Sydney Attractions: The 22 Best Things to See & Do

Buy tickets for Sydney attractions online

Sydney is one of the world’s great city-trip destinations — which means lines at the ticket counters of the major attractions are pretty much unavoidable. To save yourself from standing in those lines, buy tickets for the most popular highlights in advance.

These are the Sydney attractions where booking ahead is genuinely worth it:

The top Sydney attractions on a map

Getting oriented in Sydney can be a little confusing at first, so we’ve marked all the most important sights on a map for you.

Landmarks of Sydney

Sydney Opera House

What do you need to know? No surprise here: our list of the best things to see in Sydney naturally starts with the Opera House. It’s the most photographed building in all of Australia, the symbol of Sydney, and one of the most famous buildings in the world. Since 2007, it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is it worth it? Yes! Every day, one-hour guided tours in small groups run through the Opera House on a regular basis — and we’d definitely recommend them. A tour costs around 50 AUD (approx. 29 euros). You can book online and easily select your preferred language.

Our tip: Tour participants often get the chance to buy tickets for upcoming performances at discounted last-minute prices afterward. There’s no guarantee, but the odds are pretty good.

Book the guided tour of the Sydney Opera House

Extra tip: Harbor cruise with views of the Opera House

We think the Opera House looks best from a distance. You get a great view, for example, from the Harbour Bridge or on a harbor cruise.

There are plenty of harbor cruises, and they all pass by the Opera House, of course. Here’s a selection of our favorites:

Tall ship cruise with lunch

Daytime: boat cruise with lunch and live music

Evening: 3-hour dinner cruise

Our tip: If you’re already planning a trip to Manly (one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney), you’ll pass right by the Opera House on the ferry. So if the view is all you’re after, you can skip a dedicated cruise.

Harbour Bridge

What do you need to know? The Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney’s most iconic attractions and should absolutely be on your sightseeing list. Completed in 1932, it’s an impressive 503 meters long and 49 meters wide, stretching all the way across Sydney Harbour.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! It’s already a highlight during the day — you can simply walk across and soak up the views of the harbor and the Opera House. At night, it looks even more spectacular.

Our tip: If the view from the pedestrian walkway isn’t enough, you can climb the southeastern bridge tower to the Pylon Lookout. Once you’ve tackled the roughly 200 steps, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramas over Sydney. Tickets are available online in advance.

Viewpoints in Sydney

Sydney Tower Eye

What do you need to know? The Sydney Tower is the tallest building in the city, and you can spot it from far away. The views from the top are seriously fantastic — on a clear day, you can even see the Blue Mountains from 251 meters up.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. We also love the revolving restaurant, similar to the one in the Berlin TV Tower. If you have a restaurant reservation, you don’t need to pay for tower admission separately. There’s also a really good food court on the 5th floor — great for a solid, affordable meal before or after your visit.

Our tip: The entrance to the Sydney Tower Eye is a little tricky to find. It’s inside the Westfield Shopping Centre — use the entrance at the corner of Market Street and Pitt Street. Just inside, an elevator takes you up to the 5th floor where you’ll find the Tower Eye.

Tickets: Buy online in advance. At the door you’ll pay 42 AUD (approx. 25 euros), but online it’s only 29 AUD (approx. 17 euros).

Book your Sydney Tower Eye ticket

Mrs. Macquarie's Point

What do you need to know? Mrs. Macquarie’s Point sits at the far northeastern tip of the Botanic Garden. From here, you get a wonderful view of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge — a rare chance to capture both of Sydney’s most famous landmarks in a single shot.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. It’s one of the most beautiful vantage points in Sydney, which is exactly why we’ve included it as a Sydney attraction in its own right.

Dudley Page Reserve / Dover Heights

What do you need to know? For a viewpoint away from the tourist crowds, head out to Dover Heights and Dudley Page Reserve. In the evenings, locals gather here for picnics, a game of cricket, or their daily workout. There are no cafés, restaurants, or even water fountains here — especially in summer, bring at least one bottle of water. There’s also very little shade.

Is it worth it? Yes — it’s most beautiful up there at sunset!

Our tip: Combine Dudley Page Reserve with a trip to Bondi Beach. From there, it’s only a few stops on Bus 380 to the viewpoint. Spend the day at the beach and head toward Dover Heights about an hour before sunset.

How do you get there? Take the T4 to Bondi Junction, then transfer to Bus 380 toward South Head Cemetery. Get off at the Military Rd opp Weonga Rd stop and you’ll be right in front of Dudley Page Reserve.

