Hot air balloon over Sydney bay Australia

Best things to do in Sydney

Must-do activities for a perfect trip

Are you planning to travel to Australia? Here are the best things to do in Sydney, and
practical tips for enjoying all aspects of this amazing city. Follow the guide!

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is undoubtedly Australia's most iconic city. It offers a
variety of amazing experiences that attract millions of visitors every year. With its iconic beaches
and world-renowned architectural landmarks, Sydney enjoys a unique atmosphere created by
its vibrant neighborhoods and serene natural surroundings.

Opera de Sydney

Start with Sydney's must-see attractions

The Sydney Opera House is, of course, the first place you should visit during your trip. This architectural masterpiece, located on the waterfront near the Circular Quay area (on the main port), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become the symbol of the city and is one of the most photographed monuments in the world. Its white sails seem to float above the bay, giving it its distinctive silhouette. Beyond its architecture, the Sydney Opera House is a monument worth visiting: the best way to do it is to attend a show (opera, ballet, concert, or theatre piece) or take a guided tour to go behind the scenes of this exceptional building.

 

Harbour Bridge

The second must-see in Sydney is none other than the Opera House's famous neighbor, the city's iconic Harbour Bridge. This impressive metal structure connects the city center to the northern district and offers a magnificent view of the bay. To enjoy it, simply walk across the bridge or head to the Pylon Lookout, a viewpoint accessible from one of the Harbour Bridge pylons. There, you will even find a small museum retracing the history of the construction of this ambitious bridge.

Sydney quartier The Rocks

 Experience the various neighbourhoods

The soul of Sydney can be found in its neighborhoods. Each one is a vibrant and lively place, offering a unique atmosphere that reflects the relaxed Australian lifestyle:
 

  • The Rocks: Sydney's historic birthplace, with picturesque streets blending history and modernity. The Rocks is one of Sydney's main neighborhoods. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with art galleries, craft shops, century-old pubs, and fascinating museums. Here you will find many hotels to stay in, just a short walk from Circular Quay and the Opera
    House.
  • Darling Harbour: Former industrial docks transformed into a vibrant leisure area. Day and night, you'll find plenty of attractions, bars, cafes, and shops along the waterfront. There are also many hotels to choose from in Darling Harbour. On Saturday evenings at sunset, fireworks light up the sky to end the day beautifully. Grab some food and drinks and enjoy this great view!
     
  • Downtown Sydney: this vibrant neighborhood is home to the Opera House and Circular Quay. It is also the business district of the city and the area where you will find museums, the Sydney Tower Eye, good restaurants, large shopping malls, and luxury boutiques. Be sure to budget a little extra for shopping during your visit. You can also head to Elisabeth Street to reach the oldest public park in Australia, Hyde Park.
     
  • Chinatown: Its many restaurants and shops will transport you to another continent for a few hours! This is the perfect neighborhood to spend a part of the day strolling around and experiencing Asian culture and food during your stay in Sydney.
Sydney rue Paddington
  • Paddington: A little further from the city center (about 15 minutes by public transport), visit this trendy, relaxed, and authentic neighborhood, perfect for strolling around and exploring at your own pace. Here, you will find beautiful Victorian houses and renowned art galleries.

Many other neighborhoods are worth visiting and offer plenty of attractions and things to discover, including bars with a friendly atmosphere, street art, museums... The key to Sydney is to be curious and explore!

To get around between neighborhoods and other attractions at low cost, you can walk for short distances or use Sydney's extensive transport network: bus, water taxi, ferry, subway, or train.

Explore Australia through its markets

Exploring Sydney on foot allows you to take the time to experience the warm and friendly Australian lifestyle. And what better way to discover a country than by visiting its markets? The city has several to offer.

Head to the open-air market in the historic district, The Rocks Market, visit the Paddington Market or the Kirribilli Art Design & Fashion Market to walk around, discover local crafts, and bring back unique souvenirs from your trip to Australia.

