Sydney – The Ultimate Guide to Discover This Beauty by the Bay

Sydney holds a special place in our heart, as we lived there for eight amazing years.

Sydney Botanic Garden

Sydney is an amazing city, surrounded by its beautiful harbour, offering numerous beaches and stunning coastal walks.

In this article, get ready to discover Sydney like never before! Unlike generic travel guides, this piece dives deeper into the local secrets, hidden gems, and unique experiences that truly make Sydney unforgettable.

How long to spend in Sydney

What a difficult question! There are so many beautiful things to see and do. You could easily spend a week exploring this wonderful city (okay, a little bias here, but it truly offers so much!). As a minimum, we would recommend spending at least three full days.

When to visit Sydney

Sydney is best visited from late spring through early fall (November to March). However, Australia is such a vast country, with the north experiencing hot weather year-round, so if you're here on a road trip at another time of year, Sydney is still a great destination. Note that Sydney experiences some rain between seasons.

One of our favorite months in Sydney is November, as summer draws near, the streets come alive with companies hosting end-of-year parties, and the jacarandas are in full bloom.

Top Things To Do in Sydney

1. Wander Around the CBD (Central Business District) and the Rocks

Explore the bustling heart of Sydney in the CBD, where you can shop, dine, and take in iconic landmarks like the Queen Victoria Building and Hyde Park. Just a short walk away is The Rocks, Sydney's oldest suburb, brimming with history and charm. On Sundays, the area comes alive with a vibrant market offering local crafts, food, and unique finds, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

2. Fall in Love with Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

Take a leisurely walk around the stunning Sydney Opera House and soak in its iconic sails by day, capturing breathtaking views of the harbor. For a truly unforgettable experience, book a night out at the opera and enjoy world-class performances. Don’t miss the chance to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, the Opera House, and the sparkling harbor.

3. Take a Stroll Through Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

Wander through the lush greenery of the Sydney Royal Botanic Garden, where you can explore a wide variety of plants, enjoy stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and find tranquil spots to relax.

4. Immerse Yourself in One of Sydney's Vibrant Neighborhoods

From the trendy streets of Surry Hills to the artistic vibe of Newtown, Sydney’s neighborhoods each have their own unique charm and energy. Explore local cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant street art, or dive into the rich cultural history of areas like Paddington and Darlinghurst.

5. Get Ready For a Coastal Walk

Sydney’s coastline is world-renowned, and there's no better way to experience it than by taking a scenic coastal walk. From the famous Bondi to Coogee trail to quieter routes like the Bronte to Clovelly walk, these paths offer stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and opportunities to dip your toes in the water.

Our favorites: Manly To Spit Bridge Coastal Walk, Hermitage Foreshore track, Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Curl Curl to Freshwater walk or Dee Why.

6. Look Out for Sydney Markets

Sydney’s markets are a treasure trove of local produce, handmade goods, and unique finds. From the buzzing Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket to the artisanal stalls at The Rocks, you’ll find everything from fresh food to vintage clothes and quirky souvenirs. Make sure to check out weekend farmers' markets and hidden gems across the city.

Our favorites: The Rocks, Glebe, Marrickville, Bondi Beach, Manly, Paddington.

7. Explore Sydney's Beautiful Beaches

Sydney is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and each one offers something special. Whether you're lounging at iconic Bondi Beach, surfing the waves at Manly, or enjoying a peaceful day at Coogee, there’s a beach for every mood.

Our favorites: Shark beach, Manly and Shell Beach, Balmoral Beach, Watsons Bay, Palm Beach.

Where to Eat

Sydney has so many cool bars and restaurants, not only in the CBD but also in the suburbs. It's a great place for foodies—you can literally eat whatever you feel like! From breakfast to dinner, you won't be disappointed!

There are many spots to choose from. Here are our top favorites in the CBD, but there are many more in the suburbs (check out Surry Hills or Paddington!).

Some of our favourites...

Breakfast

• The ground of the city (or the ground of Alexandria for the full experience)

• BarCycle Walsh Bay (3a/17A Hickson Rd)

• Diggy Doo's Coffee (3/2 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000)

Lunch and diner

• Mister Wong - Cantonese

• Restaurant Hubert - French

• Alberto's Lounge - Italian

• Something different - check out for Spice Alley!

Have a drink

• Zephyr Bar Sydney (Level 12/161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000)

• Palmer and Co, Prohibition-style bar (Abercrombie Lane, Sydney, NSW, 2000)

• El Loco at Slip Inn (111 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000)

• The Baxter Inn (152/156 Clarence St, Sydney, NSW 2000)

• Old mate's places (4/199 Clarence St, Sydney 2000)

Where to Stay

We never stay in a hotel in Sydney; however, we have lived in many different suburbs, including the Sydney CBD. We would recommend staying in one of the following areas:

• In the CBD – check out Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbour.

• In one of the suburbs - check out Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst, or Kings Cross.

• Near the beach – check out Bondi Beach, Manly, or Coogee.

If you pick one of these areas, you won't go wrong. It's easy to commute around Sydney via train, bus, ferry, metro or light rail.