A Flexible Itinerary for 3 Days in Sydney [2024]

How much can you fit into 3 days in Sydney? You can cover quite a bit of ground if you plan your time carefully. Today we will help you out with a perfect itinerary for a first-time visit to the harbour city. 

Sydney is a big city with more attractions and landmarks than you can fit into a 3-day itinerary or a long weekend escape, so accept you won’t see it all and focus on what interests you most.

If you’re on a long Australia trip, you might want to stretch it to five days to add a day trip to the Blue Mountains. We’ve included a basic itinerary and ideas for those who want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so let’s start planning.

Watching your pennies?  Check out our budget itinerary for 3 days in Sydney.

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What qualifies us to give this advice? We’re Sydneysiders with over two decades working with visitors, giving us insight into what most enjoy and allowing us to fine-tune ideas into three action-packed days.

Our goal with this itinerary is to give you general ideas that suit most visits. If you are travelling with kids, teens, honeymooning, or celebrating a special occasion in Sydney, we have specific articles for you. We also have special interest guides on street art and bushwalking.

Before we begin, let’s go over where to stay and how to get around. If you’re covered, scroll down to the itineraries and dig in!

Oh, and you might want to check out 6 things you should do after you have booked your trip.

Before you leave home

Deciding where to stay

When I visit new cities, the toughest decision is choosing the best base. With that in mind, we’ve written accommodation guides to simplify things for you.

Read this article on where to stay in Sydney to get an overview. We highlight the city’s key areas and their pros and cons. Then we list our favorite hotels and apartments.

Elsewhere on this site, you’ll also find specific guides like:

• Budget travellers looking for the best hostels
• Sydney hotels under $150 per night
• Sydney’s hotels with the best views – perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion
• Sydney hotels and areas for families and groups

For a 3-day Sydney itinerary, it’s best to stay in Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District).

How to get around Sydney

Download the Opal app to make using public transport easier. An Opal Card may help you track spending and minimise bank charges for international travellers, but you can also tap on and off with your credit card or phone.

These articles will help you master public transport in Sydney and arrange Sydney airport transfers.

• A guide to using the Opal card that will help you understand how they work. But take my word for it; it’s super easy.
• A guide to the public transport network to help you figure out your options for exploring
• A guide to Sydney Airport that covers all transfer options, including the quickest way to the city centre.

How to spend 3 days in Sydney on a first-time visit

For a first visit, I suggest splitting the main sites into three themed days.

• A day exploring the harbour, The Rocks, the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sydney Opera House and of course the Harbour Bridge.
• A day at the beach and coastal suburbs
• A day meeting the locals – both the wildlife and local Sydneysiders

These days can be super busy, and you can pack lots in or take your time, leave some bits out, and relax a little more.

If you have longer in town check out our 5 Day Sydney Itinerary.

Choose the order of your days based on the weather and energy levels. You may want to combine budget suggestions with splurges; you can mix and match to suit.

Day 1: Exploring Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay

Day 1 in a nutshell: Today, we suggest you cover the city’s iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, walk the harbour foreshore, and spend some time in the city’s oldest quarter, The Rocks.

Sydney is all about the Harbour. To get that pinch yourself moment, head down to the Opera House and the Bridge as soon as you arrive and take in the view.

Morning – Barangaroo, The Rocks, and Sydney Harbour Bridge

Consider a sunrise paddle from Milson’s Point to get up close with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

If being in the water is not your style a morning walk or run around Barangaroo Reserve on the western side of the harbour shows a different side of the city.

While in Barangaroo, don’t miss the Wellama installation at The Cutting. It’s a 10-minute video artwork that acts as a Welcome to Country.

When it’s over, take the nearby lift to the Stargazer Lawn for a view over the reserve. From here, follow the signs to Hickson Road and into the Rocks, Australia’s historic neighbourhood, before making your way to the Quay. It’s a lovely start to the day.