To sample the local cuisine and flavors, visit the Kings Cross Market, just a few minutes from the city center, or the Carriageworks Farmers Market in the suburbs of Sydney. As for seafood lovers, don't miss the Sydney Fish Market and its waterfront restaurants in Darling Harbour. You will find many more Australian markets as you walk around the city. Be sure to take a look, you might find some beautiful souvenirs!

Musée de Sydney

Experience Australian culture

If you've ever visited New Zealand or French Polynesia, you'll know that the countries of the
South Pacific always offer colorful cultural experiences. So, make the most of your stay in Sydney to discover the many facets of Australian culture through the city's cultural activities and museums.

  • Art lovers can immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture by discovering the collections of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. For contemporary art, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, located in a stunning setting.
     
  • If you're interested in history or sciences, learn more about Sydney's colonial past and contemporary history at the Sydney Museum, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, and National Maritime Museum, or discover the Australian Museum of Natural History.

There's plenty of pop culture to enjoy too! Traveling with your family? You can visit the wax celebrities at Madame Tussauds. If you'd rather experience the electric atmosphere of a sports competition under the Australian sun, get your tickets for a rugby or cricket match, or even better... Australian football!

Ferry dans la baie de Sydney

Enjoy a touch of nature in the city

Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities, but no matter where you are, nature is never far away:

  • The sea: take a short cruise to breathe in the sea air in Sydney Harbour and see its iconic landmarks from a different perspective. There are many boat excursions and cruises (ferry, yacht, etc.) available from Circular Quay.
Parc de Sydney
  • Green spaces: The Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park are two huge green areas just a stone's throw from downtown and Sydney Harbor. They're perfect for a picnic or a peaceful walk.
     
  • Animals: Among the most popular attractions for families, Sydney's zoos and aquarium are a top choice. To discover the animals of the land of kangaroos, Taronga Zoo is just a few minutes by ferry from the city center, while Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium are in the heart of Darling Harbour.
Sydney de nuit

Thrill to the sensations of Sydney's top attractions

Your trip to Sydney can also be a thrilling one!

Try the “skywalk” at the top of Sydney's tallest tower, the Tower Eye. An open-air walk on a glass floor, located 250 meters above the ground... a thrilling experience as you admire an exceptional panoramic view of the entire city.

If you enjoy the experience, try the BridgeClimb, which allows you to climb the arch of the Harbour Bridge to admire the view of the harbor and bay from 134 meters above the ground!

For children, Luna Park offers fun attractions within walking distance of the Harbour Bridge. Finally, as an alternative to the beach, water parks are always a hit during the Australian summer.

Explore the surroundings of Sydney

You now have a glimpse of the best things to do in Sydney. And as you've seen, there's already plenty to do within the city. But your trip to Sydney wouldn't be complete without a little detour outside the city.

Plage sydney bondee beach

Bondi Beach is a must-see. A legendary surfing spot and beach with golden white sand that embodies the very essence of the Australian lifestyle. You can stroll along the beach and watch the surfers in action while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and sunshine. Want to go for a swim? An unusual activity awaits you on the beaches near Sydney, such as Bondi Beach or Bronte Baths: you can enjoy real seawater pools, built so you can swim sheltered from the waves.

Manly is also a great place to enjoy the waves of the Pacific Ocean. There, you can relax in the bars and restaurants near Manly Beach or take a short cruise around Sydney Harbour.

Montagnes Bleues de Sydney

Far from Bondi Beach and surfing, you can also get a glimpse of Australia's inland landscapes! 

To do so, head to the Blue Mountains National Park, located about two hours by train from Sydney. Here, you can discover a whole new side of Australia and enjoy some spectacular hikes.

Ready to travel? Well, now all you have to do is book your flight to Sydney! You now have everything you need to organize a fantastic trip to Sydney and enjoy a variety of activities throughout your stay. Have a great trip!

Passengers and class
1 passenger - Moana Economy
Adults
Youths (-18 y/o)
Children (-12 y/o)
Infants (-2 y/o)