31 Best Things to Do in Sydney (+ Unique Experiences + Free Activities)

When it comes to the most iconic places to visit in Australia, Sydney is up there as a must-see. As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is the epicenter of all the things that make an Australian city great.

I actually lived in Sydney for a little while too! And even after settling on the Gold Coast, I still love coming back and I do so frequently as there are always some new things to do in Sydney!

From the famous Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, the bustling shopping and the market scene to surfing on Bondi Beach and exploring the wild and natural side of this great city, you will find that the list of things to do in Sydney is endless.

Where to Stay in Sydney

When it comes to booking accommodation in Sydney, choices are abundant, so it all depends on your situation and who you're travelling with.

Staying in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) will mean you are close to Circular Quay with major attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Darling Harbour is perfect for waterfront views, family-friendly activities, and proximity to entertainment venues.

Bondi Beach is ideal for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts, offering a relaxed coastal vibe and trendy dining options.

Surry Hills and Paddington are excellent choices for boutique shopping, vibrant cafes, and a more local, artsy atmosphere.

Read my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Sydney to help you decide on the area and best hotel so you can soak up all the best things to do in Sydney and enjoy it as much as I did! 

1. Best Things To Do In Sydney: Main Highlights

If you only happen to visit Sydney on limited time for a few days or a weekend, below are some of th main highlights that you must do in Sydney, especially if it's your first time visiting. 

Take a Big Bus Tour

Sydney is such a spread-out city that seeing everything and getting around can be a little tiresome. By taking Sydney’s Big Bus tour, however, you can travel all across the city and take in its many sights with ease. 

This hop-on hop-off bus will drive you around the city in a sun-soaked open-top bus, complete with tour guide commentary.  You can choose between a classic or premium ticket and with over 33 hop-on stops all over the city, this is the perfect way to see lots of Sydney if you’re short on time. 

Book your Big Bus Tour here with instant confirmation!

Visit Circular Quay and take a Sydney Opera House Tour

One of the most iconic areas of Sydney has to be its Circular Quay right on the city’s harbour. Taking a stroll around this famous ‘gateway to Sydney’ is a perfect way to spend a few hours in the NSW capital. 

From here you can gaze at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Sydney Opera House. As well as its picturesque views, the Circular Quay is a great (yet expensive!) place to stop for a bite to eat or do a little shopping as it is often seen as the tourist location in the city. 

Once you have gazed from afar at one of the country's most recognised buildings and Sydney tourist attractions, why not take the Sydney Opera House tour! 

Discover the history and magic that lies behind the outlines of this famous building. The hour-long tour will take you through the theatres and foyers that plays host to over a thousand performances every year. 

Book your Sydney Opera House Tour here!

Visit Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most flourishing and diverse areas, full of parks and green spaces beside one-off attractions.

One of the most unique things to do in Sydney is to visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship in the Darling Harbour area. The idyllic Chinese-style garden is the perfect place to take a moment or two away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax. The garden was created in the Ming Dynasty style and offers an insight into Chinese style and culture, something rarely seen anywhere else!

As well as the lushness of the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour is also a fantastic area for getting your dose of history and culture.

Visit the Australian Maritime Museum, SEA LIFE Sydney, and even Sydney’s own Madame Tussauds – all located within the Darling Harbour area. These are perfect for rainy days and when you are searching for indoor activities in Sydney.

Visit Taronga Zoo

If you are looking for great things to do in Sydney with kids, then a visit to Taronga Zoo is a must. I visited with my other half and we both loved it just as much!

Being the largest and one of the oldest zoos in Australia, Taronga Zoo is cut above the rest. Home to over 4000 animals covering 350 species, Taronga Zoo is a fantastic place to see a variety of animals without venturing out into the bush!

Being on the northern side of the harbour means that you can visit the zoo via a 12-minute ferry ride across the harbour to the zoo. The idyllic ferry ride only adds to the whole fun experience of the zoo.

Combined ferry and zoo tickets can be bought online ahead of time.

