31 Best things to see & do in Sydney

A unique and unforgettable adventure offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and fascinating historical insights; the city’s ultimate must-do. One of the world’s great bucket list experiences.

Magnetic, enchanting and still remarkably modern, this iconic Opera House is a must-see. Walk around the outside or book in for a guided tour or performance.

One of the world’s great scenic walks – a one- to two-hour, wildlife-filled stroll that takes in Sydney’s harbour, the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Garden.

An extraordinary and unique cultural spectacular – Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras parade sees 65,000 glammed-up marchers, 160 outrageous floats and tens of thousands lining the streets.

The Rocks – the birthplace of European settlement in Australia – is atmospheric, quaint, vibrant and packed with great things to taste, see, buy and explore.

One of the world’s most famous beaches, with spectacular surfing and a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene.

Sublime harbour seascapes, tranquillity and invigorating sea air await boaters on the world’s most beautiful harbour. A paradise for sailing and motor-boating.

A world-class zoo overlooking the city and harbour – the ideal place to see your first kangaroo, koala or platypus.

Venerable art gallery showcasing fine Australian, Aboriginal and Asian art in a scenic waterside setting, with over 30,000 works on show.

One of the world’s greatest helicopter flights over a dazzling coastal city, featuring a breathtakingly beautiful harbour, an iconic bridge, and an incomparable opera house.

Sydney’s best clifftop walk: a superb 6m trail along the headlands and beaches of this picturesque coastline, with plenty of swimming and eating options en route.

Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) provides an exciting and fun introduction to the works of established and emerging artists from across Australia and the world.

See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.

Anyone interested in Australian history should head to this fascinating museum that showcases and explores Australia’s naval war history, Aboriginal history and its white settler history. Don’t miss the fully-restored, 19th-century tall ship the James Craig.

Famous for its epic waves and thundering surf, Bondi Beach is one of the best places in the world to take your first tentative ride on a surfboard.

This small museum, set in two former police courts and a former police station, was the original legal hub at the time of the settlers. Today it preserves the history of crime and punishment in the city, with exhibits on famous criminals, collections of weapons and restored prison cells.

The Australian Museum, fresh from a two-year refit, is a dynamic, interactive and multi-faceted learning space for people of all ages and interests.

Vivid Sydney brings some of the world’s most creative minds and the latest digital light technology together to create astonishing installations that transform the city skyline and night sky.

The major showpiece of performing arts in Sydney – a 3-week January feast of music, theatre and dance.

This beloved, heritage-listed amusement, famous for its iconic entrance gate, opened in 1935. Today, it’s a blend of the modern and old-fashioned, including one of the last remaining wooden wild mouse rollercoasters in the world.

A delightful piece of urban renewal, this unique industrial-style precinct, housed in a converted historic tram shed, is a slice of foodie heaven. Food stalls and trendy restaurants to satisfy any appetite.

A good all-round beach, famed for its reliable surf break, and best accessed by a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from the city.

Whether you are soaring over the Opera House or landing outside an exclusive waterfront restaurant, the best way to do it is aboard one of Sydney’s classic seaplanes.

Colourful fish, bobbing fishing trawlers and a frenetic atmosphere make this lively market a Sydney institution.

Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.

The Blue Mountains is an astonishing slice of wilderness, just 50km from Sydney, offering all kinds of outdoor adventure – from hiking to canyoning, mountain biking and rock climbing.

The 10km path winds around the harbour from Manly beach to the Spit Bridge in Middle Harbour, through a national park of native bushland. The walk takes around four hours, with magnificent views and plenty of good swimming spots.

Built during the Crimean War, this little historic gem sits in the middle of Sydney harbour. It’s now a museum, with fascinating exhibits like a canon gun powder store and a tidal gauge room. Daily ferries go from Circular Quay.

This beautifully-restored Edwardian bathing facility, a short walk from Coogee Beach, offers a stunning ocean swimming pool, historic wooden changing sheds, a small café and wrap-around ocean views. Open daily.

Every city has an aquarium these days, but this is a good one, and great for kids with specimens from the Great Barrier Reef.

For almost 3 weeks every October/November, this internationally lauded (and free) outdoor exhibition sees 100 or so sculptures arranged around the (stunning) coastal footpath between Bondi and Tamarama beaches.