Explore Sydney in Style: A Beginner's Guide to the City's Most Spectacular Spots
As someone who made the move from Canada to Australia, I have quickly come to appreciate the many benefits that this beautiful country has to offer. I chose to set foot in Sydney about 3 years ago, and while my lifestyle has similarities with the one I used to have back home in Montréal, Sydney stands out for its vibrant beach culture and year-round warm weather! I'm excited to share my personal guide to the city’s must-see attractions for anyone visiting Sydney for the first time.
If you're planning a visit down under, I would recommend allowing at least a week to fully experience all that the city has to offer, and nothing less than 3 days! Of course, the longer you stay, the more you'll be able to see and do, but a week should give you plenty of time to explore!
In terms of timing, Sydney is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip. If you're interested in outdoor activities and beach time, summer (December to February) is your best bet. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds (Sydney does get really busy in the summer!), spring and autumn are also excellent options. I personally even enjoy the winter season; while the temperature is definitely colder, there are 20-degree days and the weather is usually sunny, which makes for the perfect combination to go hiking!
Sydney
CBD & Downtown
Sydney's downtown area, also known as the Central Business District (CBD), is the heart of the city and one of the busiest and most popular tourist destinations. It's a vibrant and bustling area that offers a unique blend of history and modernity. The CBD is surrounded by the stunning Sydney Harbour and is a hub for both business and entertainment. For the purpose of this article, I’ve included attractions that are located on both sides of the bridge and some that are a bit further away.
Step inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and take in a performance or enjoy a drink at the Opera Bar while overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Go for a stroll around the stunning Royal Botanical Garden and marvel at the diverse collection of plants and wildlife. You are almost garanteed to see some cockatoos.
Sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking views of Sydney's skyline from Mrs Macquarie Chair: the perfect spot for a picnic!
Walk the historic streets of The Rocks and learn about the city's convict history. If you find yourself looking for a place to have a drink, the Squire’s Landing and the Glenmore Hotel are two great options!
Climb to the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge and see the city from a whole new perspective. If you like those aerial views, I’d recommend going for a drink at the Shangri-La or Bar83.
Spend a morning at the Grounds of Alexandria. This themed market has a few onsite restaurants including the Potting Shed! Make sure to go say hi to their resident macaw, Fluffy.
Head to Taronga Zoo for a unique view of the city, surrounded by the sounds of exotic animals.
End your day with a sunset stroll around Milson’s Point and Luna Park, and take in the beautiful views of the harbor.
Have dinner at one of the city’s most delicious restaurants: Hubert, Mr Wong & Bouillon l’Entrecôte.
Bondi To Coogee
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs are known for their stunning coastline and surf culture. This region is home to some of Sydney's most iconic and popular beaches such as Bondi, Bronte and Coogee. No wonder why that’s where I chose to live! The Eastern Suburbs also boast a lively cafe and restaurant scene, offering everything from gourmet dining to beachside cafes with a laidback atmosphere. The Eastern Suburbs are easily accessible from the CBD, mainly by bus or taxi. I wouldn’t recommend driving there yourself, as parking can be tricky to find and is very expensive!
Bondi Beach is a must-visit for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views! Check out the iconic view at Icebergs, go for a swim, or try surfing.
From Bondi, you should take a scenic walk to Coogee Beach, and make sure to stop for a swim along the way. Some personal favourites are Bronte Baths, Clovelly Beach, Gordon's Bay and Giles Baths.
Savor a drink on the rooftop of Coogee Pavilion and soak in the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The vibe is particularly fun on weekends or at sunset!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the many amazing cafes in the area. Some of my favourites include: Up South, Speedos, Chapter One, Bobby's Corner and Shuk (on Mitchell Street).
Treat yourself to a night out at one of the many fantastic restaurants and bars in the area, including Totti's, Corner House, Hotel Ravesis, Bondi Hardware, Raw Bar, and Ikaria. Totti’s is my personal favourite and it’s attached to the Royal Hotel which is the place where everyone goes out on a Friday night!
Explore the quaint streets of Paddington and browse the many cute shops and boutiques. For breakfast, I’d recommend checking out Ampersand Jozo or Juniper. For dinner, my top picks ae Tequila Mockingbird, 10 William St and The Paddington. If you’re just looking to grab a drink, the Paddo Inn is the place to go, or else go to the Light Brigade if you prefer a rooftop view! If you’re looking for a unique photo opportunity, make sure to check out Paddington Reservoir!