There are plenty of cafes along the way. Stop at one that takes your fancy. I like the Fine Food Store or La Renaissance Bakery in The Rocks.

Check out our thoughts on the best breakfasts in Sydney for more ideas.

After breakfast, head to Cumberland Street and take the steps or elevator onto the Harbour Bridge to visit the Pylon Museum.

This museum at the top of the southeastern pylon provides insight into the bridge’s building and design, and breathtaking views of Sydney. It’s guaranteed to be the best money you spend in Sydney.

Alternatively, take a ferry to Milson’s Point and walk back to the city across the Bridge, enjoying the views. The walk takes about 25 minutes. If you start early, you’ll have enough time.

Check out our photo guide to the museum, and see why we recommend it.

Want a guided tour of the city with local insight? There are free tours available but the Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour by award-winning tour company Local Sauce is worth every cent!

Afternoon – Sydney Opera House & Royal Botanic Gardens

After the Bridge, head down through the Rocks and the Opera House, stop at Customs House to see the city model and get brochures and maps. Along the way, grab a coffee at Opera Bar.

Head around to the Opera House for a 1pm or 2pm tour. Tours run for one hour and are offered throughout the day. Find out more here.

Book your tour in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

Popular time slots can sell out at peak times, so it’s best to book at least a couple of days before if you want a specific time.

Next, I suggest visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens for great photo opportunities of the harbour and Sydney Opera House. You can explore a variety of gardens, including a native garden and a rare endangered tree from the Jurassic period discovered only a decade ago.

Free wifi is available throughout the botanic gardens, so you can FaceTime family and friends or book a restaurant for dinner.

If you love gardens, pop into the visitor’s centre for a map. The gift shop is one of the best places to buy unique Australian gifts and souvenirs.

The Royal Botanic Gardens also offers an Aboriginal Heritage Tour. If you are interested in learning more about indigenous culture, I suggest you make a booking. You may need to switch the morning and afternoon activities to make this work.

As the day ends, place yourself somewhere you can watch the sunset over the water. We suggest Opera Bar or Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at Mrs Macquarie’s Point. 

Evening – A Sydney Harbour Cruise or dinner in Chippendale

One memorable way to end your first day in Sydney is on a sunset Harbour cruise.

The Sydney Harbour Tall Ships offering stands out. Being on a historic tallship and sailing around the harbour in the afternoon light is special. There’s usually folk tunes and after a few drinks, people join in.

Book a tall ship cruise for a special afternoon on the harbour

A great alternative is the Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise, where comfortable seating and delicious nibbles await or a Champagne Sunset luxury sailing experience.

After your first day exploring, head to Spice Alley in Chippendale, a short walk from Central Station for a cheap casual dinner.

Italian, French, and Modern Australian options are available. Gin Lane, a small bar on Kensington Street, sells some tremendous local gins, and Handpicked Wines offers Aussie wines. Chippendale is a short walk from Central Train Station.

If you still have some energy left, there are evening walking tours like a True Crime tour, a photography tour, a ghost tour of the Rocks, or a small bar tour of Sydney CBD.

Day 2: Visit Sydney’s famous beaches

Day 2 in a nutshell: Sydney’s famous beaches, Bondi or Manly, or both!

Ask 100 Sydneysiders which beach they prefer, Manly or Bondi, and they always have a preference. The split is usually 50/50, so today, you need to pick a team or put on your running shoes because seeing both Manly and Bondi in one day is a huge call.

So do you head north to Manly, east to Bondi, or do both on an action-packed day? I will give you instructions for both days. Mix and match as you see fit.

If you decide to do both the easiest way is to use the Captain Cook service that travels between Watsons Bay and Manly Beach. The trip costs a little more than the local ferries but will save you a trip back to Circular Quay, about 50 minutes of travel time.

I highly recommend Manly beach if you’re with kids or have mobility problems.

Morning – Bondi Beach

To get to Bondi, take the train from Central, Town Hall, or Martin Place to Bondi Junction Station, then catch a bus to the beach. Alternatively, you can take the 333 express bus from Circular Quay. The train takes about half the time, especially during peak hours.

