How much can you fit into 3 days in Sydney? Plan your itinerary carefully, and you can cover quite a bit of ground. Today we will help you out with a perfect itinerary for a first-time visit to Sydney. 

Sydney is a big city with more attractions and famous landmarks than you can comfortably fit into a 3-day itinerary or a long weekend, so the first thing you need to do is accept you won’t see it all and hone in on things that interest you most.

If you are on a longer Australia trip you might even decide you want to stretch to five days so you can add a day trip to the Blue Mountains.

Along with a basic itinerary, we have added ideas for those who want to splurge on a once in a lifetime or bucket list trip, so let’s get planning! 

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

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here.

What makes us qualified to give this advice?

We are Sydneysiders who have spent more than two decades working with visitors. This experience has given us a good insight into what most visitors enjoy and allowed us to fine-tune these ideas into three action-packed days. 

Our goal with this itinerary is to give you general ideas that suit most visits. We have specific articles if you are travelling with kids or teens or visiting Sydney for a honeymoon or special occasion. We have also published plenty of special interests guides on street art and bushwalking.

Before we begin, let’s go over some basics, like where to stay and how to get around. If you already have these covered, scroll down to the itineraries and dig right 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 most challenging decision is usually deciding on the best area to choose as a base. With that in mind, we have written a few accommodation guides to help simplify things for you.

First up, read this article on where to stay in Sydney to get a lay of the land. On this page, we highlight the city’s key areas and then give the pros and cons of each. We then give you a list of our favourite hotels and apartments.

On this site, you will also find specific Sydney Hotels guides for:

• Budget travellers looking for the best hostels
• A range of Sydney hotels under $150 per night
• The Sydney hotels with the best views – perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion
• Sydney Hotels and areas that are best for families and groups

For a 3 day in Sydney itinerary we think it’s best to stay in Sydney’s cbd or central business district.

How to get around Sydney

Download the Opal App to help make using public transport easier. Having an Opal Card may help you keep track of your spending better and minimise bank charges for international travellers; however, you can tap on and off with your credit card or phone if you prefer.

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

• A comprehensive 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
• our insider tips for taking the airport train
• A guide to Sydney Airport that covers all the 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 you do the days based on the weather and your energy levels. You may find you want to mix some of the budget suggestions with a few splurges; the beauty of these ideas is that you can mix and match them 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 spectacular 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 when you finally realise you are here, you are probably going to want to head down to the Opera House and the Bridge and take in the view as soon as you arrive.

Morning – Barangaroo, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you are an early riser, consider a sunrise paddle that leaves from Milson’s Point and gets you up close and personal with the Sydney Harbour Bridge when you paddle under it and over to the Opera House.

Alternatively a morning walk or run around the reserve at Barangaroo on the western side of the harbour allows you to see a different side of the city.

While are you in Barangaroo don’t the Wellama installation at The Cutting. This is a 10 minute video artwork that acts as a Welcome to Country.

Take the lift up to the Stargazer Lawn and follow the signs to exit onto Hickson Road and continue through the Rocks, Australia’s historic neighbourhood, to the Quay. This is a lovely way to start to the day.

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

You can also look at our thoughts on the best breakfasts in Sydney for some ideas.

After breakfast, make your way to Cumberland Street and the steps or elevator onto the Harbour Bridge to visit the Pylon Museum. This museum at the top of the southeastern pylon gives you some background into the building and design of the bridge and some of the most amazing views of Sydney from above. 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 centre across the Bridge, soaking up the views along the way. The entire walk takes about 25 minutes. If you have started the day nice and early you will have enough time.

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

Want someone to guide you around the city and provide some insight? The Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour by award-winning tour company Local Sauce is the best on offer!

Afternoon – Sydney Opera House & Royal Botanic Gardens

After you finish on the Bridge, make your way down through the Rocks and the Opera House, make a pit stop in Customs House to see the city model and pick up some brochures and maps from the information centre. You can also grab a coffee at Opera Bar along the way.

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

Book your tour in advance to be sure you can get the time slot you want

Popular time slots for these tours can sell out at peak times of the year, so it is best to book at least the day before if you have your heart set on a specific time.

Next up, I suggest spending a little time in the Royal Botanical Gardens. You will find some fantastic photo opportunities of the harbour and iconic Sydney Opera House. There is also an extensive range of gardens to explore, including a native garden and a rare endangered tree from the Jurassic period only discovered a few years ago.

Top Tip: Free wifi is offered throughout the botanic gardens allowing you to facetime family and friends or book a restaurant for dinner.