Parks and Gardens in Sydney

Royal Botanic Gardens

What do you need to know? The Royal Botanic Gardens begin right behind the Opera House and are the ideal spot for a picnic or a mid-sightseeing breather. Give yourself plenty of time to wander — there’s quite a lot to discover.

Is it worth it? Yes — our personal highlight was the abundance of cockatoos spotted all over the park, completely unfazed by visitors. Early morning and late afternoon are your best bets for seeing them.

Our tip: At the park entrance, you’ll also find the historic neo-Gothic Government House. You can tour it for free as part of an English-language guided tour, which runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every 30 minutes.

Important: Bring your passport, as you’ll need it for entry.

Hyde Park

What do you need to know? Right in the middle of the city buzz, Hyde Park is a wonderful spot for a break or a picnic. The shade from the many trees keeps it comfortable even in summer heat. The locals clearly feel the same — around lunchtime, the park fills up with Sydneysiders (that’s what residents of Sydney are called) enjoying their lunch break.

Is it worth it? Oh yes. At the northern entrance to Hyde Park stands St. James’ Church, the oldest church in Sydney. Make sure to step inside — it’s totally worth it.

Our tip: Also stop by the Hyde Park Barracks and the ANZAC Memorial. The Barracks is a former convict facility that now serves as a living museum. The ANZAC Memorial is dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Admission to both is free.

The Rocks

What do you need to know? The Rocks harbor district is where Sydney was born. Where 200 years ago mercenaries and sailors caroused in grimy taverns and brothels, you’ll now find markets, galleries, museums, and pubs. The Susannah Place Museum is well worth a visit too — you can see how workers in this neighborhood lived in the 1840s, complete with a colonial-era general store.

Is it worth it? Of course. Take a wander along Playfair Street with its former workers’ cottages — now home to boutiques and cafés — or join a guided tour of the neighborhood where you’ll pick up plenty of background stories and anecdotes.

Our tip: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Rocks Market takes place on George Street from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can browse through 200 market stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs, clothes, and all kinds of odds and ends.

Book the guided tour of The Rocks

The best neighborhoods in Sydney

Darling Harbour

What do you need to know? Darling Harbour is Sydney’s tourist hub. The entire area was extensively redeveloped for the 2000 Olympic Games. Alongside many hotels and restaurants, you’ll find classic tourist attractions like the Sea Life Aquarium, the Wild Life Zoo, and Madame Tussauds.

Is it worth it? It’s okay. Honestly, it’s very touristy here, which wasn’t really our scene. That said, if you happen to catch a rainy day in Sydney, Darling Harbour makes for a solid bad-weather option.

Our tip: If you want to visit more than one of the three attractions, there’s a combo ticket that can save you real money. The package even includes the Sydney Tower Eye as a fourth option. Starting at 49 AUD (approx. 30 euros) for two attractions; from 54 AUD (33 euros) for three; and from 59 AUD (35 euros) for all four.

Extra tip for families with kids: In Darling Harbour you’ll also find the maritime museum, which is a real highlight for children. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free — you just need to reserve a time slot online.

Get the combo ticket for 2, 3, or 4 attractions at Darling Harbour

Paddington and Surry Hills

What do you need to know? Two of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney are Paddington and Surry Hills. The two districts sit right next to each other and are among the trendiest areas in the city. You’ll find plenty of galleries, bookstores, boutiques, and cafés.

Is it worth it? Definitely. There isn’t one single standout sight in Paddington or Surry Hills per se — the neighborhoods themselves, with their Victorian row houses and charming little shops, are the attraction.

Our tip: A visit to Paddington is even more worthwhile on Saturdays. From 10 AM to 4 PM, you can browse the Paddington Markets and shop for clothes and souvenirs.

Newtown

What do you need to know? Sydney struck us as a bit polished in many places. Even the hip neighborhoods of Paddington and Surry Hills felt very tidy and pretty. We figured there had to be a real alternative scene somewhere — a bit rougher around the edges and more unconventional — and sure enough, Newtown was exactly that neighborhood.

Is it worth it? Yes! Especially if you’re into street art, Newtown is a must-visit — it has more of it than any other part of Sydney.

Our tip: Along King Street in particular, you’ll find alternative shops, secondhand and vintage stores, and tons of restaurants and bars.

Chinatown & Paddy's Markets

What do you need to know? Head south from Darling Harbour and you’ll quickly find yourself in the middle of Chinatown. On Dixon Street, the classic gateway arch signals the start of the neighborhood — even the street signs here are bilingual. There are countless souvenir shops and, above all, plenty of options for excellent Chinese food.

Is it worth it? Oh yes. Friday evenings are especially fun — that’s when you can stroll through the Chinatown Friday Night Market and graze your way through the many food stalls.

