10 Best Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney's Opera House is an architectural masterpiece that’s become one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Among the 40 shows a week performed here, you can choose from live music concerts, ballet, modern dance, opera, symphony orchestras and plays. The Opera House not only attracts talents from around the world but is home to seven resident performing arts companies including Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet.

Take a tour to learn more about its colorful history and backstage stories, or head up to the Opera Bar relax with a sea view. For an elegant meal before the show, book a table at Bennelong, serving modern Australian cuisine in a cathedral-like setting.

On an adrenalin-pumping guided tour over the arch of Sydney Harbor Bridge, you’ll hear stories about the history of the bridge as you take in the amazing views. The tour price includes all safety equipment and photos taken by the guide (cameras are not permitted on the tour).

Joining the tour is the only way to navigate the arch. If you’re traveling on a budget and you're keen to explore the bridge independently, there's a footpath parallel to the road that's free. You could also pay a small fee and do the 200-step climb up the Pylon Lookout, which also offers a fabulous bird's eye view of the harbor.

Just 8 km from Sydney's city center, Bondi Beach is a busy stretch of beautiful golden sands. While you could easily spend a lazy day here relaxing on the sands, it’s also a great place to surf. Experienced surfers will find challenging waves at South Bondi, while newbies to the sport could take lessons from one of the surfing schools lining the beach.

Board rental is also available, and when it's time for a break, just stop in at one of the beachside cafes or wander to Gould Street for a bit of shopping.

The Rocks is Sydney's oldest neighborhood where the cobbled lanes are lined with markets, art galleries, cool cafes, boutique shops, and pubs.

Find local handicrafts and souvenirs at The Rocks Markets every weekend or learn more about the history of the area at the historic Cadman's Cottage, built in 1816. Next door is the Museum of Contemporary art, with more than 4,000 works by Australian and Aboriginal artists.  Good spots for a rest stop include the Grain Bar with their showstopping cocktails, and The Dining Room by James Viles restaurant at Park Hyatt, offering with harbor views.

There are plenty of guided boat trips around Sydney's coastline, but a cheap and easy way to do it is by catching a ride to Manly on the ferry. The 30-minute trip from Circular Quay to Manly glides under the Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House, giving you a close-up view from the water.

The sturdy wooden ferry has been operating this route since 1855, with a newer fast ferry making the trip in less than 20 minutes. Linger on for at least a few hours to relax in a sea-view café and take a swim at one of Manly's lovely beaches.

Set on a rocky cliff at the edge of Bronte Beach, the large saltwater pool of Bronte Baths is a stunning spot to go for a dip. Found between Bondi and Coogee beaches, Bronte Baths has become one of the most photographed seaside rock pools in the state since it opened in 1887.

Go early and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sunrise views. There’s a shallow section for kids, with changing facilities and showers on site. Best of all, you can use the pool for free. Be sure to check the pool cleaning schedule online as the pool will be closed during cleaning.

Sydney Fish Market is not only a huge center of trade for local fisherfolk, it also offers a full foodie experience. It boasts stellar restaurants, cafes, bakeries, gourmet delis, and wine shops on site.

Book an early-morning tour to watch the daily fish auctions in action and see more than 100 species of seafood for sale. If you’re not a fan of waking up before dawn, take the morning walking tour that starts at 10 am and is a great option if you're short on time. You might see oysters being chucked, retailers’ live tanks and filleting rooms, or the Market's working wharf to learn about the local fleet. Do reserve your spot on the tours in advance.

Sydney has a great range of places to shop, but these 2 Victorian-era malls add a dash of regal beauty to the experience: Queen Victoria Building and The Strand Arcade. You’ll find a mix of luxury and affordable fashion brands at Queen Victoria Building, which has been revived to its 1890s splendor with intricate stain-glass windows and its original staircase. Go for an elegant break from shopping with high tea in the QVB Tea Room.

The Strand Arcade is a historic glass-domed landmark just a few blocks away, where Australian designer brands like Aje and Dion Lee are among its mix of high-end boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Enjoy awe-inspiring views across Sydney and the sea from the Sydney Tower observation deck. If you’re comfortable with heights, try the 60-minute guided Skywalk tour around the outside of the top of Sydney Tower.

To toast your Australian adventure, visit the Bar 83, near the top of the 300-meter-tall Sydney Tower. This elegant bar has striking décor, with subtle hints of retro nostalgia and spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows. What a stunning backdrop for your holiday photos. Specialty cocktails, delectable bar fare, and attentive staff guarantee an amazing night out. For a unique dining experience, book a table at the revolving restaurant Infinity that embodies quintessential Australian cuisine.

Set along Darling Harbor, King Street Wharf has a string of trendy bars and restaurants that crank up the fun as the sun goes down. You could start the night with refreshing drink and snacks in the beautiful outdoor space at Henley's Bar & Kitchen or go to Yo-Chi for a cooling frozen yogurt.

Fuel up for the night at Manjit’s @ the Wharf, serving a rich variety of Indian dishes, or The Malaya for a taste of spicy and aromatic Malaysian flavors. Wander to Bungalow 8 or Cargo Bar for DJ dance parties that last late into the night.