Get off the bus at North Bondi Beach for breakfast at local favourite Speedo’s Cafe, known for their healthy bowls and fruit salads.

After breakfast, head to the beach and check out the graffiti wall.

Next, make your way to Bondi Icebergs, the swimming pool at the southern end of the beach. In warm weather, take a dip, but locals swim year round. Regardless, it’s worth a stop to take in the view .

You can do the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk or just walk past Bondi Icebergs and on to Mackenzie Point for full beach views.

You could also choose to start your day at Coogee and follow our guide to the full Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Check out our Insider’s Guide to Bondi for the best places to eat and shop in the area.

Afternoon – South Head Heritage Trail

It’s time to leave the beach and move on to Watsons Bay and South Head. Walk back to Campbell Parade and find the 380 bus stop.

Take the bus (or a rideshare) to Robinson Park and make a quick detour to the Gap lookout. Climb the steps for a fantastic view back across the city.

If you have not had lunch, there are a couple of choices, midweek either the takeaway fish and chips from Doyles on the wharf or otherwise check out the menu at Watson’s Bay hotel.

After your lunch, stop head around to Camp Cove beach for some swimming and sunbathing, or walk off your lunch on the 4km return track, a beautiful coastal walk out to the Hornby Lighthouse.

Morning – The Manly Beach Option

If you’ve chosen Manly for your beach day, take the green and yellow Manly ferry. Get breakfast from one of the cafes between the pier and the beach. I like Sonoma on the pier or The Bower on the path to Shelly Beach.

Shelly Beach is home to a marine reserve and the best spot for snorkelling on your short visit. Bring your own snorkel and flippers, join a 2-hour snorkelling tour with a guide, or enjoy a swim and stroll along the beach.

There are so many things to do in Manly we have a complete guide.

If you’ve been to Manly before, consider taking the bus at the wharf and visiting another northern beach. Queenscliff is a great swimming beach and only 10 minutes away by bus.

Afternoon – North Head Sanctuary

If you have been enjoying Manly this morning we suggest you grab a rideshare and make your way to North Head Sanctuary (you can also follow a bush track from Shelly Beach if you have the energy). If you plan to go, pick up a map from the visitor’s centre at the pier.

There is lots to see at North Head, including old war bunkers and memorials or the Quarantine Station complex, known as Q Station. The Bella Vista Cafe at North Head has lovely meals and a fantastic view back to the city.

Evening – Dinner in Barangaroo or Manly

After all that walking and/or swimming, it might be nice to head back to your hotel or accommodation for a freshen up before heading out for dinner.

If you have not already visited Barangaroo, go ahead and try one of the restaurants there. My favourites are Barangaroo House and Anason. Alternatively, head to Darling Harbour; it looks beautiful at night and has food options at all price ranges.

If you have a Saturday night in Sydney, then check to see if the Darling Harbour Fireworks are happening.

If you have spent the day in Manly and still have some energy, you could have sunset drinks at the wharf, craft beers at Four Pines, or dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Queen Chow is popular, as is Hugos.

If you are travelling alone, you might like to join this secret bar tour and share a fun night exploring some of Sydney’s best bars.

Find more choices on our list of where to eat in Sydney

Day 3: Meet the locals – Wildlife and Sydneysiders

Day 3 in a nutshell: Today it’s time to leave the city’s centre and meet some locals. Either the furry four-legged kind or some friendly Sydneysiders.

Today we will start by visiting the local wildlife. If you plan to visit Queensland, give this a miss and do your wildlife spotting at either Australia Zoo, Currumbin Sanctuary or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary instead.

When you have limited time seeing kangaroos and other local wildlife in the wild and without a ticket price attached, it isn’t easy. If your visit to Australia is limited to Sydney, you will need to visit a wildlife park. Choose from Taronga Zoo or Wildlife Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour.