Our tip: Once you reach the southern end of Dixon Street, you’ll find yourself right in front of Paddy’s Markets. Inside this massive building is a mix of shops and flea market stalls where you can find just about everything: clothes, fruits and vegetables, soap, carnival costumes, and much more.

The most beautiful beaches in Sydney

Bondi Beach

What do you need to know? Once you’ve had your fill of the city and want to spend a day at the beach, head to Australia’s most famous surf beach. In the eastern suburb of Bondi, water sports enthusiasts, families, and plenty of beautiful people gather on the sand. Yes, Bondi is very much a place to see and be seen.

Is it worth it? Yes! If you’re not yet a surfer but have been thinking about giving it a try, Bondi is a great place to do it. You can take a two-hour crash course right here.

Our tip: At the southern end of the beach sits the restaurant with the best view. Bondi Icebergs is technically the clubhouse of the local swimming club, but it’s open to visitors. Treat yourself to lunch with an ocean view above the seawater pool.

How do you get there? You can only reach Bondi Beach by bus. First take the T4 train to the end station Bondi Junction. From there, hop on Bus 333 or 380 and ride to the Bondi Beach stop.

Book a surf lesson at Bondi Beach

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

What do you need to know? If you’re heading to Bondi, don’t miss the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Honestly, we liked it even more than Bondi Beach itself. The 6-kilometer coastal trail runs right along the ocean the whole way and offers stunning views at every turn. If the full route feels too long, you can also just walk as far as Bronte Beach — that’s only about two kilometers.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Especially if you do it in reverse and start at Coogee Beach. Set off there early in the morning, and you’ll be lying on Bondi Beach by midday. Then, if you head over to the Dover Heights viewpoint just before sunset, you’ll have had an incredibly cool day.

Our tip: Between May and November, keep an eye on the ocean. During this time, humpback whales migrate along this stretch of coastline.

How do you get there? To get to Coogee, take the T4 to Bondi Junction and transfer to Bus 353 toward Coogee. Get off at the Arden St opp Coogee Bay Rd stop.

Manly Beach

What do you need to know? The most beautiful beach in northern Sydney is Manly Beach. The vibe here is generally much more relaxed and village-like than at Bondi. We actually liked Manly even better than Bondi overall. Between the ferry wharf and the beach, you’ll find plenty of options for shopping, eating, and grabbing a coffee. And if you’re looking for an even quieter stretch of sand, Manly has a whole range of smaller beaches to offer as well.

Is it worth it? Definitely, for a beach day. If the ocean is too rough for swimming, head to one of the two seawater pools. You’ll find the Queenscliff Rockpool at the northern end of Manly Beach. To reach the picturesque Fairy Bower Sea Pool, walk south along Marine Parade from the southern end of the beach — you really can’t miss it.

Our tip: Walk a few minutes along the coast from Manly Beach toward the southeast and you’ll reach a lovely cove: Shelly Beach. It’s great for kids too, but the walk there is worth it all on its own.

How do you get there? From central Sydney, a ferry takes you directly to Manly. It’s not just convenient — you also get a gorgeous ride with views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Special places in Sydney

Queen Victoria Building

What do you need to know? Just a few steps from the Sydney Tower Eye stands the Queen Victoria Building. Inside is a shopping center — but not just any shopping center. This historic 1898 building is a genuine Victorian gem. It almost came close to being demolished around 1950, but when word got out and Sydney erupted in protest, the plan was fortunately abandoned.

Is it worth it? Yes. Since 1986, the building has been beautifully restored and is now one of Sydney’s great architectural highlights. Don’t forget your camera — the building offers an incredible variety of photo opportunities.

Our tip: Of course, in the most elegant shopping destination in the city, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to spend money. A total of 180 stores are waiting for you.

Birdcage Alley / Angel Place

What do you need to know? Birdcage Alley is a really cool photo spot. The small alley right in the CBD is officially called Angel Place. Hanging above the street are numerous empty birdcages — the whole installation is a work of art by Michael Thomas Hill, who titled it Forgotten Songs. The empty cages symbolize the bird species that once lived in this area before the city of Sydney came to be.

Is it worth it? Yes — definitely make a detour into this little alley. While the city buzz carries on in the surrounding streets, you get to take a break in a jungle-like atmosphere from another era.

Our tip: From hidden speakers, you can hear the chirping of various bird species. Depending on the time of day and the natural rhythms of the birds, the birdsong changes throughout the day.