Call into the visitor’s centre for a map if you are a garden lover. The gift shop here 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 this 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 of the most memorable ways to end your first day in Sydney is on a sunset Harbour cruise.

After trying out many of them over the years, the one stuck in my memory is the Sydney Harbour Tall ships offering. There is something special about being on a historic old tall boat and sailing around the harbour in the pretty afternoon light that is hard to beat. There is usually someone playing folk tunes on the boat, and once a few drinks have done down, people are happy to 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 or a Champagne Sunset luxury sailing experience.

After a day exploring Sydney attractions, head to the revitalised inner suburb of Chippendale for a cheap and cheerful dinner in Spice Alley or one of the nearby restaurants. We love the menu at Mekong if you fancy sitting somewhere more comfortable.

There are also Italian, French and Modern Australian options. Gin Lane, a small bar on Kensington Street, sells some tremendous local gin’s and, further along, Handpicked Wines to taste a variety of Aussie wines. Chippendale is a short walk from Central Train Station.

If you still have some energy left, there is some awesome tours run in the evening including a True Crime tour, a photography tour, a ghost tour of the Rocks, or a small bar tour of Sydney CBD.

Day 2. Spend a day visiting Sydney’s famous beaches

Day 2 in a nutshell: Discover one of Sydney’s most famous beaches, either Bondi or Manly or if you are up for the pace, see them both!

Ask 100 Sydneysiders which beach they prefer, Manly or Bondi, and they almost 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 north, east, or an action-packed day, what is it to be? I will give you instructions on doing the whole thing, but you can stop whenever or where ever you like.

The easiest way to cover both beaches is to use the Captain Cook cruise between Watsons Bay and Manly Beach as your way of reaching the northern from the eastern suburbs. The trip costs a little more than the local green and yellow ferries but will save you a trip back to Circular Quay and about 50 minutes of travel time.

If you are travelling with kids or have any mobility problems, I highly recommend Manly as your beach option.

 Morning – Which is Sydney’s most famous beach?

Ok decision time Which of the top most famous Sydney beaches will you choose?

The Bondi Beach Option

To get to Bondi you can either take the train from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place and get off at Bondi Junction Station where you join a bus to the beach or you can take the 333 express bus from Circular Quay. The train is quicker by about half, especially in peak hour.

Head to North Bondi Beach for breakfast at local favourite Speedo’s Cafe, known for their healthy breakfast bowls and fruit salads.

After breakfast, make your way to the beach and check out the graffiti wall.

Once you have done with breakfast then walk up to Bondi Icebergs. In warm weather you might like to take a dip but even in the winter this view is fantastic.

From here you can either head off on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk or at least walk to Bondi Icebergs and Mackenzie Point for views back to the beach.

If you prefer to do your own thing, begin your day at Coogee and follow our guide to the full Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Check out our Insiders Guide to Bondi for the best places to eat in the area.

The Manly Beach Option

If you have decided on Manly for your beach day, take the green and yellow Manly ferry over. Once here, get yourself some breakfast from one of the many 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 to go snorkelling on your short visit. You can bring your own snorkel and flippers or join a 2-hour snorkelling tour with a guide or enjoy a swim and stroll along the length of the beach.

There are so many things to do in Manly we have a complete guide you can check out.

If you have been to Manly before consider jumping on the bus at the wharf and seeing one of the other northern beaches. Queenscliff is a great swimming beach and only 10 minutes away by bus.

Afternoon – a walk – North Head Sanctuary or South Head heritage trail

If you spend the morning at Bondi its time to leave Bondi Beach and move on to Watsons Bay and South Head.

Take the 380 bus 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.

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 do this, 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. 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.

We will start today 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.

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.

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; perhaps you can grab a takeaway lunch and enjoy it watching the action at the Hyde Park Chess Board.

From Town Hall, 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, street art
• Darlinghurst & Surry Hills – Art, cafes, and urban style
• Balmain and Rozelle – working class suburb full of pubs and sandstone buildings

These small suburbs that the city council labels “villages” have lots of hidden gems. 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 where you will find a range of cuisines and a fun vibe.

Budget travellers will love Chinatown where you can find delicious food at affordable prices.

Time for a farewell drink

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.

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.

Alternatives Day Trip Ideas

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

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 Australia national maritime museum and step aboard the replica navel ships including a submarine
• Explore more of Sydney’s best beaches – many can be reached by public transport – we show you how here.
• Visit Taronga Zoo and take a short stroll in Sydney Harbour National Park from the Taronga jetty to Bradley’s Head for spectacular views
• Book a whale watching cruise if you visit in whale season.
• Explore more of Sydney’s best beaches – many can be reached by public transport – we show you how here.

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