, launched a portal with various tabs for users to check out the red carpet looks, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the event and information about the exhibition.

TikTok users will be able to watch a livestream of the red carpet on Vogue's profile. The app launched a polling feature that will allow users to vote on their favorite Met Gala looks this year.

Marc Jacobs teases who the brand is dressing

The Marc Jacobs social media account is bringing its playfulness to Instagram ahead of the Met Gala.

The brand asked its followers to guess who it will be dressing tonight. The post has four silhouettes and numerous guesses in the comments.

Last year, the brand dressed pop stars Anitta and Kim Petras and reality TV legends Paris Hilton and Kendall Jenner.

Model Eugenio Casnighi claims he was fired from Met Gala after going viral last year

Eugenio Casnighi, a model and greeter who went viral during the 2023 Met Gala, claimed in a TikTok video that he was fired ahead of the 2024 event. Last year, Casnighi was spotted in images behind Kylie Jenner throughout the evening. He said he was hired as a model and greeter in 2022 and 2023.

"It’s Friday and the Met Gala is on Monday and they let me know today that they cut me off, they fired me because I went viral last year," Casnighi said in the video. "So basically they said, 'You made it about yourself so we can't have you work there anymore.'"

A spokesperson for The Met did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement to NBC News, Casnighi said, “I am a little sad I won’t see in person all the looks and the celebrities, but maybe there will be some surprises about me tonight, who knows! All the best to the foundation and the people working and attending there."

The Met Gala carpet fits the theme

This year’s Met Gala red carpet isn’t actually red.

Early photos from the Metropolitan Museum of Art show a cream carpet, bordered by greenery and wall murals that reflect this year’s dress code, “The Garden of Time.”

What are the rules for Met Gala attendees?

Even VIPs have to follow rules sometimes.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour told “ TOD AY” that cellphones are not allowed at the Met Gala — and neither are garlic, onion or chives.

Attendees must also abide by a seating chart, which Vogue staffers created .

What does the Met Gala raise money for?

The glamorous fundraising gala raises millions every year for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which houses the world’s most comprehensive costume collection.

Proceeds from the Met Gala, which is charging $75,000 per ticket this year, make up the institute’s main source of funding as it exhibits, conserves and studies more than 33,000 objects spanning global fashion history.

Doja Cat and Jared Leto dressed as cats at Met Gala 2023

Celebrities always showcase their most bold looks at the Met Gala. And their definition of bold always seems to vary.

Take last year , for example, when not one , but two people wore cat costumes on the carpet. Jared Leto and Doja Cat both showed up in feline-inspired attire. wserved as a nod to the gala's celebration of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld , whose cat Choupette was basically a celebrity, also.

Only time will tell if there will be any animal-themed attire this year.

Condé Nast union strikes deal ahead of Met Gala

Magazine giant Condé Nast, which owns Vogue, reached an eleventh-hour deal with its union , averting a strike on a pivotal night for the media company.

The union, which represents over 500 employees at Vogue, Vanity Fair and other publications, pledged to do “whatever it takes” ahead of the Gala to make its demands heard.

The agreement includes a $61,500 starting salary floor, $3.3 million in total wage increases and eight weeks of severance for employees affected by layoffs. 

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to be at the Met Gala

This year’s Met Gala is sponsored in part by TikTok, with CEO Shou Chew serving as an honorary chair.

Chew is slated to wear something from Ralph Lauren, according to The New York Times. His presence at fashion's biggest night of the year comes at a precarious moment for the company, which faces a potential ban from the U.S. government. President Joe Biden signed a bill last month that presented ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company, with an ultimatum: sell to an approved buyer or be banned in the U.S. 

Met Gala? More like meme gala

Some extreme costumes and styles rocked by celebrities at the Met Gala can stir an internet frenzy, making the Met Gala a very meme-able event.

Kim Kardashian’s head-to-toe black Balenciaga attire in 2021 provided meme  fodder for many. In 2015, Rihanna’s gold Guo Pei gown, which featured a fur-lined cape with a 16-foot train, also generated commentary online. And of course, last year, when both Jared Leto and Doja Cat showed up dressed as cats, the internet couldn't resist making memes.

The Met has leaned into its virality in the past. Saint Hoax, an  influencer  with more than 3.4 million followers on Instagram, made  memes  live from the event’s red carpet in 2021 using hashtags like #MemetheMet.

Rihanna teases her ‘simple’ look

Rihanna, perpetual queen of the Met Gala, recently shared that she was going to focus on her hair and makeup this year. 

Speaking to Extra , the singer-turned-entrepreneur said she is “keeping it real simple” compared to looks she has donned in the past. 

Some fan favorites from previous Met Galas have included a papal-inspired bejeweled set for the 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” theme, and a show-stopping yellow gown with a massive train for the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” event. 

Met Gala 2024 Photos: Onlookers reach for the carpet

Some fans are already gathering outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in hopes of catching a glimpse of celebrities when they start walking the carpet later this afternoon.

When was the first Met Gala?

Before it became the most glamorous and star-studded night in fashion, the Met Gala started off as a fundraising benefit attended primarily by New York City socialites, according to the Met Museum's website .

The first gala, which cost $50 per ticket, was held in December 1948 to raise money for the Met Costume Institute. It was a midnight dinner at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan.

It wasn’t until decades later that the Met Gala began to resemble the iconic cultural event it is today.

Zendaya's highly anticipated Met Gala return

Zendaya, who is a co-chair of the Met Gala, is returning to the event for the first time since 2019. Notably, her last Met Gala look five years ago was a Cinderella-inspired gown that changed color with the wave of a wand.

