Things to do in Sydney
Sydney attractions
Places to visit in Sydney
Beaches in Sydney
Sydney Restaurants
Sydney Transport
Arriving in Sydney
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Things to do in Sydney
 
Blessed with glistening bays, sandy beaches and over 230 sun-filled days per year, it's easy to see why Sydney is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. Add to the mix a medley of iconic attractions, world-class cuisine and a vibrant cultural and creative scene and you'll soon find yourself falling in love with the Harbour City.
Snap the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House, scale the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and surf the waves at Bondi Beach – then look further to discover a world of lesser-known gems in Australia's biggest city. Ready to explore? Book flights to Sydney with Virgin Australia and see it all for yourself.
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Sydney attractions
From art and culture attractions to family-friendly fun, unique wildlife and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Sydney has plenty of things to do for every type of traveller.
The Art Gallery of NSW
Considered Sydney's most important public gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW presents both Australian and international works in a beautifully memorable setting. Don't miss the dedicated Aboriginal art gallery space.Â
The Museum of Sydney
Delve deep into the history of Sydney and its people at the Museum of Sydney. With interactive exhibits and special events taking place year-round, this is a fun way for the whole family to learn about Australia's largest colony.
MCA Sydney
Inhabiting a prime waterfront position, the Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia's home of ground-breaking exhibitions and innovative modern artworks. Locals love visiting MCA Sydney, not just for the art, but also for the rooftop bar, which boasts striking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Sydney Opera House
No list of things to do in Sydney would be complete without a mention of the famous Sydney Opera House. However, there's a lot more to do here than take a few obligatory pictures. With over 40 events and festivals per week, covering everything from burlesque circus shows to TEDx talks, it's worth looking at what lies beneath that distinctive exterior. It's also home to one of Sydney's best restaurants.
Sydney Aquarium
See Sydney's deep sea dwellers from the safety of the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Explore a number of underwater zones, from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Harbour, and get up close with some of Australia's most fabled predators in Shark Valley.
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Located adjacent to Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is home to cute and creepy critters from all over Australia. Meet wombats, koalas, wallabies, snakes and even a giant five-metre crocodile called Rex (don't worry, he's not a Sydney native). Grab a Sydney attractions pass deal to save money on entry to multiple attractions including WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Taronga Zoo
There are few zoos that can boast first-rate views across one of the world's most beautiful harbours. But Taronga Zoo can. See over 4000 animals in the lush surrounds of Sydney's most famous zoo, including gorillas, kangaroos, koalas, giraffes and elephants, all set against the backdrop of the city skyline. Taronga Zoo also runs a number of adventure programs including Roar and Snore – a safari-style overnight camp.
BridgeClimb Sydney
Soak in aerial views of the city, harbour and ocean beyond when you ascend the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With dawn, day, dusk and night climbs available, BridgeClimb Sydney is an iconic Australian experience that you'll never forget.
Places to visit in Sydney
Once you've seen the visitor attractions, discover some of the best bits of Sydney by exploring the suburbs. Sydney is really just a collection of villages, each with its own unique atmosphere. Work your way around the cafés of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, mix with the creative set in Newtown, browse boutiques in the tree-lined streets of Paddington, sample the food halls of Chinatown and discover the oldest part of Sydney in The Rocks.
Looking to explore further afield? There are numerous memorable places to visit near Sydney, from the majestic Blue Mountains and the laid-back Central Coast to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley. For a slice of countryside within a stone's throw of the city, head south to the Royal National Park, where secluded beaches, coastal walks and relaxation await.
Beaches in Sydney
Heading to the beach is a big part of Sydney life. From colossal waves to calm bays, bustling beachfronts to hidden harbour swimming spots, there's over 100 beaches to choose from in Sydney – so you're sure to find a patch of sand to call your own.
Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs
It may be Sydney's most famous stretch of sand, but Bondi Beach is still a favourite retreat for locals, tourists, surfers and sunbathers alike.
Tackle the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, taking in beaches and clifftop views on the way, before finishing at Bondi's lively strip of cafes, bars and shops. Alternatively, cool off with a dip or drink at Bondi Icebergs. This iconic saltwater pool is perched on the edge of the ocean, with the adjacent bar and restaurant offering some of the best oceanfront dining in Sydney.
