Top Places to Visit in Sydney

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. 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. 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. The narrow, multi-level shopping arcade houses premium Australian fashion designers, including Jac+ Jack, Lover, Sass & Bide and Dion Lee.
The SCG Museum, part of the SCG Tour, paints a picture of some of the most memorable athletic moments on Australian soil, with one-of-a-kind memorabilia and first-hand accounts of the people who lived it. Other gems include Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Bankstown Arts Centre, where there’s a strong focus on Canterbury-Bankstown, Western Sydney, First Nations and CALD artists, and Campbelltown Arts Centre. You can see lovely cherry blossoms around Sydney in spring and it’s a sight indoor attractions in Sydney for sore eyes.

With suppliers from over 300 communities in Australia, the Sydney Fish Market has just about every kind of seafood you could ever imagine. Located in the southern part of the Central Business District, Sydney’s Chinatown is the largest of its kind in Australia. Learn more about the Hyde Park Barracks, including hours of operation, on the official website. Over time, the barracks took on new roles, becoming a shelter for women who immigrated to Australia and needed to find work, a medical facility and asylum, and as a court and governmental offices. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in The Rocks, right next to Circular Quay. We purchased ours at the door and there was no line (midday in May).
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. While going Full Monty in public isn't for everyone, there's something undeniably liberating about taking to the harbour waters in just your birthday suit. One of Sydney's few legal nude beaches, so if you're feeling the au naturale vibe, then shed some layers here. You'll need to park up the hill and walk a fair way to get here – it's at the bottom of a long series of steps, and as far as beaches go, she's a small one. But it's worth it for the gorgeous views of Camp Cove and Parsley, Watsons and Vaucluse Bays in the distance.

When it comes to weather, Sydney is quite predictable and experiences four distinct seasons. The warmer months are commonly from November to February, with the cooler months being March to August. Sydney is a fantastic destination for families, with attractions and experiences that suit all ages. The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages. On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The mountains are known for being home to aboriginal tribes, who used the forests for hunting grounds. They also used them as trade routes, and many of those trails are still used today. If you have time, you can  come back later in the evening to watch a show and appreciate the information you learned earlier in the day. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about how this incredible theatre was designed to improve acoustics and allow every visitor to see an incredible performance. The Sydney Opera House is the most iconic landmark in Sydney and you  simply have to see it. But though the architecture is stunning and world-famous from the outside, the inside should not be ignored.
I  often like to walk down George or Pitt streets from Central Station to Circular Quay to Watson’s Bay to feel the beat of the city. Sailing cruises happen throughout the day, but I recommend taking one at sunset. This way you get iconic Sydney views both in the day time, at Golden Hour and at night. Sydney Tower is Sydney’s tallest free-standing structure at a height of 309 meters above the CBD. It has an observation deck, and a revolving restaurant that offers 360 panoramic views of the city.

In the heart of Sydney's CBD, The Grace Hotel is a historic landmark just a 4-minute walk from QVB and Wynyard Light Rail. Our prime location offers easy access to Clarence, York, and George Streets - whether you are arriving by train, car, or on foot. We provide detailed itineraries, location guides, and useful travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
From karaoke bars to night markets and more, check out the best things to do in Sydney after dark, all year long here. 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. 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.

For those interested in natural history and indigenous culture, the Australian Museum is a treasure trove. Its extensive collections include dinosaur fossils, rare minerals, and Aboriginal artefacts, providing insight into Australia’s rich heritage. All three areas have undergone significant upgrades in recent years and are now popular dining spots for tourists, local office workers, and residents alike. From waterfront dining and regular fireworks displays to exciting museums and massive playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A combination of a lookout and museum, it offers fantastic views of the Harbour along with fascinating insights into the bridge’s construction and significance.
The most famous attraction in Sydney, the Opera House is a must-see. This performance center draws millions of visitors every year and is known for its distinct sail-like structure, which is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering. In no particular order, here is our list of the best things to do in Sydney. How about checking out where to stay in the Blue Mountains, it’s a great place to escape the city. Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park and the city’s central open green space. Located in the CBD, the park spans across 16.2 hectares and is full of amazing sites to see. A much cheaper option (FREE) is to simply walk across the Harbour Bridge and take in the same panoramic views on the lower level. If you’re not sure where to book lessons, Let’s Go Surfing is the original learn to surf company in Bondi and has a great reputation.