Curator’s statement
I started visiting Sydney as a kid, traveling with my flight attendant mother. Seeing the mountains, beaches, harbour, city life, ferries, trains, and friendly people got me hooked on the city from an early age. My wife and I got engaged there and continue to visit whenever possible. It’s like a second home to us.
The Fora Difference
Book with David Bloom to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting David Bloom to book your trip.
Day 1: Introducing Sydney
Most overseas flights arrive early in the morning. By the time you collect baggage, clear customs, travel to the city, drop your bags at your accommodation—it’s time to explore. To get a feel for the city, and not over-exert after a long flight, take the Big Bus Bondi and Bays tour. At one of the stops, find a nearby pub for a pie, parmie, burger, and a pint. Enjoy the relaxed vibe of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. After a loop or two on the bus, it’ll be time to check in to your hotel and maybe take a nap (no more than two hours!) and get some dinner. Jet lag may set in by evening. Do your best to stay awake until 9 p.m. or so.
Day 2: Exploring the city
You'll see lots of urban wildlife, like the everpresent Ibis.
Explore the city. If it’s a weekend, don’t miss The Rocks Market! Take a city tour, take the CBD hop-on hop-off bus, take a walking tour, get lost in Paddy’s Market; let me set you up with something matching your interests, or just follow your instincts and wander. Treat yourself to happy hour at 36 in the Shangra-La Hotel or the Fortune of War pub.
Day 3: Get outta town
The Three Sisters, near Katoomba in Blue Mountains National Park.
Sydney is surrounded by great places to go for a day out. The most popular day trip is to the Blue Mountains. Other options include Ku-ring-gai Chase and Royal National Parks, The Hawkesbury River, The Central Coast and Newcastle, The Hunter Valley wine region, or a visit to the national capital in Canberra. All are available by tour, self-drive, and local trains.
Day 4: Beach day
Manly Beach, a 30-minute ferry ride from central Sydney
Bondi and Manly beaches are famous, but there are several other beaches where you’ll find more locals. Take a surfing lesson, go swimming, play in the sand, or just sit and read in the sun. You haven’t experienced Sydney without some good beach time. End the day with a seaside dinner—every beach has a fish n chips stand, a pavilion, and plenty of restaurants lining the streets. My top choice, Barzura in Coogee (booking essential).
Need to know
There’s no best time to visit—Summer (Dec–Feb) is usually sunny and hot, but punctuated with cooler, wetter days. The rest of the year is generally mild and dry. Do have some warmer clothes for winter (June–August) visits, especially to the mountains. If you’re going green or on a budget, public transport is easy and cheap. Day bus tours are available to all points of interest. Driving in town can be tricky—streets are narrow and busy, but driving out of town is easy on main highways. Do mind the toll roads!
Travel Advisor
David Bloom
David Bloom
Get in touch with David Bloom
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Sydney page.