Stroll through The Rocks

Another unmissable area of Sydney has to be The Rocks, a historic area of the city’s centre. Set along the central harbour, The Rocks neighbourhood is home to a record number of heritage buildings and offers a charming insight into the city's past. 

This, along with its closeness to the Circular Quay make The Rocks a tourist hotspot and walking its historic streets is definitely among the top 10 things to do in Sydney. 

Along with its heritage buildings, The Rocks is most notable for its weekend artisan markets, arguably some of the best in all of Australia. You can stroll along the cobbled streets and treat yourself to unique street food, buy a handcrafted souvenir or simply delight in the local music and family entertainment that is shown here every day. 

The Rocks’ other claim to fame is the two separate pubs that are said to be the oldest in town. Swing by the Fortune of War or tTe Lord Nelson Brewery to enjoy a well-deserved drink after an afternoon exploring the culture-drenched streets of The Rocks.

Best Tours in The Rocks

• Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute Walking Tour
• Haunted Sydney Ghost Tour & Instagram Spots
• Sydney: City & The Rocks 3.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour

Have brunch at the famous Grounds of Alexandria

If you’re also constantly on the lookout for that next best cafe or eatery, then a visit to the Grounds of Alexandria has to be on your list of things to do in Sydney. 

This famous and iconic cafe in the neighbourhood of Alexandria, which is a 25-minute ride with the Metro from Sydney’s CBD, will be a heavenly experience for all you cafe connoisseurs. Critically acclaimed as one the best places for breakfast and brunch, you may have to wait for a table, but the wait is definitely worth it. 

Choose from a elaborate menu of cafe classics and unique dishes such as ‘build your own brekkie cup’ – choosing from many special items on the cafe board. 

You may also wish to drop in for lunch and sample Grounds of Alexandra’s sandwiches and deli classics, surrounded by the renovated classic brick walls and lush garden. There is also a coffee roastery, bakery, florist, fresh market and farm with animals such a chickens, goats and pigs, which makes for a great little outing with kids.

Go on a Sydney Harbour Cruise

With the heart of Sydney being its harbour, there is truly no better way to enjoy the blue waters than a Sydney Harbour Cruise. 

Set sail in an authentic tall ship from the famous Sydney Harbour and watch the waves crash around you as you take in the iconic sights from the water. Whether you choose to lend a hand on deck, helping the crew sail or simply sit back and relax – the choice is all yours!

Sailing around Sydney Harbour gives you a unique view of the city, including the Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Book your Sydney Harbour afternoon cruise here.

Visit Bondi Beach & Learn to Surf

Bondi Beach is arguably one of Australia's most famous spots, known internationally as a surfing capital and generally the all-round beach experience.

With that surfing reputation in mind, what better place to learn how to catch that next big wave than here! The best way to learn how to surf is by taking a two-hour beginner surfing lesson down on the beach.

You can book your 2-hour Bondi Beach surf lesson right here.

In groups of no more than five, newbies can learn the Bondi art of riding that blue wave and you’ll be calling yourself a surfer in no time. Bondi and surfing go hand in hand, this being said I still think a surfing lesson is one of the best things to do in Bondi.

When you’re done surfing (or swimming or tanning), head to one of the below cafés and soak up the Bondi atmosphere:

• The Nine
• Bill’s Bondi Beach
• Sonoma Café Bondi
• The Depot

The Bondi Markets are great to visit if you’re here on Saturday (farmer's market) or Sunday (vintage & artisan market). The open-air markets set on the school grounds near the beach sells some beautiful things from clothing to jewellery and crafts.

Go Shopping in the Sydney CBD

For all shopaholics, there is no better place to scratch that shopping itch than in Sydney’s Central Business District. Pitt Street Mall is the city's premier location for clothes, designer brands and high-end shopping.

The nearby Strand Arcade should also be on any serious shoppers list. Housed in a heritage-listed Victorian-styled arcade building, The Strand Arcade combines stylish architecture, history and modern retail in a seamless style.

Those looking for a bargain shopping trip, and a cheap thing to do in Sydney, should head over to Paddy's Markets in the city’s Chinatown area, this is perfect for snapping up those souvenirs.

