Best 16 Places to Visit and Things to Do in Sydney

 Last Updated: 21 Jan, 2019 By Tanisha Sharma

Over the east coast of Australia lives the icon who takes a back seat and lets it’s fabulous tourist attractions do the talking. Well the city I am talking about here is none other than Sydney, the most expensive and populous one in all of Australia. While I came across this tourism destination through the magnetic Indian cinema, later my curious mind started asking questions as to what’s so dynamic about Sydney that people often talk about it? Housing the best of beaches, national parks, suburbs, restaurants to spoil the foodie you and best of clubs making you groove at every beat, are just some of the things that would make you fall head over heels in love with Sydney. So what exactly does this blog help you with? Well I have jotted down a list of places to visit in Sydney that you can stumble upon and things to do that might sound mainstream but are actually more fun when experienced in Sydney only. So let this Australia travel guide take you on a short tour to this Cosmopolitan star.

Top Places to Visit in Sydney

Darling Harbour: Visit the unsurpassed beauty of Sydney for the best of everything

What exactly would you call a place that is filled with attractions like Harbourside Shopping Centre, Cockle Bay Wharf, Paddy’s Markets, Tumbalong Park, Australian National Maritime Museum, The Star Casino & Entertainment Complex, Powerhouse Museum, Madame Tussauds and more. A darling indeed! Settled adjacent to the city centre of Sydney there isn’t a day that this must visit place of Sydney is not swarmed with travellers who love food, shopping and exploring. People who are on a family vacation don’t have to worry as your kids can have an exciting sailing expedition, and best of cinema experience and joy rides.

Sydney Opera House: Admire thrilling performances and phenomenal architecture

A beauty of its kind that adds more charm to the waterscape it is set upon, is none other than Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you talk about its architecture which is a beautiful cluster of three interlocked shells or the indoor performing halls and restaurant, there is an otherworldly charm about this Opera House in New South Wales. Inaugurated in the year 1973, Sydney Opera House has not shared its crown of being one of the 20th Century’s best creation both architecture wise and structural design.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: Meet nearly every water creature Australia shelters

If you are in Sydney, then have to make it to this public aquarium as it is one of the best family attraction to visit and explore settled on the eastern side of Darling Harbour. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is home to over 13000 fishes which are a part of the 700 species like penguins, turtles and many more. Besides this, there are 14 zones in the aquarium based on themes like Discovery Rockpool, Jurassic Seas, the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef display and Shark Walk. While touring here, travellers can also take a glance of the habitats of these animals.

Wildlife Sydney Zoo: Focus, zoom and capture the richness of Sydney’s wildlife

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Sydney knows how to touch the right notes at the right time as this tourist destination is the perfect place for every photographer and wildlife lover. Divided into 10 zones, whether you love koalas, kangaroos, butterflies or want to spot the deadly snakes or the world’s largest crocodile, Wildlife Sydney Zoo houses all of them.

Watsons Bay: Let the Imposing beaches and resplendent environs do the talking

So the name Watson Bay won’t give you the exact idea about how much you are going to relish the time if you choose it for your weekend escape. Well Watson Bay along with having some of the best set up restaurants, shiny sandy beach, a petite harbour but this suburb also offers you mesmerizing views of the city and South pacific only if you hike a bit and cross the park that’s settled in the middle of the town.

Bondi Beach: Relish an ecstatic view of turquoise water and a relaxing vibe

And now we head to one of the most popular beaches in Sydney, Bondi to get that much required bronze tan like the Sydneysiders. Apart from being perfect for enjoying some time swimming and surfing, Bondi Beach is also used as the perfect place for celebration of international short film festival, winter fetes, and also competitions like rugby, surfing and sculpture by the sea. Along with that you can take back some memories as souvenirs that are set up on the beach. And wait as there is one place that you shouldn’t miss while here which is known as the Bondi Bubble. Whether you are looking for accommodation, fine cafes and restaurants, boutiques and more this village has it all in store for you.

Coogee Beach: Walk up and down to experience beach life like never before

It’s time to put on your shades and comfy shoes as the urban coastal walking track from Bondi to Coogee is up for some rejuvenating sights for you. Even though it is one of those medium grade walks, there will be a bit of going up the staircases and steep paths as well. But thanks to the scenic views and stopovers that follow along making it easy and blissful for you to reach Coogee Beach in around two hours. And what you see on your arrival is something that is just going to widen your smile as along with oozing out refreshing vibes this beach is home to pubs, clubs, restaurants and wait, a perfect place for swimmers or surfers also.

