Sydney offers a wonderful blend of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, excellent bars and restaurants, natural wonders you have to see to believe and some remarkable hidden gems. There’s so much more to the city than the beaches and the famous architecture and we’re here to list out the best of sunny Sydney with essential activities you must do in the Harbour City whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting for the very first time. This Sydney bucket list includes all the awesome things to do in the city at least once in your life, so let’s get to it.
1. Go beach hopping around town
First things first: you came to Sydney for the sea, sun and sand and you won’t be disappointed. Sydney is home to some of the best beaches in the world so there’s plenty to explore from the iconic Bondi Beach to its equally popular neighbour Manly Beach. If you prefer to escape the crowds, head to a hidden Sydney beach that you could get all to yourself. Here are some more of our favourite beaches around town you should add to your list:
- Washaway Beach for a solo adventure
- Collins Bay Beach to see penguins and lush bushland
- Milk Beach for some of the best harbour views
- Parsley Bay Reserve for a family-friendly day out
2. Catch a show at the Sydney Opera House
Sydney’s most famous house hosts a variety of shows and performances all year long so you’ll likely find something to suit your taste and budget if you’re planning to visit. The performing arts centre is often regarded as one of the world’s most famous buildings so don’t miss out. Check out what’s on before visiting.
3. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Another signature Sydney landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is regarded as the largest steel arch bridge on the planet. Colloquially referred to as the Coathanger by locals, the Harbour Bridge climb is a bucket list experience and presents a bird’s eye view of the city worth the trek and the dollars. Book yours here.
4. Fill your bags at Sydney’s best markets
Sydney is home to many eclectic markets that perfectly capture the city’s essence. Whether you’re after fresh produce, a souvenir, a vintage find or local wares, you’re bound to find something special in one of these excellent markets in Sydney.
5. Have a cuppa at Sydney’s best cafes
Sydney’s coffee and breakfast scene is excellent. We’ll cue up for hours to get our favourite acai bowl or take a snap of the latest Instagram-worthy brunch. We’ve even beaten our southern frenemies for having some of the best coffee in the world so it’s naturally worth spending some time to try our expertly made brews and baked goods.
6. Catch a film at Sydney’s coolest cinemas
Sydney’s cinemas range from grandiose palaces from the 1930s that harken to a bygone era to intimate underground theatres. Film lovers will be spoilt for choice. Take your pick here.
7. Discover the Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is one of Sydney’s and NSW’s crowning glory’s. The world’s third-oldest national park and Australia’s very first is a haven for nature lovers with an endless list of things to do that includes everything from beaches to walking trails, rainforests and much more. It’s less than an hour’s drive from the CBD and makes for an excellent day trip idea.
8. See the city in Vivid light
Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival and Australia’s largest event in the calendar year. The giant event features light installations, dance parties, drone shows, underground experiences, foodie events and so much more. Head here to see what’s happening in 2024.
9. Embrace your inner child at Luna Park
Luna Park is Sydney’s favourite most famous amusement park and one of the picturesque spaces by the harbour. There are heaps of things to do at the heritage-listed site including unlimited rides, an immersive dream circus and Sonic Neon — a neon-lit event Instagrammers will love.
10. Treat your eyes to jacaranda in spring
Sydney is a photogenic city all year round but it’s especially pretty come spring, thanks in part to the blooming Jacaranda trees around the city. There’s only a short window of opportunity to see the city in lilac, usually around mid-October to late November but it’s worth planning a trip around the time. Find the best places to see Jacaranda here and if you’d rather avoid the crowds, we’ve scoured some under-the-radar streets with equally lovely jacaranda views.
11. Have a posh high tea in the city
Sydney’s high tea offerings are the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax with some delicious nibbles and drinks. From classic English tea to more contemporary versions, check out the best high tea spots in Sydney here.
12. Plan a date at Sydney’s most romantic restaurants
Some of Sydney’s finest restaurants come with harbourside views, a dreamy candlelit setting and excellent food and drink options. From Bennelong to Hubert, start planning an extra special date night at some of Sydney’s most romantic restaurants here.
13. See the city in a new light after dark
Sydney’s gained a not so favourable reputation for late-night activities. But if you like being out and about after hours, there’s so much you can do around the city late at night. From karaoke bars to night markets and more, check out the best things to do in Sydney after dark, all year long here.
14. Plan a trip to Taronga Zoo
Nestled on the shores of Sydney Harbour and a quick 12-minute ferry ride from the CBD, Taronga Zoo is a Sydney staple and a must-visit spot for animal lovers. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals including African lions, giraffes, zebras and native Australian animals like dingos, koalas, kangaroos, emus and wallabies. It also holds regular keeper talks and presentations.
15. Dance the night away at Sydney’s best nightclubs
Love a late-night boogie? You can party all night long at Sydney’s many vibrant nightclubs. From under-the-radar bars to grungy nightclubs and sparking discos, there’s something for everyone.