Watson's Bay area
Watson's Bay is a stunning coastal suburb located on the eastern side of the city, not too far from Bondi. It's famous for its stunning views of the Sydney Harbour and its secluded beaches. The area is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city while still being within close proximity to it. Whether you're looking for a peaceful picnic spot or an adventurous hiking trail, Watson's Bay has something to offer everyone.
Take a scenic walk to Watson's Bay lighthouse and enjoy a drink at the Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel.
Visit the Gap lookout for a panoramic view of the coastline.
Soak up the sun at Camp Cove Beach or Lady Bay Beach (the latter is a nude beach, but it is absolutely stunning).
Explore the natural beauty of both Diamond Bay Reserve and Parsley Bay Reserve.
Watch the sunset from Milk Beach and take in the breathtaking views.
Another amazing option for sunset is to go for a picnic at the Dudley Page.
Manly
Manly is a popular beach-side suburb located in the Northern Beaches and it’s known for its pristine beaches, lush green parks, and bustling beach-front promenade. From sunset drinks at one of its many beach-front bars, to exploring its secluded bays and coves, it has something to offer for everyone. In order to get there, you’ll have to hop on the scenic ferry that departs from Circular Quay (and sometimes from Watson’s Bay). The ride takes less than 30 minutes and offers spectacular views!
Walk down the promenade all the way to Shelly Beach; this serene and peaceful beach is a great place for a swim, sunbathing, and picnics.
Have drinks at any of these beautiful bars: Manly Wharf Bar, Manly Greenhouse and Manly Glasshouse.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the many cafes including Rollers, Fika and Barefoot Coffee Traders.
Explore the more secluded beaches like Collins Bay Beach, Quarantine Beach & Delwood Beach: these beaches offer a more peaceful and secluded atmosphere than the main beach.
Check out the stunning views near Manly Wormhole. This lookout point offers panoramic views of Manly and its surroundings, and it is best to visit at sunrise.
If you’re into hiking, I’d recommend walking up the coast from Manly to Dee Why. This walk is approximately 13 km in length and offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
Another alternative is the Spit to Manly walk, which is a 9 km scenic trail along the harbour and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
Treat yourself to a nice dinner at one of my favourite restaurants: Sunset Sabi, the Pantry, Hugo’s or Sake.
Popular Day Trips from Sydney
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is located approximately 40 km north of Sydney, and it’s a popular destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the main attractions of Palm Beach is the opportunity to hike to the top of Barrenjoey Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Cronulla
Cronulla Beach is located approximately 20 km south of Sydney and is known for its beautiful coastline and various walks such as the Salmon Haul Reserve. Cronulla Beach is much bigger and quieter than other Sydney beaches and definitely makes for a good day trip and a less stressful spot to learn how to surf!
Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is located approximately 30 km south of Sydney and is Australia's oldest national park. It's a great day trip destination for those who enjoy the outdoors and nature. Some of my favourite attractions in the park are: Figure 8 Pools, Wattamolla Beach, Gary Beach, Stanwell Tops Lookout, National Fall and the Seacliff Bridge.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and it is located just a short drive north from Sydney. One of the park's main attractions is West Head lookout, which offers panoramic views over Palm Beach and the Northern Beaches. From the lookout, you can embark on a scenic hike to Resolute Beach, which is known for its calm waters and secluded sandy coves. Another must-visit spot in the park is America Bay, which I would suggest visiting during sunset. Last but not least is Jerusalem Bay, from where you can start a long hike all the way up to Brooklyn.
Blue Mountains
A day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney can be a fantastic experience, offering breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife and a range of outdoor activities. My favourite spots in the Blue Mountains are the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, Grand Canyon, Govett’s Leap (ideally at sunrise), Lincoln’s Rock and the cute town of Leura.
Related Articles
Blue Mountains escape
Discover all my favourite places to visit in the Blue Mountains.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase
This blog details the best spots to visit in this national park.
Sydney’s best ocean pools
In this article, discover Sydney’s most picturesque ocean pools.
Royal National Park
Discover what Sydney’s most popular national park has to offer.