The Best Things to do in Sydney

Whether you’re planning your first Sydney adventure or you’re a local looking to shake up your routine, this guide combines iconic experiences with hidden gems that even long-time Sydneysiders might have missed. I’ve spent two decades exploring this city, and I’m still discovering new favourites.

First time in Sydney? Start with our essential Sydney experiences below.
Local looking for something new? Skip straight to our monthly updates,

Browse by Section

Top Sydney Experiences

Family Fun & Free Activities

Get Outdoors

For the Curious Explorer

Top Sydney Experiences

From walking across the Harbour Bridge to wandering through the Botanic Gardens, these are Sydney’s unmissable sights. Add in some time on the harbour and sunny afternoon at Bondi or Manly beach to complete your Sydney highlights.

What’s it like to do the BridgeClimb?

Does your bucket list include “climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge”? Whether you are a local or a visitor, views that will literally take your breath away and the personal satisfaction of making it up all those stairs make it a worthy addition. I completed the climb in April 2024, I’ll share exactly what you can expect.

Sydney Opera House

Beyond the iconic exterior, discover the Opera House via tours, performances, or sunset drinks at Opera Bar

Harbour Cruises

Choose from tall ships to luxury catamarans, with options from 2-hour sightseeing trips to sunset dinner cruises.

Best Ferry Rides

Ferries offer Sydney’s best-value time on the harbour- a 30-minute trip to Manly, or head west under the Harbour Bridge

Find more to do

Family Fun & Free Experiences

Travelling with kids? Save money without missing out. Sydney’s best family spots often cost nothing – find fun family activities, free attractions, and weekend ideas that locals love.

Fun things to do in Sydney with kids

Making sure the kids have fun things to do on holiday will make everyone happier but having said that, this is your holiday too, so we think finding a balance of family-friendly activities that everyone will love is crucial, so we have tried to make sure the grown-ups have some fun too.

Water Parks in Sydney

From big-ticket water parks to free splash zones – your guide to cooling off in Sydney, whatever your budget.

Young boy enjoying his visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.

Rainy days with kids

Keep the kids entertained on wet Sydney days with our tested indoor activities. Perfect for all ages, no matter how long the rain lasts.

Resident giraffes at Taronga Zoo, Mosman in Sydney.

Zoos and Animal Parks

Compare Sydney’s major zoos and wildlife parks to find your perfect animal adventure. Our local guide makes choosing simple.

Find more to do

Get Outdoors

Sydney’s best bits are outdoors. From the Hermitage Foreshore track to hidden harbour pools, you’ll find spots worth exploring within 30 minutes of the CBD. Discover coastal walks, harbour trails, and national parks just minutes from the city.

Sydney beaches by public transport

Skip the parking hassle – our guide to reaching Sydney’s best beaches, famous and secret, by bus, train and ferry.

Sydney’s best parks

Your local guide to Sydney’s green spaces, sorted by neighbourhoods for easy planning.

21 Picnic spots in Sydney

From harbour beaches to garden hideaways – our tried and tested spots for the perfect Sydney picnic.

Harbour Swimming

Swim with Sydney’s best harbour views. Our guide to the city’s most spectacular waterfront pools.

Check out some walks

For the Curious Explorer

Discover Sydney’s lesser-known stories. Wander through convict buildings, learn about Aboriginal heritage on a guided cultural tour, or join a walking tour through one of Sydney’s inner suburbs

Sydney’s Best Museums and Galleries

Your local guide to Sydney’s cultural spaces, packed with insider tips for the best museum and gallery visits.

Cockatoo Island

Discover Sydney Harbour’s UNESCO-listed treasure – where convict ruins meet maritime heritage. Our local guide makes visiting Cockatoo Island simple.

Art, Architecture, & Ancient Wisdom: Barangaroo

Explore where ancient Aboriginal culture meets modern Sydney at Barangaroo. Our guide to this new harbourside precinct’s art, architecture and stories.

29 Iconic Buildings in Sydney: Architecture Map

To help you learn more about Sydney’s tallest building, the city’s oldest buildings and a few of the most stunning new buildings in the city, I made this shortlist of my personal favourites.

Find more to do

Things to do in Sydney for visitors

If you are a visitor trying to plan your itinerary, we are sure you will find plenty of ideas here to keep you busy. Take one of our self-guided tours and explore Sydney on a budget! We have created self-guided bus tours, street art walks, history tours and more.

Ask a Local

Follow our Facebook Page or join the group now for advice, tips and the latest Sydney events.

Join the group now