Headed to the Land Down Under? Amidst Australia’s wealth of travel destinations, it is perhaps Sydney which shines the brightest! Boasting the iconic Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, irresistible cuisine and a buzzing nightlife, Sydney is a destination which is sure to leave a lasting impression, no matter where your interests lie. Today at Civitatis, we’re running through the top 10 things to do in Sydney, Australia. Read on to discover what the Emerald City has to offer!

Sydney Guide

1. Take a Tour of the City
2. Visit the Sydney Opera House
3. Make Some Furry Friends
4. Hit Up Bondi Beach (or Manly)
5. See the ‘Coat Hanger’: Sydney Harbour Bridge
6. Explore the City’s Museums
7. Enjoy the Taste of Sydney
8. Embark on a Journey through the Blue Mountains
9. Go Skydiving
10. Take a Dinner Cruise at Sunset

1. Take a Tour of the City

When you first arrive in Sydney, we recommend taking a tour to get a general impression of what the city has to offer and to get an idea of some of its major landmarks/locations. Sit back and relax on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which will bring you past the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower and much more! Alternatively, discover the city as you get your blood pumping on this Sydney bike tour—a lovely option if the weather permits.

2. Visit the Sydney Opera House

You probably saw this one coming. Easily the most recognisable landmark in the city and one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must for your travel itinerary. To get the full experience, we recommend enjoying the Sydney Opera House guided tour—which is included as part of the Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass. Another great option is to try and get a ticket for one of the many shows that are held at the historic venue, tickets for which will generally range between 45 and 89 AUD.

3. Make Some Furry Friends

While Sydney is a wonderful city escape, you’re in Australia after all, and there is a lot to see outside of the city limits. There are plenty of ways to see some of the country’s incredible wildlife. On this Southern Highlands Kangaroo & Wombat Tour, you’ll get to see two of Australia’s most iconic (and adorable) animals, visit various national parks, and see breathtaking waterfalls!

A handier option is grabbing a ticket to Taronga Zoo. One of the most popular things to do in Sydney, this incredible facility is just a 12-minute ferry ride from the city centre. Meet some of Australia’s most incredible wildlife (including koalas and kangaroos), along with animals from everywhere from Africa to Asia. What’s more, perched on the cliffs of Mosman, Taronga Zoo offers some of the best views of Sydney Harbour.

4. Hit Up Bondi Beach (or Manly)

This also goes without saying, but Bondi Beach is an absolute must when you’re in Sydney. Said to be one of the world’s best beaches, this scenic stretch of golden sand is a haven for surfers, with a vibrant surf culture and serious waves. That said, it’s also an excellent place to go for a swim, grab a coffee and simply enjoy the sun (and the good vibes)!

A little bit further out from the centre, another great option is Manly Beach. Easily accessible via a comfortable ferry, Manly is about twice as long as Bondi, and not *quite* as busy if you’re looking for a more laid-back feel.

5. See the ‘Coat Hanger’: Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and is well worth visiting. Affectionately known as the ‘Coat Hanger’, it’s the world’s tallest and heaviest steel arch bridge, measuring in at 134 metres (440 ft) and having been constructed with nearly 50,000 tonnes of steel. Located just a stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House, you can walk or cycle across the bridge or, even better, see it as part of a cruise on the harbour.

6. Explore the City’s Museums

If you’re into museums, you’re going to have a wonderful time in Sydney. Art Gallery NSW (Art Gallery of New South Wales) is a popular one amongst tourists and locals alike, housed in a beautiful classical building. Inside, you’ll find a lovely collection of Australian and international art, old and new.

For a fairly superficial but very enjoyable introduction to Sydney’s history and culture, we recommend the Museum of Sydney, housed in the first Government House. The museum explores everything from the Aboriginal experience of colonisation to modern surf culture and fashion.

7. Enjoy the Taste of Sydney

Contrary to popular belief, food in Australia goes far beyond Vegemite. In recent years, the culinary scene in Sydney has truly come into its own. There’s a massive variety of culinary options, from trendy cafés to top-class fine dining, serving cuisines from all around the world. However, located on the harbour, if you’re into seafood, you’re sure to eat very well during your stay—be sure to grab yourself some Sydney Rock Oysters and a portion (or a few) of fish and chips! We also recommend trying some Middle Eastern and Asian food, for which there is a plethora of incredible options all over the city.

If you’re a foodie, on this Sydney Food Tour, you can enjoy some of the city’s delicacies, including Sydney Rock Oysters (along with Australian ginger beer and local wines), accompanied by an expert guide!

8. Embark on a Journey through the Blue Mountains

Just a short drive from Sydney, you’ll find the vast and magical Blue Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area boasts lush forests, numerous walking tracks and quaint country towns, all waiting to be discovered. On this day trip to the Blue Mountains, you’ll trek through this wonderous expanse of land, seeing incredible waterfalls, and wildlife as well as the famous Three Sisters. You’ll also get to discover some of the area’s most beautiful wild animals at Featherdal Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo!

9. Go Skydiving

If you’re a thrill seeker or you’ve just been waiting for the perfect opportunity to finally go skydiving—your trip to Sydney might just be the time! On this Sydney Skydiving Experience, you’ll have the city at your feet as you make your descent from 4500 metres (14,700 ft). Once the parachute opens, you can take a breath and enjoy the magical views of the city from above.

Want to see the city from the skies but maybe don’t want to jump out of a plane? Understandable. Check out this helicopter tour instead—one of the coolest things to do in Sydney, Australia.

10. Take a Dinner Cruise at Sunset

To round off our list, we’ve gone with a romantic option for those lovebirds among you. On this Sydney Sunset Dinner Cruise, you can float along Sydney Harbour and see the city’s most iconic sights as you tuck into a delicious multi-course dinner menu. Alternatively, check out this Dinner Cruise and Cabaret Show, during which you’ll see professional singers and dancers perform a wonderful rendition of Voyage of Love.

There we have it: our top 10 things to do in Sydney, Australia. If you’ve any suggestions to add to our list, be sure to leave them in the comments section below. Still looking for inspiration? Check out more activities in Sydney with Civitatis.