Royal Botanic Gardens: Feast your mind and soul with the sight of nature’s bounty

Unquestionably Royal Botanic Gardens had to be on my list because I love nature a little more than usual. Over the expanse of 30 hectares this garden is home to over 5000 plants and that’s not all as there are some astounding attractions like Garden Exhibition Palace, Tropical Centre, Stagnation and more gardens, National Herbarium, Government House and The Pond. And the best thing about this park is that the welcome board says ‘Please Walk on the grass’, need I praise this place more!

Sydney Harbour Bridge: Overcome your fear of heights and feel the adrenaline rush

While most of you have heard of this attraction before and have had those eyebrows raising moments while scrolling through the pictures of this iconic Harbour bridge. Some of us till now didn’t know that apart from being a connector between North and South Sydney, this famed Harbour bridge can be your next adventure as you can climb the arch of it, like seriously! That being said, travellers who have a knack for adventure spend $300 to climb the arch that is set up some 134 m above the sea level, that are some guts I must say!

Blue Mountains: Dip your soul in the heavenly beauty of nature

Making its place west of Sydney are the Blue Mountains, another famed tourist place in Australia. Along with being known for its verdant eucalyptus forests, rejuvenating waterfalls and steep cliffs, you can take a short tour around the region which will give you a taste of village life where along with staying options you get to witness the magic of galleries and gardens. Some attractions that reside in the Blue Mountains area are the closely knit three sisters, a rock formation namely Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo;Katoomba Scenic World for scenic views; Blue Mountains National Park to enjoy adventure activities.

Surry hills: A cultural city perfect for every kind of art connoisseur

Vintage cars passing by, fashionistas walking down the streets to art galleries and hipster cafes and wineries pulling in connoisseurs is the everyday scene of this city settled in the inner south of Sydney, Surry hills. This city along with all the contemporary art and architecture also boasts of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition which is a platform for artists across the globe, the Chinese Presbyterian Church, the oldest Chinese Church in Australia and Prince Alfred Park, a park with outdoor heated pool, first fully accessible one of its kind.

Top Things to Do in Sydney

Capture an eagle eye’s view of Sydney via seaplane trip

There is no feeling quite as magical as feasting your eyes upon some of the top draw cards of Sydney and when it can be done from a spectacular height via a seaplane, things can’t get any better. Setting off from Rose Bay criss crossing Bondi Beach on the south, the seaplane takes you further to zoom over Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, the Royal Botanic Gardens giving you just the perfect moments to capture it all on your camera lens. The trip takes place for a good 15 minutes before it lands you back at Rose Bay and is one of the best things to opt for your honeymoon trip. Ready, set,click!

Rush to the Paddington Markets for everything cheap

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Adorned with over 150 stalls that deal in accessories, clothing and home items the main attraction of Paddington Market lies in two things, first all the products that are sold here are made by local craftsmen and aspiring designers, second the money raised goes to Eddie Dixon Centre who provide meals to the homeless and disadvantaged individuals of Sydney. Moreover, the face behind Paddington Markets is of Paddington Uniting Church who believe in promoting creativity, justice and faith.

Fill your heart with awe on a ferry ride to Darling Harbour

Though there are a number of ferries one can choose from, I had a special inclination towards this one. Even though this ride from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour is comparatively short as compared to others, it doesn’t fail to give you the perfect opportunity to capture amazing shots of Harbour Bridge and Opera House. If lucky the ferry takes you round the gourmet village of Balmain brimmed with bars, cafes and restaurants. Post your twenty minutes tour you get to enjoy anything and everything that’s there on Darling Harbour.

Connect with nature with a walk in Hyde Park

Beloved by those who ditch overcrowded places just to be at peace can head for a nature walk to the Hyde Park. Snuggled on the eastern side of Sydney, after spending some time here one can head out and visit the St.Mary’s Cathedral which is located some 10 mins away from the park.

Sit at the Macquarie’s chair to adore sunsets

What I feel about sunsets is that they fill our heart with an indescribable satisfaction, I think most us feel the same. So if you happen to be around the Botanic gardens then you have to witness one of those spectacular sunsets by sitting on the Macquarie’s chair and spot the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in all its beauty.

Okay so our virtual tour to Sydney comes to an end and with that I hope you are done deciding that you are packing your bags and going to Sydney with this list in mind, right away! What more I wish for is that this blog helped you in some way or the other to make up your mind that yes Sydney is truly amazing. If yes, then please give this blog a big fat thumbs up and also don’t forget to share it with your friends. And wait, if there is something that you want assistance with like finding the perfect tour package, then choose Tour My India. You can contact us at +919212553108 and we are all ears to customize your Sydney holiday package just the way you like it.

Published: 15 May, 2018By Tanisha Sharma