Take in the Views from Observatory Hill

Not far from the heart of the busy CBD and easily accessible from The Rocks neighborhood, you'll find this patch of idyllic greenery, known as Observatory Park.

Set high overlooking the city, Observatory Park and its namesake hill provide not only a much-needed break from the city but also amazing panoramic views of the cityscape, great for capturing that all-important photograph of the Harbour Bridge, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colours of the sky make this spot even more beautiful and romantic

The historic observatory is open all year round, and it is well worth a visit when in Observatory Park.

Take a Sydney Food Tour

Once you have spent a fun-filled day exploring all that Sydney has to offer, you may wonder if there are things to do in Sydney at night, well I have the perfect activity – a food tour that will show you the hidden world of Sydney’s best food spots and watering holes. 

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit tucked-away bars hidden in unexpected places and experience Sydney’s surprising local mix of delicacies and vibrant nightlife of the city, often unseen by tourists just sweeping through.

It’s surprising how many hidden bars there actually are in the Sydney CBD as I always thought that it goes super quiet after all the business people leave work, but not at all!

Best Sydney Food Tours

• Taste of Sydney – Barangaroo and the Rocks
• Sydney Food Tour: A Taste of Chinatown
• Secret Food Tours Sydney through Surry Hills

Explore Sydney’s Night Life

The Kings Cross area of Sydney has long been the bohemian epicenter of the city and has a long history of being one of the best places to visit in Sydney for fantastic nightlife and an alternative scene.

This famous reputation for hedonism has given the area a somewhat of notoriety, yet this goes hand in hand with a good time and you are sure to find that here!

If you seek nightlife a little more refined and admittedly a little more costly, then head to the Sydney harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay.

Lavished with uptown wine and cocktail bars, Elizabeth Bay will add a little class to your Sydney nightlife experience.

2. Unique Once-In-A-Lifetime Things To Do In Sydney

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

View Sydney Harbour Bridge from the ground and the sky are a fantastic experience, yet nothing to actually compares to climbing the bridge! Choose to climb this famous landmark at dawn, midday, dusk or even in the evening – the view is always different. 

Climbing in groups no bigger than 12 and guided by a tour leader, the panoramic 360 views of the city from the top of the bridge are unbeatable. I've done it and hands down, my legs were shaking hard and it felt much higher than it looked from the ground!

This adrenaline-inducing once-in-a-lifetime climb has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sydney and is truly unforgettable.

Book Your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb here!

Take a Helicopter Tour of the City

Walking the streets of the New South Wales capital gives you a great perspective of this iconic city, yet nothing can compare with seeing it from the air! Take the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride through the skies of Sydney. 

Take off during the morning or lunchtime and you’ll see this city in all its glory. It may as well be probably one of the best and most surreal things you have done in your life! Or choose to take off in the evening and watch the entire city light up with thousands of lights, travelling through the skies at 1500 feet, the view is like nothing I have ever seen. 

Flying over iconic Sydney attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge will provide unique photo opportunities in the front of the helicopter, photos that I’m sure will make all your friends jealous!

On our way back, we also flew over Bondi Beach and the shots I've gotten looks unreal!

Book Your Sydney Helicopter Flight here!

Sydney Whale Watching

If you happen to visit the city of Sydney between the months of May and September then you are in for a real treat. 

Sydney Heads is a prime location to spot pods of the majestic humpback whale on their grand seasonal migrations.

Get yourself on a whale-watching tour and you will be in for the experience of a lifetime. 

Sailing out of Circular Quay onboard your whale-watching vessel, you will make your way out to sea in search of these beautiful animals. Although sightings are not 100% guaranteed, the knowledge of the ship’s crew and the age-old migration routes of the whales make sightings highly likely. 

Seeing the gracefulness and curiosity of these intelligent giants is an experience you will not soon forget.

Sydney Skywalk

Seeking that next adrenaline rush, or want to conquer your fear of heights?

Then why not do it in style with a skywalk on top of the second-tallest observation tower in the southern hemisphere.