16. Get spooked at a Sydney ghost tour
Stroll through the haunted corners of Sydney on a ghost tour and uncover corners you never knew existed. Ghost tours are a great way to learn more about the city’s past through its historical buildings and abandoned sites that aren’t always accessible to the public.
17. Read a book at Sydney’s best libraries
If you’re a bookworm and like your reading space to be just as aesthetic as the cover of your latest read, you’ll love Sydney’s many cosy libraries that cater to students, readers, workers and more. Find our favourites here.
18. Take a stroll through Chinatown
Almost every global city has a Chinatown and Sydney’s is cited as one of the largest in Australia. Located in Haymarket, there’s plenty to do here from sampling delicious street food to budget shopping, neon lights and a lot more.
19. Catch a Broadway show
From mega-blockbusters to indie shows and the razzle-dazzle of big-budget musicals, Sydney plays host to a variety of incredible theatre shows all year long. Check out the top theatre selections around the city here.
20. Visit the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
As exciting as the wildlife on land is, Sydney boasts equally fascinating underwater adventures at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. Swim with sharks, see giant stingrays, jellyfish and a lot more. See what’s on here.
21. See the fireworks at Darling Harbour
The waterside precinct of Darling Harbour promises some of the city’s best entertainment and dining options and it’s quintessentially Sydney. From Madame Tussauds to Wild Life Sydney Zoo, the Chinese Garden of Friendship and more, there is a lot to do in this buzzy part of town.
22. Visit the beloved Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
One of Sydney’s most beloved “secrets” is not a big secret anymore but it doesn’t make it any less charming. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a local gem with native and exotic plants, fairy houses, sculptures and excellent views all around. Plan a picnic and spend an afternoon at this picturesque spot.
23. Catch the Circular Quay to Manly ferry
It’s no surprise that one of Sydney’s most popular bucket list experiences takes place on the water — aboard the Manly Ferry. The ferry departs regularly from Circular Quay every day and travels past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before passing Kirribilli House which is the official residence of the Australian Prime Minister, Bradleys Head and South Head, finally arriving at Manly Wharf.
24. Book a whale-watching tour
May to November is whale watching season in Sydney and you can see thousands of humpback whales migrating along Sydney’s coastline from Antarctica to the Pacific. There are plenty of places where you can see these majestic creatures including Palm Beach and Bondi, you can also book a whale-watching cruise.
25. Hunker down at a cosy bookshop and cafe
Book lovers can find some lovely bookshops and cafes dotted around the city that offer a reprieve from the busyness of city life outside. Cosy up with your next read, drink copious amounts of coffee and while away a weekend at these cosy spots.
26. Go for a sunrise swim in a Sydney ocean pool
We’ve already told you about our famous beaches, but if you’re not too confident swimming in the ocean, Sydney is also home to a number of picture-perfect rock pools and ocean pools where you can enjoy a swim without any fear. In fact, Sydney and NSW are home to the highest number of ocean pools anywhere in the world so you’ll never be out of choice.
27. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from the Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney looks pretty good from many different angles but high up in the sky gives you an entirely different perspective on the city. Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in Sydney and you can enjoy breathtaking bird’s eye views of the city on its 60-minute Skywalk tours.
28. Have a picnic at the Royal Botanic Garden
Sydney is home to Australia’s oldest botanic garden and it’s nestled around Sydney Harbour. Home to a stunning variety of native and exotic plants and flowers, this is an excellent place to stop for a while and enjoy a day out in the sun. The Royal Botanic Garden offers a variety of tour experiences, including an Aboriginal Heritage Tour, a free guided walk and even a ghost tour.
29. Eat at the best Italian restaurants around Sydney
Sydney serves up some of the best cuisines in the world from seafood to Indian food, Vietnamese food and French food. If you love Italian food, the city is home to a number of moody, cosy Italian joints that are perfect for a romantic dinner. Even Taylor Swift agrees.
30. See the cherry blossoms in spring
Can’t get enough of pink? You can see lovely cherry blossoms around Sydney in spring and it’s a sight for sore eyes. So much so that it even has its own idyllic Cherry Blossom Festival that will transport you to Japan without leaving the city. Find the best places to see cherry blossoms here.
31. Discover the best hidden laneway gems
Sydney may not strike you as a particularly artsy city but you’ll be surprised at all the brilliant artwork you can find in its laneways and back streets. From glow-in-the-dark pieces to a small laneway filled with murals and lights, Sydney is filled with hidden gems.
32. Spend a day at an art gallery or museum
From the streets to the galleries, find fine art and installations in Sydney’s excellent museums. Some of our favourites include:
Find more here.
33. Take a ‘grammable photo at the Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria is one of Sydney’s most photogenic spaces. You can get your hands on delicious food, coffee and fresh flowers and take an unforgettable pic near the fountain, with cute farm animals and plenty of picture-perfect corners.
