Sydney Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Are you dreaming of visiting Australia’s most iconic city?
This vibrant destination offers the perfect mix of stunning beaches, world-famous landmarks, delicious food and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, there’s something unforgettable waiting around every corner in Sydney.
In August, I flew from Vienna, Austria, all the way to Sydney. The journey took around 24 hours in total. I chose Emirates for the trip, with a 6-hour flight from Vienna to Dubai, followed by a 14-hour leg to Australia. Eventually, I landed around 5:30 in the morning — just in time to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the city.
Sydney Begins: First Impressions & Hidden Gems
After arriving in Sydney, I was bursting with energy and emotions. Since everything felt so new and exciting, I didn’t quite know where to start. To ease into the adventure, we took a walk from our hotel down to the harbor and soaked in the stunning view of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping at the Opera Bar for a refreshing drink with a view. Later that evening, we had dinner at Mr. Wong Sydney – an absolute must-visit for food lovers – and ended the night exploring some of the local bar scene. We checked out The Baxter Inn, a cozy underground whisky bar with a great vibe and P.J. O’Brien’s, a lively Irish pub right in the heart of the city. I can wholeheartedly recommend both – perfect spots to unwind after a long day of travel and sightseeing.
Day Two: Sunshine and Coastal Vibes ☀️🌊
😎 Perfect Weather Calls for Bondi Beach
On our second day in Sydney, the sun was shining beautifully. We immediately took the chance to visit the world-famous Bondi Beach — the heart of Australian surf culture. Known for its legendary waves, relaxed vibe, iconic ocean pool and breathtaking coastal scenery, Bondi did not disappoint.
🚌🌴 Getting There and First Impressions
We hopped on a bus from downtown Sydney that took us about 30 minutes to Bondi. Our first stop was the beach itself, where we soaked up the sun and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere.
🍹🏊♂️ Drinks with a View at Bondi Icebergs
Next, we treated ourselves to a cool drink at the Bondi Icebergs Club. Sitting there, overlooking the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool — a stunning ocean pool right on the cliff’s edge — was truly legendary. This spot is incredibly photogenic, perfectly capturing the Australian coastal lifestyle.
🚶♀️🌅 Exploring the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Afterwards, we set off on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a spectacular trail offering breathtaking views of cliffs, bays and beaches. This walk is hugely popular with both locals and tourists alike.
🎨🌊 Sculpture by the Sea: Art along the coastline
Along the trail, we discovered the Sculpture by the Sea outdoor exhibition — a beautiful collection of modern sculptures displayed right along the coastline, adding a creative flair to our scenic hike.
Day 3: Sightseeing and Nightlife in Sydney
On day three, we explored downtown Sydney and hit all the famous spots: Circular Quay with its lively street performers, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the beautiful Botanical Gardens and of course, the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Most of the time we walked to soak up the atmosphere and occasionally took public transport to get around comfortably. In the evening, we headed to Bar 83 at Sydney Tower — the view from up there was simply spectacular! Sipping drinks while admiring Sydney’s sparkling skyline at night was absolutely breathtaking. But the night wasn’t over yet: after the bar, we made our way back to the Sydney Opera House to see it lit up after dark — and it completely stole our hearts all over again.
Day 4: Manly Ferry Ride, Beach Chill & Sparkling City Nights
On day four, we took the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. The ride itself is a showstopper, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Once in Manly, we soaked up the laid-back beach vibes, sun, surf and pure relaxation. As evening rolled in, we stopped by Bar Totti’s for some great drinks and atmosphere, then headed over to Darling Harbour. We caught the free Saturday night fireworks show there, a sparkling finale to an amazing day in Sydney. After that, we wrapped up the day by exploring The Rocks — Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, brimming with historic charm, cobblestone streets, vibrant weekend markets and inviting cozy pubs.
The food at Bar Totti’s was absolutely delicious. We started with their famous wood-fired bread as an appetizer — warm, perfectly crisp, and full of flavor. For the main course, we shared an incredibly tasty pasta, paired with a refreshing Campari Orange. The combination was spot on and made for a truly memorable dining experience.
Travel Tips for Sydney
- Best Time to Visit: September to November or March to May (spring and autumn) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Sydney’s public transport system is efficient. Use an Opal card for buses, trains and ferries.
- Local Etiquette: Australians are friendly and casual, but always remember to follow local beach safety signs!
- Sun Protection: The sun in Australia can be very strong. Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses — even on cloudy days.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Sydney is unforgettable
Sydney is a dream destination filled with iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Sydney always has something new to offer. Start planning your Sydney adventure today and get ready to fall in love with this incredible city!
Ready to Explore Sydney?
Sydney offers iconic sights, stunning beaches and vibrant city life. If you want to explore more, Melbourne’s cool urban vibe and the laid-back Sunshine Coast’s sunny beaches are also amazing Aussie destinations.
