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Intercontinental Sydney, Sydney

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Sydney

Updated 1 October 2026 · 15 things to do

Pictured: Intercontinental Sydney

Sydney is a city that has a harbour, and a harbour that has a city. Ferries slide between sandstone headlands, the Opera House sits like a ship under sail, and ten minutes from the towers you can be in the surf. It's easy to fall for: the weather is kind, the coffee is serious, and everybody seems to be outdoors.

Give it four or five days. Spend one on the harbour icons, one on the coast walk and beaches, one in the neighbourhoods and markets, and one on a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Remember that the seasons are flipped, so a December visit means beach weather.

Don't miss

  1. 1Sydney Opera House
  2. 2Sydney Harbour Bridge
  3. 3Bondi Beach
  4. 4The Manly ferry
  5. 5The Blue Mountains

The harbour icons

Two world-famous landmarks, a few minutes apart on foot.

  1. Sydney Opera House

    Landmark

    The white sails of the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point
    Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Jørn Utzon's white sails rise from Bennelong Point as if they've always been there, and the building looks different from every angle. Take a guided tour of the interior, or better, see a performance in the evening. A drink on the forecourt as the sun sets is a close second.

    Tip: Walk around the whole building, and look at the tiles up close. They shimmer.

  2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

    Landmark

    The steel arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
    Photo: Adam.J.W.C., CC BY 3.0

    The great steel arch has been the harbour's backbone since 1932. Walk across the pedestrian path for free views of the Opera House, or, for something wilder, join a BridgeClimb up the arch. The Pylon Lookout is a calmer alternative.

  3. The Rocks

    Neighbourhood

    The Rocks beneath the Harbour Bridge, Sydney
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The site of Sydney's first European settlement is a tangle of sandstone lanes beneath the Harbour Bridge. Old pubs, weekend markets and small museums tell the city's early story, and it's a fine place for a drink at the end of the day.

  4. The Royal Botanic Garden

    Nature

    The Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney
    Photo: David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0

    Free, beautiful and right next to the Opera House, the garden rolls along the harbour's edge to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the classic spot for a photograph of the bridge and the Opera House together. Pack a picnic and spend a lazy hour on the lawns.

  5. Barangaroo Reserve

    Nature

    A headland park built on a former container wharf, replanted with native trees and sandstone cuts. It's a calm, open place to walk with harbour views, and the neighbouring waterfront is full of restaurants.

Beaches and the coast

  1. Bondi Beach

    Beach

    The golden curve of Bondi Beach
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Australia's most famous beach is a wide curve of golden sand with rolling surf, a famous ocean pool at one end and cafés lining the promenade. Watch surfers, swim between the flags and join the beautiful crowd.

    It's busy in summer, so come early, or visit off-season for a quieter, equally good beach.

    Tip: Swim only between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards patrol.

  2. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

    Activity

    A clifftop path linking a string of beaches and rock pools, with sea views at every turn. Pass Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly on the way to Coogee, and stop for a swim or a coffee whenever you like.

  3. The Manly ferry

    Activity

    The Collaroy ferry on the Circular Quay to Manly route
    Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The classic Sydney outing: a half-hour ferry ride from Circular Quay across the harbour to Manly, passing the Opera House, the bridge and the Heads. At Manly, there's a surf beach, a pedestrian street and a harbour walk.

    It's one of the best-value harbour cruises there is, and it's simply part of the commute.

    Tip: Sit outside on the top deck for the views, and take a jacket for the wind.

Culture and neighbourhoods

  1. Surry Hills and Paddington

    Neighbourhood

    Terraced houses with iron lacework in Paddington
    Photo: J Bar, CC BY 3.0

    Two of Sydney's best neighbourhoods for wandering. Surry Hills has cafés, bars and restaurants in converted warehouses, while Paddington is all terraced houses with iron lacework, boutiques and a Saturday market.

  2. Darling Harbour

    Neighbourhood

    The waterfront at Darling Harbour in Sydney
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A busy waterfront with restaurants, bars and walkways, and the home of the National Maritime Museum and several family attractions. It's lively in the evenings, and works well with children.

Eat and drink

  1. Sydney Fish Market

    Market

    Prawns on sale at Sydney Fish Market
    Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0

    One of the biggest fish markets in the southern hemisphere, with stalls selling oysters, prawns, sushi and just-caught fish. Pick a platter, find a spot on the waterfront and eat with your fingers.

  2. Aussie brunch

    Food

    Sydney takes breakfast seriously. Expect smashed avocado on sourdough, ricotta hotcakes, excellent flat whites and a wait for a table at the best places. Weekend brunch in Surry Hills or Bondi is a local ritual.

Day trips

  1. The Blue Mountains

    Day trip

    The Three Sisters rock formation seen from Echo Point, Katoomba
    Photo: BriMiDra, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A World Heritage-listed wilderness of sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forest and deep valleys, about two hours from the city by train or car. The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point in Katoomba is the postcard view, and there are walking trails and waterfalls all around.

    The blue haze comes from oils released by the eucalyptus trees.

    Tip: Trains run from Central station, so you can do it without a car.

  2. Royal National Park

    Nature

    Australia's oldest national park lies south of Sydney, with coastal cliffs, small beaches and bushwalks. Wattamolla, where a lagoon sits beside a little waterfall, is a favourite for a swim, and the Coast Track follows the clifftops with the Pacific below.

Where to stay in Sydney

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Sydney →

Getting around

You don't need a car. Trains, buses, light rail and ferries run on a single Opal card, and the harbour ferries are as much a pleasure as a way of getting about. Ride-hail and walking fill in the gaps.

When to go

Summer, from December to February, is hot and perfect for beaches, but busy. Spring and autumn are warm and quieter. Winter is mild and sunny by UK standards, with cooler nights, and it's the best time for whale watching along the coast.

Questions about visiting Sydney

What is Sydney best known for?
The Opera House and Harbour Bridge, its harbour and beaches such as Bondi and Manly, the Blue Mountains nearby and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
How many days do you need in Sydney?
Four days covers the harbour sights, the beaches and coastal walk, and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Add a day or two for slower exploring.
What is there to do in Sydney with kids?
Ferry rides, Darling Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, rock pools at Bondi and Coogee, and an easy day at Manly Beach all work well with children.
Do you need a car in Sydney?
No. Public transport and ferries cover most sights. A car is only helpful for exploring the Blue Mountains or Royal National Park in more depth.

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