34. Stroll along Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood
The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood which means it’s packed with old-world charm and cobblestone laneways. We hear it’s also home to Sydney’s most haunted hotel. Shop from its vibrant weekend markets, plan a free outdoor movie date or just stroll along its many charming corners.
35. Plan a fancy Sydney staycation
Sydney is home to some special luxury hotels. From the stunning Capella Sydney to the beachside Manly Pacific to world’s largest W Hotel, if you’re looking for some R&R, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Harbour City.
36. Try Sydney’s best brunch spots
Sydney’s brunch scene is pretty golden and it’s a favourite weekend activity amongst locals. With cafes and restaurants in every corner, you have plenty to choose from. Try a perfectly pink cafe for your Instagram, grab a cuppa at a cafe filled with books or spend an afternoon with bottomless mimosas and bellinis, you won’t be disappointed.
37. Book a Candlelight Concert
Sydney’s Candlelight concerts are a dreamy date night idea and the perfect indoor activity in the city. The concerts pay tribute to many legendary musicians including Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Fleetwood Mac and more. Take your pick here.
38. See Sydney from a harbour cruise
Experience one of the world’s most beautiful harbours on a cruise as you wind past attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. It’s also one of the best ways to enjoy Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks. Cruises run all year long including during Vivid, Valentine’s Day, whale watching season or Halloween.
39. Find your favourite filming location in Sydney
Over the years, many blockbuster Hollywood movies, shows and music videos have been shot here in Sydney. From The Matrix to The Great Gatsby and most recently, the rom-com Anyone But you were filmed in and around the city so why not go on a walking tour looking for some of these exciting filming locations that made it to the big screen.
40. Visit Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour and has a long and complex history that still fascinates visitors. It’s known to be one of the most haunted places in Australia and you can book a ghost tour if you’d like to find out why. The island also occasionally hosts musicals, movie screenings and sunset music sessions in the summer.
41. Discover an underwater nature trail
Sydney has many secrets but one of our favourites can be found underwater. Gordon’s Bay is located north of Coogee Beach and south of Clovelly Beach and it’s a popular spot among snorkelling and nature enthusiasts, but not many people know that it also has its own dedicated underwater nature trail. You can explore a stunning underwater world on this 600-metre-long trail with plenty of local sea life to discover along the way. Read all about it here.
42. Find a natural wonder near Sydney
If you don’t mind a drive out of town, there are some truly remarkable natural wonders sprinkled in and around Sydney that are worth carving out time for. Some of our very favourites that you can find right on Sydney’s doorsteps include:
- Capertee Valley — the world’s second-oldest canyon
- Jenolan Caves — the world’s oldest open cave system
- Kiama Blowhole — the world’s largest blowhole
- Glow-worm tunnels
Find more natural wonders, just a short drive from Sydney here.
43. See all the street art
Sydney’s street art scene is pretty underrated. It was recently named one of the world’s street art capitals so you’ve just got to know where to look. From murals to graffiti walls and more, check out the best street in town here.
44. Escape to the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are the go-to spot for stressed-out Sydneysiders looking for a break from the city. The world heritage site is full of delightful things. Check out its charming bookshop trail, the perfect daytime activity for book lovers or seek out its magical waterfall that glows after dark. It’s also home to some of the best walking tracks in the country including a new cliff-top walk alongside picturesque gardens that are especially lovely during spring and autumn. Find more things to do in the Blue Mountains here.
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45. Catch a movie outside
Sydney hosts several open-air cinemas throughout the year that make for an excellent outdoor activity if the weather is nice. Some of our favourites include the charming Laneway Cinema at The Rocks, Moonlight Cinema and Westpac Open-Air Cinema.
46. Warm up with a bowl of ramen
Sydney has many excellent spots for a delicious bowl of ramen filled with flavour. If you’re looking for one of Sydney’s most popular comfort foods, you’ll find heaps of nourishing options around town.
47. Shop at the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere
The Sydney Fish Market is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and you can get some of the best seafood in town in this busy spot. Aside from fresh seafood, visitors can also get their hands on hot foods, baked goods and coffee. Find opening hours here.
48. Go kayaking around Sydney Harbour
Seeing Sydney Harbour from the water never gets old and one of the most fun ways to do this on a kayaking tour. You’ll paddle past icons like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park with a lovely sunset or sunrise in the backdrop. Find the best kayaking experiences in Sydney here.
49. Snack on some of the best sweet treats in town
From rich chocolates to over-the-top desserts and more, if you have a sweet tooth, it’ll be satiated in Sydney’s many eclectic dessert shops.
50. Explore a hidden gem around Sydney
As exciting as all of Sydney’s world-famous attractions are, it’s also home to plenty of hidden gems locals probably don’t want anyone to know about. From unexplored underground tunnels in one of Sydney’s busiest stations to Australia’s oldest surviving building and oldest park, you can find them all right here in the heart of the city.