Things to do in Sydney

Activities, attractions and tours

Sydney
Sydney
Cronulla Beach showing waves
Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city
Sydney
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Top places to visit

1. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
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Circular Quay showing street scenes, a sunset and a square or plaza

2. Sydney Opera House

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.
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Sydney Opera House which includes boating, music and a city

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.
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Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

4. Manly Beach

Manly Beach was named after the strikingly healthy and handsome indigenous people who first lived in the area. Back in 1903, it was one of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming and surfing. These days, Manly is an upmarket Sydney suburb by the water, offering fine beaches, heritage architecture, shopping, dining, and bush walks. The ferry journey alone, from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, is a must-do Sydney experience.
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Manly Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach

5. Taronga Zoo

Nestled into 185-acres (75-hectares) of hilly harbor-side bushland in the upscale suburb of Mosman, you’ll find one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. Taronga Zoo is the perfect place to encounter Australia's wildlife. And, with more than 2,500 animals representing 340-plus species, Taronga has the entire world covered.
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Taronga Zoo which includes bird life, skyline and a city

6. Bondi Beach

The seaside suburb of Bondi is often overshadowed by its near-mythical beach. There’s more to Bondi, however, than just its incredible stretch of sand. With fabulous dining, cool shopping, art deco architecture and residents devoted to the body beautiful, Bondi is a state of mind as well as a destination.
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Bondi Beach in summer in Sydney, Australia.

What to do in Sydney

Popular places to visit

Circular Quay featuring modern architecture, street scenes and central business district

Circular Quay

4.5/5(313 reviews)

Flanked by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transportation hub is one of the prettiest terminals in the world.

Circular Quay
Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbor, modern architecture and a monument

Sydney Opera House

4.5/5(293 reviews)

One of the world’s most famous buildings is surprisingly accessible; take in a show or just take a stroll to admire this astonishing building.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge showing night scenes, a bridge and a sunset

Sydney Harbour Bridge

4.5/5(317 reviews)

Stroll from end-to-end or climb to the top; either way, Sydney’s “Coat Hanger” serves up memories to last a lifetime.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Manly Beach featuring boating, a sandy beach and swimming

Manly Beach

4.5/5(214 reviews)

Take one of Sydney's most popular ferry rides to discover calm coves and surf beaches, restaurants, bars, shopping and spectacular views.

Manly Beach
Star Casino featuring a sunset and signage

Star Casino

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Star Casino during your visit to Sydney? Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or experience its entertainment choices.

Star Casino
Taronga Zoo featuring bird life and zoo animals as well as an individual male

Taronga Zoo

4.5/5(71 reviews)

This world-renowned zoo is cherished for its Sydney Harbour views and its residents.

Taronga Zoo
Bondi Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach

Bondi Beach

4.5/5(207 reviews)

Locals and travelers from all over the world come to worship the sun, sand and clear blue waters of Australia’s most famous beach.

Bondi Beach
Bruce Springsteen

Qudos Bank Arena

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Catch an event at Qudos Bank Arena during your trip to Sydney. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Qudos Bank Arena
Wet pavement reflection of the new International Convention Centre Sydney illuminated at night

International Convention Centre Sydney

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Learn about the events happening in International Convention Centre Sydney during your trip to Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

International Convention Centre Sydney

Areas of Sydney

Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour which includes night scenes, a bay or harbour and a city

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Once the site of rusting railroad yards and wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects now buzzes with museums, boutiques and eateries.

Darling Harbour
Manly Beach which includes swimming, a coastal town and tropical scenes

Manly

This coastal suburb of Sydney is like something from a postcard, and a haven for surfers, swimmers and sunbakers.

Manly
Bondi Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

Bondi Beach

Travellers to Bondi Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Bondi Beach and Bondi Markets.

Bondi Beach
500px Photo ID: 141620587 - The train station at Sydney Olympic Park was designed in a modern style for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Circular Quay - The Rocks featuring heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
Wollongong featuring a city, a sandy beach and boating

Wollongong

Alamy

Patonga

Frequently asked questions

Is Sydney worth visiting?
With a blend of coastal beaches and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney. When you're here, visit Sydney Opera House, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sydney?
Start your day with a visit to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach. Then, tour different parts of Sydney for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sydney?
Three days in Sydney is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Campbelltown.
Is Sydney a walkable city?
Some top sights in Sydney, including Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Sydney is Sydney Central Business District and East Sydney is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Sydney with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Sydney with kids.

What to do in Sydney for adults?
Archie Rose Distilling Co. And Sydney Town Hall are just a few of the things to do in Sydney. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sydney?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sydney. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Bondi Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.