Spice Alley

What do you need to know? Until a few years ago, Kensington Street was run-down, with every other building looking like it was about to collapse. Fortunately, that changed quite dramatically. Many of the charming little buildings were restored, while some new construction was added in between. Since 2015, Kensington Street has become a trendy food strip where locals and tourists mingle freely.

Is it worth it? Absolutely — for a delicious meal, the detour to Kensington Street is seriously worth it.

Our tip: At the open-air food court, you’ll find great restaurants serving dishes from many Asian regions, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia — all at relatively affordable prices.

Sydney Fish Market

What do you need to know? The Sydney Fish Market is the third-largest fish market in the world, located on Blackwattle Bay just a few minutes’ walk from Darling Harbour. Everything that comes from the sea is traded in the market halls — and it’s a great destination for visitors, not just professional traders.

Is it worth it? You bet! At many stalls, you can buy fish and seafood to take away, or indulge and eat fresh fish, sashimi, seafood, or oysters right on the spot.

Australian Museum

What do you need to know? The Australian Museum, right next to Hyde Park, is the oldest natural history museum in the world. Founded as far back as 1827, it’s one of the most significant natural science museums in existence. The focus is on Australia’s unique wildlife, with some forays into Aboriginal history and Polynesian culture.

Is it worth it? If you’re into natural history, zoology, paleontology, or anthropology, the Australian Museum is right up your alley.

St. Mary's Cathedral

What do you need to know? Also on the edge of Hyde Park stands the sandstone-built St. Mary’s Cathedral. Constructed in 1868, it’s considered one of the finest neo-Gothic structures in the world. Its full name is actually the Cathedral Church and Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians — but just saying St. Mary’s is enough. Everyone knows what you mean.

Is it worth it? Try to visit just before sunset. That’s when the light of the setting sun falls most beautifully through the windows inside.

Our tip: If you have time, stick around until it gets fully dark. The church is beautifully illuminated from the outside in the evening.

Taronga Zoo

What do you need to know? We’re not big fans of zoos ourselves, but in any list of Sydney’s top attractions, Taronga Zoo simply can’t be left out. The zoo offers its animals and visitors an absolutely spectacular vista. The giraffes genuinely have the best vantage point of Sydney’s skyline. The Sky Safari cable car also gives you a fantastic bird’s-eye view of the zoo — and it’s already included in the admission price.

Is it worth it? As mentioned, we don’t exactly go out of our way to recommend zoos.

Our tip: The zoo is huge, so plan on at least half a day. With kids, you could easily spend the whole day there. Admission costs 49.50 AUD (approx. 30 euros).

How do you get there? The easiest way is to take the F2 ferry to the zoo, which you can pay for with a credit card or your Opal Card. There’s a zoo entrance right at the ferry wharf.

Book your Taronga Zoo ticket

General tips: The best way to explore Sydney’s attractions

Before you kick off your city trip to Sydney, here are a few practical pointers to help you plan your days as well as possible.

#1: The right neighborhood to stay in

Sydney is very large and spread out, which makes your choice of neighborhood pretty important when looking for a place to stay.

If sightseeing is your main reason for visiting, we recommend booking a hotel in the Central Business District (CBD). Many of Sydney’s top attractions are right there, and you’ll have the best access to public transportation.

In our hotel tips article, we take a closer look at the best neighborhoods to stay in and give you specific hotel recommendations for every budget.

Where to stay in Sydney — our hotel tips

#2 Getting around: Public transportation in Sydney

Sydney has a very well-developed public transportation system. You can reach all the major sights using Sydney Trains (a commuter rail network), as well as the Metro, trams, or buses.

The fare is calculated based on the type of transportation, the distance traveled, and the time of day (it’s more expensive during peak hours). Overall, though, it’s relatively affordable compared to most major cities.

And the best part: you don’t need to worry about buying a ticket. Just tap a contactless credit card on the card readers — the fare is charged directly to your card, no ticket required. If you don’t have a contactless credit card, you can pick up an Opal Card on-site and load it with credit.

The daily cap is 19.30 AUD (about 12 euros), and on weekends it drops to just 9.65 AUD (approx. 6 euros). No matter how much you travel, you’ll never pay more than these amounts in a single day. If you’re traveling as a couple or in a group, everyone will need their own credit card — otherwise it unfortunately won’t work.

#3: Save time and money with a city pass for Sydney

If you have a lot of sightseeing planned, a city pass can help you save both time and money.

We used the Sydney Explorer Pass from Go City ourselves and saved a few dollars and some time with it.

Since this is a fairly complex topic, we’ve written a dedicated article on it. Take a look at our Sydney city pass comparison to find out whether one of the passes is right for you.

Our city pass comparison for Sydney