Essential and Hidden Sydney

Paddy’s Market: An indoor flea market, arts/crafts market, food stalls.

The Rocks Market: Weekends only. Local arts and crafts with food carts in the historical heart of the city.

Big Bus Hop On Hop Off tour: A good sampling of the city with chances to jump off whenever something looks interesting.

Walking tours: Several options exist to give you an up-close view of a few neighborhoods from a local perspective.

Hit the beach: Bondi, Coogee, Manly, Bronte—there are plenty to choose from. Beautiful sandy beaches adjacent to lively neighborhoods.

Blue Mountains: There are organized tours, you can drive yourself, or take the train. There are hiking trails for all abilities, some amazing views, and a hop on hop off bus to make sure you hit all the highlights. Katoomba is the hub of the action.

Wine tasting: It’s a 2-hour trip to the Hunter Valley wine region. Organized tours start early and return late. Self-driving is possible, but beware of strict DUI laws.

Check to see what’s on at the Sydney Opera House. It’s not all opera! Or, take a tour of the facility. The one ‘don’t miss’ sight in Sydney!

Farmhouse Kings Cross: Prix-fixe four-course set menu only. Simply amazing food in an unassuming location. A must-stop for foodies. Booking essential.

Le Petit Chef: It’s a global sensation. Sydney’s location is in the Intercontinental Hotel Double Bay. Get ready for dinner and a show all rolled into one. Booking essential.

Barzura: On the beach in Coogee. Reviewers have called it ‘eclectic modern Australian’ and ‘Australasian fusion’. I call it great food at a great price. Just go there. Booking accepted.

Chat Thai - Circular Quay: Authentic Thai food at moderate prices. Very good. Booking accepted.

Chargrill Charlie’s: Several locations (in Melbourne and Brisbane, too). Possibly the best chicken I’ve ever had. Menus change, but they usually have roasted, Portugese, and BBQ chicken, plus ribs, pad thai, sides, and salads. Casual, cheap, quick, and yummy. No booking.

Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Wooloomooloo: One of the oldest continuously operating food carts in the world, dating to 1936. Aussie pies, hot dogs, and chips are their specialties.

36: On the 36th floor of the Shangra-la Hotel, it’s a bar with an amazing view. The cocktails are top-notch, too.

Coogee Bay Hotel: Catering to the younger set—loud party atmosphere with solid drinks and good food. Sports bar in the back for your gambling needs.

Marble Bar: Classic Sydney spot that lives up to its name with Victorian style. In the basement of the Hilton.

Hidden Bars: Look this up. Telling you more defeats the purpose!