Sydney is packed with fantastic things to see and do, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve lived here for years.
From stunning beaches and coastal walks to museums, historic sites, and iconic landmarks, there’s always something new to explore.
Love the outdoors? Sydney has you covered. Prefer culture and history? The city’s museums, galleries, and heritage sites won’t disappoint.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Sydney!
1. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and Opera House
Widely regarded as one of the most distinctive buildings of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House is a must-visit when exploring the city.
Opened in 1973, this world-famous landmark is a multi-venue performing arts centre, home to several theatres, rehearsal studios, two main halls, as well as restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.
Right next door, with stunning views of Sydney’s skyline, is the Royal Botanic Garden, a large park filled with an extraordinary collection of exotic plants from around the world.
Established in 1816 and spanning 30 hectares, it is Australia’s oldest botanic garden and scientific institution. Wandering through this green oasis is an absolute delight.
2. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Sydney’s museums and galleries offer something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to contemporary art, Indigenous heritage, or fascinating insights into the city’s past.
Spend a few hours exploring iconic spots like the Art Gallery of NSW, or step back in time at the Australian Museum. Discover Australia’s deep connection to its oceans, rivers, and lakes at the Australian National Maritime Museum, or uncover Sydney’s criminal history at the Justice and Police Museum.
Best of all, many exhibitions and museums are free to visit, making this an ideal activity when visiting Sydney.
3. Catch a Ferry to Manly
The scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Sydney Harbour. For many, the journey itself is even more exciting than the destination!
Once in Manly, grab lunch at one of the many cafés or pubs, take a swim, or follow the picturesque walking trail to nearby Shelly Beach.
For a complete list of attractions and activities, check out our guide to the top things to do in Manly.
4. Spend a Day in Taronga Zoo
With the Sydney CBD skyline as its backdrop, Taronga Zoo in Mosman offers a fantastic day out for all ages. While there are several ways to get there, the ferry from Circular Quay is by far the best option!
Officially opened in 1916, Taronga Zoo is a true Sydney icon and a must-visit for tourists. It’s home to over 5,000 animals from more than 350 species, including African lions, red kangaroos, meerkats, and giraffes.
If the zoo itself isn’t exciting enough, it’s also the starting point for some beautiful coastal walking tracks. The Bradleys Head Walk, for example, is a short but scenic trail leading to a historic landmark in Sydney Harbour.
5. Explore The Rocks
Once a notorious convict settlement, The Rocks is now one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its historic buildings, cobbled laneways, friendly pubs, and year-round events.
One of the best ways to experience this historic precinct is with a classic pub crawl. Check out our guide to the best and oldest pubs in The Rocks to help plan your day.
The Rocks is also the perfect spot to get a close-up view of Sydney’s second iconic landmark—the Harbour Bridge. Head to Hickson Road for a walk underneath the bridge, where the views are nothing short of spectacular.
6. Visit the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Nicknamed the “Coathanger” for its distinctive arch design, the 134-metre-high Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
This remarkable feat of engineering opened in 1932, linking the Sydney CBD with the North Shore. One of the best ways to learn about its history is by visiting the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout.
A combination of a lookout and museum, it offers fantastic views of the Harbour along with fascinating insights into the bridge’s construction and significance.
7. Explore Darling Harbour and Barangaroo
Darling Harbour, Sydney’s largest recreational and pedestrian precinct, is packed with attractions for all ages.
From waterfront dining and regular fireworks displays to exciting museums and massive playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Just a short walk away, Darling Quarter and the Barangaroo Foreshore are also well worth a visit.
All three areas have undergone significant upgrades in recent years and are now popular dining spots for tourists, local office workers, and residents alike.
8. Discover Cockatoo Island
Often overlooked by tourists, Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage and National Heritage-listed site, set right in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
The island has a surprisingly rich history, having served as a convict settlement, a shipbuilding yard, and a Commonwealth naval base.
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay, grab a free map from the visitor centre, and spend the day exploring this fascinating island. For more tips, check out our guide on things to do on Cockatoo Island.
9. Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk
One of Sydney’s most popular walking tracks, the Bondi to Coogee Walk, showcases the stunning beauty of the city’s coastline.
Every day, tourists from around the world and local Sydneysiders flock to Sydney’s east coast to enjoy world-class beaches, breathtaking ocean views, and a string of parks, cafés, and restaurants along the way.
The track can be split into two sections, each with its own highlights, with Bronte Beach marking the halfway point. Depending on your pace and stops, the walk can be completed in around three hours. From Coogee, you can either walk back the same way or catch a bus to your starting point.
If you have the energy, walking back is well worth it—the views look different in reverse, and you’ll spot new things along the way.
10. Visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains, just over an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, is one of the city’s most popular weekend getaways.
Its most famous landmark is the Three Sisters, a striking rock formation made up of three sandstone peaks, shaped over time by natural erosion.
You can easily reach the Three Sisters by train from Central Station, followed by a short bus ride.
For more travel inspiration, check out our guides to the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains and the top Blue Mountains walks.
