A First Timer’s Guide to Sydney, Australia

Best Sightseeing in Sydney

Sydney offers a wealth of unforgettable sightseeing. Pack your camera, put on comfortable shoes, and get ready to explore this vibrant city that truly has something for everyone.

Sydney Opera House: A global icon and architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House is a must-visit attraction. Marvel at its distinctive sails, take a guided tour or catch a world-class performance.

Sydney Harbour Bridge: Scale new heights by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its stunning harbor. Alternatively, stroll across the pedestrian walkway for a memorable (and less fear-inducing) experience.

The Rocks: Immerse yourself in Sydney's history at The Rocks, the city's oldest neighborhood. Wander through cobblestone streets, visit the lively weekend markets and delve into the fascinating heritage sites and museums.

Royal Botanic Garden: Escape the urban hustle and bustle at the serene Royal Botanic Garden. Enjoy peaceful walks, admire the diverse plant life and revel in the stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.

Darling Harbour: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Darling Harbour, a bustling waterfront precinct. Enjoy waterfront dining, visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or take a leisurely cruise around the harbor.

Bondi Beach: Experience the quintessential Aussie beach culture at Bondi Beach. Soak up the sun, catch a wave, or simply relax on the golden sands. Don't forget to explore the vibrant cafés, shops and coastal walks that surround the area.

Manly Beach: An absolute must when visiting Sydney! Take a scenic ferry ride across Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach. Enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe, indulge in water sports and explore the charming beachside town with its colorful array of shops and eateries.

Must-Do Tours and Activities in Sydney

Sydney BridgeClimb: Climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its harbour. This unforgettable experience allows you to see Sydney from a whole new perspective and learn about the bridge's fascinating history.

Aboriginal Cultural Tour: Immerse yourself in the rich indigenous culture of the region with an Aboriginal cultural tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll learn about traditional customs, bush tucker and ancient Dreamtime stories while exploring significant sites.

Taronga Zoo Wild Australia Experience: This immersive experience provides an opportunity to meet and learn about some of Australia's most iconic animals. Get up close to kangaroos, wallabies and other unique wildlife under the guidance of knowledgeable keepers.

Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour: Go behind the scenes of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a backstage tour. Explore the theaters, dressing rooms and production areas, gaining an exclusive look into the inner workings of this world-famous performing arts venue.

Blue Mountains National Park: Embark on a day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains National Park. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes, including the Three Sisters rock formation, and experience nature at its finest through hiking trails, scenic lookouts and charming villages.

Surfing Lessons: If you're new to surfing or want to improve your skills, many surf schools and surf camps around Sydney offer lessons and coaching sessions. Private lessons and small group training are available from several local providers.

Sydney has dozens (if not hundreds) of tour and activity providers. Contact me for more information about my favorite local partners and custom/private experiences.

Breakfast & Coffee

Single O: A specialty coffee shop in Surry Hills, Single O is dedicated to sourcing and roasting high-quality beans. Pair their exceptional coffee with a tasty breakfast menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Bills: A Sydney institution, Bills is famous for its delicious breakfast offerings, including their iconic ricotta hotcakes. With multiple locations, it's a popular spot to enjoy a relaxed and hearty breakfast.

The Depot: Located right across from Bondi Beach, The Depot is a casual breakfast cafe located in the heart of Bondi. With its stylish interior and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a tasty menu of coffees, baked goods, breakfast and lunch dishes.

Lunch & Dinner

Bastardo: Among the best Italian restaurants in Sydney, Bastardo serves deliciously fresh pastas from its open-plan kitchen. Drawing on the owner’s Argentinian and Sicilian heritage, the dishes put a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors.

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar: Perched on the cliffs of Bondi Beach, Icebergs offers a stunning ocean view and contemporary Italian cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood, homemade pasta and an extensive wine list in this elegant setting.

Wilbur’s: Take the ferry to Manly Beach for this quaint local sandwich shop. Inspired by old-school delis, this artisanal eatery serves a selection of rotating sammies, from smoked turkey to hot sopressa. Don’t forget the housemade lemonade.

Automata: Located in Chippendale, Automata offers a modern Australian dining experience in a minimalist setting. Their ever-changing menu showcases inventive dishes using seasonal produce and intriguing flavor combinations.

Spice Lane: Nestled in Chippendale, this bustling dining precinct is inspired by the hawker centers of Asia. It features a collection of Asian eateries serving up a variety of flavors from across the continent, from Singapore chili prawns to Hong Kong handmade noodles.

Drinks & Nightlife

Maybe Sammy: Named #29 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Maybe Sammy is a 1950s-inspired cocktail bar with a glamorous ambiance and talented mixologists. Enjoy inventive cocktails with a modern twist, beautifully presented and bursting with flavors.

Huberts: With a legendary happy hour and nightly live music, this moody underground French restaurant is ‘must’ on every Sydney itinerary. Come at 5PM and join the queue for perfect G&T’s and a world class cheeseburger.

The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel: Australia's oldest continually licensed hotel, The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is known for its historic charm and handcrafted ales. Take a seat in the cozy bar or beer garden and savor some classic Aussie brews.

Did you know? Many of our favorite local hotels extend generous dining credits to our clients. Have a complimentary lunch at Luke’s Kitchen inside The Kimpton Margot, or enjoy a High Tea experience at Capella Sydney, all courtesy of Fora Travel perks.