Book this hour-long tour to take you to the top of the Sydney Tower and out onto the observation deck and begin your skywalk. 

Locked on with safety harnesses, you will step out onto a glass deck that provides 360 views of the city, all from around one thousand feet! 

This is not one for the faint-hearted, yet it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most unique things to do in Sydney.

Eat at the 360 Rotating Restaurant

Also located at the top of Sydney Tower is the famous Rotating Restaurant and dining here has to be one of the most unusual things to do in Sydney, yet one of the most memorable. 

Choose from over forty freshly prepared dishes in this buffet-style setting and enjoy the fantastic 360 views from the restaurant in the skies. 

Slowly rotating, you will see the iconic city of Sydney from every angle and depending on the time of day, may even catch a picturesque sunset from this unique point of view.

Book your seat for an unlimited Skyfeast at Sydney Tower.

Have Breakfast with Koalas at WILD LIFE Zoo

This unique and usual experience is the perfect way to start your day if you are a lover of animals. 

Entering the WILD LIFE Zoo in the early morning, you and your group will have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the bush garden surrounded by one of Australia's most beloved animals, the koala. 

Your breakfast tables are set amongst the gum trees and banksias, the perfect habitat for the cute marsupial. 

As you breakfast you also watch the koala bears being fed. This experience also comes with a zoo ticket, meaning once you have had your koala-surrounded breakfast, you can also visit the rest of the zoo.

Book your koala breakfast experience in advance to not miss out!

Sunrise Balloon Flight

An hour’s drive southwest of Sydney is the beautiful Macarthur region of New South Wales and the iconic Camden Valley. This is the setting for one of the most idyllic sunrise balloon rides in Australia. 

You will be collected from Sydney city centre and driven to the Camden Valley Inn for breakfast. After breakfasting at this historic inn you will prepare for lift-off in your designated hot air balloon. 

With awe-inspiring 360 views over the Camden Valley, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watch the sunrise and clear the morning mists, feel the cool winds of the dawn being replaced by the golden threads of light as you watch the rolling land 2,000 ft below.

Book your sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight online!

Sydney Harbour: Thunder Thrill Ride

This is another one for all the adrenaline junkie thrill-seekers out there. You, your family and friends all meet at Sydney Harbour and jump into a state-of-the-art jet boat and experience the ride of your life. 

Speeding out at 75km an hour to the Sydney Heads, experience the boat darting over the waves, spinning in 360 swirls and generally pushing your nerves to the max. This is definitely one for those who wish to put themselves to the test and are seeking that next best thrill.

3. Free Things to Do in Sydney

Snap the Ultimate Opera House Photo from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Seeking that perfect Instagrammable photo of the famous Sydney Opera House?

Head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a bench cut into sandstone rock on one of the harbour's peninsulars. Looking out into the bay, this vantage point provides the perfect angle to get that coveted snap!

Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to truly experience a city is to walk its streets and Sydney is no different. Taking a walking tour is one of the most rewarding free things to do in Sydney, for many reasons.

There are multiple walking tours every day, come rain, hail or shine. Each walking tour will leave a certain point in the city and offer a different route and perspective. So you could be exploring The Rocks or the main city sights.

Guided by a local, these tours are perfect for anyone who have just arrived in the city and wants an insight into the many areas of Sydney, its long history and what there is to see today.

Take a Guided Tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens

Those with a love of horticulture and a fondness for things that grow will be enthralled with the free tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens. 

A knowledgeable guide will take you on a scenic walk through the botanical gardens, stopping at certain flowers and plants to discuss and explain their properties and botanical background. This unique experience is a perfect way to spend a few hours in one of the city’s greenest areas.

Visit Manly & Do the Spit Bridge to Manly walk

The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk is a scenic coastal walk. One that takes you on a 10 km picturesque journey, with idyllic harbour views on one side and 1,000-year-old Aboriginal rock engravings on the other, offering up the perfect blend of new and old Australia. 

Taking around three hours to complete, it is the ideal way to view this part of Sydney!

If you end in Manly, I recommend you get yourself a well-deserved drink at the Manly Pavilion.

Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Looking for a free and healthy way to enjoy the Sydney coastline? Then look no further than the Bondi to Coogee Walk.

This clifftop coastal walk covers 6km of some of the most idyllic and pristine coastline in NSW. There are many beaches and parks along the way, ideal places for sitting and simply watching the world go by and think what to do in Sydney next.

Have a Picnic in Hyde Park

Much like its British namesake, Hyde Park is an oasis of greenery in the heart of the cities commercial district.

The 40-acre park makes for the perfect location to escape the city rush and enjoy a picturesque picnic in the park.  

4. Best Day Tours From Sydney

Home & Away Tour

Many foreigners' first exposure to the land down under comes from the fictional portrayals on TV soaps. 

Fans of the TV show Home and Away will love this official Home and Away Tour. You will be picked up from Sydney and driven out to Palm Beach, the location for the fictional Summer Bay to re-enact your favourite soap moments, catch lots of photos and pick the brains of the Home and Away expert guides.

Book Your Home & Away Tour here!

Blue Mountain Day Tour

The Blue Mountains are around 1.5 hours from downtown Sydney and make for the perfect day trip when seeking more than the Australian city. 

This full-day tour includes visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos. Then, head to Scenic World, home to Scenic Railway, Skyway, and Cableway in Katoomba, skipping the lines as part of the tour. 

Reaching the Blue Mountains, you will gaze and natural beauty spots such as the Three Sisters and the Megalong Valley, ending the day with a cruise down the Parramatta River.

Book Your Blue Mountain Day Tour here!

Hunter Valley Tour

This is the perfect tour for all you wine lovers out there as you spend a day exploring Australia's oldest wine-producing region, the Hunter Valley. 

Visit some of the best vineyards, learn about the whole winemaking process and sample around 20 different wines, before sitting down to a gourmet lunch. 

Book Your Hunter Valley Wine Tour here!

Canberra

This tour from Sydney will have you soaking in the main sights of Australia’s capital city, Canberra. The day will be all about acquainting yourself with Australia’s history, including a visit to the Australian War Memorial, a guided tour of Parliament House and a chance to admire the capital city from the summit of Mount Ainslie. 

A day tour is hardly enough to see Canberra, especially since it's a little drive from Sydney. I highly recommend staying in Canberra for 1 or 2 nights if you have the time.

Book Your Canberra Day Tour here!

Sydney to Port Stephens

I absolutely love Port Stephens! If you only have a short time, this epic full-day tour of the North Coast region of Australia takes in some of the area’s most picturesque locations and exciting wildlife sighting opportunities. 

The tour visits animals such as giant spiders and Tasmanian devils at the Australia Reptile Park and also takes you to seek the allusive bottlenose dolphins in Nelsons Bay. 

The day’s activities come to an excitable head with an hour of four-wheel-drive along the sound dunes – an adrenaline-inducing activity in a desert wilderness.

Best Port Stephens Tours

• Port Stephens: Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour
• From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding

Best Things to Do in Sydney – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Which are the top 3 things to do in Sydney?

The top three things to do in Sydney include visiting the Sydney Opera House for its iconic architecture and performances, exploring the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the city, and enjoying a day of sun and surf at Bondi Beach.

❓ Why is Sydney so popular?

Sydney's popularity stems from its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, stunning beaches such as Bondi Beach, and it's cultural scene with museums, galleries, festivals and lively nightlife, which makes it an appealing destination for travelers from all over the world.

📅 How many days do I need in Sydney?

Your time spent visiting Sydney will, of course, all depend on your own itinerary, but I think three to four days is just about right for capturing the essence of the city. But, if you fall in love with this part of Australia as much as I did, you could easily spend a week or so exploring neighborhoods and hidden gems in Sydney that are not as well known.

Best Things to Do in Sydney – Final Words

Sydney is a microcosm of everything that is great about Australia! Whether you're a budget-conscious backpacker exploring its natural wonders or a travelling as a couple or family seeking luxury experiences, Sydney offers a range of attractions for everyone.

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