The actress is having quite the year, with her "Challengers" and "Dune: Part Two" press tour looks turning her into even more of a red carpet force of nature.

Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, will be styling her once again for tonight's affair.

The Mark Hotel and The Carlyle: Where celebrities get ready

New York City has no shortage of hotels, but The Carlyle or The Mark Hotel are usually the go-to spots for celebrities as they get ready for the Met Gala.

Both hotels are conveniently located on the Upper East Side, within a few blocks of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Mark is home to the largest penthouse suite in the U.S. and the unofficial "pre-red carpet," where fans and photographers gather to catch the first glimpses of stars like Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid and Anna Wintour on their way to the Met Gala.

"Timing is essential on the day," The Mark's General Manger Etienne Haro said in an interview with PEOPLE . "A celebrity’s journey is monitored so that our transportation coordinators can get the right car in front of the hotel at the right time and ensure the process is flawless."

Who is going to the Met Gala?

With just a few hours until the carpet, it's officially celeb watch time.

Actresses Lily Gladstone of “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Ayo Edebiri of “The Bear” are rumored to be on the invite list for the first time, according to to Page Six . Lauren Sánchez, the fiancée of Jeff Bezos, is also rumored to make her Met Gala debut.

Kendall Jenner is reportedly attending (though there's been no confirmation from any of the Kardashian-Jenner family members). And K-pop fans are speculating on whether members of the popular boy band Stray Kids will make an appearance, after some members hinted at preparations on social media.

Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez are among Met Gala co-chairs

Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya co-chair alongside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. 

TikTok CEO Shou Chew and Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson are honorary co-chairs. 

Kim Kardashian's Met Gala 2022 look sparked controversy

Kim Kardashian caused an internet frenzy two years ago when she wore Marilyn Monroe’s infamous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown to the 2022 Met Gala.

Originally worn by Monroe to President John F. Kennedy’s birthday fundraiser in 1962, the gown was valued at more than $10 million when Kardashian borrowed it from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. But her choice to wear the historical garment stirred viral backlash when a Monroe historian shared photos online comparing the gown’s condition prior to and after the Gala, causing many online to accuse her of damaging the gown.

In 2021, Kardashian’s head-to-toe black Balenciaga also proved to be  meme  fodder.

We're keeping an eye out for the entrepreneur and reality star queen on tonight's carpet.

How much does a Met Gala ticket cost?

Celebrities like Zendaya and Rihanna are not paying their way to the Met Gala. Instead, they are invited by high-profile brands who purchase entire tables at the event. These tables go for upward of $350,000, according to The New York Times . 

For the rich but not famous, individual tickets can be purchased for $75,000, but final approval of the guest list and the seating chart must go through Wintour.

Met Gala 2024: This year’s theme, explained

The theme of this year’s Met Gala is “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which is also the title of the Costume Institute’s new exhibition. The exhibition celebrates and finds unique ways to display clothing that has been deemed too fragile to be worn again — hence “sleeping beauties.” 

The dress code is “The Garden of Time,” in reference to the beauty of nature and garments. The dress code is derived from a 1962 short story of the same name, written by J.G. Ballard.  Vogue has suggested  the dress code might evoke many floral and botanical looks on this year’s carpet.

Wintour told TODAY that "the idea of ‘Sleeping Beauties’ is taking these masterpieces from different periods."

"And because so many of them are very fragile, and have to be laid flat, they can’t even be displayed on a mannequin or in any other way," she said. "They are laid flat, behind glass wall and around them are the inspirations that are muses, as (curator Andrew Bolton) calls them."

Will Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce be at the Met Gala?

Taylor Swift, who will embark on the European leg of her Eras Tour on Thursday, is not expected to attend this year’s Met Gala. Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, declined their invitations, according to TMZ . 

Swift last attended in 2016, when she sported a bleach-blonde hairstyle that would go down in infamy as “Bleachella.”

Kelce, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, has never attended the Gala. He was spotted at the Kentucky Derby over the weekend.

Anna Wintour shares how Met Gala 2024 broke her 'cardinal rule'

Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue and queen of the Met Gala, sat down with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager to talk all things 2024 Met Gala.

"This exhibition broke my cardinal rule," she said, sharing that she fears she "unleashed a lot of confusion" about the theme (Sleeping Beauties) and gala dress code (Garden of Time). “We came up with the title ‘Sleeping Beauties.’ It’s wonderful, it’s poetic, its romantic, but actually it could be many, many things."

Wintour said she predicts people will be wearing a lot of flowers on the red carpet. Watch the full interview below.

When does Met Gala coverage start?

The red carpet arrivals typically begin around 5 p.m. ET and end around 8 p.m. ET. Most red carpet livestreams, including Vogue’s , will begin at 6 p.m.

But some of the most well-known guests tend to show up on the later side: Last year, Rihanna made her red carpet appearance at about 10 p.m.

How to stream the Met Gala

As usual, Vogue will livestream the red carpet arrivals on its website.

Content creator Emma Chamberlain is slated to return as the magazine’s special correspondent. Actor Gwendoline Christie, producer and actor La La Anthony and model Ashley Graham are serving as carpet hosts for the publication’s official stream. 

The event will also be broadcast on “Live From E!” on the E! network. Social media platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram are typically bastions of memes, hot takes and outfit reviews on Met Monday.

Daysia Tolentino is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

Isabela Espadas Barros Leal is an associate editor for NBC News' diversity verticals based in New York. 

is culture and trends editor for NBC News Digital.