Morning – are you team zoo or do you prefer the urban jungle?

So who’s hungry? Start your last day with breakfast with the Koalas at Wildlife Zoo. It’s a small zoo, but this is the best way to meet the koalas up close when time is limited. You could also choose a combined ticket that allows entry to Sea Life Sydney (Sydney Aquarium).

Alternatively, consider booking a Sydney Greeter, a local who will show you around their favourite part of the city for a few hours.

Lunch and shopping in the City Centre

If you are a shopper, make your way to Pitt Street mall, the Strand Arcade and the Queen Victoria Building.

Once you are done, make your way to mid-city for a quick visit to Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral, Pitt Street Mall shopping area and the Queen Victoria Building.

There are plenty of food courts and cafes in this part of town; If you are on a budget, you can grab a takeaway lunch and enjoy it watching the action at the Hyde Park Chess Board.

From here, you can easily reach the areas mentioned below for your afternoon exploration.

Afternoon Explore one of Sydney’s inner villages

This afternoon, we suggest exploring the streets of Sydney’s inner east or west, where art, history, and funky city lifestyles are all on show.

Head to:

• Potts Point, Kings Cross & Elizabeth Bay – Art deco architecture, cafe culture, wine bars and more
• Paddington – million dollar terraces, fashion and art
• Newtown – small bars, eclectic shops, and street art.
• Darlinghurst & Surry Hills – Art, cafes, and urban style
• Balmain and Rozelle – working class suburbs full of pubs and sandstone buildings

The city council labels these small suburbs “villages” and they have lots of under-the-radar spots. We have individual guides to these places, so click through and see which one grabs you. You can easily reach these areas by bus or train from Circular Quay Station in under 20 minutes.

Evening – Rooftop bars or Chinatown and Darling Harbour

Tonight we suggest you make your way to the southern end of Darling Harbour known as Darling Square. There, you will find a range of cuisines and a fun vibe.

Budget travellers will love Chinatown, for its delicious food at affordable prices.

Time for a farewell drink

It’s time to go bar hopping. Sydney has many small bars with is a high concentration centred in the northern part of town between Town Hall Station, Wynyard Station and Martin Place.

There are also some amazing rooftop bars that offer the best views for your last night in the city.

It’s time to go bar hopping. Sydney has many small bars – there is a high concentration centred in the northern part of town between Town Hall Station, Wynyard Station and Martin Place.

Alternative day trip ideas

We think this is the perfect Sydney Itinerary; however, you could switch to one of these options if you would like to customise your three-day itinerary of this amazing city.

Half Day tour ideas

• Absorb a little of the city’s history by walking along Macquarie Street. Be sure to pop into the galleries at the State Library (free entry) and the small but fascinating Museum of Sydney.
• Check out the shops, particularly the QVB and Pitt Street Mall. Depending on where you are travelling from and the exchange rate, you could pick up some great deals.
• Ride to the top of Sydney Tower Eye and take in the views. Merlin Entertainment runs the Tower, and they have some great combo tickets that include the Sealife Sydney and Madame Tussauds if you hit wet weather.
• Take a Brewery Tour and learn about Sydney’s craft beer scene
• Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum and step aboard the replica naval ships, including a submarine.
• Visit Taronga Zoo and take a short stroll in Sydney Harbour National Park from the Taronga jetty to Bradley’s Head for a clear view back to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
• Book a whale watching cruise if you visit during whale season.
• Explore more of Sydney’s best beaches – we show you how here. Many can be reached by public transport.

Full-Day Tours

• Skip or condense the days above and spend a day in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are about 2 hours west of Sydney. A Blue Mountains day trip can be done by train, or you can book a Blue Mountains tour. Or take a train from Sydney and then jump on the hop on, hop off bus. This bus gives you access to some of the most popular places in the Blue Mountains National Park.
• Take a Hunter Valley Wine Tour and taste the best wine in New South Wales.
• Rent a car and head to the Royal National Park to see the second oldest national park in the world.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.