Once you've explored all the trappings of Bondi (and sampled one of Australia's best ice creams at Gelato Messina), escape the tourist trail and head for some of the hidden gems of the Eastern Suburbs. Camp Cove in Watsons Bay and Milk Beach in Vaucluse offer secluded sands and city views, while Redleaf Beach in Double Bay is the perfect place for a relaxing dip in a netted harbour pool.
Manly and the Northern Beaches
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, a laid-back beach suburb with a different vibe from its famous eastern counterpart. Look out over the surf from one of the beachfront bars, find a shady spot under a tree for some fresh fish and chips or browse the surf shops of the The Corso. Alternatively, just kick back on the long, sandy stretch of Manly Beach or slip away from the crowds to do some snorkelling at nearby Shelly Beach.
Away from Manly, the Northern Beaches offer plenty of sandy spots to explore. Hug the coastline all the way up to Palm Beach, an idyllic peninsula of golden sand and native bushland. Otherwise known as Summer Bay to fans of television show 'Home and Away', Palm Beach is an hour from the city centre, but a world away from city life.
Sydney Restaurants
Thanks to its multicultural population, Sydney is a true gastronomic powerhouse. The city's restaurants offer up mouth-watering morsels of deliciousness from all over the globe, from Italian to Japanese, Korean to French, Lebanese to Thai and every type of fusion cuisine imaginable. When it comes to Sydney's smorgasbord of options, even self-confessed foodies will find themselves (happily) overwhelmed with choice.
Dine at the best restaurants in Sydney
While the accolade of Sydney's best restaurant is hotly contested between locals, there are a few institutions on the bucket list of every Sydneysider. Offering spectacular views of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Quay is Australia's most awarded restaurant and frequently appears on The World's Best Restaurants list. Joining it on the list is The Bridge Room near Circular Quay for European and Asian inspired fare. Pilu at Freshwater offers a splendid Sardinian degustation with panoramic water views, while Café Sydney is known for fresh seasonal ingredients matched with million dollar views.
If you're in the mood for sampling the best Italian restaurant in Sydney (as well as some of the best vegan menu options around), be sure to make a booking at Otto Ristorante at Woolloomooloo Wharf. For a more casual but equally delicious affair, share a couple of pizzas and bring your own wine to Vacanza in Surry Hills. And when there's nothing for it but some fresh fish and chips at the end of a long day exploring, don’t go past Doyle's in Watsons Bay. Book a restaurant table in advance or grab takeaway from the beach shack outlet and dig in while you watch the sun go down behind the city skyline.
Sydney's best burgers
In the mood for comfort food? Sydney is constantly in the midst of a burger war, and for good reason – delicious new burger joints seem to pop up almost every week. Ask any meat-eating Sydneysider where to find the best burgers in town and they're sure to have a strong opinion. Our pick? The Mary's burger from Mary's in Newtown, the Blame Canada from BL Burgers on Oxford Street or the Bronx from Five Points Burgers in North Sydney. If you like your buns and meat in a high-class setting, seek out Neil Perry's famous Wagyu burger from Rockpool Bar and Grill – widely considered to be the best burger in Australia.
Suitably energised? Continue your evening sampling the city's nightlife at one of Sydney's best bars.Â
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Sydney Transport
Public transport in Sydney consists of a comprehensive network of buses, trains and ferries. Trains are a fast and reliable way of getting around the city, while many buses run all through the night to a number of different suburbs. For the quintessential Sydney experience however, travel by ferry whenever possible – it's the best way to soak in city and harbour views at the same time as getting to your destination efficiently.
Pick up a free Opal Card and top it up for quick and easy travel across all modes of transport. Plan your route using the NSW trip planner or dial 131500 for round-the-clock help with trip planning.
Arriving in Sydney
The Route 400 bus also runs from both terminals to Bondi Junction, which is a much cheaper alternative to a taxi when travelling to the Eastern Suburbs. See Sydney Buses for timetable and map information.
Many hotels organise an airport shuttle service for guests, while a number of private shuttle bus companies are also available to book in advance.
For those looking to explore further afield, a number of rental car desks are located in the arrivals area in both terminals.
